Xiaomi Watch S5From real comments

Verdict distilled from 38 mentions across 13 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment46%
PROS 46%
CONS 54%

Rank based on 38 mentions across 13 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a big, comfortable screen with weeks-long battery life
  • You mainly need fitness/GPS tracking with accurate dual-band GNSS
  • You're upgrading from an older Xiaomi watch and want better value

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You live somewhere offline maps or NFC payments aren't supported yet
  • You need WearOS, a Play Store, or basic apps like a calculator
  • You want extensive watch face customization or third-party faces

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Mid
Apple Watch Series 5
Always-on displayMeaningful upgrade from older Apple WatchesSolid battery life for an always-on watchNot worth upgrading from Series 4Feels fragile without a caseNeeds nightly charging with always-on enabled
Apple Watch Series 5
Always-on display
Meaningful upgrade from older Apple Watches
Solid battery life for an always-on watch
Not worth upgrading from Series 4
Feels fragile without a case
Needs nightly charging with always-on enabled
2Mid
Amazfit Balance
Impressive Battery LifeVersatile Fitness Tracking FeaturesGorgeous AMOLED DisplayPrice ConcernsScreen Smudging and ScratchesIssues with Body Composition Measurement
Amazfit Balance
Impressive Battery Life
Versatile Fitness Tracking Features
Gorgeous AMOLED Display
Price Concerns
Screen Smudging and Scratches
Issues with Body Composition Measurement
Best value
3Mid
Amazfit Active 2
Excellent Value for PriceGood Heart Rate TrackingLong Battery LifeInconsistent Heart Rate TrackingLimited Storage CapacitySoftware Bugs and Glitches
Amazfit Active 2
Excellent Value for Price
Good Heart Rate Tracking
Long Battery Life
Inconsistent Heart Rate Tracking
Limited Storage Capacity
Software Bugs and Glitches
4Budget
Amazfit Bip 6
Impressive Battery LifeGreat Price-to-Quality RatioLightweight and Comfortable DesignLimited Storage CapacityInaccurate Sleep TrackingFragile Screen
Amazfit Bip 6
Impressive Battery Life
Great Price-to-Quality Ratio
Lightweight and Comfortable Design
Limited Storage Capacity
Inaccurate Sleep Tracking
Fragile Screen
5Budget
Amazfit Band 7
Long Battery LifeAccurate Heart Rate MonitoringBuilt-in Alexa FunctionalityBattery Life DiscrepanciesInaccurate Tracking for Some ActivitiesStrap Durability Issues
Amazfit Band 7
Long Battery Life
Accurate Heart Rate Monitoring
Built-in Alexa Functionality
Battery Life Discrepancies
Inaccurate Tracking for Some Activities
Strap Durability Issues
6Mid
Amazfit Balance 2
Long Battery LifeGood GPS AccuracyHigh-Quality Heart Rate MonitoringScreen Gets Dirty EasilyPrice ConsiderationsLimited Smart Features
Amazfit Balance 2
Long Battery Life
Good GPS Accuracy
High-Quality Heart Rate Monitoring
Screen Gets Dirty Easily
Price Considerations
Limited Smart Features
7Mid
Apple Watch Series 7
Larger, brighter displayDurability over timeFull-screen keyboardMinor/iterative upgrade for recent ownersLearning curve for first-time usersLimited neutral aluminum colors
Apple Watch Series 7
Larger, brighter display
Durability over time
Full-screen keyboard
Minor/iterative upgrade for recent owners
Learning curve for first-time users
Limited neutral aluminum colors
8Budget
Apple Watch SE
Great value for moneySkipping premium features isn't missedEasy to use, beginner friendlyBattery life disappoints some usersDurability and water resistance concernsMissing always-on display bothers some
Apple Watch SE
Great value for money
Skipping premium features isn't missed
Easy to use, beginner friendly
Battery life disappoints some users
Durability and water resistance concerns
Missing always-on display bothers some
9Budget
Apple Watch SE 2
Great value for priceNot missing high-end featuresStrong battery lifeNo always-on displayScreen fragility and crackingNo fast charging
Apple Watch SE 2
Great value for price
Not missing high-end features
Strong battery life
No always-on display
Screen fragility and cracking
No fast charging
10Premium
Apple Watch Series 10
Thinner, lighter designFast charging fits daily routinesMeaningful upgrade for long-term ownersBattery life limitationsIncremental yearly changesHeart rate accuracy issues during workouts
Apple Watch Series 10
Thinner, lighter design
Fast charging fits daily routines
Meaningful upgrade for long-term owners
Battery life limitations
Incremental yearly changes
Heart rate accuracy issues during workouts
You are here
31Mid
Xiaomi Watch S5
Long battery lifeGood value for priceLarge, attractive screen and designOffline maps unavailable in some regionsNFC payments not supported in some regionsMissing basic apps like calculator
Xiaomi Watch S5
Long battery life
Good value for price
Large, attractive screen and design
Offline maps unavailable in some regions
NFC payments not supported in some regions
Missing basic apps like calculator

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Battery life and screen quality stand out as the watch's strongest assets. Multiple buyers highlight the large, smooth screen and impressively long battery life, even with heavy GPS use like hiking three to five times a week with always-on display. One long-time Xiaomi user notes their older S1 still gets 5-6 days per charge, suggesting a strong track record. Dual-band GNSS is also called out as accurate for outdoor workout tracking, reinforcing the watch's appeal for fitness-focused users.

Regional software gaps around maps and payments are a recurring complaint. Several users in Singapore and Malaysia report offline maps simply won't download for their country, and NFC for payments or transit isn't supported there either, despite being advertised features. One commenter calls this false advertising since the website doesn't disclose the limitation. Even where maps work, losing navigation mid-track and confusion over how to download offline maps frustrate users, with GPS/mobile sync praised but on-watch maps criticized.

HyperOS software feels limited compared to rivals and even Xiaomi's own Smart Band line. Users complain about fewer than 50 watch faces with no third-party support, missing basic apps like a calculator, and no custom message replies. The lack of WearOS or Play Store means functionality is confined to the Mi Fitness app. One reviewer notes the S5 lacks features like blood pressure or skin temperature sensors despite costing far more than Xiaomi's budget bands, calling it a weak deal.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?