Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Review: Budget Apple Watch Alternative?
Premium Design Meets Practical Durability
Many mistake the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 for an Apple Watch at first glance, and for good reason. Its square silhouette with rounded corners and frosted aluminum alloy chassis delivers a surprisingly premium feel for a sub-£100 smartwatch. After analyzing two weeks of real-world testing, I’m impressed by its resilience—despite intentional knocks against desks and door frames, the watch emerged without scratches or scuffs. Unlike cheaper plastic models like the Redmi Watch 5 Active, the aluminum frame resists greasy fingerprints while remaining lightweight. The included elastomer strap uses Xiaomi’s proprietary quick-release system (triggered via side buttons), though swapping requires fingernails dexterity. While third-party strap options are limited, the 5ATM water resistance ensures survival during swims or accidental dunks—though avoid saunas as Xiaomi advises.
Vibrant Display and Intuitive Interface
The 2.07-inch AMOLED screen outshines budget rivals with deep blacks, punchy colors, and sharp text readability even outdoors. Auto-brightness is a game-changer here, instantly adapting from dim indoor settings to eye-searing sunlight without manual tweaks. With over 200 downloadable watch faces via the Mi Fitness app, customization is plentiful—though only a handful allow color adjustments. The HyperOS interface shines with logical navigation: swipe up for consolidated widgets (heart rate, weather, music controls), down for notifications, and left for quick settings like the practical built-in torch. The physical crown enables effortless scrolling, reducing screen-swiping fatigue. Notifications are basic—you can view messages but not reply—yet the strong haptic feedback ensures you won’t miss alerts.
Core Features and Fitness Capabilities
Xiaomi balances functionality with smart compromises. The microphone and speaker enable clear call handling directly from your wrist, though Shle Spurt humorously notes it invites "Star Trek jokes" in public. Media controls and camera shutter functionality add convenience, but omissions include NFC payments and voice assistants—dealbreakers for some. Fitness tracking covers basics reliably: 24/7 heart rate monitoring, SpO2 checks, and sleep analysis (categorizing users as "sleep animals" like koalas). While most data aligns with expectations, I observed occasional nocturnal heart rate spikes (e.g., 85bpm during deep sleep) that premium devices rarely report. For runners, built-in 5-system GNSS tracks routes adequately—though not meter-perfect—and 150+ workout modes include guided interval runs. It’s sufficient for casual users but lacks advanced metrics like training load analysis.
Unbeatable Battery Life Compromises
The 550mAh battery is this watch’s crown jewel, delivering 11-12 days per charge with always-on display enabled—far exceeding Apple Watch or Pixel Watch endurance. Real-world testing involved daily workouts, sleep tracking, timer use, and notifications, making this ideal for travelers avoiding nightly charging. This stamina does involve trade-offs: fitness insights remain surface-level, and health data shouldn’t replace medical devices. Still, for step counting, sleep trends, and basic run metrics, it’s remarkably dependable.
Final Verdict and Alternatives
The Redmi Watch 5 excels as a budget-conscious hybrid: offering Apple Watch aesthetics, a stunning AMOLED display, and class-leading battery life at £90. If you prioritize core smartwatch functions—notifications, basic fitness tracking, and calls—over contactless payments or granular health insights, it’s a stellar value. Power users should consider Garmin for deeper analytics, while budget seekers can explore the plastic Redmi Watch 5 Light. Ultimately, this device proves premium experiences needn’t cost a fortune.
Actionable Takeaways:
- Enable auto-brightness immediately to optimize visibility and battery.
- Download essential widgets like weather and music controls via Mi Fitness.
- Charge every 10 days if using always-on display to avoid downtime.
When to Consider Alternatives:
- For runners: Garmin Forerunner 55 offers advanced pacing metrics (+£50).
- For payments: Amazfit GTS 4 includes NFC (£120).
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