The Redmi Watch 5 Active stormed onto the Indian wearable tech scene in August 2024, promising a feature-packed experience at an incredibly attractive price point. As a successor to the Redmi Watch 3 Active, this new iteration boasts significant upgrades, including a larger display, Bluetooth calling, and a sleek new design. But does it live up to the hype? I spent a week with the Redmi Watch 5 Active, putting it through its paces to see if it truly delivers on its promises.
Design and Display:
The first thing you’ll notice about the Redmi Watch 5 Active is its stylish design. The watch features a rectangular dial with a metallic finish that gives it a premium look and feel. It’s lightweight and comfortable to wear, even during long periods. The 2-inch LCD display is bright and vibrant, with a resolution of 320 x 385 pixels. While it’s not an AMOLED display, it offers decent visibility even under direct sunlight. However, one design quirk that I found slightly bothersome is the uneven bezel around the display. The bottom bezel is noticeably thicker than the others, which creates a slight visual imbalance.
Features and Performance:
The Redmi Watch 5 Active is packed with features, including over 100 sports modes, heart rate monitoring, SpO2 monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress monitoring. It also supports Bluetooth calling, allowing you to make and receive calls directly from your wrist. In my experience, most of these features worked well. The step tracking and sleep tracking were fairly accurate, and the Bluetooth calling functionality was clear and reliable. However, I found the heart rate and SpO2 readings to be less consistent compared to more expensive smartwatches.
Software and User Experience:
The watch runs on Xiaomi’s HyperOS, which provides a smooth and intuitive user experience. Navigating through the menus and accessing different features is a breeze. The watch also comes with built-in Alexa support, allowing you to control smart home devices, set reminders, and get information with just your voice. One minor issue I encountered was occasional glitches in the UI, but these were infrequent and didn’t significantly impact the overall experience.
Battery Life:
Redmi claims that the Watch 5 Active can last up to 12 days on a single charge with heavy usage. In my testing, I found this claim to be fairly accurate. With moderate usage, including daily activity tracking, notifications, and occasional Bluetooth calls, the watch easily lasted for about a week before needing a recharge.
Value and Competition:
Priced under ₹3,000, the Redmi Watch 5 Active offers excellent value for money. It’s a budget-friendly smartwatch that packs a punch in terms of features and performance. It faces stiff competition from other brands like Noise and boAt, which offer similar features at comparable price points. However, the Redmi Watch 5 Active stands out with its sleek design, built-in Alexa support, and reliable Bluetooth calling functionality.
What I Liked:
- Stylish design and comfortable fit
- Bright and vibrant display
- Comprehensive fitness tracking features
- Reliable Bluetooth calling
- Smooth and intuitive user experience
- Long battery life
- Excellent value for money
What Could Be Improved:
- Uneven display bezel
- Occasional UI glitches
- Heart rate and SpO2 readings could be more accurate
The Redmi Watch 5 Active is a compelling choice for those seeking a budget-friendly smartwatch for everyday use. It offers a great combination of features, style, and performance. While it’s not perfect, with a few minor quirks like the uneven bezel and occasional UI glitches, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. If you’re looking for a reliable daily companion to track your activity levels, stay connected, and enjoy the convenience of a smartwatch without breaking the bank, the Redmi Watch 5 Active is definitely worth considering.
Should you buy the Redmi Watch 5 Active?
If you’re on a tight budget and looking for a smartwatch with a good set of features, long battery life, and a stylish design, then the Redmi Watch 5 Active is a great option. However, if you prioritize accurate health tracking and a flawless user experience, you might want to consider spending a bit more on a higher-end smartwatch.
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