Huawei officially launched its latest wearable device, the Huawei Watch 5, in the Chinese market today. The launch event also featured the introduction of the Huawei Pura 80 Pro series and Pura 80 Ultra smartphones. The Watch 5, which has seen a global release, arrives in China boasting several new features designed to enhance user health tracking, interaction, and overall functionality.
The Huawei Watch 5 is available in two distinct sizes: a 42mm model and a larger 46mm model, catering to different wrist sizes and preferences. The 42mm variant is offered in four color options: Dawn Gold, Nebula Apricot, Venus White, and Phantom Moon Black. The 46mm model expands the color palette with Titanium Silver, Galaxy Purple, Jupiter Brown, and Sky Black.
Measurement specifications confirm the different profiles of the two models. The 42mm Watch 5 has dimensions of 42 x 42.5 x 10.5mm and is designed to fit wrists ranging from 120mm to 190mm. Its weight varies between 48 and 51 grams. The larger 46mm Watch 5 measures 46 x 46.7 x 11.3mm and is suitable for wrist sizes from 140mm to 210mm, with a weight between 58 and 63 grams. Both models come equipped with plain leather composite straps.
The displays on the new Watch 5 models offer crisp visuals and high brightness. The 42mm model features a 1.38-inch LTPO 2.0 AMOLED display, while the 46mm model sports a larger 1.5-inch LTPO 2.0 AMOLED screen. Both displays share a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels and an impressive peak brightness of 3000 nits, ensuring readability even in bright sunlight. Construction materials also differ between the sizes; the 46mm model features robust spherical sapphire glass and an aerospace-grade titanium alloy case, while the 42mm version is built with a stainless steel case.
A significant new feature introduced with the Watch 5 is X-Tap technology. This system integrates ECG, PPG, and tactile pressure sensors within a compact side window on the device, aiming to deliver more advanced and comprehensive health monitoring capabilities to the user.
The Watch 5 runs on Huawei’s HarmonyOS 5.1, the latest iteration of its operating system. A notable advancement is its integration with large AI models. Huawei states that the Watch 5 is the first AI smartwatch to incorporate both the Pangu and DeepSeek large models. This integration powers enhanced AI functionalities, particularly through the Celia AI assistant.
The Celia AI assistant on the Watch 5 supports voice commands for a wide range of applications, covering over 100 sports modes and 15 health-related applications. Beyond basic commands, Celia offers personalized responses and provides daily updates on information such as weather and news, aiming to provide a more intelligent and helpful user experience directly from the wrist.
User interaction is further enhanced by the inclusion of gesture controls. Users can now perform actions without physically touching the screen. Sliding the thumb across the index finger allows for selection actions, while a double-tap of the thumb and index finger can be used for confirmation. These intuitive gestures can be utilized for managing various functions, including answering or rejecting phone calls, controlling camera operations, managing alarms, and controlling music and video playback.
Additional smart features broaden the utility of the Watch 5. These include smart car key functionality, allowing the watch to be used as a digital key for compatible vehicles, and seamless control over smart home devices. The Watch 5 also supports eSIM, enabling users to make and receive calls and stream music online directly from the watch without needing a connected smartphone. Positioning accuracy is stated to be improved, utilizing what Huawei describes as “Sunflower technology.”
Battery life remains a crucial factor for smartwatches, and Huawei provides different endurance ratings for the two models. In standard usage mode, the 42mm Watch 5 is rated to last for three days on a single charge. The larger 46mm model offers a longer battery life of four and a half days in standard mode. For users prioritizing maximum battery life, a Battery Saver mode significantly extends the usage time: up to seven days for the 42mm model and up to eleven days for the 46mm model.
Pricing for the Huawei Watch 5 in China begins at 2699 yuan for the 42mm model. The larger 46mm model has a starting price of 2799 yuan. Higher configurations, likely featuring different strap options or premium finishes, are available at higher price points. The Huawei Watch 5 is currently available for purchase in China through Huawei’s official online store, VMall.
The launch of the Watch 5 in China with its enhanced AI features, new health sensors, and gesture controls positions it as a competitive offering in the rapidly evolving smartwatch market, focusing on integrating advanced technology for improved health monitoring and user interaction.
