Xiaomi Watch 5 Launches with EMG Gesture Control, Premium Build

Xiaomi has officially unveiled its new flagship smartwatch, the Xiaomi Watch 5, in China. The launch event happened on December 25, 2025, positioning the device as a premium wearable with some industry-first features.

Now, the Watch 5 is not just another fitness tracker. It marks a significant step for Xiaomi by introducing an EMG sensor for muscle signal detection. This allows for new gesture controls like pinching or making a fist to answer calls or control devices.

The watch boasts a robust 47mm case forged from a single piece of 316L stainless steel. It’s protected by synthetic sapphire crystal glass, which scores a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale for serious scratch resistance. You get a sharp 1.54-inch AMOLED display with 1500 nits of brightness and very slim 2.6mm bezels.

Under the hood, it’s powered by a dual-chip setup. The main processor is the efficient 4nm Qualcomm Snapdragon W5, paired with a BES2800 chip for background tasks. This helps achieve a battery life of up to 6 days normally, or an impressive 18 days in power-saving mode from its 930mAh cell.

For health, it’s packed with sensors. You get continuous heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, an ECG sensor, and advanced sleep tracking with a 21-day optimization plan. It also supports over 150 sports modes and 80+ guided gym courses.

The eSIM model is a full standalone device. It can make 4G calls, send texts, stream music, and run apps like WeChat and Baidu Maps independently from your phone. It runs on Xiaomi’s HyperOS with an on-device AI assistant.

In the Philippines, we’re always keen on when global launches like this might arrive locally. The pricing starts at CNY 1,999 (roughly PHP 16,700 or USD 280) for the standard model with a fluoroelastomer strap. The eSIM Pro model with a leather strap costs CNY 2,299 (roughly PHP 19,200 or USD 320). An optional 3D-printed titanium band will set you back an extra CNY 799.

Xiaomi also launched the Buds 6 at the same event. These focus on comfort with a ‘biomimetic curve’ design and promise CD-level lossless audio. Their AI features include smart recording, real-time translation, and automatic summarization.

What do you think of the Xiaomi Watch 5’s new EMG controls and premium build? Is this a wearable you’d consider if it launches globally? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Xiaomi Watch 5 Full Specs
47mm one-piece forged 316L stainless steel case
Synthetic sapphire crystal glass (front and sensor window)
1.54-inch AMOLED display, 480 x 480 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate
1500 nits peak brightness, 2.6mm ultra-narrow bezel
Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 + BES2800 dual-chip platform
Snapdragon W5: 4nm process, quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU
HyperOS for wearables
930mAh battery
Up to 6 days typical use, 18 days power-saving mode
eSIM support for standalone 4G LTE connectivity
Bluetooth, GPS, NFC
Sensors: ECG, EMG, optical heart rate, SpO2, temperature, barometer
150+ sports modes, 80+ gym courses with 3D guidance
Offline maps for navigation
5ATM water resistance
Strap options: Fluoroelastomer (Black, Green), Leather (Brown, Blue), 3D-printed Titanium
Starting price: CNY 1,999 (~PHP 16,700 / ~USD 280)