Shanghai, China – June 30, 2025 – Vivo has significantly upgraded its popular wearable lineup today with the launch of a new variant of the Vivo Watch 5, this time featuring highly-anticipated built-in eSIM support. This move positions Vivo more competitively against giants like Apple and Huawei in the premium smartwatch segment, freeing users from the constant tether to their smartphones.
The original Vivo Watch 5, released earlier this year, garnered praise for its sleek design, vibrant AMOLED display, comprehensive health tracking suite, and impressive battery life. However, the lack of standalone cellular connectivity was a notable omission for users seeking true independence. This new variant directly addresses that gap.
Untethered Freedom: The eSIM Advantage
The inclusion of an embedded SIM (eSIM) is the headline feature. This allows the Vivo Watch 5 (eSIM) to:
- Make and Receive Calls Directly: Answer important calls or dial out even when your phone is charging at home, left in the office, or tucked away during a run.
- Send and Receive Messages: Stay connected via SMS and popular messaging apps without needing your phone nearby.
- Stream Music & Access Data: Download playlists for offline listening or stream music directly, access maps for navigation, get weather updates, and more, all using cellular data independently.
- Enhanced Safety: For activities like hiking, cycling, or running, having a direct cellular connection on your wrist provides an extra layer of security for emergency calls or location sharing.
"Consumers increasingly demand seamless connectivity across all their devices," said Zhang Wei, Vivo's Head of Wearable Product Development, in a statement accompanying the launch. "The addition of eSIM to the Vivo Watch 5 isn't just a feature upgrade; it's about empowering our users with genuine freedom. Whether they're focused on fitness, managing a busy schedule, or simply want to disconnect from their phone while staying reachable, this new variant delivers."
Retaining Core Strengths
Beyond the eSIM, the new variant retains all the features that made the original Watch 5 a success:
- Stunning 1.43-inch AMOLED Display: Bright, sharp, and always readable.
- Comprehensive Health Monitoring: Continuous SpO2 tracking, 24/7 heart rate monitoring, stress tracking, sleep analysis with sleep breathing monitoring, and over 100 workout modes.
- Robust Battery Life: While exact figures with eSIM active will vary based on usage, Vivo promises "multi-day" endurance, leveraging its efficient chipset and power management. (The Bluetooth-only version famously lasts weeks).
- Sleek Design: Available in multiple finishes and interchangeable straps for style versatility.
- Vivo Health App Integration: Provides deep insights into health and fitness data.
Pricing, Availability, and Competition
The Vivo Watch 5 (eSIM) variant carries a slight premium over the standard Bluetooth model, reflecting the added cellular hardware. Pricing starts at CN¥ 1,499.
The new Vivo Watch 5 with eSIM is available immediately in China through Vivo's official online store, major retailers, and carrier partners.
Interested users can explore full specifications, color options, and purchase the new Vivo Watch 5 with eSIM directly here
This launch intensifies competition in the cellular smartwatch market in China, directly challenging offerings like the Huawei Watch GT 4 Pro with eSIM and Apple Watch Series 9/SE. Vivo's strength lies in its deep integration with its popular Android smartphones, attractive pricing, and reputation for long battery life.
The Bottom Line
The introduction of eSIM support is a significant and logical evolution for the Vivo Watch 5. It transforms the device from a capable companion to a truly standalone wearable, catering to the growing demand for independence from smartphones without sacrificing connectivity. For existing Vivo phone users looking to upgrade their wearable, or Android users in general seeking a feature-rich, cellular-enabled smartwatch with excellent battery life, this new variant becomes a compelling contender. Its success will hinge on carrier partnerships, data plan affordability, and how well Vivo markets the newfound freedom it offers.
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