Xiaomi’s sub-brand Redmi has unveiled the Redmi Watch 5, a budget-friendly smartwatch that doesn’t aim to compete with high-end models but instead delivers a polished experience for under $100. While it doesn’t match premium tracking accuracy, it offers a sleek design, a vibrant AMOLED display, and extended battery life—making it a compelling option for cost-conscious buyers.
Price and Competition
Priced at $89/£89, the Redmi Watch 5 sits firmly in the budget smartwatch category. It’s more accessible in Europe than in the U.S., where Redmi’s presence is primarily through its headphones.
Key competitors include the Huawei Watch Fit 3, Honor Watch 5, and the upcoming Amazfit Active 2. While Huawei and Honor’s offerings exceed $100, the Amazfit Active 2 is expected to rival the Watch 5 in pricing when it launches in early 2025.
Design and Display
The 2.07-inch AMOLED screen (up from 1.97 inches on the Watch 4) is a standout feature, offering 1,500 nits of brightness—half that of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 but impressive for its price. The 2.5D curved glass enhances aesthetics, disguising bezels while maintaining responsiveness.
The aluminum alloy case and stainless steel crown add a premium feel, though the Watch 5 is slightly thicker and heavier than its predecessor. Users can choose from TPU or woven bands in gray, black, or purple, with the latter proving comfortable even during workouts.
A 5ATM waterproof rating ensures durability for swimming, and the linear motor-enhanced crown provides satisfying haptic feedback—a rare touch in this price range.
Smartwatch Features
The Watch 5’s functionality depends on the paired smartphone. Android users get the full experience, including music storage, call handling via Bluetooth, and notification support through Xiaomi’s HyperOS.
Other features include: Weather forecasts; Remote camera control; Phone-finding tool; Alarms and timers.
Call quality is decent but not exceptional, and the voice recorder app suffers from low volume. While it lacks advanced smartwatch capabilities, the Watch 5 covers essentials well—though iOS users miss out on music storage.
Sports and Fitness Tracking
With over 150 activity profiles (including running, swimming, and even chess), the Watch 5 caters to diverse users. It boasts built-in GPS (supporting five satellite systems) and an upgraded optical sensor that Xiaomi claims improves heart rate accuracy by 5.2% and sleep tracking by 10% over the Watch 4.
However, real-world testing revealed limitations: GPS accuracy fluctuates, often overreporting distance. Heart rate readings trend higher than dedicated monitors. Swim tracking was reliable, matching data from Form Smart Swim 2 goggles.
While not the worst in its class, the Watch 5 isn’t ideal for athletes seeking precision.
Sleep and Health Monitoring
Sleep tracking aligns closely with the Oura Ring 3 in detecting sleep stages, though sleep scores were overly optimistic. The Watch 5 also provides sleep advice from the Chinese Sleep Research Society, albeit without personalized insights.
Additional health features include: Continuous SpO2 monitoring; All-day stress tracking; Data sharing with Apple Health, Google Fit, and Strava.
Battery Life
Xiaomi promises 24 days of typical use (up from 20 on the Watch 4), with 10 days in always-on display (AOD) mode. Real-world testing showed:
- 2–3% daily drain without GPS or AOD.
- 6% drop after a 30-minute GPS workout.
- Fast charging (20–30% in minutes) via proprietary cable.
Heavy usage still delivers a week of battery life, making it a reliable companion.
Verdict
The Redmi Watch 5 excels as a stylish, feature-packed budget smartwatch. While its tracking accuracy lags behind pricier rivals, it’s a solid choice for casual users seeking a bright display, long battery life, and premium design without breaking the bank.
For those prioritizing fitness precision, higher-end options remain preferable—but at under $100, the Watch 5 delivers exceptional value.
