Review of the Redmi Watch 5 Active: Affordable Fitness Smartwatch

Technical Specifications of the Redmi Watch 5 Active

The Redmi Watch 5 Active is an affordable smartwatch from Xiaomi, successfully combining functionality with a simple yet stylish design.

This device is aimed at those looking for a budget-friendly fitness tracker with enhanced features for monitoring activity and health.

Display

• Type: 2-inch square LCD screen
• Resolution: 320×385 pixels (250 ppi density)
• Brightness: up to 500 nits

Body and Strap

• Case Material: Plastic with matte finish
• Colors: Midnight Black and Matte Silver
• Strap Material: TPU
• Strap Length: Fits wrists from 135 to 205 mm
• Weight: 42.2 g
• Dimensions: 49.1×40.4×11.4 mm
• Water Resistance: 5 ATM (up to 50 meters)

Battery

• Capacity: 470 mAh
• Battery Life: Up to 18 days with regular use

Functions

• Over 140 workout modes with automatic activity detection
• Heart rate, SpO₂, and stress monitoring
• Sleep quality tracking
• Bluetooth calls with noise cancellation
• Over 200 customizable watch faces

Connectivity and Compatibility

• Bluetooth 5.3
• Compatibility: Devices running Android 8.0 or higher, iOS 12.0 or higher
• Operating System: Xiaomi HyperOS

Design and Display

The Redmi Watch 5 Active is equipped with a large 2-inch LCD display with a resolution of 320×385 pixels and a brightness of up to 500 nits, providing good visibility outdoors, although bright sunlight may present some challenges.

The device features thick bezels, especially noticeable at the bottom, which is not critical to the design but does stand out. The watch lacks an AMOLED display, but it does support the “raise to wake” function, which activates the screen with a hand movement.

The case is made of zinc alloy, making the watch light and durable, while the IPX8 rating ensures resistance to sweat and splashes, though it doesn’t offer dust protection.

Performance and Interface

The Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active runs on HyperOS, making the interface fast and easy to use. The menu supports two display modes: grid or list, which simplifies navigation.

You can access key features using swipes: swipe up for settings, swipe down for notifications, and swipe left or right for widgets, which can be customized to your preference.

The watch also supports Bluetooth calling, making it a convenient communication tool on the go. However, the microphone quality may require positioning it closer to your face for better clarity.

A notable feature of this model is the support for Amazon Alexa, allowing you to control smart devices or get answers to questions. However, some features, such as controlling music via Alexa, are not supported.

Fitness and Health

The focus is on health tracking features, such as:

• Heart rate monitoring
• Blood oxygen level measurement (SpO2)
• Stress and sleep tracking
• Women’s health calendar and breathing exercises

Support for over 140 sports modes makes the watch a valuable tool for those who are active in sports. The accuracy of step and sleep tracking is commendable for its price, and the built-in GPS allows for route tracking during outdoor workouts. This is a significant advantage over previous models, where GPS was not available.

Battery Life

The smartwatch is equipped with a 470mAh battery, allowing it to last up to 18 days in minimal activity mode or 10-12 days with intensive use.

Charging is done via a magnetic connector and takes about 1.5 hours. There’s also an Ultra Battery Saver mode to extend battery life when it’s running low.

Conclusion

The Redmi Watch 5 Active is an excellent choice for those looking for budget-friendly smartwatches with a solid set of features.

It is particularly suitable for people who want to monitor their health and activity without paying for premium features.

Advantages

• Large display with good readability in most conditions
• Long battery life on a single charge
• Wide range of fitness and health tracking features
• Support for Bluetooth calls and Amazon Alexa voice assistant
• Good price in the budget smartwatch segment

Disadvantages

• No AMOLED display or Always-On Display feature
• Microphone quality during calls needs improvement
• Screen visibility may be challenging in bright sunlight