Conclusion on the Huawei Watch Fit 5 Series
In our testing, the Huawei Watch Fit 5 and, in particular, the Watch Fit 5 Pro demonstrate that Huawei has consistently refined its fitness smartwatches. Both models impress with high-quality build, very bright displays, precise health and workout tracking, and strong battery life that significantly outperforms many Wear OS or Apple Watch alternatives. The Watch Fit 5 Pro, in particular, clearly stands out from the standard Fit 5 with premium materials like titanium and sapphire glass, additional health features such as ECG, temperature measurement, and arterial stiffness analysis, as well as features like golf and dive modes.
In everyday use, both watches impress with smooth operation, reliable notifications, and comprehensive fitness features. The highly accurate heart rate monitoring, strong GNSS positioning, and detailed sleep analysis are particularly noteworthy. The automatic workout detection and the comprehensive Huawei Health app also leave an overall impression of being modern and well-designed.
However, Huawei continues to face restrictions due to the U.S. trade embargo. The lack of the Huawei Health app on the Google Play Store, the limited selection of apps, and restrictions on iOS all detract from the user experience. Contactless payments via Curved are also slightly less convenient compared to Apple Pay or Google Pay, though they work well.
With the Watch Fit 5 series, Huawei delivers a very strong overall package. Anyone looking for a fitness-oriented smartwatch with long battery life, precise tracking, and high-quality features will find an attractive alternative to established models from Apple or Samsung. The Watch Fit 5 Pro, in particular, is currently one of the most exciting fitness smartwatches in its price range.
Pros
Cons
Price and availability
The Huawei Watch Fit 5 series is available for purchase directly from the Huawei Store, as well as on Amazon and other retailers.
The RRP is $280 for the Pro version and $160 for the smaller model.
Table of Contents
- Conclusion on the Huawei Watch Fit 5 Series
- Body and features – Watch Fit 5 Pro with a wide range of functions
- Setup and operation - Payment is available with the Fit 5 series
- Health and fitness - Watch Fit 5 also automatically detects cycling
- Watch Fit 5 Series with super-bright displays
- Performance and battery life – The Watch Fit 5 Series easily lasts a week
- Possible alternatives compared
With the Watch Fit 5 and Watch Fit 5 Pro, Huawei is taking its fitness smartwatches to the next level. The previous models were already considered a strong value-for-money alternative to devices like the Apple Watch or the Samsung Galaxy Watch. The new models are now set to build on that success with improved design, more fitness features, and premium capabilities—and in some cases, even outshine the Apple Watch Ultra.
Body and features – Watch Fit 5 Pro with a wide range of functions
The Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro is slightly larger than the Watch Fit 5 and, as a result, a few grams heavier, but both have batteries of the same size. The Watch Fit 5 Pro features an aluminum case with a titanium alloy bezel. The display is protected by sapphire glass. The white version of the Pro undergoes a micro-arc oxidation process. This creates a fine, hard, ceramic-like coating. This is designed to repel dirt more effectively and be more durable.
The Fit 5 also features an aluminum case, but the front uses lithium-aluminum-silicate glass; the underside of all models is made of a polymer fiber composite. Both smartwatches are very well-built and give a high-quality impression. However, the crown on the Pro model is easier to turn and feels even more premium.
At first glance, the features are very similar, but upon closer inspection, the Fit 5 has to make some compromises compared to the Pro version: Features such as diving to a depth of 40 meters, golf mode, ECG, arterial stiffness measurement, and the temperature sensor are exclusive to the Fit 5 Pro. We have mixed feelings about the latter in particular, as it plays a key role in women’s health.
Sustainability
Huawei does not provide any specific details regarding sustainability. Additionally, the devices are not designed to be repaired by users. While the packaging is shrink-wrapped, it largely avoids the use of plastic. Only the displays and undersides of the smartwatches are protected by additional protective film.
Setup and operation - Payment is available with the Fit 5 series
The Huawei Watch Fit 5 series runs on the company’s own HarmonyOS 6.1 operating system and connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth 6.0. Before setup, you must first install the Huawei Health app, which allows you to manage the smartwatch and analyze the health data it collects. Due to the ongoing U.S. trade embargo, the app is not available on the Google Play Store. Instead, it can be downloaded via the QR code printed on the packaging or through alternative app stores such as the Huawei AppGallery, Samsung’s Galaxy Store, or Xiaomi’s App Mall. For iPhone users, Huawei Health is still available directly in the Apple App Store. Afterward, the smartwatch can either be found within the app or paired via the QR code displayed on the watch face.
There are still some functional limitations on iOS. For example, the notification options are less extensive, and replying to messages directly from the watch is not possible. The Petal Maps navigation app also cannot be installed on the iPhone due to the lack of AppGallery, so navigation via the watch is not available. Android users are not affected by this, though the overall selection of apps in the AppGallery remains fairly limited, which further restricts its practical value.
The built-in NFC module enables contactless payments, just like on the Watch GT Runner 2. However, popular payment services such as Google Pay and Apple Pay are not supported. Instead, Huawei now relies on the Curved payment service, which generally works reliably in everyday use. The payment process does take a bit longer than on Wear OS or watchOS, where payments are processed noticeably faster.
The Huawei Watch Fit 5 and Fit 5 Pro are primarily controlled via the responsive capacitive touchscreen. In addition, there is a rotating and pressable crown on the side of the case, which can also be used to navigate the system. The button below it opens the workout menu by default, but can be customized and distinguishes between a single and a double press. This allows you, for example, to start the payment process with Curved directly.
Phone calls and notifications
Both smartwatches in the Huawei Watch Fit 5 series feature a microphone and a speaker, allowing you to take phone calls directly through the watch as long as it is connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth. In practice, this generally works reliably.
Notifications are reliably transmitted to the smartwatch on both Android and iOS and are accompanied by a subtle vibration from the linear motor. In the Apple ecosystem, however, incoming messages can only be viewed, while on Android, replies via emoji, quick reply, or keyboard input are also possible. Images and videos are displayed on the smartwatches only as icons.
Health and fitness - Watch Fit 5 also automatically detects cycling
As usual, the Huawei smartwatch automatically tracks a wide range of health metrics and allows for manual input as well. These include heart rate, pulse wave analysis, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), stress levels or well-being, and heart rate variability (HRV). The Fit 5 Pro also features skin temperature measurement, which can be used for cycle tracking, among other things. Arterial stiffness and ECGs can also be recorded manually, though this feature is also exclusive to the Pro version. Sleep tracking via TruSleep is also included.
As with the Watch GT Runner 2 and the Watch GT 6, the recorded values are not only displayed individually but also analyzed in relation to one another. The Health Insights feature evaluates the data and provides appropriate tips or recommendations for action when needed. Of course, this does not replace medical advice.
The smartwatches in the Huawei Watch Fit 5 series support over 100 different sports and can also automatically recognize a workout. In addition to walking and running, this now includes cycling. While this works, it requires quite a bit of time or distance. The workout is then only recorded from the point at which it is started.
Activity goals
For daily activity tracking, Huawei uses two different approaches: first, the classic three-ring system with goals for calorie burn, active time, and workout duration; and second, the so-called Health Cloverleaf, which organizes health data into categories such as sleep, steps, and mood.
In addition, the Huawei Health app offers comprehensive trend analyses, for example on step count, calorie burn, resting heart rate, and sleep patterns.
Heart rate, heart rhythm, and blood oxygen saturation
The Huawei Watch Fit 5 and Watch Fit 5 Pro feature updated TruSense sensors that measure vital signs optically using LEDs. We compared these readings with those from our reference devices.
We recorded heart rate data during a bike ride. The resting heart rates on both models are nearly identical to those of the Polar H10 chest strap, registering just one fewer heartbeat. During the ride, the difference with the Watch Fit 5 Pro becomes slightly larger, but remains within a very good range: on average, the Huawei smartwatch registers two more heartbeats, with a peak of three beats.
What stands out, however, is that the PPG dynamics of the Pro model are significantly better and react more quickly to changes in heart rate than the smaller Watch Fit 5.
The Watch Fit 5 Pro demonstrates similar accuracy in blood oxygen analysis. Compared to the Braun Pulse Oximeter 1, the measurements are on par; sometimes they are identical, or they are one percentage point above or below the reference device.
Sleep tracking
New Features. The smartwatches detect various sleep stages, such as deep sleep, light sleep, and REM sleep, as well as naps and periods of wakefulness. They also track breathing rate, blood oxygen levels, and heart rate variability (HRV), and monitor breathing patterns during sleep.
The sleep analysis is very detailed and provides practical tips for improving sleep quality. In addition, Huawei offers soundscapes designed to help you fall asleep. With a Health+ subscription, advanced analysis features are also available.
Last night’s results can be viewed directly on the watch, while long-term analyses are available in the Huawei Health app. Overall, the measurement results appear reliable. However, if you lie motionless in bed for an extended period without actually sleeping, you may still be recorded as sleeping or napping under certain circumstances.
Training recording
The Huawei Watch Fit 5 series supports the tracking of over 100 different sports. However, freediving and golf remain exclusive to the Pro model. As with the Watch GT 6 series, Huawei once again offers a virtual power meter for cycling—a feature that requires no additional hardware. The calculation is based on current speed, elevation, gradient, body weight, and the selected bicycle model. Another new addition is automatic workout detection for outdoor cycling. Furthermore, routes for specific sports can be imported and displayed directly on the watch. It is also possible to export workout data in GPX format.
With its "Mini-Workouts" feature, the Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro integrates short bursts of physical activity into your daily routine. The watch provides regular reminders to perform brief exercises—such as stretching, mobility drills, or activation movements—making it particularly effective for breaking up long periods of sitting, whether at the office or while working from home.
These sessions typically last just a few minutes and are presented directly on the watch as animated guides. A virtual panda also provides a playful motivational boost, designed to encourage you to get moving.
GNSS and navigation
For positioning, both smartwatches in the Huawei Watch Fit 5 series have access to all global satellite navigation systems via dual-band connectivity. Location acquisition is remarkably fast prior to the start of a workout.
During a bicycle ride, we compared the tracking capabilities of the Watch Fit 5 Pro against the Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro; while both fitness smartwatches demonstrated excellent tracking performance, Huawei's device proved to be even more accurate.
Watch Fit 5 Series with super-bright displays
The Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro and the Watch Fit 5 differ not only in their subpixel structure but also in their maximum brightness. While the smaller model nominally reaches up to 2,500 cd/m², the Pro model is rated to reach an even higher 3,000 cd/m². Our test units not only live up to this promise but actually shine slightly brighter still. However, the minimum display brightness could ideally be lower (Fit 5: 5.79 cd/m²; Fit 5 Pro: 5.33 cd/m²).
The flicker, measured with an oscilloscope, stands at 60 Hz; however, in everyday use, this is unlikely to be a significant issue given the typically brief periods for which users look at the display.
| Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro, AMOLED, 1.9", 480x408 | Huawei Watch Fit 5, AMOLED, 1.8", 480x408 | Samsung Galaxy Watch8, AMOLED, 1.5", 480x480 | Apple Watch Series 11 42mm, OLED, 1.3", 374x446 | Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro, AMOLED, 1.5", 480x480 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Response Times | |||||
| PWM Frequency (Hz) | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
| Screen | -13% | -2% | -32% | -15% | |
| Brightness middle (cd/m²) | 3103 | 2703 -13% | 3052 -2% | 2117 -32% | 2650 -15% |
| Black Level * (cd/m²) | |||||
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | -13% /
-13% | -2% /
-2% | -32% /
-32% | -15% /
-15% |
* ... smaller is better
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| Screen flickering / PWM detected | 60 Hz |  | |
The display backlight flickers at 60 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) . The frequency of 60 Hz is very low, so the flickering may cause eyestrain and headaches after extended use. In comparison: 52 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 7834 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured. | |||
Performance and battery life – The Watch Fit 5 Series easily lasts a week
Huawei provides no details regarding the SiPs installed in the Watch Fit 5 series, nor does it disclose information about the memory configuration. In everyday use, however, the smartwatches operate smoothly.
Battery life
For both the Watch Fit 5 and the Watch Fit 5 Pro, Huawei claims a battery life of up to ten days. However, this should be understood as a maximum figure; typical battery life is seven days, while enabling the Always-on Display reduces this to four days.
We wore both smartwatches around the clock with all health tracking features enabled, though we opted not to use the Always-on Display. With no workout sessions, both models lasted eight days, still retaining a remaining charge of 15%. Both watches feature an identically sized battery with a capacity of 471 mAh.
Possible alternatives compared
Image | Model | Price | Size | Weight | Battery Capacity | Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1.  | Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro | Amazon: List Price: 299€ | 1.92" | 30.4 g | 471 mAh | 1.92" 480x408 328 PPI AMOLED |
2.  | Huawei Watch Fit 5 | Amazon: List Price: 199€ | 1.82" | 27 g | 471 mAh | 1.82" 480x408 347 PPI AMOLED |
3.  | Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Exynos W1000, Mali-G68 MP2 | Amazon: List Price: 459€ | 1.50" | 52.1 g | 435 mAh | 1.50" 480x480 AMOLED |
4.  | Apple Watch Series 11 42mm S10 | Amazon: List Price: 449€ | 1.27" | 37.7 g | 327 mAh | 1.27" 374x446 326 PPI OLED |
5.  | Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro | Amazon: List Price: 400€ | 1.50" | 52 g | 700 mAh | 1.50" 480x480 322 PPI AMOLED |
Transparency
The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was provided to the author as a loan by the manufacturer or retailer for the purpose of this review. The lender had no influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.
This is how Notebookcheck is testing
Every year, Notebookcheck independently reviews hundreds of laptops and smartphones using standardized procedures to ensure that all results are comparable. We have continuously developed our test methods for around 20 years and set industry standards in the process. In our test labs, high-quality measuring equipment is utilized by experienced technicians and editors. These tests involve a multi-stage validation process. Our complex rating system is based on hundreds of well-founded measurements and benchmarks, which maintains objectivity. Further information on our test methods can be found here.
Add as a preferred source on Google
