The sub-$50 smartwatch market is fiercely competitive, with the Honor Watch X5 and Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active vying for dominance. Both aim to deliver essential fitness tracking and smart notifications without breaking the bank. This comparison dives deep into their potential strengths and weaknesses, assuming typical specifications for their respective brands and price points, to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly larger display and potentially more robust build quality (based on Honor's brand reputation), the Honor Watch X5 appears to be the better choice. However, the Redmi Watch 3 Active likely offers a more feature-rich software experience and potentially superior battery life, making it a strong contender.
| 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 | 2023, August 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, November 24 | Available. Released 2023, August 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum alloy frame, plastic back | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 45.7 x 40.2 x 10 mm (1.80 x 1.58 x 0.39 in) | 46.9 x 38.9 x 10.9 mm (1.85 x 1.53 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 29 g (1.02 oz) | 42 g (1.48 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 390 x 450 pixels (~302 ppi density) | 280 x 240 pixels (~202 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.97 inches | 1.83 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| OS | Proprietary OS | Proprietary OS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | Unspecified storage |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Unspecified |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | No |
| 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 289 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, Gray |
| Models | LWS-WB10 | - |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 50 EUR |
Honor Watch X5
- Potentially larger display for improved readability
- Honor's reputation for build quality
- Likely more durable construction
- Potentially shorter battery life
- Less feature-rich software ecosystem
- Limited app support
Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active
- Potentially longer battery life
- More comprehensive fitness tracking features
- Xiaomi’s established software ecosystem
- Potentially smaller display
- Build quality may be less premium
- Proprietary charging cable
Display Comparison
Given the price bracket, both watches likely utilize TFT LCD panels. However, Honor typically favors slightly larger displays, suggesting the Watch X5 may offer a more immersive viewing experience. The Redmi Watch 3 Active, following Xiaomi’s trend, may prioritize maximizing screen-to-body ratio. Expect resolutions around 360x400 pixels on both. The absence of AMOLED technology means neither will offer true blacks or exceptional outdoor visibility, but the larger size of the X5 could mitigate this somewhat. Bezels are likely comparable, being relatively substantial to maintain affordability.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Honor Watch X5 nor the Redmi Watch 3 Active include cameras. This is standard for smartwatches in this price range, as adding a camera significantly increases cost and complexity without providing substantial user benefit.
Performance
Both watches will be powered by relatively simple chipsets optimized for low power consumption. Expect limited app support beyond core fitness tracking and notifications. The Redmi Watch 3 Active, benefiting from Xiaomi’s software optimization, may offer smoother animations and faster response times. RAM capacity is likely around 128MB on both, sufficient for basic functions but limiting multitasking. Thermal management isn’t a significant concern given the low-power nature of these devices.
Battery Life
The Redmi Watch 3 Active, leveraging Xiaomi’s expertise in battery optimization, likely boasts a larger battery capacity (around 280mAh) compared to the Honor Watch X5 (potentially 230mAh). This, combined with efficient software, could translate to up to 12 days of typical use for the Redmi Watch 3 Active versus 7-10 days for the Honor Watch X5. Charging times are expected to be similar, around 2-3 hours via a proprietary magnetic charger.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Watch X5 if you need a smartwatch with a potentially more premium feel and a larger screen for easier readability, and if you value a brand known for durable hardware. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active if you prioritize comprehensive fitness tracking features, a potentially longer battery life, and a more established ecosystem of connected devices within the Xiaomi/Redmi universe.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How accurate are the heart rate and SpO2 sensors on the Redmi Watch 3 Active compared to medical-grade devices?
While the Redmi Watch 3 Active offers heart rate and SpO2 monitoring, it's crucial to understand these are not medical-grade sensors. Accuracy can be affected by factors like skin tone, movement, and sensor placement. They are best used for general wellness tracking and should not be relied upon for critical health decisions.
❓ Can I respond to notifications directly from the Honor Watch X5, or just view them?
Based on Honor's typical implementation in this price range, the Watch X5 likely allows you to view notifications but may not support replying to them directly. You'll likely need to access your smartphone to respond. The Redmi Watch 3 Active may offer limited quick replies, but full text input is unlikely on either device.
❓ Is the Honor Watch X5 compatible with iPhones?
While the Honor Watch X5 will likely connect to an iPhone via Bluetooth, full functionality (like syncing data to Honor's Health app) may be limited compared to pairing with an Android device. Expect basic notification mirroring and potentially limited fitness data transfer.
❓ Does the Redmi Watch 3 Active support music playback without a connected phone?
The Redmi Watch 3 Active may offer limited onboard storage for music, allowing for offline playback with Bluetooth headphones. However, the storage capacity is likely small, restricting the number of songs you can store. The Honor Watch X5 is less likely to have this feature.
