Xiaomi Watch S5 41mm are here. The smaller watch shines brighter than the large model and lasts two weeks

The large Watch S5 with a 46mm case has been sold in the Czech Republic since May, but on a slimmer wrist, it might look too conspicuous. Therefore, last week, alongside its flagship phones Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, Xiaomi also unveiled their smaller version, designated as Watch S5 41mm. The smaller watch weighs only 36 grams without the strap, yet according to the manufacturer, it can last up to two weeks on a single charge.

How does it differ from the large 46mm version?

The stainless steel case has a diameter of 41.4 millimeters and is only 9.9 millimeters thin, while the large model measures almost 11 millimeters in thickness. The crown is adorned with 24 polished facets. The ceramic white variant also received a ceramic bezel and a leather strap, while the black and blue versions are content with steel and a fluoro-rubber strap.

At the same presentation, Xiaomi also showcased a limited transparent edition of the Watch S5, which we have already written about. This one goes in the opposite direction – it has a 47mm octagonal case carved from a single piece of Xiaomi Dragon Crystal Glass 3.0 and weighs 42 grams without the strap. Only 5,000 units will be produced, and in China, it costs 2,499 yuan, which is equivalent to just under 8,000 CZK.

The front of the smaller model is dominated by a 1.32-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 466 × 466 pixels and a refresh rate of 60 Hz. On paper, it is brighter than its larger sibling. Xiaomi promises a peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits, while the 46mm version stops at 2,500 nits. However, the manufacturer admits in the notes that the display achieves such brightness only on a part of the area; it can handle a maximum of 1,500 nits across the entire surface.

Xiaomi Watch S5 41mm promise up to 14 days of operation

The biggest change compared to its predecessor is the battery. It has a capacity of 590 mAh, which is 84 percent more than last year’s Watch S4 41mm, which we thoroughly tested. Those promised a maximum of eight days of operation.

However, fourteen days only apply to the power-saving scenario, where the watch measures heart rate once every ten minutes, and stress and blood oxygen monitoring are turned off. For regular health monitoring, the manufacturer expects eight days, and five days with the always-on display. The large Watch S5, with its stated 21 days, thus remains ahead in this regard.

What can the watch measure?

Three new wrist temperature sensors monitor health, which, according to Xiaomi, help more accurately predict the menstrual cycle and ovulation. Also new is a UV radiation indicator, which separately reports the intensity of UVA and UVB rays, so you can tell if you are more at risk of skin aging or sunburn. It also includes heart rate, blood oxygen, and stress measurement, sleep tracking including heart rate variability, and over 150 sports modes. The route during running or cycling is recorded by dual-band satellite navigation with support for five systems, and the watch is water-resistant up to 5 ATM.

Inside, the HyperOS 4 system runs, and you can pair the watch with Android 8.0 and iPhones with iOS 14 and newer. However, with an iPhone, expect limitations; third-party applications and health studies do not work with it, according to the manufacturer’s notes. Furthermore, some new features, such as the watch version of WeChat or the control of Xiaomi SU7 and YU7 electric vehicles, are purely aimed at the Chinese market.

Price and availability

In China, the Xiaomi Watch S5 41mm are sold for 1,299 yuan, which is approximately 4,100 CZK. The ceramic white version costs 1,499 yuan, which is equivalent to about 4,800 CZK. The manufacturer has not yet officially sent the smaller watch to Europe. However, last year, the 41mm version of the Watch S4 entered the global market several months after its Chinese premiere and started selling in the Czech Republic for 3,399 CZK, so there is a chance.

Those who don’t want to wait can opt for last year’s Watch S4 41mm. They have the same 1.32-inch display and dual-band navigation, just a weaker battery, and currently, you can get them for about 2,500 CZK.

Are you more drawn to the smaller Watch S5 41mm, or the large version with a three-week battery life?

Sources: Xiaomi, Notebookcheck