Xiaomi Global Review
Redmi Watch 5 Active: Deep Dive
A comprehensive review of Xiaomi’s budget-friendly smartwatch, exploring its strengths, limitations, and overall value in the active wearables market. With a strong 4.5 out of 5 stars average rating from global users, it is clear this watch resonates with many.
Image credit: Amazon
Current Market Price (Approx.)
~₹4,890 / ~$44.99
Unbeatable Value for Feature Set
Defining Strengths
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Exceptional Battery Longevity
Offers up to 18 days in typical usage, significantly reducing charging hassle.
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Crystal-Clear Bluetooth Calling
Dual-mic noise reduction ensures clear on-wrist conversations, a standout feature for its price.
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Large, Fluid LCD Display
A spacious 2.0″ LCD screen with a 60Hz refresh rate offers responsive and ample viewing space.
Overall Assessment
The Redmi Watch 5 Active stands as a testament to Xiaomi’s ability to deliver compelling features at an aggressive price point. It is an excellent gateway smartwatch for first-time buyers and everyday users who value long battery life and on-wrist communication over high-end features like built-in GPS or extensive third-party app support. While it makes calculated compromises, its core functionality and user satisfaction (evidenced by strong global ratings) make it a budget champion.
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Don’t miss out on a smartwatch that offers exceptional battery life and clear Bluetooth calling at an unbeatable price. Click below to secure yours today!
In-Depth Performance Analysis
Here, we dive into the specific performance aspects of the Redmi Watch 5 Active. Understanding these details, including real-world observations and common user feedback, is crucial for an informed decision.
🔋 Battery Life: Exceeding Expectations
Xiaomi claims an impressive up to 18 days of battery life in typical usage and 12 days under heavy conditions. In real-world testing, while these “up to” figures are often optimistic, the Watch 5 Active still delivers a phenomenal performance, consistently lasting 9-12 days with smart heart rate tracking, sleep monitoring, and occasional calls enabled. Even with heavier use, including GPS-tracked workouts, it can still last a full week.
Users frequently praise its “impressive” and “great” battery life, often citing it as a major reason for satisfaction. This longevity minimizes charging frequency, significantly enhancing user convenience. The 470mAh battery fully recharges in under 2 hours.
PRO Exceptional Endurance: Real-world battery life consistently impresses, reducing charging anxiety.
🖥️ Display: Clear & Responsive
Image credit: Amazon
The Redmi Watch 5 Active features a 2.0-inch LCD display (320×385 pixels, 251 PPI) with a smooth 60Hz refresh rate. Users describe the screen as “bright enough” and “smooth” in its responsiveness for general daily use, with thin bezels maximizing the viewing area for a modern aesthetic.
However, as an LCD panel, it has inherent limitations compared to AMOLED displays found in higher-end smartwatches. It cannot achieve “deep black levels” and consequently does not offer a true, power-efficient Always-On Display (AOD) mode. While functional for its price, this is a trade-off in visual vibrancy and constant time display convenience.
PRO Size & Fluidity: Large screen with smooth 60Hz experience enhances daily interaction.
CON No True AOD: LCD technology limits power-efficient always-on display.
🏃 Fitness Tracking: Geared for Casual Use
With over 140 sport modes and automatic detection for common activities, the Watch 5 Active covers essential fitness tracking metrics like calories, steps, heart rate, and distance. Its sleep monitoring is a strong point, accurately measuring sleep length and cycles, which users generally find helpful.
However, a key consideration is the absence of built-in GPS. The watch relies on a connected smartphone, which some users report can lead to “frequently overreported distance” or signal dropouts. Heart rate tracking, while 24-hour, is “still not great” for high-intensity periods, often showing lower readings compared to dedicated monitors. SpO2 monitoring is available, but not for medical diagnosis.
Image credit: Amazon
PRO Solid Sleep Tracking: Provides accurate insights into sleep patterns.
CON Connected GPS: Relies on phone, leading to potential inaccuracies.
CON HR Inconsistency: Heart rate tracking may not be precise during intense workouts.
📞 Bluetooth Calling: Key Convenience with Nuances
The ability to answer and make calls directly from the wrist is a major highlight. With dual-mic noise reduction and AI noise cancellation, call quality is generally described as “fine,” “clear enough,” and “loud enough” by reviewers and users, even in noisy environments.
However, there are some quirks. The watch does not support calls from third-party apps like WhatsApp, and users frequently report that phone calls consistently default to the watch, making it cumbersome to switch to other audio outputs (e.g., car audio). Some also experience incoming calls not appearing on the watch, potentially due to OS incompatibility.
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PRO On-Wrist Convenience: Easy call management from the wrist.
CON No 3rd-Party Calls: Limited to standard phone calls.
CON Audio Default Issues: Calls often default to watch, requiring manual switching.
General Software & Feature Feedback
Beyond core performance, customer feedback often highlights other aspects of the watch’s software and usability, which are crucial for the overall experience.
Interface & Ease of Use
Users consistently praise the HyperOS as “slick,” “functional,” and “fluid.” The interface is described as “responsive and easy to use,” contributing to a smooth daily experience. “Raise to Wake” gesture functions perfectly.
PROLimited App Ecosystem
A significant limitation is the absence of a Google Play Store or support for third-party apps. Functionality is restricted to pre-installed apps, making it an “advanced smart band” rather than a full smartwatch in terms of extensibility.
CONBasic Notifications
While notifications are instant, reply capabilities are absent, and emoji support is limited (unsupported emojis appear as “□”). Quick response options are not available, and iPhone users cannot respond to notifications.
CONWatch Face Storage
Despite 200+ online watch faces, only a maximum of six can be stored on the device at any time. This can be a “big issue” for users who frequently swap faces due to the watch’s 192MB memory.
CONDurability & Build
Customers laud its durability, citing “no scratches” on the screen and the rubber strap maintaining its “brand new” look. The metal-sprayed zinc alloy frame adds to its robust feel.
PROProprietary Charger
The watch uses a proprietary magnetic charging cable, which means it is not compatible with standard USB-C or wireless chargers, a minor inconvenience for users.
CONConclusion & Final Recommendations
The Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active firmly establishes itself as a **budget champion** in the smartwatch market. It excels in delivering core functionalities that matter most to a large segment of users: exceptional battery life and reliable Bluetooth calling. While it makes strategic compromises on features like a true Always-On Display and built-in GPS, these trade-offs are justifiable given its highly competitive price point.
Ideal User Profile
- First-time smartwatch buyers: An affordable entry into wearable tech without a high financial commitment.
- Casual fitness enthusiasts: Perfect for basic activity tracking, especially if you carry your smartphone for GPS.
- Users prioritizing long battery life: If frequent charging is a hassle, this watch delivers impressive endurance.
- Individuals valuing on-wrist calls: Its clear Bluetooth calling is a standout convenience at this price.
- Android users (especially Xiaomi): Likely to experience the most seamless integration.
Final Verdict
For those seeking a highly affordable smartwatch that provides excellent value in battery life and communication features, the Redmi Watch 5 Active is an outstanding choice. It’s a pragmatic device built for everyday utility. However, if your priorities lean towards advanced fitness precision, a rich third-party app ecosystem, or premium display features, you might consider investing in a higher-tier device.
Ultimately, the Redmi Watch 5 Active is a **smart buy** that brings essential smartwatch capabilities to a wider audience, proving that you do not always need to spend a fortune for a capable wearable.
Ready to Experience the Redmi Watch 5 Active?
Don’t miss out on a smartwatch that offers exceptional battery life and clear Bluetooth calling at an unbeatable price. Click below to secure yours today!
