Huawei Watch 5 review: Elite health-focused wearable, missing from U.S. shelves

Huawei’s Watch 5 has arrived as a strong contender in the smartwatch market, offering a blend of style, comfort, and sophisticated health technology. Positioned among the leading health-focused wearables, it delivers a rich set of features for those who want more than just a timepiece. While it doesn’t run on Google’s Wear OS, Huawei’s proprietary software provides a smooth experience on both Android and iOS devices.

This review dives into the Watch 5’s design, health features, smart capabilities, and overall value, exploring why it’s a compelling option for users interested in advanced heart rate monitors and fitness trackers.

Sleek, comfortable design that fits everyday wear

One of the first things users notice about the Huawei Watch 5 is its refined aesthetic. Unlike some fitness trackers that prioritize function over form, the Watch 5 balances both with an elegant body inspired by aerodynamic Kármán line curves. The watch is available in two sizes: a 42mm stainless steel model and a larger 46mm titanium version. The smaller model suits slimmer wrists, while the larger offers a more commanding presence.

The watch’s finish is thoughtfully crafted, combining brushed metal on the top with polished sides, lending a sophisticated feel, especially in the soft gold color option reviewed. The composite rubber and fabric strap is comfortable enough to wear all day and night. Sleep tracking is a key feature, and the watch’s lightweight design means it barely interrupts rest, an important factor for users who rely on health-focused wearables to monitor sleep quality.

The display is another highlight, offering a bright and vibrant screen easily readable even under direct sunlight. Physical controls include a digital crown and an additional button for app navigation, complemented by the prominent side-mounted X-Tap sensor that powers much of the watch’s health monitoring capabilities.

X-Tap technology for health tracking

At the core of the Huawei Watch 5’s appeal is the innovative X-Tap sensor, a compact multi-sensing module that integrates ECG, PPG (photoplethysmography), and a 10-level tactile sensor. This technology enables quick and precise health measurements with minimal effort, making it one of the more advanced heart rate monitors available within health-focused wearables.

Quick and comprehensive health glance: The Health Glance feature is a standout function that allows users to perform multiple health scans in under a minute by simply pressing and holding their fingertip on the X-Tap sensor. This generates a report covering up to 11 key health indicators, including heart rate, ECG, respiratory health, and blood oxygen levels (SpO2). This quick access contrasts with the more cumbersome process of navigating through separate apps, making frequent monitoring more practical and less disruptive to daily life.

The Watch 5 is notably the first smartwatch to offer real-time, continuous fingertip SpO2 readings. This is particularly useful for monitoring oxygen saturation during exercise, high-altitude activities, or when feeling unwell. The sensor’s robustness allows it to tap into the rich vascular networks in fingertips, providing accurate data within just 10 seconds.

Heart rate variability and respiratory health: Another health metric the Watch 5 tracks is heart rate variability (HRV), which measures the variation in time intervals between heartbeats. HRV is a crucial indicator of stress, recovery, and overall heart health, traditionally available only on high-end medical devices. Huawei’s integration of HRV into this heart rate monitor offers users new insights into their cardiovascular system.

The watch also evaluates respiratory health by asking users to cough into the microphone, a novel approach to detecting potential breathing issues. Together with other biometric readings, this forms a detailed health profile available on demand.

Smart fitness for active lives

Huawei’s Watch 5 supports over 100 workout modes, including 14 professional-level sports such as golf and freediving. The device’s enhanced GPS functionality, powered by the Huawei Sunflower Positioning System, offers approximately 35% improved accuracy over previous models. This precision benefits runners, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts who rely on exact location tracking from their fitness trackers.

The watch’s eSIM capability allows users to make calls independently of their smartphones, a convenient feature for those who want to stay connected during workouts or on the go. Gesture controls add another layer of convenience; for example, users can answer calls by tapping their thumb and index finger together twice, silence alarms, or control music playback without touching the screen.

Sleep tracking is well integrated, leveraging the watch’s comfortable design to collect detailed sleep cycle data. Huawei also provides “contextual recommendations” based on collected data, helping users adjust habits for better health outcomes.

Owners of the Watch 5 benefit from a complimentary three-month subscription to Huawei Health+, which offers guided workout programs from beginner to advanced levels. This service enriches the fitness experience by pairing the smartwatch’s data with professional coaching and personalized routines.

Availability challenges and final thoughts

One of the major drawbacks of the Watch 5 is its unavailability in the United States due to ongoing trade restrictions. While consumers in Europe, Asia, and other regions can purchase it freely, Americans looking for advanced health-focused wearables and reliable heart rate monitors will need to explore other options.

This limitation is especially unfortunate because the Watch 5 offers several features that are still rare in competing fitness trackers. From detailed HRV analysis to respiratory health scanning, the Watch 5 presents tools that could be valuable to health-conscious users.

Huawei has not indicated any plans to bring the Watch 5 to the U.S. market, and the geopolitical situation makes such a move unlikely in the near future. As a result, American buyers interested in high-end health tracking will need to turn to other brands or consider grey market imports, though those come with risks, such as a lack of warranty and limited software support.

A powerful wearable for health and style

The Huawei Watch 5 stands out in the world of health-focused wearables, blending sleek design with powerful health tracking. Its X-Tap sensor offers fast access to advanced metrics like HRV and respiratory health. Outside the U.S., it’s a great choice for those wanting both style and substance in a fitness tracker. But in the U.S., it remains out of reach due to trade restrictions.

With up to five days of battery life and a smooth, polished interface, it supports consistent wellness tracking. If you can get your hands on it, the Watch 5 is a top-tier heart rate monitor and smart companion.

The Huawei Watch 5 blends style and advanced health tracking with features like the X-Tap sensor, biometric insights, eSIM, and gesture control. Though not widely available, it’s a strong option for fitness fans, health-conscious users, and anyone who values smart design.