The Redmi Watch 5 Active is Xiaomi’s latest addition to its lineup of affordable smartwatches, combining essential fitness features with a budget-friendly price tag. Priced at just ₹2,799, the watch aims to provide a comprehensive health-tracking experience without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into the features, performance, and overall value of the Redmi Watch 5 Active.
Key Specifications
- Display: 2-inch LCD, 320 x 385 pixels, up to 500 nits brightness
- Battery: 470mAh, up to 18 days typical usage
- Water Resistance: IPX8 rated
- Sports Modes: 140+ sports modes
- Watch Faces: 200+ customizable options
- OS Compatibility: Android 6.0+ and iOS 12+
- Additional Features: Bluetooth calling, Alexa voice assistant, SpO2, heart rate monitoring
Design and Build Quality
The Redmi Watch 5 Active boasts a rectangular 2-inch LCD display housed in a zinc-alloy metallic body. The display offers 320 x 385-pixel resolution with a peak brightness of up to 500 nits, ensuring clear visibility even under bright sunlight. Its rounded corners and simplistic design make it visually appealing, while the IPX8 water resistance rating means it can withstand submersion in water up to a certain depth, making it ideal for everyday wear and light swimming.
- Dimensions: 49.1 x 40.4 x 11.4 mm
- Weight: 42.2 grams (with straps)
- Colors: Available in Matte Silver and Midnight Black
The watch is equipped with a side button for quick navigation and a touch-responsive screen that performs well even when wet. The silicon straps provide comfort during extended use, and the overall build feels sturdy yet lightweight.
Display Features
The 2-inch LCD display of the Redmi Watch 5 Active is large and provides good clarity. The screen supports raise-to-wake and double-tap-to-wake features, adding convenience. The display can also be turned off by placing a palm over it. With 500 nits of peak brightness, users can comfortably read notifications outdoors without needing to tilt their wrists excessively.
- Interactive UI: Smooth and intuitive navigation
- Customizability: More than 200 watch faces available for personalizing the watch
Fitness and Health Tracking
The Redmi Watch 5 Active focuses heavily on health and fitness tracking. It supports 140+ sports modes, ranging from basic activities like walking and running to more specific exercises like cycling and yoga. The watch automatically detects some workouts, making it easy for users to start tracking their fitness routines without manually selecting the activity.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Tracks continuous heart rate throughout the day
- SpO2 Monitoring: Measures blood oxygen saturation levels
- Sleep Tracking: Monitors different sleep stages (light, deep, REM)
- Stress and Breathing Exercises: Helps in managing stress with guided breathing exercises
- Female Health Tracking: Monitors menstrual cycles and predicts ovulation
While the watch offers comprehensive tracking, it’s important to note that some metrics like heart rate and SpO2 readings are not as accurate as those found in higher-end models. However, they provide a good overview of general health trends.
Performance and Software
Running on Xiaomi’s HyperOS, the Redmi Watch 5 Active delivers a smooth user experience. The Bluetooth 5.3 support allows for seamless connectivity with Android and iOS devices. Once paired with a phone, the device is easy to set up and navigate through its intuitive interface.
- Alexa Integration: Built-in Alexa voice assistant allows users to set reminders, check the weather, and control smart home devices
- Calls and Notifications: Supports Bluetooth calling, quick replies, and notifications directly on the wrist
- Mi Fitness App Compatibility: Syncs with Xiaomi’s Mi Fitness app, Strava, and Apple Health for comprehensive health data management
The user interface is fluid, and while there may be occasional glitches, Xiaomi’s history of providing timely software updates is reassuring.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Redmi Watch 5 Active is its impressive battery life. Equipped with a 470mAh battery, the watch can last up to 18 days under typical usage and 12 days with heavy usage.
- Charging Method: Magnetic pin charging
- Battery Testing: Lasted 11-12 days in testing with features like heart rate monitoring and occasional Bluetooth calls
Even under more intensive conditions, the battery performance is notable, making it a strong competitor in this price segment.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable pricing under ₹3,000
- Large, bright display with good outdoor visibility
- Long battery life
- Extensive fitness and health tracking options
- Bluetooth calling and Alexa integration
- Water-resistant with IPX8 rating
Cons:
- Some inaccuracies in health metrics compared to more expensive models
- Occasional UI glitches
- Limited high-precision features
Verdict: Is the Redmi Watch 5 Active Worth Buying?
For a price of ₹2,799, the Redmi Watch 5 Active offers a solid combination of essential features, making it a great choice for budget-conscious consumers. With its long-lasting battery, comfortable design, and useful fitness tracking, it delivers good value for money.
If you are looking for an affordable fitness tracker with smart features like Bluetooth calling and Alexa integration, the Redmi Watch 5 Active is definitely worth considering. However, keep in mind that some health metrics may not be as precise as those on premium devices. Overall, it is an excellent daily companion for those who want to monitor their fitness and health without spending a fortune.
The Redmi Watch 5 Active manages to strike a good balance between cost and features, making it a compelling option in the budget smartwatch segment.
