Redmi Watch 5 Active Review: Why This Affordable Smartwatch Might Be Your Best Buy Under Rs 3,000

When I first got my hands on the Redmi Watch 5 Active, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had been on the lookout for a smartwatch that wouldn’t break the bank but would still offer the functionality and style I wanted. After wearing it for a few weeks, I can confidently say that this watch struck a balance that I hadn’t found in other devices within the same price range. Before we dive in to the review, let’s grab some details about its features.

Design:

The first thing that grabbed my attention was how lightweight and comfortable it felt on my wrist. I’m someone who isn’t used to wearing watches daily, and the thought of having something bulky strapped to my wrist all day wasn’t appealing. But after a few hours, I forgot I even had it on. Navigating the watch was easy and intuitive, even for someone like me who isn’t always the most tech-savvy.

The interface is clean, and I found the learning curve to be pretty minimal. I quickly figured out how to access different features like notifications, alarms, and the fitness tracker. It was nice not to have to dig into a thick manual or spend hours watching tutorials just to get the hang of it.

Notification System:

One of the most useful features for me has been the notification system. I’m often on the go, and constantly checking my phone for messages or updates can be inconvenient. With the Redmi Watch 5 Active, I could quickly glance at my wrist and see notifications from apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and even work emails. It’s a small feature, but one that adds a lot of convenience to my day-to-day life. It meant I could leave my phone in my bag more often without feeling disconnected.

Health Features:

Fitness tracking was another area where this watch has become an unexpected companion. Now, I’m not a fitness enthusiast by any means, but I do like to keep track of how active I am throughout the day. The watch gently nudged me to move when I’d been sitting for too long and tracked my steps and heart rate. I particularly liked the reminders to stand up and stretch. I didn’t realize how much I needed those until I started using the watch.

Another thing that pleasantly surprised me was the sleep tracking. I had heard about sleep tracking from friends, but I never thought I would actually find it useful. However, after a few nights of wearing the Redmi Watch 5 Active to bed, I noticed some patterns in my sleep that I hadn’t been aware of before. The detailed breakdown of light sleep, deep sleep, and the number of times I woke up during the night gave me more insight into my rest habits. It even motivated me to adopt better sleep routines, like going to bed a little earlier or cutting down on screen time before sleeping.

Another thing I noticed is that while the fitness features are solid, they’re not as advanced as some higher-end models out there. If you’re a serious athlete or someone who needs in-depth tracking for multiple sports, this might not be the perfect fit for you. However, for someone like me who is just trying to stay a little more active and mindful of daily habits, the watch does everything I need and more.

Battery:

One area I was slightly hesitant about was battery life. I had heard horror stories about smartwatches that needed charging every night, and the idea of adding another device to my nightly charging routine wasn’t appealing. But I was relieved to find that the Redmi Watch 5 Active held up well in that department. I was able to go several days without needing to recharge, which made it easier to wear the watch throughout the day and even at night without worrying about constantly plugging it in.

Watch Face:

In terms of style, I appreciated that the watch offers a variety of faces to choose from. I’m someone who likes to customize my gadgets to fit my mood or outfit, and having different options for the watch face was a fun way to keep things fresh. I’ve already found myself swapping between faces depending on the occasion—whether I’m heading to a meeting or just lounging at home.

Things That I Didn’t Like:

Now, of course, not everything about the watch is perfect. Upon unboxing the Redmi Watch 5 Active, I eagerly anticipated setting it up to explore its features. However, I encountered a significant issue when I was connecting it to my iPhone. I was attempting to log into the companion app via my mobile number. Despite several attempts, I did not receive the SMS verification code for a couple of hours.

After waiting for an extended period without success, I decided to create an account on the Mi website and log in via email as an alternative solution. Fortunately, the watch connected seamlessly with Android devices, suggesting that the issue may be more related to the iOS integration rather than the watch itself.

Verdict:

Overall, the Redmi Watch 5 Active has exceeded my expectations. It’s affordable, functional, and stylish enough to wear every day. It might not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive smartwatches, but it offers exactly what I need without feeling overwhelming. For someone who is looking to take that first step into the world of smartwatches or simply wants a reliable companion for everyday life, I would definitely recommend giving it a try. I know I’ll be wearing mine for the foreseeable future.