At the Huawei Pura 80 series launch event on June 11, Huawei introduced its flagship WATCH 5, marking a paradigm shift in smartwatch technology. Breaking away from industry trends focused on hardware specifications, this next-generation wearable integrates HarmonyOS AI, positioning itself as the first true AI-driven smartwatch.
The WATCH 5 transcends conventional fitness tracking through its revolutionary “Device-Software-Cloud” architecture, establishing new benchmarks for intelligent wrist-worn devices.
The Trinity Framework: A Blueprint for Next-Gen Smartwatches
Traditional smartwatches have long been constrained by size, power efficiency, and computational limitations. Huawei’s solution combines three foundational elements:
Device: Powered by a Kirin chipset with 5G connectivity, the watch features an independent NPU and dual-core processing for advanced on-device AI computations. Industry sources confirm this hardware enables real-time health data analysis without cloud dependency.
Software: HarmonyOS 5.1 serves as the neural network, enabling seamless multi-device coordination and resource allocation. Its refined UI delivers fluid interactions while optimizing power consumption.
Cloud: Integration with Huawei’s Pangu and Deepseek AI models grants unprecedented natural language processing and contextual understanding, transforming the watch from a passive tool to an anticipatory assistant.
This synergy enables four breakthrough capabilities: personalized AI analytics, omnichannel connectivity, robust processing power, and ultra-responsive networking.
AI Revolution on Your Wrist: Meet the Next-Gen XiaoYi
The upgraded XiaoYi voice assistant demonstrates Huawei’s AI advancements through three key improvements:
Efficiency: Voice commands now control over 100 watch functions, 14 workout modes, and 15 health apps. Complex tasks like “Log my lunch” or “Set 30-minute run burning 500 calories” execute instantly.
Intelligence: Unlike single-command assistants, XiaoYi handles multi-intent dialogues. Follow-up questions like “Should I hike today?” after checking weather receive contextualized responses.
Personalization: Analyzing 200+ health metrics and 22 exercise types, it provides tailored advice. Queries about sleep quality generate insights correlating with recent heart rate and stress data.
Health Monitoring Reimagined
The X-TAP Smart Window combines ECG, PPG, and pressure sensors into one multifunctional button:
- 3-second press initiates a 17-parameter health scan
- Touch-based SpO2 readings in 10 seconds
- 30-second hold activates hypertension risk assessment
Gesture controls introduce touch-free operation—scroll by thumb swipes or confirm with finger taps—ideal for wet hands or when carrying items.
Seamless Ecosystem Integration
As part of the HarmonyOS ecosystem, the WATCH 5:
- Automatically displays camera/music controls when detecting phone activity
- Manages connected headphones’ volume and noise cancellation
- Functions as a digital car key with StarLink-enabled vehicles
- Controls smart home devices via voice commands
Pricing and Availability
Available now in 42mm (¥2,699) and 46mm (¥2,799) variants, with a 15% government subsidy bringing entry pricing to ¥2,295. This launch represents Huawei’s 2 billionth wearable device shipped, cementing its position as an industry innovator.
By redefining smartwatch architecture through AI integration, the WATCH 5 doesn’t just upgrade hardware—it pioneers an entirely new category of intelligent companions.
