The budget smartwatch market is fiercely competitive, with Xiaomi and Realme consistently vying for dominance. Both the Redmi Watch 5 Active and the Realme Watch 3 Pro aim to deliver a comprehensive feature set without breaking the bank. This comparison dissects their capabilities to determine which offers the most compelling package for everyday users and fitness enthusiasts.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a larger display and potentially better call quality, the Realme Watch 3 Pro emerges as the slightly stronger contender. However, the Redmi Watch 5 Active’s focus on active lifestyles and potentially longer battery life makes it a viable alternative, especially for dedicated fitness tracking.
| 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 | 2024, August 27 | 2022, September 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September 03 | Available. Released 2022, September 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 49.1 x 40.4 x 11.4 mm (1.93 x 1.59 x 0.45 in) | 45 x 36.8 x 11.7 mm (1.77 x 1.45 x 0.46 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 42.2 g (1.48 oz) | 40.7 g (1.45 oz) |
| | - | Compatible with standard 22mm straps |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 320 x 385 pixels (~250 ppi density) | 364 x 448 pixels (~325 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.0 inches | 1.78 inches |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| OS | HyperOS | Proprietary OS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 470 mAh | Li-Ion 345 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Matte Silver | Black, Gray |
| Price | $ 51.64 | About 150 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active
- Likely longer battery life for extended use.
- Potentially more durable and lightweight design.
- Strong focus on fitness tracking features.
- Smaller display may feel cramped.
- Potentially less feature-rich software experience.
Realme Watch 3 Pro
- Larger, more vibrant display for better readability.
- Integrated Bluetooth calling for convenient communication.
- Potentially smoother performance and more features.
- Shorter battery life compared to the Redmi Watch 5 Active.
- May be slightly heavier and less comfortable for some users.
Display Comparison
Given the market positioning, both watches likely employ TFT LCD panels to maintain affordability. The Realme Watch 3 Pro, however, is expected to feature a larger display, potentially around 1.78 inches versus the Redmi Watch 5 Active’s anticipated 1.41-inch screen. This size difference translates to more on-screen information and easier readability. While neither is expected to boast OLED’s contrast, the Realme’s larger surface area could offer a brighter overall viewing experience. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Redmi Watch 5 Active nor the Realme Watch 3 Pro includes a camera. This is standard for smartwatches in this price bracket, as integrating a camera would significantly increase cost and complexity without adding substantial value for the target audience. The focus remains on core smartwatch functionalities like fitness tracking and notifications.
Performance
Both smartwatches will utilize low-power chipsets optimized for efficiency rather than raw processing power. Realme, historically, has integrated slightly more sophisticated processors in its wearables, suggesting the Watch 3 Pro might offer smoother animations and faster app loading times. However, the real-world difference will likely be minimal for basic functions like timekeeping and notification display. RAM capacity is also likely similar, around 32MB-64MB, sufficient for the intended use cases. Thermal management isn’t a significant concern with these devices due to their low power consumption.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor in the budget smartwatch segment. The Redmi Watch 5 Active, given Xiaomi’s emphasis on endurance in its fitness trackers, is anticipated to offer a longer battery life – potentially up to 10-14 days with typical use. The Realme Watch 3 Pro, with its larger display and Bluetooth calling feature, will likely have a shorter battery life, estimated around 7-10 days. Charging times will likely be similar, utilizing a proprietary magnetic charger, with a full charge taking approximately 2-3 hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active if you need a lightweight, durable smartwatch primarily for fitness tracking and appreciate a minimalist design. Its likely focus on extended battery life will appeal to those who dislike frequent charging. Buy the Realme Watch 3 Pro if you prefer a larger, more vibrant display, integrated Bluetooth calling, and a more feature-rich software experience, even if it potentially impacts battery endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Realme Watch 3 Pro's Bluetooth calling feature significantly impact battery life?
Yes, utilizing the Bluetooth calling feature on the Realme Watch 3 Pro will noticeably reduce battery life. Continuous use of the microphone and speaker consumes considerable power, potentially shortening the runtime by 20-30% compared to standard usage without calls.
❓ Is the Redmi Watch 5 Active suitable for swimming or water sports?
The Redmi Watch 5 Active is likely to have a 5ATM water resistance rating, making it suitable for swimming in shallow water and showering. However, it's not recommended for high-speed water sports or diving, as the pressure could compromise the water resistance.
❓ Can I customize the watch faces on either the Redmi Watch 5 Active 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 a companion app. The Redmi Watch 5 Active will also offer customization options, but the selection may be more limited.
