The smartwatch market is increasingly segmented, offering options for every budget and lifestyle. We're pitting the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active, a likely contender in the value-focused segment, against the Honor Watch 4 Pro, which aims for a more premium experience with advanced features. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to help you determine the best fit.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing affordability and essential fitness tracking, the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active is likely the better choice. However, the Honor Watch 4 Pro justifies its higher price with the convenience of wireless charging and a potentially more robust feature set, appealing to users who value premium convenience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | LTE |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, August 27 | 2023, October 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September 03 | Available. Released 2023, October 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, stainless steel frame 316L |
| Dimensions | 49.1 x 40.4 x 11.4 mm (1.93 x 1.59 x 0.45 in) | 46.4 x 46.4 x 11.4 mm (1.83 x 1.83 x 0.45 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 42.2 g (1.48 oz) | 50 g (1.76 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 320 x 385 pixels (~250 ppi density) | 464 x 464 pixels (~310 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.0 inches | 1.5 inches |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) | LTPO AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| OS | HyperOS | MagicOS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | Unspecified | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.2, LE, EDR |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless |
| Type | 470 mAh | Li-Po 480 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Matte Silver | Black, Silver, Gold |
| Models | - | TUM-L19 |
| Price | $ 51.64 | About 230 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active
- Likely more affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Likely less premium build quality
- Potentially limited feature set
- May lack advanced health sensors
Honor Watch 4 Pro
- Convenience of wireless charging
- Potentially more advanced health tracking features
- Likely a more premium design and build quality
- Higher price point
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to Redmi Watch 5 Active
- Wireless charging may be slower than wired charging
Display Comparison
Given the Redmi Watch 5 Active targets a lower price point, it likely utilizes an LCD panel to maintain affordability. The Honor Watch 4 Pro, positioned as a premium device, almost certainly features an AMOLED display, offering superior contrast and color vibrancy. The Honor Watch 4 Pro’s potential for higher peak brightness will improve outdoor visibility, while the Redmi Watch 5 Active may struggle in direct sunlight. The presence of wireless charging on the Honor Watch 4 Pro suggests a more sophisticated design, potentially with a larger display area and narrower bezels compared to the Redmi Watch 5 Active.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is expected to feature a camera, as this is not a common feature in smartwatches at this price point or category. Focusing on sensors, the Honor Watch 4 Pro is likely to have a more comprehensive suite of health sensors, including potentially SpO2, heart rate, and stress monitoring, while the Redmi Watch 5 Active may offer a more limited selection.
Performance
Without specific chipset details for the Redmi Watch 5 Active, we can assume it employs a power-efficient processor sufficient for basic smartwatch functions. The Honor Watch 4 Pro, being a higher-end model, likely incorporates a more powerful chipset, potentially enabling smoother animations and faster app loading times. While both will likely have sufficient RAM for their intended tasks, the Honor Watch 4 Pro may benefit from faster memory (LPDDR4x or LPDDR5) for improved multitasking. Thermal management is less of a concern for smartwatches than smartphones, but a more powerful chipset in the Honor Watch 4 Pro could generate slightly more heat during prolonged GPS usage.
Battery Life
The Redmi Watch 5 Active likely prioritizes long battery life through a combination of a larger battery capacity and a less power-hungry display and chipset. The Honor Watch 4 Pro, with its AMOLED display and wireless charging, may have a slightly smaller battery capacity, but the efficiency of wireless charging and potential software optimizations could mitigate this difference. Wireless charging on the Honor Watch 4 Pro offers convenience, eliminating the need for cables, but may be slightly slower than wired charging. The Redmi Watch 5 Active will almost certainly rely on a proprietary wired charging solution.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active if you need a reliable, budget-friendly smartwatch primarily for basic fitness tracking, notifications, and everyday use. It's ideal for users who don't require advanced features like wireless charging or extensive health monitoring. Buy the Honor Watch 4 Pro if you prefer a more refined experience with the convenience of wireless charging, potentially a larger display, and a more premium build quality, even if it means a higher upfront investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Honor Watch 4 Pro's wireless charging work with any Qi-compatible charger?
While Honor doesn't explicitly state Qi compatibility, most premium smartwatches with wireless charging do support the Qi standard. However, for optimal charging speeds and safety, it's recommended to use a charger specifically designed for smartwatches or one certified by Honor.
❓ How accurate is the GPS on the Redmi Watch 5 Active for tracking outdoor activities like running?
GPS accuracy on budget smartwatches can vary. While the Redmi Watch 5 Active likely includes GPS, its performance may not be as precise as higher-end models. Factors like signal obstruction from buildings or trees can affect accuracy. It's advisable to start GPS tracking a few minutes before beginning your activity to ensure a stable connection.
❓ What type of heart rate sensor does the Honor Watch 4 Pro use, and how does it compare to the Redmi Watch 5 Active?
The Honor Watch 4 Pro likely utilizes a more advanced optical heart rate sensor, potentially with improved accuracy and noise reduction compared to the Redmi Watch 5 Active. This could translate to more reliable heart rate data during intense workouts or activities with rapid heart rate fluctuations.
