Choosing a budget smartwatch: Balancing battery life, Bluetooth calling, and sports tracking
When evaluating the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active, focus on how its specific features align with your needs. This model prioritizes exceptional 18-day battery life and Bluetooth calling over premium materials or advanced health sensors, making it ideal for users who want core smartwatch functionality without daily charging.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- The 2-inch LCD screen offers good visibility but lacks the deep blacks and always-on capability of AMOLED displays found in pricier models.
- Bluetooth calling is a standout feature at this price point, but test audio quality in noisy environments as microphone placement affects performance.
- The 140 sports modes provide breadth, but check if your primary activities (like swimming, given its 5ATM rating) have dedicated, accurate tracking.
What Our Analysts Recommend
For a watch in this segment, consistent heart rate monitoring during varied activities and stable Bluetooth connectivity for calls are key quality indicators. Also, assess the companion app's data presentation and the watch's responsiveness to touch and swipe gestures, as these impact daily usability more than raw spec counts.
Smartwatches Market Context
Market Overview
The budget smartwatch segment is fiercely competitive, with brands like Xiaomi, Amazfit, and Realme offering feature-packed models under €100. Success hinges on delivering a few standout features—like the Redmi Watch 5 Active's calling and battery—while compromising elsewhere to hit a price target.
Common Issues
Common compromises include less accurate optical heart rate sensors during high-intensity intervals, slower GPS lock times, and plastic builds that may scratch. Software support and update frequency can also be inconsistent compared to premium brands.
Quality Indicators
Look for verified water resistance ratings (like the 5ATM here), clear documentation on sensor accuracy, and a UI that doesn't lag. Genuine user reviews highlighting week-long real-world battery life, not just manufacturer claims, are strong positive signals.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade B Interpretation
A Grade B with a 15% estimated fake review rate suggests a generally trustworthy review pool, but advises healthy skepticism. For this Xiaomi watch, it means most of the 18,750 reviews reflect real experiences, though a portion may overstate battery life or underreport connectivity quirks.
Trust Recommendation
Prioritize reviews that detail specific use cases, like 'Bluetooth calling during a commute' or 'heart rate accuracy during a 10k run,' over vague praise. The 4.60 adjusted rating (down from 5.00) is a more reliable benchmark, indicating very good but not perfect user satisfaction.
Tips for Reading Reviews
Seek out reviews mentioning long-term use (e.g., 'after 2 months') to assess battery degradation and software stability. Pay close attention to critical 3- and 4-star reviews; they often provide the most balanced insights on the trade-offs between the 18-day battery and the LCD screen quality.
Expert Perspective
The Redmi Watch 5 Active presents a compelling value proposition centered on marathon battery life and core smart features. Its high volume of verified purchases and strong adjusted rating of 4.60 indicate it delivers on key promises for most users. However, the product's positioning is clear: it exchanges the vibrant display and premium feel of more expensive watches for unparalleled endurance and handy calling features. The 140 sports modes are extensive, but real-world value depends on the accuracy of the underlying sensors for your primary activities.
Purchase Considerations
Choose this watch if your hierarchy of needs puts battery life and call functionality above a stunning display and advanced wellness metrics. Consider alternatives if you require highly precise heart rate data for interval training or prioritize a more premium metal or glass construction. The software experience, through Xiaomi's Mi Fitness app, is also a key factor for long-term satisfaction.
Comparing Alternatives
Shoppers should compare it directly with contemporaries like the Amazfit Bip 5 or Realme Watch 3, focusing on real-world battery tests and call quality comparisons.
