HUAWEI has unveiled its latest smartwatch, the Watch 5, designed to elevate health monitoring with its cutting-edge X-TAP sensor. Our comprehensive test confirms that the device is a top contender in the wearable market, combining elegance, robust build quality, and advanced health features.
Design and Build Quality
Positioned above the Watch GT5 and GT5 Pro models, the HUAWEI Watch 5 comes in two sizes—42 mm and 46 mm—and multiple color options. Our review units included the beige 42 mm model with a composite strap and the grey-violet 46 mm version, both showcasing premium craftsmanship.
The larger model features a durable aerospace-grade titanium case, while the smaller watch uses 904L stainless steel. Both versions sport a spherical sapphire crystal display, known for excellent scratch resistance and minimal glare. Despite their substantial weights—ranging from 48 to 63 grams—the watches remain comfortable to wear. HUAWEI’s choice of a round case over the octagonal design of the GT5 Pro lends the Watch 5 a sleek, sophisticated look.
Display and User Interface
The Watch 5 boasts a 1.5-inch AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, ensuring clear visibility even under direct sunlight. Employing LTPO 2.0 technology, the screen dynamically adjusts its refresh rate to conserve battery. The bezel has been trimmed to just 1.8 mm, delivering an impressive 82.5% screen-to-body ratio—13% higher than its predecessor and the Watch 4 Pro Space Edition.
With a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels and a sharp 310 ppi, the display delivers vibrant colors and excellent contrast. The touchscreen is responsive, complemented by a rotating, clickable crown and an assignable side button for versatile navigation.
A notable software enhancement is the introduction of detailed health statistics accessible via a right-to-left swipe gesture. Instead of a basic overview, users can now explore comprehensive data on sleep, emotional well-being, heart rate, and more. The Watch 5 also supports innovative touch gestures, such as tapping the thumb and index finger or swiping along the fingers, for controlling calls, alarms, and music—although traditional touch controls remain preferred by many.
Connectivity and Features
Equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 LE, Wi-Fi 6, and eSIM support, the Watch 5 ensures reliable connectivity. It carries an IP69 rating, providing strong resistance to dust and water. NFC functionality enables mobile payments, which became available in Germany in December 2024 via the Quicko Wallet app—though this was not accessible during our pre-release testing.
The smartwatch is optimized primarily for Android and HUAWEI’s own smartphones; full feature access is limited on iOS devices. The AppGallery app store has a modest selection, which may disappoint users seeking a wide range of third-party apps.
Performance is smooth and fluid, with seamless animations and navigation throughout the interface.
Advanced Health Monitoring with the X-TAP Sensor
The standout innovation of the Watch 5 is the newly integrated X-TAP sensor, a touch-sensitive 3-in-1 module located on the right side of the watch. Activated by a simple touch, it rapidly collects 10 health metrics within 60 seconds, including ECG, blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, arterial stiffness, and a novel emotional well-being measurement.
Results are instantly displayed on the watch and in more detail via the HUAWEI Health app, which also tracks changes over time. The accuracy of these readings underscores the device’s strength in health monitoring, reinforced by additional classic wrist sensors.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery performance remains solid, if not groundbreaking. The 46 mm model houses an 867 mAh battery—the largest in a smartwatch to date—promising up to 4.5 days of typical use. However, with full health monitoring and regular GPS activity, realistic endurance is closer to 2 to 2.5 days.
Battery Saver mode extends runtime impressively to 11 days, suitable for users needing longer intervals between charges. The watch fully recharges in about 90 minutes.
Conclusion
The HUAWEI Watch 5 is a refined, high-quality smartwatch that pushes boundaries in health tracking with its innovative X-TAP sensor and sharp, bright display. While its battery life and premium build appeal to serious users, the limited app ecosystem and iOS restrictions may deter some.
For users prioritizing detailed health data and robust design, the Watch 5 is among the best smartwatches available. Those seeking extensive third-party apps or lighter hardware might consider these factors carefully. Overall, HUAWEI’s latest wearable impresses as a powerful companion for health-conscious consumers.
