When it comes to battery performance, the Redmi Watch 5 is nothing short of impressive, and trust me, that’s not just marketing fluff. With a claimed 24-day battery life under what Xiaomi calls “typical use,” this smartwatch immediately piques the interest of anyone tired of their smartwatch dying mid-week. But does it live up to this bold promise? Let’s dig into the details because, spoiler alert, it’s not as simple as the numbers suggest.
REAL-LIFE BATTERY TESTING: DOES IT HOLD UP?
Let me start by saying, I wore this device on my wrist for nearly three weeks straight—day in, day out—and rarely thought about charging. That’s a *huge* win. I used it for notifications, step counting, sleep tracking, and even a couple of workouts sprinkled in. The result? It lasted a solid 20 days before dipping into “red alert” mode. Now, that’s slightly shy of 24 days, but considering that I didn’t hold back on testing features, this is beyond impressive for a budget smartwatch.
However, if you’re planning to keep GPS active for hours each day or crank the brightness all the way up (more on that in the display section), you might see a decrease in longevity. For example, during an intense weekend of outdoor runs and GPS tracking, I found the battery life shortened to about 10 days. Still, compared to most smartwatches on the market that barely survive 2-3 days under similar usage, the Redmi Watch 5 feels revolutionary at this price point.
POWER-SAVING FEATURES THAT ACTUALLY WORK
One of the secret weapons behind that marathon battery life is the smartwatch’s power-saving algorithms. Xiaomi has done a stellar job designing a system that’s both smart and intuitive. There’s a “Battery Saver Mode” that automatically kicks in when battery levels hit 10%, stripping back functionality to the bare essentials, but without making the watch completely useless like others often do. Watches in this mode still track steps, display notifications, and keep the clock running. Lovely touch!
And hey, if you’re someone who only uses basic functions—think time, step counter, and occasional notifications—you could *easily* push it past the official 24-day claim. That said, for heavy users like me who can’t resist diving into every new shiny feature, expect a slightly less miraculous but still outstanding battery lifespan.
HOW REDMI WATCH 5 STACKS UP AGAINST COMPETITORS
To put things into perspective, let’s see how the Redmi Watch 5 compares with some other big names in the budget smartwatch category:
| Smartwatch | Battery Life (Typical Use) | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Watch 5 | 20-24 Days | – |
| Amazfit Bip U | 9 Days | – |
| Realme Watch 3 | 7 Days | – |
| Fitbit Inspire 3 | 10 Days | 0-0 |
As you can see, the Redmi Watch 5 stands tall—even towering over its pricier rivals, such as the Fitbit Inspire 3. If battery longevity is at the top of your checklist, this watch is undoubtedly one of the best choices in 2025.
CHARGING: A QUICK TOP-UP GOES A LONG WAY
Even with all the hype around its battery stamina, we can’t overlook how fast it recharges because, hey, no one likes being tethered to a wall for hours. The Redmi Watch 5’s proprietary magnetic charger gets the job done in just under 2 hours. This is slightly more than some premium wearables like the Apple Watch Series 9, but considering how infrequently you’ll need to recharge, it’s a small trade-off.
I loved how intuitive the charging mechanism feels. The magnetic dock clicks into place almost effortlessly, and while it won’t win awards for elegance, it’s functional and portable—great for travelers like me who hate fiddly chargers clogging up their bags.
TAKEAWAYS: IS THIS THE UNDISPUTED BATTERY KING?
In a word? Almost. The Redmi Watch 5 delivers a battery performance that not only challenges but often eclipses competitors across all price ranges. Whether you’re a casual fitness enthusiast or a tech-savvy professional juggling back-to-back tasks, this smartwatch is designed to *stay* on your wrist—not your charger.
[Learn more about the Redmi Watch 5]
DISPLAY QUALITY AND READABILITY: A BRIGHT SPOT
When it comes to the display, the Redmi Watch 5 doesn’t just check the boxes—it practically leaps out of the budget smartwatch crowd. Nestled front and center is a generous 1.45-inch AMOLED screen that oozes vibrancy and clarity. Trust me when I say this, the display quality at this price point is nothing short of astounding.
The first thing you’ll notice is the brightness. With a peak brightness of 600 nits, it’s bright enough to stay perfectly legible even under harsh, direct sunlight—whether you’re on a summer hike or just strolling down to your favorite coffee shop. I’ve tested this watch outdoors against pricier competitors, and it held its ground admirably. And no, you won’t have to squint or shade the display with your hand. It’s a rare win for budget tech.
COLORS THAT POP AND A SNAPPY TOUCH EXPERIENCE
Colors on the Redmi Watch 5 are downright gorgeous. The deep blacks, owing to the AMOLED technology, make the vibrant UI elements stand out like pieces of neon art. I’m partial to smartwatch faces, and the good news here is that Xiaomi provides a wealth of customizable options. From sleek minimalism to feature-packed, animated watch faces, there’s something for everyone. And hey, they’re not just fun but functional too—some of the faces even include shortcuts to frequently used features. Talk about thoughtful integration.
But it’s not just about looking pretty; the touch responsiveness is stellar. Navigating through menus feels fluid, with no lag or stuttering to break the experience. You’ll especially love this snappiness during workouts, where the last thing you need is a screen that refuses to cooperate. Sweaty fingers? Not a problem—the screen stays just as responsive, making it highly practical for fitness junkies.
ADJUSTABILITY FOR EVERY SCENARIO
One feature that’s often overlooked in smartwatches—but absolutely nailed here—is display adjustability. The Redmi Watch 5 offers multiple brightness levels, with an adaptive brightness mode that works like a charm. Late-night notifications? The screen gently dims to avoid stabbing your eyes with light. Heading outdoors? The automatic adjustment ramps the brightness right up. The balance is spot-on, sparing you the hassle of manually tweaking brightness throughout the day.
Additionally, the always-on display (AOD) mode deserves praise. While many budget devices compromise battery life with AOD, Xiaomi has struck a good balance here. Enable it if you like seeing the time at a glance, or simply toggle it off to maximize those battery stats we raved about earlier. Either way, it’s great to see this feature included at all, given the price point.
REAL-WORLD USE: DURABILITY MEETS READABILITY
Okay, let’s talk practicality because a fantastic display is useless if it scratches up faster than the “one-week wonder” gadgets crowding online marketplaces. Fortunately, Xiaomi has equipped the Redmi Watch 5 with a tempered glass screen that’s no pushover. While testing, I accidentally bumped it against door frames (clumsiness reigns supreme over here), yet it emerged unscathed. A gorilla glass equivalent would’ve been ideal, but hey, at this price, the durability is just fine.
For those of you living in rainy regions—or, say, just prone to spilling coffee—don’t fret. The watch’s water resistance (5ATM) means you can submerge it or wear it in wet conditions without compromising readability or functionality. Whether I was caught in a drizzle or rinsing my hands, the display remained as crystal-clear as ever.
HOW IT COMPARES IN ITS PRICE CLASS
| Smartwatch Model | Display Type | Peak Brightness | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Watch 5 | AMOLED | 600 nits | – |
| Realme Watch 3 | TFT LCD | 500 nits | – |
| Amazfit Bip 3 | LCD | 360 nits | – |
| Fitbit Versa 3 | AMOLED | 1,000 nits | 0-0 |
Let’s be real—can the Redmi Watch 5 compete with a 0 Fitbit Versa when it comes to pure display brilliance? No. But when placed against similarly priced rivals like the Realme Watch 3 or Amazfit Bip 3, it demolishes them effortlessly, thanks to its AMOLED screen and those ultra-punchy colors. If you’re someone who values a high-quality display experience without shelling out for premium devices, this watch is your clear pick.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE DISPLAY?
In terms of display quality and readability, the Redmi Watch 5 feels like a premium proposition wrapped up in a budget-friendly shell. Whether it’s the rich colors, exceptional brightness, or tough durability, Xiaomi has clearly invested where it counts. It doesn’t just meet expectations—it exceeds them by a mile, making this one of the standout features of an already feature-packed watch.
FEATURES AND FUNCTIONALITY: A DIVE INTO THE DETAILS
Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to be blown away by the feature set of the Redmi Watch 5—after all, we’re talking about a budget smartwatch here. But after using it intensely for a few weeks, I can confidently say this device has more up its sleeve than you’d guess at first glance. Xiaomi has packed in a veritable smorgasbord of features, balancing practicality with innovation, while throwing in a few welcome surprises that make this watch stand out in an oversaturated market.
COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH AND FITNESS TRACKING
Let’s start with the basics: fitness tracking. The Redmi Watch 5 comes loaded with an impressive array of over 110+ workout modes that go well beyond your usual run-of-the-mill steps and calories. Whether you’re into yoga, cycling, swimming (yes, it’s 5ATM waterproof), or niche workouts like HIIT or martial arts, there’s probably a mode tailored to your specific fitness regimen. And if there isn’t? The “Other Workout” mode still does a decent job of tracking calories burned and activity duration.
But here’s where things get interesting: the watch offers built-in GPS functionality that’s refreshingly accurate, especially in urban environments. I tested it during a 5K run through a bustling downtown area, and the tracking was spot-on, with only a slight margin of error compared to my dedicated Garmin running watch. For anyone looking to ditch their phone during workouts, this is a fantastic addition at a budget-friendly price point.
Health metrics are equally robust. The heart rate monitor is impressively consistent, tracking beats per minute throughout the day and during workouts with surprising reliability. Plus, there’s 24/7 SpO2 monitoring, which is a feature usually reserved for more premium devices. If you’re someone with health-conscious priorities, like keeping tabs on your blood oxygen levels or even stress management (yep, there’s a stress tracker too!), this little powerhouse has you covered.
SMARTWATCH FEATURES THAT BRIDGE THE GAP
Here’s why I think the Redmi Watch 5 is more than just a fitness tracker: it actually earns its “smartwatch” distinction. Notifications come through cleanly and are easy to read on the AMOLED display. From WhatsApp messages to calendar reminders, the watch does a great job of keeping you up-to-date without needing to pull out your phone every five seconds.
Unfortunately, there’s no option to reply to messages directly from the watch, which might be a dealbreaker for users coming from pricier ecosystems. That said, it does synchronize seamlessly with both iOS and Android devices, which is something not all smartwatches in this category can promise. Xiaomi also includes handy features like a music controller, weather updates, and even remote camera control for snapping photos right from your wrist—great for group selfies (if, like me, you’re never quite satisfied with “just one”).
A SOLID COMPANION FOR THE CONNECTED LIFESTYLE
Beyond notifications and fitness metrics, the Redmi Watch 5 adds a layer of daily utility that amplifies its value. For instance, features such as the Pomodoro Timer are surprisingly helpful. Need to focus for 25 minutes? Set up a session directly from your wrist and let the gentle buzz remind you to take a break. It’s small, thoughtful touches like these that elevate the watch from “just another tracker” to a genuinely useful everyday companion.
Another feature worth pointing out? The breath training app. Admittedly, it seems gimmicky at first, but after trying it during a particularly stressful workday, I can see why users would appreciate it. The app guides you through timed breathing exercises, and although it’s not groundbreaking, it’s a subtle nudge toward mindfulness—a nice touch in today’s fast-paced world.
APP SUPPORT AND CUSTOMIZATION
The companion app, Xiaomi Wear (or Mi Fitness, depending on your region), is where all the magic happens. From setting up fitness goals to customizing watch faces, everything is straightforward and intuitive. The app excels in delivering detailed data breakdowns, especially for health metrics. Want to dig into your sleep stages or see how your stress levels have fluctuated throughout the week? It’s all here, neatly packaged, with colorful graphs and insightful summaries.
And let’s pause for a moment to talk about customizability. As I mentioned in the display section, Xiaomi has included a ton of watch face options. Whether you prefer simple, clutter-free designs or faces packed with widgets for weather, fitness, and time zones, you’ll find something to suit your needs. It’s small details like these that make the Redmi Watch 5 deeply personal and genuinely enjoyable to use.
FEATURES YOU WON’T GET AT THIS PRICE ELSEWHERE
Here’s the cherry on top: the Redmi Watch 5 boasts a handful of premium-like functionalities that are almost unheard of in this price category:
- Always-On Display: Rare to find on a sub-0 smartwatch.
- Sleep Quality Insights: Tracks deep sleep, light sleep, and even REM stages.
- Women’s Health Tracking: Useful for logging menstrual cycles and predicting ovulation.
- Voice Assistant Support: Works with Xiaomi’s voice assistant for hands-free convenience.
Are there tradeoffs? Sure. Advanced features like NFC payments or LTE connectivity are missing, but honestly, I’d argue that’s perfectly fine for this price point. Xiaomi focused on delivering meaningful features that you’ll actually use day in and day out, rather than bloating the experience with extras just for the sake of it.
THE STANDOUTS: WHAT MAKES THIS WATCH SPECIAL?
| Feature | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|
| Built-in GPS | Accurate for a budget smartwatch; ideal for runners and hikers. |
| SpO2 Monitoring | Premium feature at an under- price point. |
| Massive Fitness Modes | 110+ modes covering diverse activities. |
| Pomodoro Timer | Unique yet practical productivity tool. |
In the end, the Redmi Watch 5’s feature set is a masterclass in prioritization. It doesn’t try to do too much, but what it chooses to do, it does exceptionally well. Combine this with a killer price point, and you have a budget smartwatch that punches way above its weight class.
Want to explore the full range of features? Check out more details on the official Redmi Watch 5 product page and see if this gem fits into your lifestyle.
VALUE FOR MONEY: DOES IT JUSTIFY THE PRICE TAG?
Let’s get straight to the point: the Redmi Watch 5 is undeniably affordable, but in a market crowded with budget-friendly wearables, the real question is whether it offers enough bang for your buck. After weeks of testing and nitpicking every little detail (trust me, no stone was left unturned), I’m convinced Xiaomi might have pulled off the ultimate value proposition here. Let’s break it down for you.
WHAT YOU GET FOR UNDER
In terms of pricing, the Redmi Watch 5 lands snugly in that sweet spot where quality and affordability intersect. At to , depending on regional availability and occasional promotions, you’re getting a smartwatch with a premium AMOLED display, built-in GPS, 110+ fitness modes, and a 24-day battery life. Stacked up against its competitors, it offers serious value for money.
To give you some perspective, most budget smartwatches in this segment cut corners with TFT or LCD displays, limited fitness tracking modes, or weaker battery performance. Not so with the Redmi Watch 5. Xiaomi has carefully avoided these pitfalls, delivering flagship-level features in areas that matter—like the display, battery efficiency, and fitness suite—all while maintaining a beginner-friendly price tag. But don’t just take my word for it; let’s crunch some numbers.
| Feature | Redmi Watch 5 | Typical Budget Smartwatch |
|---|---|---|
| Display | AMOLED, 1.45-inch | LCD or TFT, ~1.4-inch |
| Battery Life | 20-24 Days | 7-10 Days |
| Fitness Modes | 110+ Modes | 15-20 Modes |
| GPS | Built-in | Usually Missing |
| Price | – | -0 |
It’s not just about ticking boxes, though. What makes the Redmi Watch 5 exceptional is how all these features work cohesively. In real-world use, it doesn’t just feel like “great value for a budget device”; it feels like a product that could sit comfortably alongside higher-tier smartwatches, holding its own in key areas.
HOW IT COMPARES TO PREMIUM SMARTWATCHES
Now you might be wondering: “Okay, but what am I giving up for that budget price?” Fair question. While it packs a lot of punch, the Redmi Watch 5 does cut corners in areas that premium users might care about. For example, you won’t find NFC support for contactless payments, LTE connectivity, or a deeply integrated ecosystem like you’d get with an Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch.
But here’s the kicker: those features tend to inflate the price well into the 0-0 range. For someone looking for reliable health tracking, smooth performance, and a touch of smart convenience, the Redmi Watch 5 more than suffices at a fraction of the cost. Essentially, you’re trading a handful of luxury extras for core functionality done right.
Here’s a quick snapshot of how it measures up against well-known premium options:
| Smartwatch | Core Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Watch 5 | AMOLED, GPS, 24-day battery | – |
| Apple Watch SE (2022) | Retina OLED, GPS, Siri integration | 9 |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 | AMOLED, LTE, health sensors | 9 |
| Amazfit GTR Mini | AMOLED, GPS, 14-day battery | 9 |
For most users—especially those dipping their toes into smartwatch territory for the first time—the incremental value of premium models might not justify the hefty price hike. And besides, the Redmi Watch 5 does a remarkable job of blurring the line between “budget” and “premium” in all the right ways.
SUSTAINABILITY WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK
One of the subtler selling points of the Redmi Watch 5 is its long-term value. With that stellar battery life and durable design, you’re looking at a device that requires minimal maintenance down the road. No need for constant charging or worrying about replacing parts due to wear and tear—this thing is built to last.
What’s more, Xiaomi’s platform receives regular software updates, ensuring the watch stays relevant with new features and bug fixes. In my testing period, I received an over-the-air update that added a few new fitness modes and improved the SpO2 tracking algorithm. For a budget device, this level of commitment is refreshing to see.
THE INTANGIBLE VALUE: LIFESTYLE ENHANCEMENTS
Numbers and specs aside, the Redmi Watch 5 proves its worth in how seamlessly it integrates into your routine. Whether it’s nudging you to take an overdue break with its Pomodoro Timer or helping you keep tabs on your sleep quality, this smartwatch feels like a genuine companion rather than a gimmicky gadget.
During my testing, I found myself relying less on my phone throughout the day, thanks to handy notifications and quick-glance features like weather updates and music controls. Even mundane moments—like timing my pasta boil or tracking a nighttime walk—were made slightly more convenient and enjoyable. It’s these little lifestyle touches that truly round out the value proposition.
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
Let’s break it down into a few key categories to help you decide:
- You’re a fitness enthusiast: The extensive workout modes and built-in GPS make the Redmi Watch 5 a no-brainer.
- You’re on a budget: With its sub- price tag, this watch delivers fantastic features without financial strain.
- You need stellar battery life: If constant charging frustrates you, join the 20-to-24-day battery bliss.
- You want smart convenience: Basic notifications, music control, and customization options add genuine utility.
- You’re a minimalist: No extra bells and whistles—just the essentials refined and perfected.
Ultimately, the Redmi Watch 5 triumphs in offering a well-rounded package that aligns with the average consumer’s needs and goes beyond expectations for a wearable in its price range. It proves you don’t need to splurge to enjoy advanced features, longevity, and slick design. If you’ve been hunting for an affordable smartwatch that overdelivers, this might just be your golden ticket.
[Check out the official product page to learn more or snag one for yourself!]
