In a market flooded with smartwatches that either break the bank or skimp on essentials, the Redmi Watch 5 emerges as a breath of fresh air. Launched globally in early 2025 after a China-exclusive debut in late 2024, this Xiaomi sub-brand offering clocks in at around $100/£89, delivering a surprising blend of style, stamina, and smarts. I’ve been wearing it daily for the past few weeks—through runs, swims, and endless meetings—and it’s quickly become my go-to wrist companion. If you’re dipping your toes into wearables without wanting to splurge, this could be your perfect entry point. But does it hold up against pricier rivals like the Apple Watch or Huawei Watch Fit 3? Let’s break it down.
Design and Build: Sleek, Light, and Apple-Inspired
At first glance, the Redmi Watch 5 unabashedly channels Apple Watch vibes with its rectangular case and digital crown, but it pulls it off without feeling like a knockoff. The 47mm aluminum alloy frame has a matte sandblasted finish that’s premium to the touch, available in versatile shades like Obsidian Black or Purple. It’s slightly thicker and heavier than its predecessor (the Watch 4), but at just 35g (without strap), it’s featherlight—you’ll genuinely forget it’s there during workouts.
The standout is the 2.07-inch AMOLED display, a noticeable upgrade from the 1.97-inch on the Watch 4. With ultra-thin 2mm bezels, it boasts an 82% screen-to-body ratio, making it feel expansive on the wrist. The 2.5D curved glass is responsive and vibrant, hitting a blistering 1,500 nits peak brightness for glare-free visibility in sunlight, and a smooth 60Hz refresh rate keeps scrolling fluid. I love the always-on display option, which dims to 5Hz to save power without sacrificing readability. Quick-release straps (silicone standard, with optional leather or velcro add-ons) make swapping easy, and the 5ATM water resistance means it’s shower- and swim-ready—no babying required.
It’s not revolutionary in design, and some might call out the lack of originality, but for the price, it looks (and feels) far more expensive than it is.
Features and Performance: Covers the Basics Brilliantly
Powered by Xiaomi’s HyperOS, the Watch 5 syncs seamlessly with the Mi Fitness app (Android 8.0+ or iOS 12.0+ required). Setup took under a minute, and notifications ping instantly—texts, calls, even app alerts—with quick-reply options for Android users. Bluetooth 5.3 calling is a highlight: dual mics with wind-noise reduction deliver crystal-clear audio up to 80cm away, letting me take hands-free calls mid-run without pulling out my phone.
Fitness tracking is where it shines for casual users. Built-in GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, etc.) ensures accurate outdoor routes without your phone, and over 150 sports modes cover everything from yoga to open-water swimming. Heart rate monitoring uses a new AFE chip for 5.2% better accuracy, while SpO2, stress, and sleep tracking round out the health suite. During gym sessions, it matched my chest strap closely for HR, and auto-detection for walks/runs is spot-on. Vitality scores and breathing exercises add a mindful touch, and you can store music offline for phone-free jams (up to 164MB storage).
That said, it’s not flawless. Sleep tracking is inconsistent—light sleepers or fidgety folks might see inflated awake times—and advanced metrics like deep sleep stages lag behind Garmin or Fitbit. No NFC for payments, and emoji support in replies is spotty. For power users, the lack of third-party app support (no Wear OS) limits customization, but with 200+ watch faces (including photo uploads), it’s plenty fun.
Battery Life: The Real MVP
Redmi’s 550mAh battery is a beast, lasting up to 24 days in saver mode or 12-14 days with always-on HR, GPS workouts, and calls enabled. In my mixed use (daily tracking, weekly swims, and a few calls), I hit 18 days before recharging—magnetic cable snaps on effortlessly for a full top-up in about 2 hours. This obliterates Apple or Samsung watches, which beg for daily juices. It’s a game-changer for travel or forgetful chargers like me.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning AMOLED display with high brightness and smooth refresh | Sleep tracking can be finicky for restless sleepers |
| Exceptional 18-24 day battery life | No NFC payments or full third-party apps |
| Accurate GPS and HR for the price; 150+ modes | Software feels basic compared to premium rivals |
| Lightweight, stylish build with Bluetooth calling | Privacy concerns with Xiaomi’s data handling (opt out via app) |
| Waterproof and versatile for daily/sports use |
Verdict: 4.5/5 Stars – The Best Budget Buy of 2025
The Redmi Watch 5 isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s just doing the wheel thing exceptionally well for under $100. It’s ideal for beginners or anyone tired of charging woes, offering Apple-esque aesthetics and reliable tracking without the premium price tag. If you’re a data-obsessed athlete or need Google integration, look elsewhere (try the Amazfit Active 2). But for everyday wellness, effortless calls, and marathon battery life? This is unbeatable value. Grab the Purple variant for that extra flair—your wrist (and wallet) will thank you. Highly recommended.