The Redmi Watch series builds a distinct presence in smartwatch industry success improves with each new release. In 2023 customers praised the Redmi Watch 4 for delivering top features at low prices. Following its success the Xiaomi community eagerly awaits the announcement of the new model. The Redmi Watch 5 Active and Redmi Watch 5 Lite land on the market before the regular Redmi Watch 5 release and excite smartwatch fans. Our article compares two versions to help you find the smartwatch that works best for you.
Unboxing and Design
Unboxing both the Redmi Watch 5 Active and Redmi Watch 5 Lite reveals a straightforward package. Each box contains the smartwatch itself, a magnetic charging cable, and a user manual. While minimalistic, this unboxing experience reflects Xiaomi’s focus on functionality over flair. Both boxes feature images of the respective watches, along with key specifications and multilingual text, emphasizing their global reach.
Frame and Build Quality
- Redmi Watch 5 Active: Designed with a matte plastic frame enhanced by a metal spray coat, the Active version offers a utilitarian aesthetic. Its understated design is practical but lacks the premium feel some users might prefer.
- Redmi Watch 5 Lite: In contrast, the Light version features a glossy plastic frame that exudes a more refined and premium appearance. Despite its slightly lower price, this model successfully conveys a sense of sophistication.
Straps
Both smartwatches come equipped with TPU straps, but their attachment mechanisms differ:
- The Redmi Watch 5 Lite utilizes a clasp-based strap, which is more user-friendly and easier to adjust.
- The Redmi Watch 5 Active features a standard strap that can be somewhat challenging to put on. However, once secured, it offers comparable comfort.
Color options further differentiate the two models. The Light version is available in elegant black and gold tones, while the Active version offers a classic black and silver palette.
Display
A significant distinction between these two models lies in their display technology. The screen quality plays a pivotal role in enhancing the user experience, and this is where the Redmi Watch 5 Lite shines.
- Redmi Watch 5 Lite:
- Screen: 1.96-inch AMOLED display
- Resolution: 410 x 502 pixels
- Pixel Density: 332 PPI
- Features: Always-On Display (AOD)
- Redmi Watch 5 Active:
- Screen: 2.0-inch LCD display
- Resolution: 330 x 385 pixels
- Pixel Density: 250 PPI
Lite version gets top points for screen quality because its AMOLED panel shows detailed images in rich colors. AOD technology lets you view your screen information without needing to tap. The Active model has a larger display yet its reduced pixel count creates a blurry image so displays with better clarity prove more attractive to quality-conscious users.
User Interface and Software
Both smartwatches operate on Xiaomi’s HyperOS, ensuring a smooth and intuitive user experience. Swipe gestures enable users to access notifications, widgets, and quick settings with ease. Despite these similarities, there are subtle differences in their software versions:
- Redmi Watch 5 Lite: Runs on HyperOS version 5.1.1.129, which includes additional features such as a running course mode.
- Redmi Watch 5 Active: Operates on HyperOS version 2.1.93 and lacks certain advanced features found in the Light version.
These software differences, while minor, enhance the usability of the Lite version. Both models, however, excel in fitness tracking and overall navigation, ensuring a seamless user experience.
Health and Fitness Features
Health tracking is a cornerstone of modern smartwatches, and both Redmi Watch 5 models deliver robust performance in this area. Key health features include:
- Continuous heart rate monitoring
- Blood oxygen (SpO2) tracking
- Stress monitoring
Testing revealed nearly identical results for heart rate, SpO2, and stress measurements across both models, reflecting the high accuracy of their sensors. However, the number of supported sports modes varies:
- Redmi Watch 5 Lite: Offers over 150 sports modes, including swimming and 17 additional water sports.
- Redmi Watch 5 Active: Supports slightly fewer modes (over 140) and does not include swimming-related activities.
Both watches feature a 5 ATM water resistance rating, making them suitable for splashes and light water exposure. However, the absence of swimming modes in the Active version limits its utility for aquatic activities.
Built-in GPS: The Key Differentiator
The Redmi Watch 5 Lite sets itself apart from the Active model with its included GPS technology. Users can track their movements on their own because the Redmi Watch 5 Lite combines data from 5 different global navigation satellite systems. The Active model needs a smartphone to work with GPS for location monitoring.
GPS Performance Test
A 20-minute walk was conducted to compare GPS accuracy:
- Smartphone: Recorded a distance of 1.76 km
- Redmi Watch 5 Lite: Measured 1.68 km
- Redmi Watch 5 Active: Measured 1.86 km
The results highlight the reliability of the Light version’s built-in GPS, which consistently provides accurate tracking. The Active version’s dependency on smartphone GPS leads to slight inconsistencies when disconnected from the phone.
Battery Life
Both models are equipped with a 470 mAh battery, promising up to 18 days of typical usage. However, certain features can impact battery longevity:
- The Lite version’s Always-On Display and built-in GPS are likely to drain the battery faster during intensive use.
- The Active version, lacking these features, may maintain its battery life for longer periods under similar conditions.
Despite these differences, both watches offer excellent battery performance, making them suitable for extended use without frequent recharging.
Bluetooth Calling
Both the Redmi Watch 5 Active and Lite support Bluetooth calling, featuring dual-mic noise reduction for clear audio. The call screens and functionality are identical, ensuring a consistent and reliable experience for users who frequently make calls on the go.
Price and Value Proposition
Pricing plays a crucial role in choosing between these two models. While both are positioned as affordable smartwatches, the Redmi Watch 5 Lite justifies its slightly higher price tag with additional features such as:
- An AMOLED display with Always-On Display functionality
- Built-in GPS for accurate fitness tracking
- More sports modes, including swimming and water sports
Redmi Watch 5 Lite
Despite its good performance the Redmi Watch 5 Active doesn’t match its capabilities with other models. By missing AOD technology and depending on phone GPS this product works less flexibly than the Lite model. Users who want the best value will find the Redmi Watch 5 Lite the best choice because of its advanced features and only slightly higher cost.
Redmi Watch 5 Active
Final Verdict
The Redmi Watch 5 comes in Active and Lite forms to please all buyer types. The Active version works best for users who need basic operations alongside a bigger display. The Lite version earns top marks from fitness enthusiasts and tech users because of its AMOLED screen along with GPS and advanced sports tracking technology.
Together these features make the Redmi Watch 5 Lite the top smartwatch option for users who want both useful functionality and top performance.
Thank you for exploring this detailed comparison. We’d love to hear your opinions—feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.
