Looking for a cheap smartwatch on a tight budget around $27? You’re probably confused, right? At this price point, options are limited and features are often “half-baked.” The Redmi Watch 5 Active remains popular even in 2026, but the question is: is this the best choice or will you regret it when there are better alternatives with a small price difference?

In this article, we’ll dissect the Redmi Watch 5 Active honestly — complete with pros, cons, and comparisons with similarly-priced competitors — so you don’t make the wrong choice.

Redmi Watch 5 Active Specifications: What Do You Get?

Redmi Watch 5 Active Pros: What Makes It Attractive?

1. LCD Display That’s Surprisingly Decent for This Price

Although not AMOLED, the Redmi Watch 5 Active’s LCD screen has excellent brightness indoors and is still visible outdoors (not under direct sunlight). In real-world testing, this screen is bright enough to comfortably read notifications indoors at home or office. The screen size is also quite large, so WhatsApp or email notification text isn’t too small.

So what: If 80% of your smartwatch time is indoors (office, home, mall), this LCD screen won’t be a problem. You can still read notifications clearly without maxing out brightness. But if you’re often outdoors in broad daylight (like fieldwork or midday running hobby), this screen will struggle — and this is why many people prefer AMOLED even if the price increases by $7-14.

2. Super Efficient Battery — Lasts for Days

The Redmi Watch 5 Active’s battery life is very efficient, most likely because it uses an LCD screen and doesn’t have too many features. Although the specific duration isn’t mentioned in the source, using an LCD screen (which consumes less power than AMOLED) and optimized HyperOS UI makes this smartwatch last longer than AMOLED competitors at the same price.

So what: If you’re the type who hates charging gadgets daily, this is a big plus. You can use this smartwatch for several days without worrying about it dying midway. Compare this with cheap AMOLED smartwatches that often need charging every 1-2 days with normal use.

3. Lightweight and Comfortable — You’ll Barely Feel It on Your Wrist

Weighing only 44.4 grams (including strap), the Redmi Watch 5 Active is one of the lightest smartwatches in its class. The 30.3-gram body weight alone (without strap) makes this watch very comfortable for daily activities, even while sleeping for sleep tracking.

So what: If you’re using a smartwatch for the first time and worried about comfort, this weight makes you quickly forget you’re wearing a watch. Perfect for those who want sleep tracking but don’t like wearing heavy watches at night.

4. Smooth HyperOS UI That Doesn’t Lag

The HyperOS UI on the Redmi Watch 5 Active is smooth, lightweight, and responsive — doesn’t feel like a cheap smartwatch. Navigating between menus, scrolling notifications, and opening apps run smoothly without annoying lag. This is important because many cheap smartwatches have sluggish UIs that cause frustration.

So what: Daily experience becomes more enjoyable. No need to wait long when opening menus or checking notifications — everything is responsive. This makes the Redmi Watch 5 Active feel more premium than its price.

Redmi Watch 5 Active Cons: What You Need to Know Before Buying?

1. Can’t Answer WhatsApp Calls Directly from the Watch

The Redmi Watch 5 Active can display WhatsApp call notifications, but you can’t answer WhatsApp calls directly from the watch. You have to grab your phone first to answer.

Reframe: If you rarely receive WhatsApp calls or use regular calls more often (which can be answered via Bluetooth Call), this isn’t a deal breaker. But if you work remotely or frequently have meetings via WhatsApp call, this will be very annoying — and you should look at other alternatives that support this feature.

Important note: This testing was done on a Samsung phone, so results may vary on other phone brands. But generally, this limitation is a common software/hardware issue in budget smartwatches.

2. Strap Design That’s Less Comfortable and Somewhat Fiddly

The Redmi Watch 5 Active’s strap design is a bit fiddly when attached, not as smooth as the Apple Watch strap system or some other competitors.

Reframe: If you’re not the type who frequently changes straps or only use the default strap, this won’t be a big problem. But if you like customizing your watch appearance with different straps, this system will be slightly annoying.

3. Thicker Bottom Bezel (Chin) — Asymmetrical Display

The bottom screen bezel is thicker than the top bezel, making the display asymmetrical and less premium-looking.

Reframe: This is an aesthetic issue, not functional. If you don’t care much about design and focus more on features, this thick bezel won’t disturb the experience. But if you’re detail-oriented and like sleek-looking watches, this will bother your eyes.

4. No Always-On Display (AOD)

Because it uses an LCD screen, the Redmi Watch 5 Active doesn’t have Always-On Display. You have to raise your hand or tap the screen to see the time.

Reframe: The trade-off for long battery life is no AOD. If you prioritize long-lasting battery and don’t mind raising your hand every time you want to check the time, this isn’t a problem. But if you’re used to regular watches that always display the time, this will feel less practical.

Comparison with Competitors: Is Redmi Watch 5 Active the Best Choice at $27?

In 2026, $27 for a smartwatch is considered “in-between” — you can get better features with a slightly higher budget. Here’s a comparison of the Redmi Watch 5 Active with other alternatives in the same or slightly higher price segment:

Alternative 1: Itel Apex N10

• Advantages: AMOLED screen, Gorilla Glass, built-in GPS
• Price: Around $34 (add $7 from Redmi Watch 5 Active)
• Verdict: If you can add $7, Itel Apex N10 is more worthwhile because the AMOLED screen and built-in GPS are very useful for tracking running/cycling without bringing your phone.

Alternative 2: Honor Choice Watch 2e

• Advantages: AMOLED screen, more premium design, more complete health features
• Price: Around $30-34
• Verdict: Solid choice for those who want to upgrade slightly from Redmi Watch 5 Active. AMOLED screen makes the visual experience much better, especially outdoors.

Alternative 3: Advan W1e

• Advantages: AMOLED screen, competitive price
• Price: Around $27-30
• Verdict: Direct competitor to Redmi Watch 5 Active with better screen. If budget is tight but you want AMOLED, this is an option worth considering.

Alternative 4: City Jungle Neo 6

• Advantages: Jumbo battery, large screen
• Price: Around $34
• Verdict: For those who prioritize super long battery life and large screen, City Jungle Neo 6 is an attractive choice even though the price is slightly higher.

Related Product Recommendations

Discover products that are most relevant to this article.

Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active View Product Details → ADVAN Smartwatch W1e View Product Details → Itel Smart Watch Apex N10 View Product Details →

Who Should Buy the Redmi Watch 5 Active?

Buy if you:

• Are a beginner trying a smartwatch for the first time with a very limited budget (maximum $27)
• Prioritize efficient battery and smooth UI, don’t care about AMOLED screen
• Looking for a lightweight smartwatch for casual daily use (not for serious sports)
• Rarely receive WhatsApp calls or use regular calls more often

Hold off if you:

• Frequently receive WhatsApp calls and need to answer calls directly from the watch
• Expect Always-On Display or maximum outdoor visual quality
• Want more complete features like built-in GPS or more accurate health sensors
• Can add $7-10 budget to get a smartwatch with AMOLED screen and better features

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can the Redmi Watch 5 Active be used for swimming? There’s no specific information about IP rating or water resistance in the source. Best to avoid water contact until there’s official confirmation from Xiaomi.

2. How long does the Redmi Watch 5 Active battery last? The source doesn’t mention specific duration, but it’s claimed to be very efficient because it uses LCD screen and optimized UI. Likely can last 5-7 days with normal use.

3. Can I change the strap with aftermarket straps? Yes, but the Redmi Watch 5 Active strap design is a bit fiddly when attached. Make sure to buy straps compatible with this watch’s attachment system.

4. Is it accurate for health tracking? Health features (Heart Rate, SpO2, Stress Level) are available, but there’s no specific accuracy data in the source. Sufficient for casual daily tracking, but don’t rely on it for serious medical purposes.

5. Is it compatible with iPhone? There’s no specific information in the source, but generally Redmi Watch is compatible with Android and iOS via the Mi Fitness app. Check the app store first before buying.

Conclusion: Safe Choice, But Not the Best

The Redmi Watch 5 Active is a safe smartwatch for beginners with very limited budgets, but in 2026, the $27 price is considered “in-between” because there are many better alternatives with small price differences.

If you can add $7-10, you’ll get a much better experience with AMOLED screen, built-in GPS, and more complete features. But if your budget is really stuck at $27 and you only need basic features, the Redmi Watch 5 Active is still a reasonable choice — as long as you understand the trade-offs you’re accepting.

TL;DR:

• Display: Bright LCD indoors, struggles outdoors
• Battery: Very efficient, lasts for days
• Weight: Lightweight (44 grams), comfortable all day
• Communication: Bluetooth Call available, WhatsApp calls can’t be answered from watch
• Price: $27 — “in-between” in 2026, many better alternatives with small differences

Source: Fredy Us