Two years after its last flagship release and following the sport-focused Watch GT 5 series, Huawei returns with the Watch 5—a refined, premium smartwatch that blends elegant design with advanced health tracking. While the hardware impresses, lingering ecosystem constraints and niche innovations hold it back from true greatness.
Pricing and Availability
Priced at £399, the Huawei Watch 5 comes in three titanium finishes (purple, silver, brown) and a black stainless steel variant. Positioned as a high-end competitor, it faces stiff rivalry from the Apple Watch Series 10 (expected later this year), Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Watch 8, and the Google Pixel Watch 4. However, due to US trade restrictions, it remains unavailable in the American market.
Design: A Masterclass in Elegance
Huawei’s design prowess shines once again with the Watch 5. Its spherical sapphire glass and polished stainless steel casing exude luxury, though the weight may deter some fitness enthusiasts. The slimmed-down bezels enhance the 46mm LTPO display, which boasts an impressive 80% screen-to-body ratio and a peak brightness of 3000 nits—matching the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Yet, the display’s reflective surface and conservative auto-brightness settings can hinder outdoor visibility. The new X-Tap sensor, discreetly integrated into the case, adds a novel touch but may stand out more on lighter-colored models.
Health Tracking: Comprehensive but Not Revolutionary
The X-Tap sensor, part of Huawei’s TruSense system, enables rapid SpO2 readings and an enhanced Health Glance feature, which now includes heart rate variability (HRV) and respiratory analysis. While innovative, the practicality of manually placing a finger on the sensor for routine checks remains questionable.
Sleep tracking proves reliable, aligning closely with competitors like the Oura Ring 4 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. However, Huawei’s Health app struggles to transform raw data into actionable insights, leaving users with accurate but passive metrics. Stress tracking, while consistent, lacks the depth of rivals like Whoop or Oura.
Fitness Performance: Reliable but Not Elite
Heart rate accuracy is generally solid, though occasional spikes and minor deviations from chest-strap readings persist. GPS performance, however, is a standout—quick to lock on and precise in distance tracking. The Watch 5 also excels in recovery metrics, VO2 max estimation, and workout analysis, making it a capable companion for runners and gym-goers alike.
Smart Features: Limited by Ecosystem Constraints
HarmonyOS delivers a smooth, responsive experience, but Huawei’s app ecosystem remains a critical weakness. Despite supporting eSIM for standalone connectivity, the lack of major third-party apps, inconsistent contactless payment support, and no native smart assistant hinder its appeal. Gesture controls, while functional, feel underdeveloped compared to Apple and Samsung’s offerings.
Battery Life: A Strong Suit
With the always-on display active, the 46mm model lasts around four days—even under heavy use. Disabling AOD extends this to 12 days, while the smaller 42mm variant offers three days (or seven in battery saver mode). This flexibility ensures the Watch 5 stays ahead of many rivals in endurance.
Verdict: Beauty with Boundaries
The Huawei Watch 5 is a triumph of design and engineering, offering robust health and fitness tracking in a stunning package. Yet, its limited app ecosystem, niche X-Tap feature, and persistent heart rate inconsistencies prevent it from dethroning Apple or Samsung.
For those prioritizing aesthetics and self-contained health tracking, the Watch 5 is a compelling choice. But if seamless smart features and app integration are key, alternatives like the Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch remain the safer bets. Huawei’s latest is a near-perfect smartwatch—if only its walls weren’t so high.
