Watch S5 Offers Impressive 21 Days of Battery Life by Xiaomi

Imagine a smartwatch that requires charging only once every 21 days. The 46mm Xiaomi Watch S5 makes this a reality, eliminating the nightly hassle of recharging.

Initially launched in China in March, the Watch S5 has now made its way to international markets, with global sales expected to commence in late May and early June, varying by region. Although there is no announcement for U.S. availability yet, the European pricing of €179.99 to €199.99, depending on the chosen color and strap style, suggests a price range of approximately $210 to $233 for those considering importing it.

What allows the Xiaomi Watch S5 to achieve an impressive battery life of 21 days, especially when competing devices like the Apple Watch Series 11 ($400) and Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 ($350) typically last only about a day? While battery life claims often come with caveats, the figures presented here appear to be credible.

With light usage, the Watch S5’s formidable 815mAh battery can sustain power for up to 21 days. Xiaomi defines light usage as receiving no more than 100 messages a day, six incoming call alerts, three daily alarms, 30 minutes of Bluetooth calls weekly, 30 minutes of music playback weekly, and 90 minutes of exercise recording. If used more regularly, the battery life decreases to 14 days, while enabling the always-on display reduces the duration to approximately 9 days.

Compared to other smartwatches that claim to offer days of battery life, the Watch S5 stands out significantly. The OnePlus Watch 3 ($350) manages around 3 days, while the Amazfit Active 3 Premium ($170) provides up to 12 days. For those seeking virtually unlimited battery life, solar-powered models like the Garmin Instinct series (starting at $300) are worth considering.

Aside from its remarkable battery longevity, the Watch S5 features a robust set of specifications. It includes a 5-system dual-band GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), access to over 150 sport modes, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and a specialized cycling mode that transforms your smartphone into a bike computer.

While the Xiaomi Watch S5 lacks certain high-end features found in flagship models, such as an EKG sensor and depth gauge, it compensates with professional modes for skiing and cycling among its extensive selection of sports.

Although the Watch S5 pairs best with Xiaomi smartphones for enhanced ecosystem features, it is compatible with any smartphone via the Mi Fitness app, allowing for comprehensive sport mode tracking and health data management.

As with many Xiaomi product releases, a notable drawback is the absence of official sales in the U.S. While third-party retailers may offer it, prices could exceed the international MSRP.