Xiaomi's upcoming Watch S5 41 mm is a smaller smartwatch designed to reduce the bulk that often makes large wearables uncomfortable, with up to 14 days of battery life and an estimated price below the current 46 mm model's $197 launch price (€179). Its thinner 9.9 mm case and 36 g weight could make it a more practical choice for smaller wrists.
The company has opened reservations for the new model in China, but the official launch is not scheduled until later this month. Xiaomi has not confirmed an exact date, global pricing, or international availability. The timing suggests that the Watch S5 41 mm may be introduced alongside the Xiaomi 18 series, which Xiaomi has also begun teasing through its Chinese social media channels.
A smaller case with a meaningful weight reduction
The existing Watch S5 launched globally in a 46 mm case and measures 10.99 mm thick. Xiaomi says the new 41 mm version will be approximately 9.9 mm thick, making it about 9% thinner. That difference may sound modest on paper, but a thinner case is less likely to catch on clothing or feel intrusive during sleep and exercise.
Weight is the more noticeable change. The 41 mm model weighs 36 g, compared with 46 g for the 46 mm version. The 20% reduction could make the watch more comfortable for users with smaller wrists, particularly during overnight wear or long workouts. It also gives Xiaomi a clearer alternative to the oversized smartwatch designs that dominate much of the market.
Xiaomi has shown five versions of the Watch S5 41 mm so far, including models with Milanese and leather-effect straps. Those options suggest the company is positioning the smaller watch for both everyday fitness tracking and more formal use. However, Xiaomi has not yet published the full case material, color, display, sensor, or connectivity specifications for the new size.
Fourteen days of battery life still stands out
The smaller chassis comes with a battery trade-off. Xiaomi rates the Watch S5 41 mm for up to 14 days of use, compared with up to 21 days for the 46 mm version and its 815 mAh battery. That represents a 33% reduction in quoted endurance, but 14 days remains substantially longer than the charging cycles expected from many full-featured smartwatches.
Xiaomi also claims that the new model lasts 75% longer than its direct predecessor. The figure should help users who want continuous health and activity tracking without carrying a proprietary charger on short trips. As with any battery estimate, actual endurance will depend on display brightness, workout tracking, notifications, calls, GPS use, and health sensors.
What remains unknown before launch
The global 46 mm Watch S5 costs $197 at launch based on its Eurozone price of €179, although it is currently listed around $189 on Amazon. Xiaomi has not announced pricing for the 41 mm version. A smaller case does not automatically mean a lower price, especially if the company treats the new variants as a more fashion-focused range.
The 46 mm model includes a 1.48-inch AMOLED display with a quoted peak brightness of 2,500 nits, dual-band GNSS, NFC, and Bluetooth 5.4. Xiaomi has not confirmed whether the 41 mm version will use the same display brightness, positioning hardware, wireless features, or battery capacity. Those details will determine whether the smaller watch is simply a better-fitting version or a more heavily compromised model.
For now, the Watch S5 41 mm looks most promising for users who want a lighter smartwatch without giving up fortnightly charging. Buyers who prioritize maximum battery life, a larger screen, or confirmed global support may still prefer the 46 mm version. Global pricing and regional availability have not yet been announced.
