The sub-$50 smartwatch market is fiercely competitive, with Honor and Realme vying for dominance. Both the Honor Watch X5 and the Realme Watch 3 Pro aim to deliver essential smartwatch features without breaking the bank. This comparison dissects their capabilities to determine which offers the most compelling package for everyday users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a larger display and potentially better build quality, the Realme Watch 3 Pro emerges as the slightly stronger contender. However, the Honor Watch X5 may offer a more streamlined user experience, depending on software implementation, and could be a viable alternative if price is the primary concern.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Speed | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, November 24 | 2022, September 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, November 24 | Available. Released 2022, September 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum alloy frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 45.7 x 40.2 x 10 mm (1.80 x 1.58 x 0.39 in) | 45 x 36.8 x 11.7 mm (1.77 x 1.45 x 0.46 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 29 g (1.02 oz) | 40.7 g (1.45 oz) |
| | - | Compatible with standard 22mm straps |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 390 x 450 pixels (~302 ppi density) | 364 x 448 pixels (~325 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.97 inches | 1.78 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| OS | Proprietary OS | Proprietary OS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | Unspecified |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, barometer, compass, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 360 mAh | Li-Ion 345 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, Gray |
| Models | LWS-WB10 | - |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Honor Watch X5
- Potentially cleaner software experience
- Likely more affordable price point
- Honor's reputation for build quality
- Smaller display size (likely)
- Potentially fewer features than Realme Watch 3 Pro
- Limited brand recognition compared to Realme
Realme Watch 3 Pro
- Larger, brighter display for better readability
- Bluetooth calling functionality
- Potentially more advanced health monitoring features
- Software may be more complex or bloated
- Potentially shorter battery life due to larger display
- May be slightly more expensive than Honor Watch X5
Display Comparison
Given the lack of specific display specs, we can infer differences based on brand positioning. Realme typically emphasizes larger displays, suggesting the Watch 3 Pro likely features a larger screen size than the Honor Watch X5. This impacts readability and ease of interaction. Realme's marketing often highlights brightness, implying the Watch 3 Pro may have higher peak brightness for outdoor visibility. Honor, while focusing on value, may prioritize power efficiency, potentially resulting in a slightly less vibrant but longer-lasting display on the X5. The panel technology (likely TFT LCD on both) will be a key differentiator in color accuracy and viewing angles, but without specs, it's difficult to assess.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Honor Watch X5 nor the Realme Watch 3 Pro include cameras. This is standard for budget smartwatches, as adding a camera significantly increases cost and complexity without providing substantial benefits in this segment.
Performance
Both watches likely utilize a similar, low-power chipset from a manufacturer like Nordic Semiconductor or Dialog Semiconductor, optimized for basic smartwatch functions. Performance differences will be minimal in terms of app loading times and responsiveness. However, Realme's software optimization could lead to a smoother user experience. RAM capacity is likely limited on both (around 32-64MB), sufficient for basic notifications and fitness tracking. Thermal management isn't a significant concern with these low-power chipsets, but Realme's larger chassis might offer slightly better heat dissipation.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor in this price range. Both watches likely feature a battery capacity between 200-300mAh. Realme often includes faster charging capabilities, potentially giving the Watch 3 Pro an edge in quick top-ups. However, the Honor Watch X5 might achieve longer overall battery life through more aggressive power management and a less demanding display. Real-world usage, including always-on display settings and frequency of health tracking, will significantly impact battery performance on both devices. Expect several days of use between charges with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Watch X5 if you need a simple, no-frills smartwatch experience and prioritize a potentially cleaner software interface. It's ideal for users new to smartwatches or those who want basic fitness tracking. Buy the Realme Watch 3 Pro if you prefer a larger, brighter display for easier readability, and value features like Bluetooth calling and potentially more advanced health monitoring, even if it comes with a slightly more complex software experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Realme Watch 3 Pro's Bluetooth calling feature work reliably?
Bluetooth calling on budget smartwatches can be hit-or-miss. While the Realme Watch 3 Pro offers this feature, expect call quality to be dependent on a strong Bluetooth connection and minimal background noise. It's best suited for quick calls in quiet environments rather than extended conversations.
❓ How accurate are the heart rate and SpO2 sensors on the Honor Watch X5 and Realme Watch 3 Pro?
Accuracy of heart rate and SpO2 sensors on budget smartwatches is generally lower than on premium devices. Both the Honor Watch X5 and Realme Watch 3 Pro should provide reasonable estimates for general fitness tracking, but they shouldn't be relied upon for medical-grade measurements. Expect occasional inaccuracies, especially during high-intensity workouts.
❓ Can I customize the watch faces on either the Honor Watch X5 or the Realme Watch 3 Pro?
Both smartwatches offer a degree of watch face customization. The Realme Watch 3 Pro likely provides a wider selection of pre-installed watch faces and potentially allows for downloading additional faces through its companion app. The Honor Watch X5 may have a more limited selection, but still allows for basic customization options.
