Huawei Watch 5: A New Era of Health and Smartwatch Innovation
Huawei has once again pushed the boundaries of wearable technology with the global launch of the Huawei Watch 5, alongside the Watch Fit 4 and Fit 4 Pro. Unveiled at an event in Berlin, Germany, this latest iteration in Huawei’s premium smartwatch line promises a blend of sophisticated design, advanced health monitoring, and improved user experience.
Design and Display: Elegance Meets Durability
The Huawei Watch 5 maintains the familiar circular dial design, available in two sizes: a 46mm variant and a more compact 42mm version. Huawei has opted for premium materials, with some models featuring aerospace-grade titanium and 904L stainless steel cases, paired with spherical sapphire glass for enhanced durability and scratch resistance.
The display is a standout feature, boasting a vibrant LTPO 2.0 AMOLED color screen with a remarkable 3000-nit peak brightness. This ensures excellent readability even in direct sunlight. The 46mm model sports a 1.5-inch display (466×466 pixels, 310 PPI), while the 42mm version offers a 1.38-inch screen (466×466 pixels, 338 PPI), both offering crisp visuals and thin bezels.
Color options are diverse, catering to various tastes. The 46mm comes in Black, Titanium Brown, Titanium Purple, and Titanium Silver. The 42mm is available in Green, White, Stainless Beige, and Stainless Gold. Strap options include fluoroelastomer, composite, and titanium steel.
1. Revolutionary Health Monitoring with Multi-Sensing X-Tap Sensor:
- One-tap Health Glance: A standout feature allowing for a comprehensive 60-second health check.2 Simply press and hold the X-Tap sensor to get 9 readings:
- Heart Rate3
- Heart Rate Variability (HRV)4
- Fingertip SpO2 (Blood Oxygen Saturation)5
- Skin Temperature
- Stress Level
- ECG (Electrocardiogram)6
- Arterial Stiffness
- Respiratory Check7
- Sleep Breathing Awareness (via sleep tracking)8
- Upgraded TruSense 6.0 Optical Heart Rate Sensor: Provides continuous and accurate heart rate, sleep, and blood oxygen monitoring.9
- Proactive Health Alerts: The watch can send smart alerts if readings deviate from normal ranges.10
2. Premium Design and Display:
- Two Sizes: Available in 46mm and 42mm variants to suit different wrist sizes.11
- High-Quality Materials: Features aerospace-grade titanium and 904L stainless steel cases on select models, paired with spherical sapphire glass for exceptional durability and scratch resistance.12
- Vibrant LTPO 2.0 AMOLED Display: Offers a stunning 3000-nit peak brightness for excellent readability even in bright sunlight.13
- 46mm: 1.5-inch (466×466 pixels, 310 PPI)14
- 42mm: 1.38-inch (466×466 pixels, 338 PPI)15
- Thin Bezels: Contribute to an immersive visual experience.
3. Advanced Smart Features:
- HarmonyOS Next 5.1: Huawei’s latest operating system provides a smooth and intuitive interface.
- eSIM Cellular Calling: Allows for phone-free calls directly from your wrist (cellular models only).16
- Bluetooth Calling: Standard calling when connected to your smartphone.
- Gesture Control: Perform actions like answering calls or dismissing alarms with simple hand gestures (double-tap and double-slide).17
- Offline Maps and Enhanced GPS: Features Huawei’s Sunflower Positioning System for precise navigation during outdoor activities, even without an internet connection.18
- Over 100 Sports Modes: Comprehensive tracking for a wide array of activities, including specialized modes for golf and trail running.19
- Notifications and Controls: Receive notifications, control music playback, check weather, and use it as a camera remote.
- AppGallery: Supports app downloads, though the third-party app ecosystem is still somewhat limited compared to competitors.20
4. Impressive Battery Life:
- Standard Mode:
- 42mm: Up to 3 days (2 days with Always-On Display – AOD)
- 46mm: Up to 4.5 days (3 days with AOD)
- Battery Saver Mode:
- 42mm: Up to 7 days (5 days typical usage)
- 46mm: Up to 11 days (7 days typical usage)
- Wireless Charging: Convenient charging, with full charge times of approximately 60 minutes (42mm) and 90 minutes (46mm).
5. Robust Durability:
- 5ATM Water Resistance: Suitable for swimming and shallow water activities.
- IP69 Rating: Provides high-level dust and water resistance.21
In essence, the Huawei Watch 5 stands out for its innovative health monitoring capabilities, premium build quality, vibrant display, and strong battery performance, making it a compelling option for those prioritizing well-being and a sophisticated wearable.
How To Use Huawei Watch 5
Using your Huawei Watch 5 involves a few key steps, from initial setup to daily use of its many features. Here’s a comprehensive guide:
I. Initial Setup and Pairing (The Most Important First Step)
- Charge Your Watch: Before anything else, ensure your Huawei Watch 5 has sufficient charge. Place it on the included wireless charging puck and connect it to a power source. The battery level will display on the screen.
- Download the Huawei Health App: This is the essential companion app for your watch.
- For Huawei Phones: Download directly from the Huawei AppGallery.
- For Android Phones (Non-Huawei): You’ll need to download the Huawei AppGallery first from Huawei’s consumer website (
consumer.huawei.com), then download Huawei Health from within the AppGallery.1 - For iPhones: Search for “Huawei Health” in the Apple App Store.
- Minimum Requirements: Ensure your phone meets the minimum requirements (EMUI 12.0/Android 8.0/iOS 13.0 or later).
- Create/Log in to Huawei ID: Open the Huawei Health app and log in with your Huawei ID. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to register. It’s recommended to use an adult account.
- Power On Your Watch: Press and hold the “Up” button (usually the top right button) on your watch to turn it on. Select your preferred language.
- Pairing the Watch:
- Open the Huawei Health app on your phone.
- Go to the “Devices” tab (usually at the bottom).
- Tap the “Add device” (+) icon in the upper right corner.
- The app will start scanning for your watch. Select “Huawei Watch 5” from the list of found devices and tap “Connect.”
- Alternatively, you can scan the QR code displayed on your watch screen using the “Scan” option in the Huawei Health app.
- Confirm Pairing: A pairing request will appear on both your phone and watch. Confirm the pairing on both devices.
- Grant Permissions: You’ll be prompted to grant various permissions (e.g., for contacts, call logs, notifications, location). Granting these permissions is crucial for full functionality.
- Complete Setup: Follow any remaining on-screen instructions in the app to finalize the pairing and initial setup.
II. Basic Watch Navigation and Controls
The Huawei Watch 5 typically features:
- Up Button (Top Right):
- Press and hold: Power on/off, restart.
- Single press: Access the app list/menu.
- Rotate: Scroll through menus and lists.
- Down Button (Bottom Right):
- Single press: Customizable shortcut to a specific app or feature (e.g., workouts, heart rate).
- Touchscreen:
- Swipe Down: Access quick settings (battery, DND, alarm, flashlight, etc.).
- Swipe Up: View notifications.
- Swipe Left/Right: Cycle through “cards” or widgets (e.g., heart rate, weather, activity rings, music control).2 You can customize these in the Huawei Health app.
- Tap: Select an item or open an app.
- Tap and Hold (Watch Face): Change the watch face.
III. Key Features and How to Use Them
- Health Monitoring (The X-Tap Sensor is Key!):
- One-tap Health Glance: This is a major highlight. Gently press and hold the Multi-Sensing X-Tap sensor (the pill-shaped sensor on the right side of the watch body) for about 3 seconds. The watch will initiate a 60-second health check, providing readings for heart rate, SpO2 (fingertip), ECG, HRV, stress, skin temperature, and more.3
- Continuous Monitoring: Heart rate, sleep, and blood oxygen are continuously monitored in the background.4 You can view detailed graphs and historical data in the Huawei Health app.
- ECG: Access the ECG app on your watch (usually from the app list) and follow the on-screen instructions, placing your finger on the X-Tap sensor.5
- SpO2 (Blood Oxygen): You can also get a quick SpO2 reading by tapping the X-Tap sensor or accessing the SpO2 app on the watch.6
- Sleep Tracking: Wear the watch to bed. The Huawei Health app will provide detailed sleep analysis (stages, quality, breathing awareness).7
- Stress Monitoring: The watch continuously monitors stress levels.8 You can check your current level and view historical data in the Huawei Health app. Guided breathing exercises are also available.
- Workouts and Fitness Tracking:
- Start a Workout: Press the Down button (if customized for workouts) or find the “Workout” app in the app list. Select your desired activity (e.g., running, cycling, swimming).
- GPS Tracking: For outdoor activities, the watch uses its built-in dual-band GPS for accurate route tracking.9
- Workout Data: During a workout, you’ll see real-time metrics (duration, distance, pace, heart rate, calories).
- Post-Workout Analysis: After finishing, sync your watch with the Huawei Health app for detailed reports, maps, and performance insights.
- Activity Rings: Track your daily “Move,” “Exercise,” and “Stand” goals.10
- Notifications and Communication:
- View Notifications: Swipe up from the watch face to see incoming notifications (messages, calls, app alerts). You can customize which app notifications appear in the Huawei Health app.
- Answer/Decline Calls: If your watch has eSIM or is connected via Bluetooth, you can answer or decline calls directly from your wrist.11
- eSIM (if enabled): If you have an eSIM variant and have set it up with your carrier, you can make and receive calls independently of your phone.12
- Gesture Control: Use the newly introduced smart gestures (double-tap thumb and index finger, double-slide thumb along index finger) to answer calls, dismiss alarms, or control music.13
- Music Playback:
- Control Phone Music: Access the music control widget to play/pause, skip tracks, and adjust volume on your phone.14
- Offline Music: You can transfer music directly to your watch (via the Huawei Health app) and listen with Bluetooth headphones without your phone.15
- Navigation (Petal Maps):
- The Huawei Watch 5 supports offline maps and turn-by-turn navigation through Petal Maps.16 You can download maps for your region in the Huawei Health app.
- Access the Petal Maps app on your watch to start navigation.17
- Watch Faces and Customization:
- Change Watch Face: Long-press on the current watch face. Swipe left/right to browse pre-installed faces, or tap “Settings” to access more options.
- Download More Faces: In the Huawei Health app, go to “Devices” -> Your Watch -> “Watch faces” to explore and download a vast library of watch faces, including dynamic and interactive ones.18
- Apps (AppGallery):
- Access the app list by pressing the “Up” button.
- While the AppGallery on the watch is more limited than on phones, you can find some third-party apps for utilities or simple games. You can install and manage these apps through the Huawei Health app on your phone.19
IV. Maintenance and Tips
- Keep Huawei Health App Updated: Regularly check for updates for the Huawei Health app on your phone, as these often bring new features and improvements.
- Watch Software Updates: The watch will notify you of available firmware updates, which can be installed via the Huawei Health app.20
- Clean Your Watch: Regularly clean the watch body, strap, and especially the heart rate sensors on the back to ensure accurate readings.
- Battery Saver Mode: If you need to extend battery life, switch to Battery Saver mode from the quick settings or in the Huawei Health app.21
- Restarting/Resetting: If your watch is acting up, a simple restart (press and hold Up button for 10+ seconds until Huawei logo appears) can often fix it. For persistent issues, you can factory reset the watch via the Huawei Health app (“Devices” -> Your watch -> “Settings” -> “Reset settings”).22
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to maximizing the potential of your Huawei Watch 5 and enjoying its advanced health and smart features.
Huawei Watch 5 Release Date
The Huawei Watch 5 series was officially launched on May 15, 2025, during a global launch event in Berlin. The smartwatches became available for preorder in the UK and Europe on the same day, with general availability starting on May 26, 2025 .
Huawei Watch 5 Price
The Huawei Watch 5 is already available for pre-order at Huawei’s online store, with the official market launch scheduled for May 26th. Pricing varies based on size and material:
- 42mm (Green, White): Starts at £399.99 / €449.99
- 46mm (Black): Starts at £399.99 / €499.99
- Premium variants (Titanium, Stainless Gold/Beige): Go up to £599.99 / €649.99
The Huawei Watch 5 series was officially unveiled on May 15, 2025, during a global launch event in Berlin. The smartwatches became available for preorder in the UK and Europe on the same day, with general availability starting on May 26, 2025 .
Huawei Watch Price in India
The Huawei Watch 5 has not yet been officially launched in India, and therefore, there is no official Indian pricing available.
However, based on its global pricing, we can estimate its potential price range in India. The Huawei Watch 5 was launched in the UK and select European markets with prices starting from £399.99 / €449.99.
Converting this to Indian Rupees (at approximate current exchange rates):
- £399.99 is roughly ₹42,000 – ₹45,000
- €449.99 is roughly ₹40,000 – ₹43,000
Therefore, if and when the Huawei Watch 5 launches in India, you can expect its price to be in the ₹40,000 to ₹60,000+ range, depending on the specific model (42mm vs. 46mm) and the materials (titanium, stainless steel).
It’s important to note that Huawei’s presence in the Indian market for smartphones and some other devices has been limited due to geopolitical reasons. While they do launch some wearables, the availability and support can sometimes be different compared to other global markets.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on availability and pricing in India, it’s best to keep an eye on official Huawei India announcements or major Indian tech news outlets.
Conclusion: A Premium Smartwatch with a Health Focus
The Huawei Watch 5 builds upon its predecessors with significant advancements in health tracking, particularly with the innovative X-Tap sensor. The premium design, vibrant display, and excellent battery life solidify its position in the high-end smartwatch market. While the limited app ecosystem and lack of NFC payments outside China remain considerations, the Watch 5 offers a compelling package for users prioritizing comprehensive health monitoring and a sophisticated wearable experience.
