Time to do: What the new smartwatch turned out to be like

The smartwatch market has long ceased to be a territory exclusively for athletes or techies. Today it is already a part of the daily urban lifestyle — an accessory that simultaneously helps to monitor health, manage notifications, pay for purchases and record workouts. The new Huawei Watch Fit 5 series is just trying to combine all these scenarios in one device. Izvestia tested the novelties in the case.

The line includes two models at once — the basic Watch Fit 5 and the more advanced Watch Fit 5 Pro. Formally, the devices belong to the same series, but in practice there are noticeably more differences between them than the name might suggest. The pro version is aimed at users who perceive the watch as a full-fledged sports instrument and are willing to pay for premium materials, advanced features and increased autonomy. The basic model, on the contrary, relies on lightness, versatility and a more affordable price.

Betting on the screen and comfort

The main feature of the series is the updated display. The Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro uses a large, bright AMOLED screen with high peak brightness, making the watch readable even in direct sunlight. For urban summer workouts, from jogging to cycling, this turns out to be not a cosmetic improvement, but a completely practical function.

Another feature of the Pro version is the sapphire crystal. Such materials are usually found in more expensive sports or premium models. Sapphire is noticeably more scratch—resistant than regular tempered glass, which makes it easier for watches to survive active use - from gym workouts to city trips and everyday use.

At the same time, the philosophy of the Watch Fit series remains unchanged: the devices try not to look like massive sports gadgets. The case has retained its rectangular shape with rounded edges, and the design still balances between a fitness accessory and a regular city watch.

The basic Watch Fit 5 makes a special bet on lightness. This is one of the key features of the model: the smartwatch is practically not felt on the hand, even when constantly worn. For an audience that uses watches not only in training, but also throughout the day — at work, in transport, or while sleeping — this factor turns out to be more important than it seems at first glance.

However, this is where the main compromise of the device takes place. Compared to the Pro version, the basic Watch Fit 5 feels more like a large fitness bracelet than a full-fledged mid-range smartwatch. Simpler body materials and the absence of pronounced premium elements make the model visually less convincing, especially considering the price tag, which is already closely approaching its more functional competitors.

Mini-workouts instead of complex programs

One of the central ideas of the new line is the so-called mini-workouts. In recent years, manufacturers of wearable electronics have gradually moved away from the concept of "watches for athletes only" and are trying to integrate physical activity into the usual urban rhythm.

This is exactly what the short training scenarios in Watch Fit 5 are designed for. The user does not need to set aside a separate hour for sports or run complex fitness programs. The watch offers short activities, warm-ups and exercises that can be performed right during the working day.

This approach fits well into the modern wellness culture, where it is no longer so much professional sports that are important as regular activity, well-being control and stress reduction.

In addition, the devices support a large number of sports modes, from running and walking to gym workouts, cycling and swimming. The watch also helps you monitor your sleep, activity, and general body condition.

Autonomy as a key advantage

One of the traditional strengths of Huawei's wearable electronics remains battery life. And the Watch Fit 5 series continues this strategy.

Both models are capable of operating without recharging for up to 10 days, an indicator that remains rare in the smartwatch market. This advantage is especially noticeable compared to many competitors that require charging almost every day.

For users, this means a much simpler experience of interacting with the device. The watch does not need to be constantly charged before bedtime or take a cable on short trips. This is especially important for those who use sleep monitoring and round-the-clock activity tracking functions.

What is the difference between the Pro version?

Despite the external similarity, the Watch Fit 5 Pro cannot be called just the "senior package" of the base model. While the regular version is primarily aimed at a mass audience and everyday use, the Pro model is designed more likely for amateur athletes (and those who want to appear like them).

The Watch Fit 5 Pro relies primarily on the feel of a more expensive and sportier device. The model received a sapphire crystal for additional screen protection, more premium case materials and a noticeably brighter display, which is better suited for outdoor use and during workouts. In addition, it is the Pro version that is more focused on sports scenarios: here Huawei focuses on advanced training functions and a more "professional" perception of the device.

The basic Watch Fit 5 looks noticeably simpler and more pragmatic. The main focus here is on the lightness of the case, comfort with constant wear and a more affordable price. Such watches are more likely designed for everyday use — notifications, basic monitoring of activity and sleep, short workouts and work as a universal urban accessory, rather than a full-fledged sports gadget.

In fact, Huawei divides the audience not only by usage scenarios, but also by the level of perception of the device. The Watch Fit 5 Pro looks like an independent and fairly complete product in the segment of sports smart watches. Against its background, the basic Watch Fit 5 seems to be a noticeably more compromise model: some of the functions and sensations of the premium device are simplified here in order to reduce the cost, although the price difference between the versions does not look drastic.

Competing with the Apple Watch

The positioning of devices relative to competitors is also interesting. You can compare the basic Huawei Watch Fit 5 with the third-generation Apple Watch SE, and the Pro version with the Apple Watch Series 11.

The brand is trying to compete not only through sports features, but also through a combination of design, autonomy and cost.

At the same time, Huawei still has an important advantage — working time. For many users, it is the need for daily charging that has long been one of the main irritants in the smartwatch segment.

An additional advantage for the Russian market may be the support of NFC payment through the FlipUp application. The feature will be available on some other Huawei models, including the Watch GT Runner 2.

Not just a fitness tracker

The new Watch Fit 5 series shows how the wearable electronics market itself is changing. Until a few years ago, smartwatch manufacturers mainly competed in the number of sports modes and medical sensors. Now the focus is gradually shifting towards everyday experience: how comfortable it is to wear the device all day, how long it works without charging, and whether it fits into an urban lifestyle.

That's why Huawei relies not only on sports features, but also on a combination of design, autonomy and a relatively compact body. In this sense, the Watch Fit 5 line turns out to be closer to the format of a "smart casual accessory" than to a classic sports watch.

At the same time, the division into the basic and Pro versions looks quite logical. The regular Watch Fit 5 is aimed at users who value ease, comfort, and basic activity monitoring features. The Watch Fit 5 Pro is already an attempt to enter the premium segment, where customers pay attention not only to the functions, but also to the case materials, screen protection and the overall level of performance.

In the Russian market, the series may be particularly interesting due to the combination of long-term autonomy and a more familiar form factor for a mass audience. For many users, rectangular watches still look less bulky and more versatile than larger sports models.

At the same time, competition in the segment remains high. In the category of up to 30 thousand rubles, Apple Watch SE, more expensive versions of Apple Watch, Samsung, Amazfit and Garmin devices are now simultaneously present.

That's why positioning becomes the main issue for the regular Watch Fit 5. In the segment of up to 20 thousand rubles, the user already has a choice between full-fledged smart watches from Samsung, Amazfit, Honor and even some entry-level Garmin models. Against this background, the basic version of Huawei does not look as versatile as we would like.

The Watch Fit 5 Pro looks like a better device in this sense. Here, Huawei has managed to assemble almost all the strengths of the line — autonomy, high—quality screen, lightweight body and sports features - into a product that is no longer perceived as a compromise, but as a full-fledged competitor to the more expensive Apple and Samsung models.