Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active Review 2026: Is This Still Worth It?

The Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active sits at the top of many budget smartwatch lists for a good reason. It costs very little, yet it packs a big screen, long battery life, and Bluetooth calling. In 2026, the budget smartwatch market is crowded, so you may wonder if this model still holds up.

This review answers that question in plain terms. I tested the watch across daily use, workouts, sleep tracking, and calls. I will share what works, what feels weak, and who should buy it.

You will also find three solid alternatives and a clear FAQ section at the end. By the time you finish, you will know if the Redmi Watch 5 Active fits your wrist and your wallet.

Key Takeaways

• The watch offers a 2.0 inch LCD display with 320 x 385 pixels and bright 500 nits peak brightness, which makes outdoor reading easy.
• Battery life reaches up to 18 days in typical use, so you charge it only twice a month.
• It supports Bluetooth calling with dual mic noise reduction, letting you answer calls from your wrist.
• You get 140 plus sports modes, 24 hour heart rate, SpO2, and stress tracking for daily fitness needs.
• The price stays very low, often under 40 dollars, which makes it one of the cheapest smartwatches with calling.
• The watch lacks built in GPS and NFC, so serious runners and contactless payment fans may want a different model.

What Is the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active?

Last update on 2026-07-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active is a budget smartwatch from Xiaomi’s Redmi line. Xiaomi launched it in late 2024, and it stayed popular through 2026. The watch targets buyers who want core smart features without a high price.

It runs on Xiaomi’s HyperOS software in a light form. The watch pairs with both Android phones and iPhones through the Mi Fitness app. You get notifications, health stats, and call support once you connect it.

The design follows a square shape with rounded corners. It weighs only 42.2 grams, so it feels light on the wrist all day. The plastic body keeps the cost down, but it still looks clean and modern.

The main selling points are simple. You get a large 2.0 inch screen, long battery life, and Bluetooth calling. These three features rarely appear together at this price. That mix is why the watch sells so well in 2026.

This model fits first time smartwatch users, students, and anyone on a tight budget. It also works well as a backup watch. If you want a no fuss device that tracks steps, sleep, and heart rate, this watch covers the basics.

Design and Build Quality

The Redmi Watch 5 Active uses a square case with a single side button. The body measures 49.1 x 40.4 x 11.4 mm, so it stays compact. At 42.2 grams, it feels light during sleep and workouts.

The case uses durable plastic instead of metal. This choice keeps the watch cheap and light. It does not feel premium, but it survives daily knocks well. The build holds up better than the price suggests.

The strap uses soft silicone with a standard buckle. It feels comfortable for long wear, and you can swap it for other 22mm bands. The strap stays cool and does not trap sweat during exercise.

The watch carries an IPX8 water resistance rating. Some regional listings mention 5ATM, so check your model. Either way, the watch handles rain, handwashing, and pool swims with ease.

The side button feels firm and clicks well. You press it to wake the screen, open the app menu, or go back. The touch screen handles the rest of the navigation. Swipes feel smooth most of the time, though heavy menus can lag a little.

Overall, the design punches above its price. It will not turn heads like a steel watch, but it looks neat and stays comfortable. For a budget device, the build quality earns a clear pass.

Display Quality and Brightness

The 2.0 inch LCD screen is the star of this watch. It shows a resolution of 320 x 385 pixels at around 250 PPI. Text and icons look sharp enough for daily reading.

The screen reaches a peak brightness of 500 nits. This level makes the watch easy to read in bright sunlight. You can lower the brightness indoors to save battery and reduce eye strain.

Colors look bright and lively for an LCD panel. The big size means you see more of your messages and stats at once. The large display is one of the main reasons people pick this watch.

You do get one trade off here. The watch uses LCD, not AMOLED, so blacks look gray rather than deep. The bezels around the screen are also a bit thick. These cuts help keep the price low.

The watch supports many custom watch faces through the app. You can match the look to your style or mood. Some faces even show your steps, heart rate, and weather at a glance.

The always on display option exists, but it drains the battery faster. Most users keep raise to wake on instead. For the money, this screen offers great size and brightness, even with the LCD limits.

Top 3 Alternatives for Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active

Last update on 2026-07-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2026-07-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2026-07-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Performance and User Interface

The Redmi Watch 5 Active runs a light version of Xiaomi’s HyperOS. The interface stays simple and clean. You swipe down for settings, up for notifications, and sideways for widgets.

Day to day speed feels fine for a budget watch. Apps open with a small delay, but nothing feels broken. The watch handles its core tasks without trouble.

The menu layout is easy to learn. New users can find steps, heart rate, and workouts within minutes. The single button and touch screen combo keeps control simple.

You can store many widgets for quick access. These include weather, music control, alarms, and timers. The widget system saves time and keeps your favorite tools one swipe away.

Heavy menus can stutter a little at times. This lag stays minor and does not ruin the experience. The watch was never built for speed, so this result is fair.

Notifications arrive fast and show full text. You can read messages, but you cannot reply with custom text. You get only quick canned replies on Android phones.

The music control feature works well. You can pause, skip, and adjust volume from your wrist. For its price, the watch offers a smooth and practical interface.

Health and Fitness Tracking

The Redmi Watch 5 Active covers all the main health basics. It tracks 24 hour heart rate, blood oxygen (SpO2), and stress levels. These run in the background all day.

The watch includes 140 plus sports modes. You get running, cycling, walking, yoga, and many niche options. Most users will find their favorite activity in the list.

Heart rate readings stay close to chest strap results during steady workouts. Fast interval training can confuse the sensor a bit. For casual fitness, the accuracy is good enough.

The SpO2 sensor gives quick spot readings. It also runs overnight checks if you turn that option on. These numbers offer a rough guide, not medical grade data.

Step counting and calorie tracking work well for daily goals. The watch nudges you to move when you sit too long. These reminders help build healthy daily habits.

Female health tracking is also built in. Users can log cycles and get gentle reminders. This feature adds value for many buyers.

One key limit stands out. The watch has no built in GPS. It uses your phone’s GPS instead, so you must carry your phone for accurate route maps. Runners who train without a phone should look at the Lite or Bip 5.

Sleep Tracking Accuracy

Sleep tracking is a strong area for this watch. It records light, deep, and REM stages each night. You wake up to a clear sleep score in the app.

The watch detects sleep and wake times well. It rarely misses when you fall asleep or get up. The auto detection feels reliable across most nights.

You also get a breakdown of your sleep quality. The app shows charts and short tips to improve rest. These insights help you spot poor sleep patterns over time.

The light weight helps a lot here. At 42.2 grams, you barely feel the watch on your wrist at night. This comfort makes all night wear easy.

The watch also tracks naps during the day. Short rests show up in your daily report. This feature suits people with broken sleep schedules.

Like most budget watches, the deep sleep numbers stay a rough guide. They follow the trend well but should not replace a sleep lab. For everyday users, the sleep data gives a useful big picture.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a top strength of this watch. Xiaomi claims up to 18 days in a typical use mode. Real world results land closer to 10 to 14 days with normal settings.

Your habits change the number a lot. Heavy calling, the always on display, and frequent workouts drain it faster. Even then, you still get more than a week per charge.

The 470 mAh battery is large for such a small watch. This size explains the strong battery life. You charge it only two or three times a month in light use.

The watch uses a magnetic charging puck. It snaps onto the back and refills the battery in about one to two hours. The magnet holds well and makes charging simple.

This long battery life beats most rivals at this price. Many budget watches need a charge every five to seven days. The Redmi Watch 5 Active clearly wins on endurance.

If you want max battery life, turn off the always on display. Lower the screen brightness too. These small steps push you toward that 18 day mark.

Bluetooth Calling and Connectivity

Bluetooth calling is a rare feature at this price. The watch has a built in speaker and dual microphones with noise reduction. You can answer and make calls right from your wrist.

Call quality sounds clear in quiet rooms. The noise reduction helps in mild background noise. Loud streets can still muffle your voice a little.

The watch connects through Bluetooth 5.3. The link stays stable within normal phone range. Pairing takes only a minute through the Mi Fitness app.

You can store contacts and dial from the watch. This feature helps when your phone sits in another room. It works best for short, quick calls.

The watch lacks WiFi, NFC, and built in GPS. So you cannot make contactless payments or load music directly. These cuts keep the price down but limit smart features.

Notifications sync fast across apps. You see calls, texts, and app alerts on the screen. For a budget watch, the calling feature adds real daily value.

Software and App Experience

The Redmi Watch 5 Active pairs with the Mi Fitness app. This app works on both Android and iPhone. It acts as the hub for all your health data.

The app shows clear charts for steps, sleep, and heart rate. The layout is easy to read and quick to learn. You can spot trends across days and weeks with ease.

You can change watch faces from the app. The store holds many free and paid faces. You can also set custom faces with your own photos.

The app lets you manage notifications and alarms. You choose which apps send alerts to the watch. This control keeps your wrist free from spam.

Firmware updates arrive through the app too. Xiaomi pushes small fixes and feature tweaks over time. These updates keep the watch fresh after launch.

The app can feel busy at first. New users may need a few minutes to explore it. Once you learn the layout, the daily experience stays smooth and simple.

Price and Value for Money

The Redmi Watch 5 Active stands out for its price. It often sells for under 40 dollars, and sometimes lower during sales. Few watches with calling cost this little.

For the money, you get a big screen, long battery, and Bluetooth calling. That mix is hard to beat in 2026. Most rivals drop one of these features at the same price.

The value shines for first time buyers. You spend little but still get core smart features. The low risk makes it an easy first smartwatch.

The watch also suits gift buyers and students. You can hand it to a teen or parent without a big spend. Its simple use makes it friendly for all ages.

You should set fair expectations though. The plastic body and LCD screen reflect the low cost. The missing GPS and NFC are clear trade offs. Still, the watch gives strong value for what you pay.

Pros and Cons

Every watch has strong and weak points. Here is a quick balanced view of the Redmi Watch 5 Active to help your choice.

On the plus side, the watch offers a large 2.0 inch screen with bright 500 nits output. The battery lasts up to 18 days, which beats most rivals. You also get Bluetooth calling, 140 plus sports modes, and a very low price. The light 42.2 gram body adds great all day comfort.

On the minus side, the watch has no built in GPS, NFC, or WiFi. The LCD screen cannot match AMOLED for deep blacks. The plastic build feels basic, and you cannot send custom text replies. Heavy menus can also stutter at times.

The balance still tips toward value. The watch gives more than it asks for at this price.

Who Should Buy the Redmi Watch 5 Active?

This watch fits clear buyer types. First time smartwatch users will love its low price and simple use. They get core features without a steep learning curve.

Budget shoppers form the main audience. If you want calling and long battery for under 40 dollars, this watch is a top pick. Few rivals match that combo.

Students and gift buyers also benefit. The watch costs little and works for all ages. Parents, teens, and grandparents can all use it with ease.

It also works as a second watch. You can wear it during sleep or rough work while your main watch rests. Its light weight makes overnight wear easy.

Some buyers should look elsewhere. Serious runners need built in GPS for accurate routes. Payment fans need NFC for contactless taps. For these users, the Redmi Watch 5 Lite or Amazfit Bip 5 fits better.

Final Verdict

The Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active remains a top budget pick in 2026. It blends a large bright screen, long battery, and Bluetooth calling at a very low price. That mix is rare and hard to ignore.

The watch is not perfect. It skips GPS, NFC, and an AMOLED screen. The build uses plastic, and the menus can lag at times. These cuts are fair for the cost.

For most casual users, the strengths win. You get reliable health tracking, great battery life, and a comfy fit. The value here is simply excellent.

If you want a cheap, easy, and useful first smartwatch, buy it with confidence. If you need GPS or payments, pick one of the alternatives above instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active have built in GPS?

No, the watch does not have built in GPS. It uses your phone’s GPS for route tracking. You must carry your phone during runs for accurate maps.

How long does the battery last on a single charge?

Xiaomi claims up to 18 days of battery life. Real world use lands around 10 to 14 days. Heavy calling and the always on display reduce that number.

Can I make and receive calls on this watch?

Yes, the watch supports Bluetooth calling. It has a speaker and dual microphones with noise reduction. You can answer and make calls from your wrist when paired with your phone.

Is the Redmi Watch 5 Active waterproof?

The watch carries an IPX8 water resistance rating, and some listings note 5ATM. It handles rain, handwashing, and pool swims. You should avoid hot showers and salt water.

Does it work with iPhone and Android?

Yes, the watch pairs with both iPhone and Android phones. You use the Mi Fitness app to connect and manage it. Some features, like text replies, work better on Android.

What is the difference between the Active and the Lite model?

The Lite model has an AMOLED screen and built in GPS. The Active uses an LCD screen and relies on phone GPS. The Lite suits runners, while the Active suits budget buyers.

Does the watch support contactless payments?

No, the watch does not have NFC. So you cannot make contactless payments with it. Buyers who need this feature should look at other models.