Unconstrained Review of the Redmi Watch 5
Assessment of Redmi Watch 5: A Comprehensive Breakdown
Welcome to the gritty, unrestricted assessment of the Redmi Watch 5! This budget smartwatch lays it all on the table, offering a myriad of workout modes, exceptional battery life, and more at a ridiculously affordable price. But don't let the low cost fool you, this watch packs a mean punch.
Not unlike the street-smart Amazfit Active, the Redmi Watch 5 is a fighter that won't back down, delivering quality performance for those seeking a tough, no-nonsense wearable. With 5ATM water resistance, an astonishing battery life of 24 days, and an AMOLED display clear enough to survive a blinding daylight, this watch will have you well-equipped for any workout or aquatic adventure.
The layout of this watch is simple yet intuitive, with a vibrant display offering a variety of clock faces and customizable widgets. You'll be able to glance at your data in a flash, making it perfect for those on the go.
Under the hood, the Redmi Watch 5 boasts a reliable and durable design, capable of withstanding wear and tear for extended periods. While the strap can be a bit uncomfortable and the charging cable might leave you wanting, the watch still comes out on top as a truly solid choice for those looking for a budget smartwatch with a long battery life that doesn't compromise on style.
And let's not forget the added perks, like monitoring your sleep, stress levels, and heart rate. These features are the cherry on top, offering you a more holistic view of your overall health. Plus, with a built-in GPS and GNSS, expanding your fitness horizons has never been easier.
Now, let's dive into the nitty-gritty details of this savage smartwatch:
Redmi Watch 5: Design
- Bright display in various settings
- Responsive touchscreen (except in the rain)
- Strap can be a pain
As you strap this puppy on, you'll be greeted by a 2-inch (5-centimeter) AMOLED display with a 2mm bezel. The enlarged screen brings enhanced brightness, perfect for those sunny days, underwater expeditions, and everything in between. With a refresh rate of 60Hz and 5Hz LTPS, the visuals will pop right off the screen.
The touchscreen performs reasonably well, though a few droplets of water might dampen its responsiveness (similar to a mobile phone screen). For those times when the touchscreen falters, the crown can be used as an alternative for navigating screens. However, you'll still require the touchscreen to click on apps or workout modes.
The rubber strap may catch a bit of dust, but when put to the test across weeks, the watch comes through unscathed, with nary a scratch on its face. While wearing it, you'll appreciate the reliable and sturdy design running through its veins.
Battery life:
24 days in typical usage mode
GPS availability:
Yes, in-built GNSS
Water resistance:
Yes, 5ATM. Safe for swimming and other watersports up to 50m.
Display type:
2.07-inch AMOLED with 2mm thin bezel. 60Hz refresh rate and 5Hz LTPS.
Heart rate monitoring:
Yes
Sleep monitoring:
Yes
We loved the aesthetic appeal of the apps and the easy customization options. You can choose whether you want apps with labels or without, or opt for a list format if you're less visually inclined. There are also numerous clock faces and customizable widgets at your fingertips, making your watch a true extension of your personal style.
Among our favorite features were the menstrual cycle tracking and mood monitoring tools. These small but significant additions proved themselves to be more useful than we initially thought.
Clasp:
The watch can be a bit uncomfortable due to its pinching clasp, which tends to catch the skin when securing. Once on, though, the discomfort is minimal.
Charging cable:
The charging cable is shorter than desirable, causing a little inconvenience during charging. It's also USB-based, which could pose a challenge when attempting to charge it from a Mac. Furthermore, the connection feels a bit shaky, so you may find yourself charging the watch on a flat surface to avoid any potential mishaps.
Redmi Watch 5: Performance
- Relatively accurate stats
- Excellent battery life
- Intuitive layout
Getting to grips with the Redmi Watch 5 was a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly interface. Starting, pausing, and ending workouts was effortless, with the watch's auto-detect feature stepping in when needed.
With over 100 workout modes at your disposal, you'll be able to conquer any exercise you set your sights on. The versatility of using the crown to pause and end workouts was a welcome addition, especially during water workouts or when the touchscreen proves to be less responsive.
Battery life? Redmi Watch 5 delivers in spades, with an impressive 24 days on a single charge. In the unlikely event that it does run out, you can charge it back up within the hour – though not to a full 100%.
We found the watch to be relatively accurate in capturing health stats, with decent results in BPM monitoring, tracking walking routes, and counting calories burned. The tracking for swimming lengths and swim style was spot-on, while discrepancies between the watch's stats and other fitness watches worn simultaneously remained minimal.
The watch's extra features, such as stress measurement, breathing exercises, and all-day heart rate and oxygen level monitoring, added to the overall user experience, albeit with varying degrees of accuracy. The stress feature may not always match up with your actual feelings, but the breathing exercises certainly proved beneficial during breaks and yoga sessions.
Monitoring sleep was equally impressive, with the watch accurately measuring sleep length and sleep cycles. You can even track your BPM during sleep, adding another layer of insights into your REM state.
The Redmi Watch 5 is perfect for those seeking a way to log their workouts without getting bogged down in excessive bells and whistles. Its simplicity makes it an ideal choice for beginners or casual exercisers seeking a reliable means of tracking their fitness and overall health.
Privacy and Security:
Keep in mind that, like any connected device, there's always a risk of data breaches and security concerns. Be sure to regularly update the software and enable any security features offered by the manufacturer.
Redmi Watch 5: Functionality
- Pinched clasp and grabbing crown
- Interesting graphics
The clasp can be a bit of a faff, but once positioned correctly, the watch was comfortable to wear and barely noticeable during sleep and minimal exercise. The crown managed to catch our tops on occasions, causing workouts to pause unexpectedly, though it was less of an issue during yoga sessions.
Overall, the watch performed admirably, with decent fitness tracking features, accurate readings, and lots of data to help you understand your fitness level and make improvements. The use of colorful graphics to visualize your workout journey was a thoughtful addition that helped simplify complex data.
For those seeking a straightforward budget smartwatch with decent fitness tracking, battery life, and additional health features, the Redmi Watch 5 might just be the perfect choice. You won't find complete accuracy, but you will get a truly solid fitness tracker that offers more than it appears to on the surface.
Should you buy the Redmi Watch 5?
✅ If you demand long battery life: With exceptional battery endurance of up to 24 days, Redmi Watch 5 will keep your wireless needs covered.
✅ You appreciate colorful, visually engaging displays: The vibrant display on this watch is a winning feature that helps bring your data to life.
❌ You wear long-sleeved workout tops: The grabby crown could lead to workouts getting interrupted when worn with long-sleeved tops.
❌ You require a longer charging cable: The short charging cable might pose a hassle when it comes to charging your watch.
We wholeheartedly enjoyed testing the Redmi Watch 5 and were left pleasantly surprised by its performance, especially for the budget price. Although there were moments of inaccuracy, it is perfect for those who value an easy-to-use fitness tracker that helps them grasp their fitness level and gain insights into their overall health.
The watch suits those who aren't too fussed about perfect accuracy and simply want an efficient means to log workouts. With added apps for sleep, stress, and health monitoring, you'll gain a more holistic view of your health.
In a nutshell, Redmi Watch 5 is the perfect blend of affordability, style, and functionality. You won't find a more reliable budget smartwatch with better battery life and an eye-catching display.
If this product isn't for you
Top-Notch Budget Fitness Trackers
Not feeling the Redmi Watch 5? Don't sweat it; there are plenty of great budget fitness trackers out there. Here are some alternatives worth considering:
- Fitbit Inspire 3: Considered the best overall budget fitness tracker for 2025, the Fitbit Inspire 3 delivers reliable fitness tracking and high-quality sleep monitoring[1].
- Xiaomi Smart Band 9: A fantastic choice for sports tracking, this incredibly affordable band offers robust features for active users [1].
- TicWatch Atlas: An option for those seeking an outdoor watch with rugged features, like a stainless steel body, sapphire screen, 5ATM waterproofing, and up to 45 days battery life. However, it is Android-only and excels in outdoor use[1].
- Amazfit Active and Amazfit Bip 6: Both offer good battery life and fitness tracking at low costs. The Bip 6 comes with lightweight design, excellent battery life (up to 12 days), and Bluetooth calling support, making it a viable option as a budget smartwatch[4].
- Huawei Watch Fit 3: Affordable and featuring an Apple Watch-like square design, the Watch Fit 3 boasts impressive health monitoring features[2][5].
- Xiaomi Watch S3 and Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro: Offering excellent battery life and a swappable bezel design, the S3 stands out, while the Watch 2 Pro runs on Wear OS with Google Play Store access, providing a richer smartwatch experience at a budget price[2].
- Nothing Watch Pro: A budget-friendly option with an AMOLED screen and GPS, it strikes the perfect balance between aesthetics and features at a low price[2].
- Withings ScanWatch Nova: A stylish hybrid smartwatch that combines traditional design with exceptional functionality and battery life (up to 1 month), ideal for those seeking style without compromising on performance[2].
Choose one among the Fitbit Inspire 3, Xiaomi Smart Band 9, TicWatch Atlas, Amazfit Active/Bip 6, Huawei Watch Fit 3, Xiaomi Watch S3/2 Pro, Nothing Watch Pro, and Withings ScanWatch Nova based on whether you prioritize rugged design, battery endurance, smartwatch features, or specific health tracking needs[1][2][4][5].
The Redmi Watch 5, much like the street-smart Amazfit Active, is a perfect choice for those seeking an affordable, no-nonsense wearable that boasts quality performance. With health-and-wellness features such as sleep, stress, and heart rate monitoring, this smartwatch provides a holistic view of one's overall health.
For sports enthusiasts, the Redmi Watch 5 comes equipped with GPS and GNSS for expanding fitness horizons.Plus, its fitness-and-exercise capabilities are unparalleled, offering over 100 workout modes for any sort of exercise.
Furthermore, technology gadget lovers will appreciate the smart-home-device integration as well as the stylish design, making the Redmi Watch 5 a versatile accessory for daily life and sports activities.
