Huawei Watch 5 Review: Health Tracking Made Effortless

Huawei Watch 5 Review: A Health-Focused Powerhouse in a Stylish Package

Huawei has taken the wraps off its new flagship wearable, the Huawei Watch 5, dropping the ‘Pro’ model this time around. Compatible with both Android and iOS, and featuring optional eSIM support, this smartwatch is loaded with premium hardware and a refreshed focus on health tracking.

Design & Display
The 46mm titanium-bodied unit we tested is stylish, sturdy, and surprisingly lightweight at just 58g. There’s also a smaller 42mm model, but it comes with a reduced battery. The Watch 5 sports a curved sapphire glass screen housing a vibrant 1.5” LTPO AMOLED display, boasting up to 3,000 nits of brightness

. It looks as premium as it gets and resists scratches well.

X-Tap Sensor & Health Features
Where the Watch 5 really innovates is health tracking. With a simple 60-second finger press on the new X-Tap sensor, the watch delivers a full health scan: ECG, SpO2, heart rate, stress levels, and even cough analysis for respiratory insight. This system is faster and more user-friendly than digging through menus, bringing all these readings together in one seamless app called Health Glance.

A new metric-Heart Rate Variability (HRV)-has also been added, giving insight into stress and overall well-being.

Remember though, while impressively accurate, this is still a smartwatch, not a replacement for professional medical equipment.

Software, Gesture Controls & Hardware
The Watch 5 runs on HarmonyOS 5, offering over 100 sport modes, gesture controls, Petal Maps navigation, and support for third-party apps. New gesture features allow users to tap fingers to accept calls or swipe to switch functions-simple, intuitive, and effective.

Additionally, Huawei’s Health Insights in the companion app provides deeper trend analysis over time-ideal for those serious about their fitness and health goals.

Battery Life & Charging
Equipped with an 867 mAh battery (on the 46mm model), the Watch 5 can last up to 4 days in normal use and over a week with power-saving mode enabled. Charging takes just 90 minutes with the bundled 10W charger. Pro tip: charge during your shower-quick top-ups go a long way.

Verdict
Starting at €449, the Huawei Watch 5 is actually more affordable than its predecessor, yet it brings more value. With bundles that include Freebuds 6i and other accessories, it’s a well-rounded offer.

If you’re looking for a smartwatch that looks great, feels premium, delivers serious health tracking, and doesn’t compromise on battery life, the Watch 5 should be on your shortlist. Hardcore athletes might prefer something more rugged, but for everyday users and fitness-focused individuals, this wearable truly shines.