Huawei Watch 5 Review (2025): Brilliant Design, But There's a Catch

The Huawei Watch 5 is a wearable that dazzles with its remarkable 3,000 nits peak brightness, making it one of the brightest smartwatches we've encountered. Sporting an elegant design with a 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display and an impressive 80% screen-to-body ratio on the 46mm model, this timepiece certainly makes a statement on the wrist.

At a medium price point for the standard 46mm model and a higher point for the titanium version, this Huawei fitness watch offers substantial battery performance, lasting up to 4.5 days in standard mode and potentially extending to 11 days in battery saver mode. The watch supports both Android and iOS devices, featuring over 100 sports modes including a detailed golf mode with on-course data. However, is this impressive spec sheet enough to justify its premium positioning? Let's find out.

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What Is the Huawei Watch 5 and Who Is It For?

In the premium smartwatch landscape, the Huawei Watch 5 stands as the company's 2025 flagship wearable, a device that expertly balances sophisticated aesthetics with comprehensive health and fitness tracking. Unlike previous generations, this year Huawei has foregone a Pro variant, positioning the Watch 5 as its singular top-tier offering.

Target Audience: Fitness Enthusiasts and Style Seekers

The Huawei Watch 5 primarily appeals to those who demand both performance and elegance from their wearable technology. With over 100 workout modes, the watch serves fitness enthusiasts remarkably well. The sports tracking capabilities extend beyond basic activities to include 14 professional-level sports such as golf and freediving. For dedicated athletes, the watch broadcasts heart rate to gym equipment, enhancing the integration between the device and workout machinery.

Style-conscious users will appreciate the premium construction materials. The watch comes crafted in either aerospace-grade titanium or 904L stainless steel, with the titanium model weighing just 58g without the strap. Colour options are particularly noteworthy, the exclusive Purple and Sand Gold finishes offer distinctive sophistication that works seamlessly in professional environments.

Furthermore, the visual appeal extends to its streamlined, Kármán line-inspired curves that maintain elegance while housing advanced technology. At 46mm, the larger model features an impressive 1.5-inch LTPO 2.0 AMOLED display that remains perfectly visible even under direct sunlight, thanks to its 1,500 nits brightness.

Compatibility with Android and iOS

One of the Watch 5's most significant advantages over competitors is its broad compatibility. Unlike many higher end smartwatches that limit themselves to a single ecosystem, the Huawei Watch 5 works fluidly with both Android and iOS devices. This cross-platform functionality makes it an excellent alternative for users who might switch between operating systems or households with mixed device preferences.

Moreover, the device supports seamless switching between Huawei wearables on a single device, allowing users to alternate between the Watch 5 and other models like the Watch Fit 4 without complicated resets. For those seeking independence from their smartphones, selected models offer eSIM support, enabling cellular connectivity for calls and messages without a phone nearby.

How It Compares to Huawei Watch GT and Fit Series

Within Huawei's wearable ecosystem, the Watch 5 distinguishes itself as the premium offering above both the GT and Fit lines. While the GT 5 offers impressive battery performance of up to 14 days compared to the Watch 5's 4.5 days in standard mode, the flagship compensates with advanced features unavailable in other lines.

Most notably, the Watch 5 introduces the innovative X-Tap sensor, a pressure-sensitive electrode on the side of the watch body that enables comprehensive health monitoring through fingertip measurements. This technology delivers faster and more accurate readings than the wrist-based sensors in the GT and Fit series.

Additionally, the Watch 5 features more sophisticated positioning capabilities than its siblings, with the Sunflower Positioning System providing 35% more accurate location tracking. Meanwhile, the Watch Fit series maintains its signature square design philosophy, targeting those who prefer a lighter (30.4g) and more rectangular aesthetic.

Essentially, within Huawei's lineup, the Watch 5 represents the pinnacle of their health tracking technology, with the GT series offering better battery performance at a lower price point, and the Fit series delivering a lighter, more casual experience for everyday users.

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Real-World Design and Comfort: Wearing It Daily and at Night

Beyond specifications, the Huawei Watch 5 shines in everyday use, where its thoughtful design elements become truly apparent. After spending considerable time with this wearable, its real-world performance reveals impressive attention to detail that goes beyond what appears on the spec sheet.

Sleep Tracking Comfort and Ergonomics

Nighttime wearability stands out as a significant strength of the Huawei Watch 5. The titanium version weighs a mere 58g without the strap, making it 45% lighter than its stainless steel predecessor. Although heavier than some competitors like the Xiaomi Watch S4 (44.5g), the curved profile allows the watch to sit more comfortably against the wrist.

When it comes to sleep analysis, the watch provides comprehensive data including sleep times, phases, and overall quality. The balance of its assessment system appears remarkably well-calibrated—neither overly pessimistic nor excessively optimistic in its scoring. Detailed sleep stage information remains clearly visible directly on the watch, with more granular analysis accessible through the companion app.

Especially valuable for overnight wear is the watch's multi-day battery performance. The 46mm model delivers approximately two weeks of typical use between charges (or about three days with the Always-On display active), while the 42mm version consistently provides over 48 hours before needing a recharge.

Visual Appeal in Social and Professional Settings

In professional environments, the Watch 5 strikes an impressive balance between sophisticated design and cutting-edge technology. The spherical sapphire glass creates a refined, almost analogue timepiece aesthetic that draws attention without appearing ostentatious.

The visual impact cannot be overstated—during testing, the titanium silver model with metal link bracelet prompted compliments on public transport, at dinner with friends, and even during client meetings. The sleek, racing-inspired design with curved titanium tapering seamlessly into the domed glass display creates a distinctive silhouette.

For more formal settings, the titanium version offers unmatched elegance, though the purple and cosmic options provide surprisingly subtle sophistication that works remarkably well with business attire. Furthermore, the slim 2.2mm bezel on the 46mm model (or 1.8mm on the 42mm) contributes to the premium look, with screen-to-body ratios reaching 80.4% and 82.5% respectively.

Health Features in Action: Daily Use of the X-Tap Sensor

The X-Tap sensor represents the most significant innovation in the Huawei Watch 5, fundamentally changing how we interact with health tracking features. This ingenious side-mounted module combines three distinct sensors—ECG, PPG, and a 10-level tactile sensor—into a single compact unit, creating an entirely new approach to health monitoring.

Using Health Glance in Routine

Activating Health Glance couldn't be more straightforward—simply press and hold the X-Tap sensor for three seconds from anywhere in the menu. The measurement begins automatically, requiring about 30 seconds of direct contact for ECG readings, followed by approximately 15 seconds for capturing additional metrics. What makes this truly practical is how effortlessly it fits into daily life. Whether waiting for the kettle to boil or standing in a queue for morning coffee, the quick 60-second process easily becomes part of regular routines.

After completing the scan, the Huawei Watch 5 generates a comprehensive report viewable both on the watch itself and in the Huawei Health app. Historical reports remain accessible by swiping up on the Health Glance app home screen, making trend monitoring remarkably straightforward.

Accuracy of ECG, SpO2, and HRV Readings

The X-Tap sensor substantially improves measurement accuracy compared to traditional wrist-based readings. This improvement stems from the fingertip's biological advantages—rich in capillaries and arterial networks while lacking factors that typically interfere with wrist readings, such as body hair, skin tone variations, and tattoos.

SpO2 measurement via X-Tap is particularly impressive, delivering reliable pulse oximetry results in under 10 seconds—an industry-leading speed for smartwatch oxygen readings. Heart rate variability (HRV) tracking, a first for smartwatches according to Huawei, provides valuable insights into autonomic nervous system balance. The watch establishes a reliable baseline after approximately 6-7 days of readings, with higher HRV generally indicating better health.

One slight quirk worth noting involves blood pressure readings within Health Glance. Since the Watch 5 can't measure blood pressure directly, it displays the last reading from the Huawei Health app, regardless of how old that data might be.

Cough-Based Respiratory Analysis

Undoubtedly the most novel health feature is the respiratory analysis function, which requires coughing 2-3 times while the watch records and analyses the audio. This unique approach to respiratory health assessment functions reliably, albeit with one practical limitation—performing the cough test in public settings might draw unwanted attention.

The respiratory check forms part of the One-Tap Health Glance suite, which currently incorporates nine distinct health metrics: heart rate, HRV, SpO2, skin temperature, stress, ECG, arterial stiffness, respiratory overview, and sleep breathing awareness. Collectively, these features position the Huawei fitness watch as second to none for health tracking in the smartwatch market.

Fitness Tracking and Sports Modes: From Gym to Outdoors

With over 100 sports modes available, the Huawei Watch 5 stands as a versatile fitness companion for virtually any activity imaginable. First and foremost, the range extends far beyond basic tracking, encompassing everything from cross-country running and skiing to golfing and even freediving.

Running, Cycling, and Swimming Performance

The performance tracking capabilities truly shine during outdoor activities. The new Sunflower Positioning System delivers 35% more accurate positioning, consequently improving route tracking precision for runners and cyclists alike. For running enthusiasts, the watch provides advanced metrics including balance, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation – insights that help prevent injury and improve technique.

Cycling performance tracking is particularly impressive, as the Watch 5 can be paired with power metres, giving access to professional-level metrics. Swimming tracking works flawlessly in both pool and open water settings, with the watch even supporting freediving by tracking depth and recovery time with guided breathing.

Auto-Detection and Guided Workouts

One of the most practical features we appreciate is the auto-detection function for four key activities: elliptical, rowing, running, and walking. In practise, the watch identifies increased activity after approximately 3-5 minutes of consistent movement, promptly suggesting workout recording. This functionality requires maintaining proper form – for instance, walking at a cadence of at least 110 steps/minute.

In addition to automatic tracking, the Huawei Health app offers structured training programmes. These include:

• Beginner to advanced running courses
• Weight loss programmes
• Muscle-building routines
• Jump rope training sequences

Following these guided workouts is straightforward, as the app displays live video instructions while the watch simultaneously records all relevant metrics.

Heart Rate Broadcast to Gym Equipment

A standout feature that gives the Huawei Watch 5 an edge over many competitors is its ability to broadcast heart rate data to compatible gym equipment. This proves particularly valuable when using Concept2 rowers and similar machines, creating a more integrated workout experience than what's possible with Watch OS or Wear OS alternatives. As a result, the watch effectively transforms into an extension of gym equipment, providing real-time biometric feedback precisely where you need it.

Battery Life and Charging: How Long Does It Really Last?

The battery performance of the Huawei Watch 5 stands out as one of its defining features, striking an impressive balance between power-hungry capabilities and longevity. After extensive use in various scenarios, we've gathered considerable insights into its real-world endurance.

Standard vs Battery Saver Mode

The Huawei Watch 5 comes equipped with two distinct battery modes that significantly alter its performance profile. In Standard mode, the 46mm model delivers approximately 4.5 days of typical use, while the 42mm variant manages around 3 days. Enabling the Always-On Display (AOD) predictably reduces these figures to 3 days and 2 days respectively.

Battery Saver mode dramatically extends these figures:

• 46mm model: Up to 11 days maximum, with 7 days typical usage
• 42mm model: Up to 7 days maximum, with 5 days typical usage

Switching between these modes takes merely 3 seconds, a substantial improvement over the previous generation's 30-second transition time. Furthermore, the watch automatically enters Battery Saver mode when the charge falls below 15%, subsequently returning to Standard mode once recharged above this threshold.

Charging Time and Qi Compatibility

The charging experience proves equally impressive, with the included HUAWEI WATCH Wireless SuperCharger (2nd generation) replenishing the 46mm model (867 mAh) in approximately 90 minutes from empty. The 42mm version (540 mAh) requires just 60 minutes for a full charge. Remarkably, even a brief 15-minute charge provides enough power for meaningful usage.

We noticed that using non-original chargers significantly affects charging efficiency, potentially extending charging times to 100-200 minutes. Hence, sticking with the provided charging cradle remains advisable for optimal performance.

Daily Charging Strategy for Active Users

For users who fully exploit the watch's capabilities, adopting a strategic charging approach yields the best results. Rather than waiting for complete depletion, incorporating a 30-minute charge during regular activities—perhaps during a shower or desk work—effectively keeps the watch powered without extended downtime.

This approach proves particularly valuable given how power consumption varies with usage patterns. GPS-heavy activities markedly reduce battery life, whereas disabling features like heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking in Battery Saver mode can extend it considerably. iPhone users should note slightly reduced battery performance, with the 46mm model lasting approximately 3 days in Standard mode when paired with iOS devices.

Final Thoughts: Is the Huawei Watch 5 Worth the Premium Price?

After thoroughly examining the Huawei Watch 5, we've discovered a wearable that genuinely impresses in most categories. The striking 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display with its remarkable 3,000 nits peak brightness certainly stands out among competitors. Undoubtedly, the elegant titanium and stainless steel design options create a premium aesthetic that works equally well in professional settings and casual environments.

The X-Tap sensor deserves special mention as it fundamentally transforms health monitoring on a smartwatch. Rather than relying solely on wrist-based measurements, this innovative approach delivers significantly more accurate readings through fingertip contact. Nevertheless, the cough-based respiratory analysis, while technically impressive, might prove awkward to use in public spaces.

Battery life remains a strong point for the Watch 5, though not quite reaching the longevity of the GT series. Still, 4.5 days of standard use from the 46mm model feels ample for most users. Additionally, the quick charging capability proves particularly valuable, with even brief 15-minute charges providing meaningful power boosts.

Cross-platform compatibility with both Android and iOS devices certainly broadens the appeal of this wearable, especially for those who switch between operating systems. Furthermore, the comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities with over 100 sports modes cater to virtually every activity imaginable.

Overall, the Huawei Watch 5 establishes itself as a premium contender in the smartwatch market. Despite facing strong competition, it carves out a distinct position through its innovative health features and sophisticated design. Though not without minor drawbacks, this wearable ultimately delivers an impressive package that balances technological innovation with everyday practicality.