The smartwatch market is increasingly competitive, offering a wide range of features at varying price points. The Honor Watch 5 and Xiaomi Mi Watch Revolve Active both aim to deliver a comprehensive wearable experience, but cater to slightly different user priorities. This comparison dives deep into what each watch offers, analyzing expected performance based on brand history and market positioning, to help you determine the best fit for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a blend of style and comprehensive health tracking, the Honor Watch 5 likely offers a more refined experience. Honor's history suggests a focus on premium materials and software optimization, potentially leading to a smoother user interface and more accurate data. However, the Xiaomi Mi Watch Revolve Active remains a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | N/A |
| 4G bands | LTE | N/A |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | No |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 05 | 2021, June 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September | Available. Released 2021, June 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, aluminum frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 45.6 x 39.4 x 11 mm (1.80 x 1.55 x 0.43 in) | 53.4 x 45.9 x 11.8 mm (2.10 x 1.81 x 0.46 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | No |
| Weight | 35 g (1.23 oz) | 32 g (1.13 oz) |
| | - | Waterproof (5ATM) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 390 x 450 pixels (~322 ppi density) | 454 x 454 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.85 inches | 1.39 inches |
| Type | AMOLED, 1000 nits (peak) | AMOLED |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| OS | MagicOS 8 | Proprietary OS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 4GB | - |
| | - | eMMC |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2, gyro, barometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Si/C Li-Ion 480 mAh | Li-Ion 420 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold, Green | Black, Navy Blue, Beige |
| Models | - | XMWTCL02 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Honor Watch 5
- Potentially more premium build quality and materials
- Likely more advanced health tracking features
- Potentially smoother and more refined software experience
- Expected to be more expensive than the Xiaomi Mi Watch Revolve Active
- May be slightly heavier due to premium materials
Xiaomi Mi Watch Revolve Active
- More affordable price point
- Lightweight design ideal for sports and fitness
- User-friendly and straightforward interface
- Potentially fewer advanced health tracking features
- Software experience may be less polished
Display Comparison
Given the market positioning, the Xiaomi Mi Watch Revolve Active likely utilizes an AMOLED display, prioritizing vibrant colors and good outdoor visibility. Honor, historically, has favored high-resolution displays; the Watch 5 is expected to follow suit, potentially offering a sharper image. The presence of Always-On Display (AOD) functionality is probable on both, but the Honor Watch 5 may benefit from a more efficient panel technology, potentially extending battery life when AOD is enabled. Bezels are expected to be minimal on both, but Honor's design language often leans towards a more refined aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch is expected to feature a camera. This is a common omission in modern smartwatches, as camera quality is often compromised due to size constraints. The focus for both devices will be on sensor-based health and fitness tracking.
Performance
Without specific chipset details, we can infer that the Xiaomi Mi Watch Revolve Active will employ a power-efficient processor suitable for basic fitness tracking and notification handling. Honor, aiming for a more premium experience, is likely to integrate a more capable chipset, potentially enabling faster app loading times and smoother animations. RAM capacity will be crucial; a larger RAM allocation on the Honor Watch 5 could translate to better multitasking performance. Thermal management is less of a concern on smartwatches than on smartphones, but a more efficient chipset in the Honor Watch 5 could contribute to a cooler operating temperature during prolonged use.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor. The Xiaomi Mi Watch Revolve Active, with its emphasis on active lifestyles, likely prioritizes a balance between battery capacity and weight. Expect around 7-10 days of typical use. The Honor Watch 5, potentially featuring a larger battery and a more efficient chipset, could achieve similar or slightly better battery life. Charging speed will be a key differentiator; Honor may incorporate faster charging technology, reducing the time required to reach a full charge. Wireless charging is a possibility on the Honor Watch 5, aligning with its premium positioning.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Watch 5 if you need a smartwatch with a potentially more premium build quality, a wider range of advanced health metrics (based on Honor's track record), and a more polished software experience. Buy the Xiaomi Mi Watch Revolve Active if you prioritize affordability, a lightweight design for active use, and a straightforward, user-friendly interface, accepting potential trade-offs in advanced features and software refinement.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How accurate are the heart rate and SpO2 sensors on the Xiaomi Mi Watch Revolve Active compared to medical-grade devices?
While the Xiaomi Mi Watch Revolve Active provides estimates of heart rate and SpO2, it's crucial to understand that these are not substitutes for professional medical equipment. Accuracy can be affected by factors like skin tone, movement, and sensor placement. The readings should be used for general wellness tracking, not for diagnostic purposes.
❓ Does the Honor Watch 5 support third-party app integration, and if so, how extensive is the app ecosystem?
Honor's smartwatch app ecosystem is likely to be more limited compared to Wear OS or watchOS. While basic apps for notifications, music control, and fitness tracking are expected, the availability of third-party apps may be restricted. The extent of integration will depend on Honor's ongoing development efforts and partnerships.
❓ What is the water resistance rating of each watch, and are they suitable for swimming?
Both the Honor Watch 5 and Xiaomi Mi Watch Revolve Active are expected to have at least a 5ATM water resistance rating, making them suitable for swimming in shallow water. However, it's important to avoid high-velocity water sports or diving, as these could exceed the watch's water resistance limits.
