The Redmi Watch 5 Active, launched at an attractive price of Rs 2,799, is one of the latest budget-friendly wearables from Xiaomi. This smartwatch builds on the company’s earlier releases, including the Redmi Watch 3 Active, but brings new features that cater to fitness enthusiasts and those looking for a versatile everyday smartwatch. This article will explore its design, display, customization options, health tracking features, connectivity, performance, battery life, and overall value, giving you an in-depth look at what this affordable smartwatch has to offer.
Design: Simple Yet Effective
At first glance, the Redmi Watch 5 Active may not appear dramatically different from its predecessor, the Redmi Watch 3 Active. The core design remains somewhat similar, with the primary upgrade being the introduction of a zinc alloy metal body that gives the watch a more polished and sophisticated feel. While this metal body enhances its premium look, the watch can still feel a bit bulky, making it more suitable for casual or sportswear. If you’re planning to wear it with formal attire, its somewhat rugged aesthetic might not be the best fit.
The 40.4mm dial size is comfortable for most users, though some may prefer a slightly larger display for a bolder statement. “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” as Leonardo da Vinci once said, and Xiaomi seems to have embraced this philosophy with the Watch 5 Active. The minimalist design caters to functionality while still offering a touch of elegance.
However, the polyurethane strap—while easy to clean and detachable—can get dirty after about a week of regular use. This isn’t a deal-breaker, as the strap is replaceable, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re someone who prefers a low-maintenance accessory.
Display: Bright and Vibrant, But Lacks Auto-Brightness
One of the standout features of the Redmi Watch 5 Active is its 2-inch flat display with a 500-nit peak brightness, ensuring that texts and visuals appear sharp and vibrant. The display is responsive, and the touch controls work smoothly, making navigation through menus easy. However, it’s important to note that, unlike premium smartwatches such as the Apple Watch, the Redmi Watch 5 Active doesn’t include a rotating crown for navigation. Still, the overall display performance is quite satisfying for its price.
Unfortunately, the watch does not have auto-brightness or an always-on display. These features are generally reserved for higher-end smartwatches, so it’s understandable that they are missing at this price point. However, if you frequently switch between indoor and outdoor environments, adjusting the brightness manually could become a minor inconvenience.
Additionally, while the display is surrounded by relatively thick bezels, it doesn’t significantly detract from the overall user experience. Xiaomi has designed the interface to make efficient use of the available screen space, so the bezels become less noticeable as you use the watch.
Customization and Functionality
One of the Redmi Watch 5 Active’s strengths lies in its customization options. You can choose from over 200 watch faces, including dynamic, customizable faces that allow users to upload personal photos from their gallery. Whether you’re someone who loves switching between different designs or wants to personalize your watch with meaningful images, the Redmi Watch 5 Active makes it easy to tailor your device to your personality.
The physical power button located on the right side serves multiple functions, including waking the watch, taking you to the home screen, and powering the device on or off with a long press. While the button is functional, it might not be as versatile as the digital crowns found on higher-end models like the Apple Watch Series 7.
In terms of daily usability, the watch performs well, thanks in part to its magnetic charging port located beneath the sensors on the back. The watch is compatible with a variety of charging setups and charges relatively quickly, which is essential for users who are always on the go.
Health Tracking Features: Comprehensive but Standard
Health tracking is another area where the Redmi Watch 5 Active excels. It comes equipped with an array of features that monitor various aspects of your well-being, including an SpO2 sensor, heart rate monitor, stress monitor, and sleep tracker. These tools help users keep an eye on their daily fitness levels and overall health, providing data that can be viewed through the Mi Fitness app.
The watch also includes a menstrual cycle tracker, which makes it more appealing to female users looking for a budget-friendly health companion. Furthermore, the Redmi Watch 5 Active supports over 140 sports modes, with automatic activation for popular activities like walking and running. When you start a walk or a run, the watch will detect the movement within about four minutes and prompt you to enable workout mode. This feature makes it easier for users to track their activities without needing to manually engage workout modes.
However, it’s worth mentioning that while these features are useful, they are fairly standard across most fitness trackers and budget smartwatches today. The auto-detect feature for workouts is a nice touch, but it’s something we’ve seen in many other devices, such as the Amazfit Bip U Pro.
Connectivity and Performance: Reliable for Everyday Use
The Redmi Watch 5 Active is powered by Xiaomi’s HyperOS, and it offers Bluetooth connectivity for linking with your smartphone. The pairing process with the Mi Fitness app is seamless, particularly for Android users, making it simple to set fitness goals, choose watch faces, and manage notifications. However, while you can receive notifications on the watch, you can’t reply to them. The lack of Wi-Fi or cellular support means that the watch is always dependent on your smartphone for connectivity.
One of the more exciting features is the Bluetooth calling function, which works surprisingly well at this price point. You can answer and make calls directly from the watch, and the audio quality is clear on both ends. This feature also includes Emergency SOS calling, a thoughtful addition for users concerned about safety during workouts or everyday activities.
That said, you should keep in mind that GPS is missing from the Redmi Watch 5 Active. If you’re someone who enjoys outdoor activities like running or cycling, you will need to have your smartphone nearby to track your location accurately. However, for indoor workouts or casual fitness enthusiasts, this won’t be a significant issue.
Battery Life: A Solid Performer
Battery life is often a crucial factor for smartwatch users, and Xiaomi claims the Redmi Watch 5 Active can last up to 18 days on a single charge, thanks to its 470mAh battery. In real-world use, however, the battery life tends to fall slightly short of this ambitious claim. With the auto-detect feature and full brightness enabled, the battery dropped to about 64% after two days of use. This indicates that under normal conditions, the watch can last between 10 and 12 days, which is still impressive for a smartwatch in this price range.
Charging the watch takes approximately 1.5 hours, which is quite efficient compared to other budget smartwatches. If you’re a casual user who primarily uses the watch for notifications and occasional workouts, the battery should easily last you a week or more between charges. However, more active users who frequently utilize the sports modes and health tracking features may need to charge it more frequently.
Is It Worth It?
For those in the market for an affordable smartwatch, the Redmi Watch 5 Active offers a compelling package. At Rs 2,799, it competes with other budget-friendly wearables like the Itel Unicorn smartwatch and the Amazfit Bip U Pro, but it manages to stand out with its sleek design, customizable features, robust health tracking capabilities, and impressive battery life.
It’s true that the lack of features like auto-brightness, always-on display, and Wi-Fi support might deter some users, but it’s important to consider the price point. Xiaomi has managed to strike a fine balance between cost and features, offering a device that is both functional and stylish without breaking the bank. If you’re someone who is new to smartwatches or just needs a reliable fitness companion, the Redmi Watch 5 Active should be on your radar.
As Steve Jobs famously said, “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” While the Redmi Watch 5 Active may not be at the cutting edge of smartwatch technology, it certainly leads in the budget segment, offering impressive features for a fraction of the cost of high-end competitors.