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| The Xiaomi Watch 5 is a stainless-steel smartwatch with an optional titanium band |
Alongside the highly anticipated Xiaomi 17 Ultra smartphones, Xiaomi has quietly unveiled a powerful new contender in the smartwatch arena: the Xiaomi Watch 5. Launched initially in China, this wearable blends advanced health tech with premium materials, positioning itself as a versatile companion for tech enthusiasts and fitness fans alike.
Available in two primary models, the Watch 5 starts at approximately $285 for a version with a durable rubber band. For those seeking greater independence, an eSIM-enabled model with a sophisticated leather band is priced around $330. Adding to its customizability, Xiaomi offers an optional 3D-printed titanium band for an additional $110—a lightweight yet remarkably sturdy accessory that underscores the watch’s premium appeal.
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| The Xiaomi Watch 5 comes with an optional 3D-printed band made of titanium. |
Design and Colorways: Sporty to Sophisticated
The Watch 5 caters to diverse styles with four distinct color options. For a sportier look, you can choose a black or silver case paired with a black or green rubber band. If classic elegance is more your speed, the light blue or classic brown leather bands offer a refined finish. The standout option, however, is the 3D-printed titanium band, which promises a perfect blend of cutting-edge manufacturing and high-end aesthetics for the discerning buyer.
Groundbreaking Features: Beyond Heart Rate Monitoring
Where the Xiaomi Watch 5 truly aims to differentiate itself is in its sensor suite. Beyond the now-common ECG (electrocardiogram) function, it integrates an EMG (electromyography) sensor. This advanced hardware can detect muscle activity in the hand and forearm, allowing it to distinguish between specific finger and hand movements.
Imagine answering a call by simply pinching your thumb and index finger together, or silencing an alarm by clenching your fist. Xiaomi states these intuitive gesture inputs can even be used to trigger the shutter on a connected smartphone camera, offering a glimpse into a future of touchless control.
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| The four color variants of the Xiaomi Watch 5. |
Under the Hood: Power and Performance
The watch sports a robust 47mm case housing a vibrant 1.54-inch AMOLED display. With a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels and a blazing 1,500 nits of brightness, readability should be excellent even in direct sunlight. Powering the experience is the efficient Qualcomm W5 chipset, paired with a substantial 930mAh battery. Xiaomi promises an impressive 6 days of battery life in performance mode, potentially easing the constant charging woes of some smartwatches.
Running on Hyper OS 3, the Watch 5 is also built for resilience with a 5 ATM water resistance rating. Standard health tracking includes continuous heart rate and blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring.
Availability and Global Prospects
While the Chinese launch is confirmed, global availability is pending. Industry whispers suggest a potential European debut at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in March. For a closer look at the official specs and design, you can visit the Xiaomi product page here.
Unfortunately for US consumers, an official stateside launch currently seems highly unlikely, which may leave enthusiasts looking to import channels to get their hands on this feature-packed wearable.
This article is based on initial launch information from China. Global specifications, pricing, and availability may vary upon wider release.
