The smartwatch market is increasingly segmented, with options ranging from ultra-premium devices to affordable fitness trackers. This comparison pits the Realme Watch 5, a likely budget-focused offering, against the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, which leverages Qualcomm's latest wearable chipset. We'll dissect the key differences to determine which watch delivers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and a modern smartwatch experience, the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chipset provides a substantial advantage in responsiveness and feature support. However, if budget is the absolute primary concern and basic fitness tracking is sufficient, the Realme Watch 5 may suffice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | LTE |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 19 | 2023, September 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October 28 | Available. Released 2023, October 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | - | 47.6 x 45.9 x 11.8 mm (1.87 x 1.81 x 0.46 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | - | 54.5 g (1.94 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 390 x 450 pixels (~302 ppi density) | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.97 inches | 1.43 inches |
| Type | AMOLED, 600 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 600 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Android Wear OS 3.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | Unspecified | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 460 mAh | Li-Po 495 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Titanium | Black, Silver |
| Models | RMW2501 | M2233W1 |
| Price | € 59.39 / $ 41.50 | About 170 EUR |
Realme Watch 5
- Likely very affordable price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Potentially long battery life due to lower performance demands
- Significantly slower performance
- Limited feature set
- Outdated chipset
Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro
- Powerful Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chipset
- Smooth and responsive user experience
- Advanced health and fitness tracking features
- Potential for future software updates
- Higher price point
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to basic trackers
- More complex interface may not appeal to all users
Display Comparison
Given the lack of specific Realme Watch 5 display details, we can infer it likely utilizes a standard LCD panel, common in its price bracket. The Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, while not specifying panel type, benefits from the processing power of the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 to potentially drive a higher resolution and more vibrant display. Bezels are likely to be more prominent on the Realme Watch 5 to maintain a lower cost. Color accuracy is also expected to be superior on the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro due to its more advanced chipset and potential for calibration.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is explicitly marketed for camera capabilities, and smartwatches generally have limited camera functionality. Therefore, this section is largely irrelevant for comparison. It's safe to assume both devices, if equipped with a camera, will offer basic functionality suitable for quick scans or video calls, but not high-quality photography.
Performance
The defining difference here is the chipset. The Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 (4nm) is a significant leap forward in wearable technology. The 4nm process node translates to improved power efficiency and thermal performance compared to the likely older, less efficient chipset found in the Realme Watch 5. This means the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro will handle apps, animations, and health tracking more smoothly and with less lag. The Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 also supports more advanced features like Bluetooth 5.3 and improved GPS accuracy. The Realme Watch 5 will likely struggle with complex tasks and may exhibit noticeable slowdowns.
Battery Life
Without specific battery capacity details for the Realme Watch 5, it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 in the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, despite its increased performance, is designed for efficiency. This means the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro could potentially offer comparable or even better battery life than the Realme Watch 5, even with a similar battery capacity. The Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro's faster charging capabilities (specific wattage not provided) will also reduce downtime compared to the Realme Watch 5, which likely has slower charging speeds.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Watch 5 if you need a simple, affordable smartwatch primarily for basic notifications and step tracking, and are willing to compromise on performance and advanced features. Buy the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro if you prioritize a smooth, responsive user interface, advanced health tracking capabilities, and the potential for future software updates, and are willing to invest in a more premium device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro receive regular software updates?
The Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 platform is actively supported by Qualcomm, increasing the likelihood of regular software updates from Xiaomi. This is a significant advantage over the Realme Watch 5, which may receive limited or no updates after its initial release.
❓ Is the performance difference between the two watches noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is substantial. The Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 in the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro provides a much smoother and more responsive experience when navigating menus, launching apps, and tracking fitness activities. The Realme Watch 5 will likely exhibit lag and slowdowns, especially when multitasking.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro support third-party app installations?
The Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 platform and Wear OS (or a similar OS) support third-party app installations, expanding the functionality of the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro beyond its pre-installed features. The Realme Watch 5 likely has a closed ecosystem with limited app support.
