Xiaomi unveiled the Watch 5 Series in China on December 25, 2025, introducing dual sapphire crystal protection and EMG-powered gesture control to its flagship wearable lineup. The smartwatch combines a premium 47mm stainless steel case, dual-chip architecture, and advanced health sensors, starting at 1,999 yuan (~$284). Three variants are available: standard Bluetooth, NFC-enabled, and eSIM models.
What’s New in Design and Display
The Xiaomi Watch 5 features sapphire crystal on both the front display and rear sensor window, a material typically reserved for luxury mechanical watches. This dual-layer protection ensures scratch resistance and optical clarity during extended wear. The 1.54-inch AMOLED panel delivers 480×480 pixel resolution with 1,500 nits peak brightness, optimized for outdoor visibility. Xiaomi also introduced an optional 3D-printed titanium strap priced at 799 yuan (~$113), offering lightweight durability for active users.
EMG Gesture Control and Dual-Chip Performance
A new EMG (electromyography) sensor enables the Watch 5 to recognize seven distinct gestures, allowing hands-free control of the device, connected smartphones, and smart home accessories. The gesture system combines EMG readings with PPG heart rate data and accelerometer inputs for accurate detection. Under the hood, Xiaomi paired the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor with a BES2800 low-power co-processor, balancing performance with energy efficiency. The 930 mAh battery delivers 6 days in full smartwatch mode or up to 18 days in battery-saver mode.
Health Tracking and Connectivity
The Watch 5 includes ECG certification, continuous heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and a temperature sensor. It supports over 150 sports modes with built-in GPS (Galileo, GLONASS, QZSS) and 5 ATM water resistance. The eSIM variant enables standalone cellular connectivity on LTE networks, while all models run HyperOS 3 with Bluetooth 5.4 and dual-microphone calling.
| Feature | Xiaomi Watch 5 | Apple Watch Series 10 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.54″ AMOLED | 1.9″ LTPO OLED | 1.5″ Super AMOLED |
| Gesture Control | Yes (EMG) | No | No |
| Battery (Standard) | 6 days | 18 hours | 40 hours |
| Sapphire Crystal | Dual (front + rear) | Optional upgrade | No |
| Starting Price | ~$284 | ~$399 | ~$299 |
Global Availability and Market Position
Xiaomi has not announced international launch dates or pricing outside China. The standard Watch 5 with fluoroelastomer strap starts at 1,999 yuan, while the Pro model with leather strap retails for 2,299 yuan. Early reviews highlight the gesture control and battery performance as key differentiators in the premium smartwatch segment. Competitors include the Apple Watch Series 10 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, both priced higher but lacking EMG gesture technology.
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What is EMG gesture control on the Xiaomi Watch 5?
EMG (electromyography) detects electrical signals from muscle movements to recognize gestures. The Watch 5 supports seven gestures for hands-free operation, enabling control of the watch, paired phones, and smart home devices without touching the screen.
Does the Xiaomi Watch 5 use real sapphire glass?
Yes, Xiaomi confirmed dual sapphire crystal protection on both the front display and rear sensor window. Sapphire glass offers superior scratch resistance compared to standard tempered glass or Gorilla Glass alternatives.
How long does the Xiaomi Watch 5 battery last?
The 930 mAh battery delivers up to 6 days in standard mode with all features active, or 18 days in power-saving mode. Actual battery life depends on usage patterns, including GPS, eSIM connectivity, and display brightness settings.
When will the Xiaomi Watch 5 launch globally?
Xiaomi has not confirmed international availability or pricing beyond the China launch on December 25, 2025. Global rollout details are expected in Q1 2026, though the company has not issued an official timeline.
