Redmi Watch 5 vs. Amazfit Active: Best Smartwatch 2025?
Redmi Watch 5 vs. Amazfit Active: Which Smartwatch is Right for You in 2025?
In today’s world, where tech is woven into the fabric of our everyday lives, smartwatches have become more than just timekeepers; they’re essential companions. They keep us connected, sure, but they’re also getting really good at looking out for our health and giving us that little nudge to hit our fitness goals. Among the sea of affordable gadgets out there, two names have been popping up a lot: the Redmi Watch 5 from Xiaomi and the Amazfit Active. Both aim to nail that sweet spot of style, function, and price. But when it comes down to it, which one should grace your wrist? We’re diving deep into both these smartwatches, breaking down their strengths and differences to help you make the best choice. Get ready to find out which one fits your lifestyle best!
Why Compare the Redmi Watch 5 and Amazfit Active?
Xiaomi’s Redmi Watch 5 rolls in with a seriously sleek design, a battery that just keeps going, and a vibrant AMOLED screen – basically, everything you’d want in a stylish, functional watch without breaking the bank. Then you’ve got the Amazfit Active, from Huami, which really leans into the fitness side of things. We’re talking advanced GPS, Alexa integration, and a more versatile operating system. Both these devices are generally priced in the €80-€120 range, making them direct competitors in the affordable smartwatch arena.
We’ll be going over their features with a fine-tooth comb, from how they look and feel to their health tracking, battery life, and how they connect with your world. Plus, we’ve whipped up a comparison table so you can see all the key differences at a glance. Let’s get into it!
Design and Display: Style That Moves With You
Redmi Watch 5: Big Screen Elegance
The Redmi Watch 5 really goes for a sophisticated vibe that definitely makes a statement. Its generous 2-inch AMOLED display, packing a punch with its 410 x 502 pixel resolution, serves up vivid colors and fantastic contrast. This makes reading notifications a breeze, even when you’re out and about in bright sunlight. Plus, the auto-brightness adjustment means you’ll always have optimal visibility, no matter the environment. The aluminum body, weighing in at 33.5g (without the strap), gives it a premium feel, though it might feel a tad chunky on smaller wrists. The functional stainless steel crown is a nice touch too – both elegant and super practical for navigating through menus.
The overall design of the Redmi Watch 5 is pretty minimalist, making it perfect if you’re after a watch that can easily transition from casual hangouts to more formal settings. And with interchangeable straps, you can totally personalize it, whether you’re feeling sporty with silicone or going for something a bit more dressy.
Amazfit Active: Compact and Sporty
On the flip side, the Amazfit Active sports a more compact and lighter design, tipping the scales at just 24g (without the strap). Its 1.75-inch AMOLED screen, with a resolution of 390 x 450 pixels, is a smidge smaller, but it still delivers excellent visual quality. Just a heads-up, it doesn’t have auto-brightness, so you might need to tweak the settings manually when you step outside. Its design, which has a bit of an Apple Watch echo to it, blends modern lines with a sporty focus, making it a great all-rounder for the gym, the office, or wherever your day takes you.
The Amazfit Active also features interchangeable straps and comes in a few different colors, which is a nice perk if you like adding a splash of personality to your wristwear.
Who Wins on Design?
If a larger, vibrant screen and that premium feel with auto-brightness are high on your list, the Redmi Watch 5 definitely has the edge. However, if you’re all about a lighter, more compact watch with a sporty, understated style, the Amazfit Active is a seriously solid choice.
Functionality: More Than Just Telling Time
Both these watches pack a punch when it comes to everyday features, but each has its own standout qualities. Let’s see what they bring to the table.
Redmi Watch 5: Simple and Effective
The Redmi Watch 5 runs on HyperOS 2.0/RTOS, which is nice and snappy, though it’s a bit more limited compared to something like Wear OS. Here’s a rundown of what it offers:
- Sports Modes: With over 150 modes, including running, cycling, swimming, HIIT, and yoga, there’s plenty to choose from. It’s pretty accurate for basic activities, but might be a tad less reliable during really intense workouts.
- Health Tracking: It keeps tabs on your heart rate, blood oxygen (SpO2), sleep (and its sleep tracking is actually pretty decent, comparable to devices like the Oura Ring in accuracy), and stress levels. Just a note, heart rate monitoring during vigorous exercise might not be as spot-on as you’d hope.
- Connectivity: You can make and take Bluetooth calls, control your music, and get notifications. However, it misses out on NFC for mobile payments and doesn’t have an app store, which limits how much you can customize it.
- Extras: Handy features like a flashlight, stopwatch, timer, and inactivity alerts are included – perfect for keeping you moving.
Amazfit Active: Fitness Focused
The Amazfit Active runs on Zepp OS 2.0, which is a more advanced system than Xiaomi’s offering, and it gets regular updates, plus better compatibility with third-party apps. Its main strengths lie in:
- Sports Modes: It boasts over 120 modes, and crucially, it features advanced GPS (supporting GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou). This makes it a fantastic choice for outdoor pursuits like running or cycling, as its route tracking is generally more accurate than the Redmi Watch 5.
- Health Tracking: You get heart rate, SpO2, sleep, and stress monitoring, plus VO2 Max, with detailed insights available through the Zepp app. Its accuracy is on par with the Redmi Watch 5, but its GPS integration really makes it shine for sports.
- Connectivity: It supports Bluetooth calls, music control, notifications, and has Alexa built-in, letting you control smart home devices or ask quick questions. It also has a limited app store for some basic customization.
- Extras: Expect advanced sports data analysis, like fitness readiness scores, and compatibility with apps like Strava.
Who Wins on Functionality?
The Amazfit Active really pulls ahead with its more accurate GPS, Alexa integration, and a more adaptable operating system. If your main focus is fitness and you want those extra smart capabilities, it’s likely the better pick. The Redmi Watch 5, on the other hand, is fantastic if you’re looking for a straightforward device primarily for notifications and basic tracking.
Battery Life: How Long Will They Keep Up?
Battery life is a huge deal for smartwatches, especially if you’re a heavy user.
- Redmi Watch 5: You can expect up to 24 days of battery life with moderate use (think notifications, basic tracking). Charging is a breeze with its magnetic charger. If you’re going all out with GPS and calls, you’re looking at roughly 10-12 days.
- Amazfit Active: This one gives you about 14 days with typical use, and if you really want to stretch it, you can get up to 30 days in battery saver mode. With the GPS going, expect around 5-7 days.
Who Wins on Battery?
The Redmi Watch 5 takes the crown here, especially if you value that longer endurance and aren’t constantly relying on GPS. However, the Amazfit Active still holds its own, particularly if you make good use of its battery-saving features.
Durability and Connectivity: Ready for Anything
Both watches come with 5 ATM water resistance, meaning they’re good to go for swimming and other water activities (down to 50 meters). When it comes to connectivity, the Redmi Watch 5 uses Bluetooth 5.3, while the Amazfit Active combines Bluetooth with multi-system GPS (GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou), which is what gives it that edge in outdoor sports accuracy.
The Amazfit Active also benefits from its compatibility with third-party apps and frequent software updates, keeping it feeling fresh. The Redmi Watch 5, however, feels a bit more limited due to the lack of NFC and a less robust app ecosystem.
Price: Which One Offers More Bang for Your Buck?
- Redmi Watch 5: You’ll typically find this one priced between €79-€109, depending on any ongoing deals.
- Amazfit Active: This one usually sits in the €90-€120 range, and discounts are pretty common.
Overall, the Amazfit Active often presents a slightly better balance of price and features, especially when you consider its superior GPS and Alexa support. However, if you’re looking to save a bit of cash and prioritize design and battery life, the Redmi Watch 5 is a very attractive option.
Which One Should You Choose in 2025?
Picking between the Redmi Watch 5 and the Amazfit Active really boils down to what you need and what you prioritize:
Go for the Redmi Watch 5 if…
- You want a large, vibrant display with automatic brightness adjustment.
- Long battery life (up to 24 days!) is your absolute top priority.
- You’re after a premium design that looks good both at the office and at the gym.
- Advanced features like precise GPS or Alexa aren’t deal-breakers for you.
Go for the Amazfit Active if…
- You’re a serious fitness enthusiast who needs accurate GPS for outdoor sports.
- You appreciate Alexa integration and a more versatile operating system.
- You prefer a compact, lightweight design that fits comfortably on any wrist.
- You like having frequent software updates and the ability to use third-party apps.
Both of these devices are genuinely great choices in the affordable smartwatch market, with prices hovering around the €100 mark. The Redmi Watch 5 shines with its stylish looks and unbeatable battery, while the Amazfit Active wins out with its robust fitness features and more connected experience. Just weigh up your personal needs and lifestyle, and you honestly can’t go wrong with either.
The Verdict: A Companion for Every Adventure
In 2025, both the Redmi Watch 5 and the Amazfit Active prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a smartwatch that’s both functional and looks good. If an elegant watch with a battery that just won’t quit is your jam, the Redmi Watch 5 is your pick. But if you’re after a reliable partner for your workouts and a more connected, feature-rich experience, the Amazfit Active is the way to go. So, which one is calling your name? Let us know in the comments, and get ready to rock that tech on your wrist!
⌚ Redmi Watch 5 vs. Amazfit Active – Comparison Table
| Feature | Redmi Watch 5 | Amazfit Active |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 2″ AMOLED, 410 × 502 px, automatic brightness | 1.75″ AMOLED, 390 × 450 px, no auto brightness |
| Weight (without strap) | 33.5 g | 24 g |
| Design | Premium, aluminum body, functional crown | Compact, sporty, Apple Watch-style design |
| Sport Modes | Over 150 | Over 120 |
| GPS | Basic GPS | Advanced GPS (GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou) |
| Health Monitoring | Heart rate, SpO₂, sleep, stress | Heart rate, SpO₂, sleep, stress, VO₂ Max |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, calls, notifications | Bluetooth, calls, notifications, Alexa support |
| Operating System | HyperOS 2.0 / RTOS | Zepp OS 2.0 |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 days | Up to 14 days (up to 30 days in power-saving mode) |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Price (approx.) | €79–109 (R$700–900) | €90–120 (R$600–850) |
