Redmi Watch 5 Active Review: The New King of Budget Smartwatches
The Redmi Watch 5 Active raises the bar for budget smartwatches, offering an expansive 2-inch LCD display and an incredible 18-day battery life. Priced at just ₹2,499, it brings premium features like 3-mic ENC for clear calls, Alexa built-in, and extensive health and fitness tracking with over 140 sports modes. Running on Xiaomi’s smooth HyperOS, the Watch 5 Active is designed for users who demand a large screen, long-lasting power, and clear call quality without a premium price.
1. Expansive Display & Practical Design
Huge 2-inch LCD Screen
The watch’s centerpiece is its massive 2-inch high-resolution LCD display, providing ample space for notifications, stats, and watch faces, making everything easy to see at a glance.
500 Nits Brightness
With an adjustable peak brightness of 500 nits, the screen remains clear and visible even under bright outdoor conditions, ensuring readability when you need it most.
Lightweight & Comfortable
Despite its large screen, the watch maintains a comfortable weight of just 42.2g with the strap, making it suitable for all-day wear and tracking your sleep overnight.
2. Advanced Calling & Smart Features
3-Mic ENC for Clear Calls
A major upgrade is the 3-microphone system with Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), which ensures your voice is heard clearly during Bluetooth calls, even in noisy environments.
Alexa Built-in
With Alexa voice assistant integrated, you can set alarms, check the weather, control smart home devices, and get answers to your questions, all with your voice.
HyperOS & Customization
Powered by Xiaomi’s smooth HyperOS, the watch offers access to over 200 cloud-based watch faces, extensive widget customization, and full support for Hindi.
3. Comprehensive Health & Fitness Tracking
140+ Sports Modes
With support for over 140 sports modes, the watch can track nearly any activity you do, from running and cycling to yoga and strength training.
Essential Health Monitoring
The Watch 5 Active covers all the core health metrics, including 24/7 heart rate monitoring, SpO2 (blood oxygen) tracking, sleep analysis, and stress monitoring.
Emergency SOS & App Sync
For added safety, an Emergency SOS feature is included. All your data syncs to the Mi Fitness app, which is also compatible with popular platforms like Strava and Apple Health.
Full Specification Details
Display & Design
- Screen: 2-inch LCD
- Resolution: 320 x 385 pixels
- Brightness: 500 nits peak
- Dimensions: 49.1 x 40.4 x 11.4 mm
- Weight: 42.2g (with strap)
Performance & OS
- Operating System: HyperOS
- App Compatibility: Mi Fitness
- Syncs with: Strava, Apple Health
Smart Features
- Voice Assistant: Alexa Built-in
- Calling: 3-Mic ENC Bluetooth Calling
- SOS: Emergency SOS Call Support
Health & Fitness
- Sensors: Heart Rate, SpO2, Accelerometer
- Sports Modes: 140+
Battery & Durability
- Capacity: 470 mAh
- Typical Usage: Up to 18 Days
- Heavy Usage: Up to 12 Days
- Durability: IPX8 Water Resistance
Who Is This Watch For?
- The Value-Driven User: Anyone looking for the largest screen and longest battery life at this ultra-affordable price point.
- Users Needing Clear Calls: The 3-mic ENC system makes it a great choice for those who frequently take calls on their watch.
- The Casual Fitness Tracker: With 140+ sports modes, it’s perfect for tracking a wide variety of activities without needing pro-level accuracy.
Who Might Consider Other Options?
- Users Wanting a Premium Display: The LCD screen, while large, can’t match the contrast and vibrancy of an AMOLED panel like on the Redmi Watch Move.
- Runners and Cyclists: The lack of built-in GPS means you’ll need to carry your phone for accurate route tracking.
Competitive Edge
- Massive 2-inch Display: It offers one of the largest screens in the budget segment, making information incredibly easy to read.
- Superior Call Quality: The 3-mic ENC system is a standout feature, providing call clarity that rivals more expensive smartwatches.
- Exceptional Battery Endurance: An 18-day typical battery life is class-leading and a major convenience factor.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
Massive screen makes viewing notifications and stats incredibly easy.
3-mic ENC system ensures crystal-clear Bluetooth calls.
Up to 18 days of typical use means you rarely have to think about charging.
The display lacks the deep blacks and vibrancy of an AMOLED panel.
Requires a connected phone for accurate distance and route tracking during outdoor workouts.
Final Verdict
The Redmi Watch 5 Active is a triumph of value engineering, prioritizing the features that matter most to mainstream users: a huge screen, clear calls, and a battery that lasts for weeks. While it makes sensible compromises by using an LCD display and omitting built-in GPS, the overall package is incredibly compelling for its price. If you want a big-screen experience, excellent call quality, and freedom from the charger without spending a fortune, the Redmi Watch 5 Active is an exceptional choice and a new leader in the budget smartwatch category.
Overall Rating: 4.4 out of 5.0
