Nearly a year after launching its flagship Watch 4 Series, Huawei has revealed its successor, the Watch 5.
Huawei promises the Watch 5 will introduce “ground-breaking innovations” while continuing the iconic streamlined look of the Watch series, so it’s safe to say we’re keen to see what’s new with this year’s fitness-focused wearable. Most importantly, do the specs suggest it’s worth upgrading if you’re using last year’s Huawei Watch 4?
We’ve compared the specs of the two watches below, so you can see the main differences and standout features. Keep reading to see what’s new with the Huawei Watch 5 and whether it stands a chance at making our best smartwatch list.
Pricing and availability
Available today, the Huawei Watch 5 starts at £399.99 for the smaller 42 mm-sized model.
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At the time of writing, the Huawei Watch 4 also has an RRP of £399.99. However, as it’s being succeeded by the Watch 5, we would expect this price to drop in the coming weeks.
Huawei Watch 5 integrates a multi-sensing X-Tap Technology
Both the Watch 5 and Watch 4 make use of Huawei’s TruSense system, which is an accurate health and fitness monitoring system that tracks everything from heart rate and blood pressure to respiratory rate.
However, the Watch 5 goes a step further and integrates new “multi-sensing X-tap technology” powered by Huawei’s Distributed Sensor Module. Found on the side of the Watch, Huawei explains this sensor will allow users to monitor their health via fingertip measurements, for more accurate and comprehensive health insights.
Huawei Watch 5 is made from aerospace-grade titanium
The Watch 5 is the first standard model that is built with aerospace-grade titanium, and is accompanied by a premium 904L stainless steel casing depending on the size and colour you go for. While the Watch 4’s premium counterpart, the Watch 4 Pro, is made from aerospace-grade titanium, the regular model is made from stainless steel.
Similar to the Watch 4 Pro, the Watch 5 also incorporates spherical sapphire glass, which Huawei explains is “second only to diamond in hardness” and delivers “exceptional corrosion and wear resistance” too. Huawei, on the other hand, does not elaborate on the type of glass used for the Watch 4’s display.
Huawei Watch 5 comes in two sizes
In a first for the Watch series, the Watch 5 comes in a choice of two sizes: 46mm and a smaller 42mm, whereas the Watch 4 is only available in the larger 46mm.
While a 46mm-sized watch usually results in a larger screen and a longer battery life, those with smaller wrists may find this size slightly too big and cumbersome. If you prefer a smaller watch, the 42mm Watch 5 is a great choice.
Huawei Watch 5 offers more gesture controls
While the Watch 4 does offer several gesture controls, which act as shortcuts to certain features like waking the screen, answering and muting phone calls, the Watch 5 benefits from even more controls.
These gestures include the “double slide” and “double tap” motions, which Huawei explains provide users with “intuitive interaction options.”
Huawei Watch 5 is available in new colours
One of the main selling points for the entire Huawei Watch Series is that it’s designed to look more streamlined and sleek than other smartwatches. While both have a smooth-edged, high-gloss exterior, the Watch 5 is available in more colourways than the Watch 4.
The Watch 4 is only available in Black, whereas the Watch 5 introduces new colours including Purple and Sand Gold.
Early Verdict
The Huawei Watch 5 seems like a promising upgrade from its predecessor. Thanks to the new fingerprint sensor, it offers more accurate health tracking and a more durable frame and display, which were previously reserved for the Pro edition.
We’ll be sure to update this article once we’ve reviewed the Huawei Watch 5.
