Huawei Watch 5 Ultimate Review: Detailed Health Metrics in Only 60 Seconds

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Specs
Huawei Watch 5 Review: Hardware / Design
Huawei Watch 5 Review: Display
Huawei Watch 5 Review: Performance
Huawei Watch 5 Review: Battery
Huawei Watch 5 Review: Software
Huawei Watch 5 Review: Health & Fitness
Huawei Watch 5 Review: Audio
Huawei Watch 5 Review: Should you buy it?
Updates

The Huawei Watch 5 has landed, or should I say, Watches 5! Huawei’s latest wearable comes in two sizes: a sleek 42mm and a bolder 46mm. I’ve been test-driving the 42mm version. But that’s not all, Huawei also dropped the Watch Fit 4 series, and I recently put the Watch Fit 4 Pro through its paces. If you’re team-square-smartwatch, definitely check out that review!

Aside from its shrunken dimensions, the 42mm Huawei Watch 5 mirrors its larger sibling in every detail. Prepare for a scaled-down visual experience and a battery built for shorter sprints. Even the strap has trimmed down. Curious what this compact powerhouse packs? Let’s dive in.

Specs

Huawei Watch 5 Specs

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Huawei Watch 5 Review: Hardware / Design

The Huawei Watch 5 doesn’t stray far from its predecessor’s design language – think Watch 4, refined. However, a curious newcomer graces its side: the X-Tap sensor. Nestled between the watch’s physical buttons, this subtle addition hints at enhanced functionality, a promise we’ll explore in the fitness and health deep-dive. For now, let your eyes linger on this intriguing feature; it’s the design’s most immediate evolution.

It’s made out of aerospace-grade titanium and 904L stainless steel

Forged from aerospace-grade titanium and ultra-tough 904L stainless steel, this watch isn’t just built; it’s crafted for resilience. Huawei clearly threw the rulebook (and budget) out the window, prioritizing premium durability above all else. The reassuring weight of these materials speaks volumes. Above this indestructible foundation sits a circular display, its curved glass surface shimmering like a captured moon. On the watch’s flank, two distinct buttons reside. The upper button, a rotating crown, offers tactile precision. Below, a customizable button awaits your command. Tactile differences and strategic positioning ensure you’ll never fumble – a testament to thoughtful design.

42 and 46mm models have the same design

Beneath its myriad hues, the Huawei watch shares an elegant design. But the band? That’s where the personality shines. Our review unit arrived bathed in ‘Beige,’ flaunting a ‘Fluoroelastomer’ band Huawei’s fancy name for a supremely comfortable rubber strap. Forget leather and metal; this is my jam. Shower-proof, quick-drying, and surprisingly stylish, it’s the unsung hero. The subtly stitched design adds a touch of class that elevates it beyond your average rubber strap. Of course, if you crave a different vibe, leather and metal bands await, offering a spectrum of colors to perfectly complement your style. The best part? Swapping them out is a breeze, instantly transforming your watch for any occasion.

20mm watch bands are needed here

Forget standard watch bands – the Huawei Watch 5 dares to be different. Its unconventional, closed lugs still embrace the world of 20mm straps, offering surprising customization. Just be mindful of thickness; chunky bands need not apply. Flip the watch, and you’ll find the ever-present heart rate sensor diligently monitoring your ticker. On the wrist, the Watch 5 feels like a dream, especially if you favor a more delicate fit. While its smaller size might not be ideal for those who prefer a bolder presence (like yours truly, a 46mm enthusiast), it’s a perfect complement to slimmer wrists. Marketing may lean towards a female audience, but let’s be honest – style knows no gender. This watch is for anyone who appreciates sleek design and comfortable wear.

Huawei did a great job with build quality

The Huawei watch feels solid, a testament to its quality build. Design-wise, it’s a winner, even if personal taste leans toward different lug styles. Huawei made their choice, and it works. Swapping straps is a breeze – ditch the tools; your fingernail is all you need. On the wrist, it strikes a satisfying balance: present without being cumbersome. At 51 grams (sans strap), it has a reassuring heft, while the White and Green versions shave off a few grams, landing at a featherlight 48.

Huawei Watch 5 Review: Display

Forget flat smartwatch screens. The 42mm Huawei Watch 5 explodes with a vibrant 1.38-inch AMOLED display, boasting a silky smooth 120Hz refresh rate – a rare treat in the smartwatch world. This isn’t just any AMOLED; it’s an LTPO 2.0, maximizing battery efficiency while delivering stunning visuals. Prepare for crisp detail with its 466 x 466 resolution. Thanks to the smaller screen size, you actually get an even sharper image than the larger 46mm model. And with a dazzling 3,000 nits peak brightness, readability is never an issue, even under direct sunlight. The curved glass creates a captivating illusion of depth, pulling you into the experience. With an impressive 82.5% screen-to-body ratio, it’s a visual feast – a significant 13% leap from the Huawei Watch 4, immersing you in your data like never before.

The display is vivid, bright, and… reflective

Forget squinting. The only real downside to this display? Its mirror-like tendencies in direct sunlight, especially off-axis. Beyond that, Huawei squeezed an impressive screen into a compact watch. The touch response is immediate and satisfying. That curved glass? Gliding across it is pure tactile pleasure. The smooth edges add to the premium feel. Sharp, vibrant, and boasting ample brightness, this display remains legible even under the harshest glare.

Sapphire glass will give you a peace of mind

While I didn’ttryto destroy this watch, Huawei’s choice of materials inspires confidence. Unlike my clumsy run-in with the Watch Fit 4 Pro (ten days and a mystery scratch!), this one feels like it could take a beating. The sapphire glass display? Practically bulletproof. Honestly, this watch boasts one of the toughest, most premium display setups I’ve seen onanysmartwatch.

Huawei Watch 5 Review: Performance

Silky smooth. Effortless. That’s the feeling you get using the Huawei Watch 5. Huawei has dialed in performance across their smartwatch line and this one is no exception. Specs? They’re a mystery. Huawei keeps those cards close to the vest. But frankly, who cares? This watch flies. Considering how flawlessly older Huawei watches still perform years later, speculation on the internal hardware seems almost irrelevant. Could it be powered by the venerable Kirin A1? Perhaps. Whatever’s under the hood, it delivers a genuinely premium experience.

UI animations are great

Forget clunky smartwatch interfaces. This Huawei watch flows like silk. The revamped animations and optimized HarmonyOS mean zero lag – and after two weeks of heavy use, I’m confident it’s here to stay. Swiping through menus, launching apps, and even tinkering with widgets is a breeze. Complex watch faces? Child’s play. It handles everything you throw at it with effortless grace.

The watch offers outstanding performance

Animations? Surprisingly delightful. I’m a serial animation-speed-upper (sometimes even a disabler!), but on the Huawei Watch 5, I didn’t eventhinkabout tweaking them. They’re that good. Zippy, polished, and perfectly integrated, they enhance the user experience instead of hindering it. The watch simplyflies– a testament to its raw power. No lag, no waiting, just smooth, responsive action. The performance is undeniably impressive.

Huawei Watch 5 Review: Battery

Huawei is playing coy about the battery capacity powering its new Watch 5 series. But here’s the skinny on battery life: the 42mm model promises a solid 3 days of ‘typical use’. Crave that always-on display? Expect that to drop to 2 days. Huawei throws a lifeline with its Battery Saver mode, boasting a whopping 7 days of ‘max battery life’ or 5 days of ‘typical usage’. Personally, I didn’t bother with it. iPhone users, beware! Pairing with iOS apparently slashes battery life to a measly 2 days of ‘typical use’. For this review, I linked the Watch 5 to an OPPO Find N5 (Android, naturally) for testing.

4-5 days of regular use on a single charge is easily doable

Huawei’s projections were ambitious, but the reality? This watchsmashedthem. During an initial deep dive, relentlessly testing every feature, it clocked a solid four days. That’s four days of intense use. Now, with my typical daily routine, it stretches to an incredible 5-6 days – practically a week. Of course, battery life is a fickle beast; your experience might differ.

Proper wireless charging is on board

Ditch the cables! The Huawei Watch 5 embraces the future with 10W wireless charging – that’s right, proper wireless charging, leaving archaic POGO pins in the dust. A full charge takes just over an hour, a small price to pay for untethered freedom. And the best part? Huawei includes a charging dock right in the box. But if you’re already swimming in Qi chargers, rest easy, the Watch 5 plays nicely with those, too.

Huawei Watch 5 Review: Software

The Huawei Watch 5 doesn’t reinvent the wheel with its software, but refines it to a satisfying shine. If you’ve encountered HarmonyOS before, especially in its more recent forms, you’ll feel instantly at home. Navigation is intuitive, adhering to established smartwatch conventions, yet the experience transcends mere familiarity. Huawei continues its tradition of subtle yet impactful improvements with each iteration. The result? Enhanced animations breathe fresh life into the interface, and other carefully considered tweaks elevate the overall user experience to a new level of polish.

HarmonyOS is actually kind of great now

The watch’s performance, as previously noted, is exceptional, a testament to Huawei’s software optimization prowess. HarmonyOS delivers a streamlined experience, prioritizing first-party applications. While the third-party app selection is currently limited, the essentials are readily available and function flawlessly. From comprehensive built-in health tracking to turn-by-turn navigation via Petal Maps, and even a dedicated media control app, this smartwatch offers a surprisingly complete and polished user experience.

The watch face: it’s your digital canvas. Out of the box, you get a few basic designs, but the real artistry unlocks with Huawei Health. Yes, you’ll need to sideload the app to get started, but trust me, it’s worth it. Inside, a gallery of watch faces explodes with options – free and premium. Minimalist clock? Information-packed dashboard? They’re all there, neatly categorized and ready to transform your wrist. I’m torn between simplicity and data overload, and even I found killer options to suit my every mood.

UI navigation will feel familiar if you’ve used a smartwatch thus far

Think of your phone’s home screen as a control center with hidden shortcuts. A downward swipe unleashes a cascade of quick settings – Wi-Fi, brightness, and more at your fingertips. Swipe up? Prepare for a flood of notifications, your lifeline to the digital world (more on mastering those later).

Now, for the side swipes: a leftward gesture unveils a curated stream of widgets. Your daily weather forecast dances alongside your music player, a personalized information hub you can tailor to your whims. Swipe right, and you’re surfing a wave of interactive widgets, each a mini-application ready to serve. The selection is vast, the possibilities endless. Best of all? It’s slick, it’s smooth, and the widgets refresh in real-time, keeping you in the know, instantly.

Notifications on this watch? Nailed it. Set them up once, and they fire on time, every time. Now, a HarmonyOS heads-up: notification sync is a one-way street. Dismiss a notification on your wrist, and it stubbornly sticks around on your phone. Personally, I dig it that way, but it’s something to be aware of. Bonus points to Huawei for squashing an emoji gremlin that plagued me on the GT 5. Emojis in contact names? Now they show up in notifications. Finally!

New gestures are very useful, actually

Finally, the Huawei Watch 5 arrived, and I immediately dove headfirst into exploring its headline feature: "Gesture Control." Forget fumbling – now, a flick of the wrist answers calls! Huawei’s baked-in two incredibly intuitive finger gestures, the Double Slide and Double Tap, directly into the watch. Imagine effortlessly skipping to the next track while jogging, all without breaking stride. One-handed call answering? A simple gesture has you covered, leaving your other hand free. It’s not just a smartwatch; it’s effortless control at your fingertips.

Huawei’s gesture controls come with a surprisingly gentle learning curve, thanks to their clear, built-in tutorials. The Double Tap? Nailed it almost instantly – incredibly reliable. The Double Slide, however, demanded a touch more finesse. The secret, I discovered, was in the finger posture: a slightly tighter curl of the index finger proved to be the magic key. Once mastered, though, it transformed into a flawlessly responsive command.

Truthfully, the Double Slide became my go-to gesture, a silent conductor controlling my soundtrack on the move. Forget gimmicks; this felt genuinely useful, a seamless extension of control. Though, I suspect its true value is one of those things that some won’t appreciate.

It is compatible with both Android and iOS

HarmonyOS: Bridging Worlds, Powering Ahead. While playing nice with Android 9.0+ and iOS 13.0+, it truly shines brightest with Android, offering optimized performance and extended battery life.

Huawei Watch 5 Review: Health & Fitness

Forget heart rate straps – Huawei’s Watch 5 is upping the health tracking game with its innovative X-TAP Technology. This isn’t just another sensor; it’s a miniature health lab strapped to your wrist. Nestled between the watch’s physical buttons, the X-TAP sensor boasts a trifecta of tech: pressure, ECG, and fingertip PPG, all working in concert. Think of it as a supercharged health check at your fingertips, enhanced by X-Level+ pressure sensitivity for pinpoint accuracy. The Watch 5 series isn’t just keeping time, it’s charting your well-being like never before.

You’ll appreciate Health Glance

Unleash a personalized Health Glance with the sensor nestled on the watch’s right. It’s your gateway to a wealth of vital data, instantly. A gentle touch activates a suite of powerful features: ECG readings, real-time fingertip SpO2 monitoring, and even Arterial Stiffness Detection. The watch becomes your guide, prompting you through the swift process as you hold your finger to the sensor. For optimal accuracy, find a quiet sanctuary, assume a relaxed posture, and let the technology work its magic, delivering a comprehensive snapshot of your well-being.

Imagine getting a comprehensive health snapshot in just one minute. With a single tap, the One-Tap Health Glance delivers a wealth of data. We’re talking average heart rate, HRV, SpO2, skin temperature, stress levels, ECG, arterial stiffness, respiratory overview, and even sleep breathing insights. While Huawei specifies that arterial stiffness and respiratory overview are for informational purposes only, our tests showed impressive accuracy across the board. In a mere 60 seconds, this device measures 11 key health indicators, providing a detailed report at your fingertips.

Personalized health analysis is available and boosted by X-TAP tech

Imagine a health guru on your wrist. That’s essentially what Huawei’s Intelligent Health Analysis offers – a hyper-personalized deep dive into your well-being. This watch doesn’t just track data; it interprets it, offering tailored advice to nudge you toward healthier habits. The best part? It’s entirely on your terms. Embrace the insightful guidance and unlock a path to wellness, or simply enjoy the watch’s other features. It’s a powerful tool, subtly present but never intrusive, ready to empower you when you’re ready to be empowered.

Ditch the gym membership! The Huawei Watch 5 is a fitness fanatic’s dream, overflowing with tracking for practically every sport imaginable. Forget endless scrolling – this smartwatch comes loaded. While it’s smart enough to auto-detect some workouts, you’ll unleash its full potential by manually firing up the tracker. From pounding the pavement on a run and conquering cycling trails to mastering jump rope tricks and perfecting your golf swing, the options are genuinely staggering. During my testing, I laced up my running shoes, hopped on my bike, and explored my neighborhood on foot. The verdict? Impeccable tracking and pinpoint-accurate GPS. No glitches, no hiccups, just pure, data-driven motivation.

Huawei Watch 5 Review: Audio

Huawei watches and their audio capabilities? Let’s just say I’m starting to sound like a broken record. For the past few years, it’s been the same song and dance: a speaker awkwardly placed on the left, a microphone daring you to make wrist-based calls. Frankly, the idea of talking into my watch makes me cringe, and I rarely see anyone actually doing it. But hey, if you’re feeling particularly Dick Tracy-esque, the option’s there.

In a quiet space, the watch speaker works for calls. Forget it near traffic. Callers said I sounded strange, not natural, which makes sense. It’s usable though, especially given it’s a watch speaker. Serviceable is the word.

Huawei Watch 5 Review: Should you buy it?

The Huawei Watch 5 isn’t just a smartwatch; it’s a sophisticated wrist companion that shattered my expectations. Tired of oversized smartwatches that feel like strapping a mini-tablet to your arm? The Watch 5 offers a refreshing alternative: sleek comfort meets cutting-edge technology. Beyond its comfortable fit, this device is a powerhouse of health and fitness tracking. Performance is buttery smooth, complemented by a battery that keeps pace with your active lifestyle. Wireless charging adds a touch of modern convenience. If you’re seeking a premium smartwatch experience that doesn’t compromise on style or substance, the Huawei Watch 5 is an investment you won’t regret.

You should buy the Huawei Watch 5 if you:

Prefer smaller watches
Like round smartwatches that look like regular watches
Want top-notch health-tracking features
Want to get the best Huawei has to offer
Delve into various different sports and want to track your progress
Don’t want to charge your smartwatch frequently

You shouldn’t buy the Huawei Watch 5 if you:

Like using a lot of third-party apps
Don’t want to sideload Huawei’s Health app

…

Updates

Huawei is rolling out a new update to the Huawei Watch 5. This one is marked as HarmonyOS 5.1.0.110, and the changelog is quite long for a watch update. Some features related to the newly announced Huawei Pura 80 series are included, plus some Smart Key features too. On top of that, the Huawei Watch 5 now supports new features related to Huawei earbuds, like adjusting the headphone volume, switching the noise reduction mode, and searching for earbuds. A voice memo application has been added to, while smart gestures now support timer control and optimize gesture operation tutorials. A number of additional changes have been made, which you can read more about in the changelog below.

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