Huawei Watch 5 Debuts with Revolutionary Fingertip Health Sensor and Premium Design

BigGo Editorial Team
Huawei Watch 5 Debuts with Revolutionary Fingertip Health Sensor and Premium Design

Huawei has expanded its wearable ecosystem with several new devices, headlined by the innovative Watch 5 that introduces a novel approach to health tracking. The Chinese tech giant's latest flagship smartwatch incorporates new sensor technology that allows users to measure vital health metrics through their fingertip rather than relying solely on wrist-based measurements.

A user engaging in fitness activities outdoors while using the Huawei Watch 5 for health tracking
A user engaging in fitness activities outdoors while using the Huawei Watch 5 for health tracking

Revolutionary X-TAP Technology

The standout feature of the Huawei Watch 5 is its Multi-sensing X-TAP technology, a sophisticated sensor array built into the side of the watch. This innovation combines ECG, PPG (photoplethysmography), and tactile sensors into a unified system that can detect fingertip pressure intensity while gathering health data. When users place their finger on the X-TAP sensor for just 60 seconds, the watch delivers a comprehensive Health Glance report covering nine vital metrics: average heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), blood oxygen (SpO₂), skin temperature, stress levels, ECG readings, arterial stiffness detection, respiratory overview, and sleep breathing awareness. Huawei claims this fingertip-based approach provides 10 to 50 times improvement in signal quality compared to traditional wrist sensors, as fingertips have greater capillary density and blood perfusion.

The Huawei Watch 5 emphasizes both functionality and style, showcasing its modern design on a user
The Huawei Watch 5 emphasizes both functionality and style, showcasing its modern design on a user

Premium Design and Build Quality

The Watch 5 continues Huawei's tradition of premium craftsmanship, available in two sizes: 46mm and 42mm. The larger model features aerospace-grade titanium construction in several color options including Black, Titanium Purple, Titanium Silver, and Titanium Brown. The 42mm version utilizes 904L stainless steel—the same material used in luxury timepieces—and comes in Sand Gold, Beige, Green, and White variants. Both models feature spherical sapphire glass for enhanced scratch resistance and durability. For straps, users can choose between titanium, fluoroelastomer, or a new composite material that mimics leather while remaining waterproof, stain-resistant, and odor-free.

The Huawei Watch 5, designed for both style and everyday use, fits seamlessly into casual settings
The Huawei Watch 5, designed for both style and everyday use, fits seamlessly into casual settings

Enhanced User Experience

Huawei has introduced new gesture controls with the Watch 5, including Double Slide and Double Tap motions that allow users to interact with the watch without touching the screen. These gestures work in specific scenarios such as silencing alarms, handling calls, controlling music playback, and functioning as a remote camera shutter for Huawei smartphones. The display boasts an impressive 3,000 nits peak brightness with thinner bezels than previous models, ensuring visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Battery performance varies by model size, with the 46mm version offering up to 4.5 days of use in Standard Mode (3 days with always-on display enabled), while the 42mm model provides up to 3 days (2 days with AOD). Both watches feature an Ultra-Long Battery Life Mode that extends usage by disabling certain features while maintaining core health tracking capabilities. The Watch 5 supports eSIM functionality for standalone connectivity without a smartphone, along with Wi-Fi 6 for faster data transfer when connected to networks.

Fit 4 Series Expansion

Alongside the Watch 5, Huawei introduced the Watch Fit 4 Series, comprising the standard Fit 4 and the first-ever Fit 4 Pro model. Both feature a rectangular 1.82-inch AMOLED display but differ in capabilities and design. The Pro variant includes a titanium alloy case, sapphire glass, ECG functionality, and specialized sports modes for diving, golf, and trail running with offline maps. The standard Fit 4 maintains a slimmer profile at 9.5mm thickness (compared to the Pro's 9.3mm) and weighs slightly less at 27 grams versus 30.4 grams for the Pro. Both models offer 7 days of active battery life or up to 10 days with certain features disabled.

Pricing and Availability

The Huawei Watch 5 is available for pre-order now through Huawei's online store, with official release scheduled for May 26. Pricing starts at £399.99 (approximately $531) for the base model. The Watch Fit 4 is priced at £149.99 (around $200), while the Fit 4 Pro commands £249.99 (approximately $332). As with most Huawei products, availability in the United States remains uncertain due to ongoing trade restrictions, though previous models have occasionally appeared through third-party retailers and import channels.