A decade after the very first Huawei Watch, launched in 2015, the Chinese brand is back with an anniversary model that doesn't do things by halves. Simply named the Watch 5, this new generation—which succeeds the Watch 4 Pro—capitalizes on the company's expertise in health sensors, while offering a premium design and improved battery life. At a time when smartwatches are competing in sophistication, Huawei also intends to stand out with a new hardware innovation: the X-Tap side sensor.
But a good smartwatch isn't judged solely by its technological arsenal. Ergonomics, readability, data accuracy, a wealth of sports functions, quality materials, and a companion app are just as crucial. We wore the Watch 5 on our wrist for several weeks, between workouts, professional meetings, and short nights. Here's our feedback.
The HUAWEI WATCH 5 is available from 449.99 euros.
A design that lives up to its promises
First impression: the look. Available in 42 mm (904L steel, like Rolex watches) or 46 mm (aeronautical titanium), the Watch 5 exudes a true watchmaking look. The purple version, the one we had on our wrist, displays subtle changing reflections that make it as pleasant to look at as it is to wear. Other, more classic colors are also available. Thinner and lighter than the previous generation, it fits the wrist with a beautiful discretion. The strap (fluoroelastomer or leather depending on the version) remains comfortable even in extreme heat or during sports activities.
The AMOLED screen, meanwhile, packs a punch: 3000 nits of brightness, 50% more than an Apple Watch Series 10. Even in direct sunlight, everything remains perfectly readable. What's more, the touchscreen is particularly responsive and precise under the finger. If you add to that impeccable finishes, this is a watch that's promising to say the least. But, aside from the appearance, what are the new technological advances this watch is worth?
A health center on the wrist
The big new feature is the X-Tap module, a side sensor, located between a clickable crown and a multitasking button. It can measure up to 11 health indicators in less than 60 seconds, including SpO2 (oxygen saturation) at your fingertip, ECG (electrocardiogram), arterial stiffness, stress, and even a respiratory test by recognizing your cough. All by simply placing your fingertip on the edge of the watch. Then, simply follow the on-screen instructions.
It's amazing, both in terms of accuracy and speed (the SpO2 is displayed in less than 10 seconds). It's clearly a step above the Apple Watch in this respect, with a real effort to make the data readable and usable via the Huawei Health app. Special mention for the cross-analysis (sleep + stress + physical activity) which allows you to identify trends without being a medical expert.
Sports and battery life: the two good surprises
With more than 100 supported sports, an ultra-precise multi-band GPS, offline color maps and a Strava-style route drawing mode but integrated, the Watch 5 is aimed at seasoned runners as well as hikers, cyclists, yoga or golf enthusiasts.
Battery life, often the Achilles heel of smartwatches, does very well here: we observed 4 to 5 days in normal use, up to 11 days in economy mode (where the connected functions are deactivated). Bonus: you can switch between the two in three seconds. And charging remains fast: allow 1h30 for a full charge on the 46 mm model.
Interface and connectivity: still a little effort
Under HarmonyOS 4.0, the Watch 5 is fluid, complete, with an integrated AppGallery (where we find useful apps, but still limited compared to the Apple universe). A good point for Huawei, iOS/Android compatibility is assured. Another good surprise: the double tap and double slide gestures work well to answer a call or skip music without touching the screen — even if a little learning time is necessary.
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