Huawei has officially released the HUAWEI WATCH 5 Series in the UAE, positioning the new wearable as a more data-centric evolution in its smartwatch lineup. Priced at AED 1,599, the WATCH 5 introduces the X-TAP sensor — a hardware addition that enables fingertip-based health assessments — along with a refined design that trades novelty for functional sophistication.
At the core of this release is the X-TAP sensor, located beside the crown on the watch’s side. It integrates electrocardiogram (ECG) and photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensors into a single glass module, offering fingertip-based readings that feed into Huawei’s TruSense System — a distributed sensing architecture designed to deliver more nuanced health insights. A three-second press on the X-TAP takes users directly to the Health Glance feature, which compiles 11 key health metrics into a summary within 60 seconds. The system tracks trends across daily, weekly, and annual intervals, supplementing those insights with user-specific recommendations or professional prompts when needed.
Design-wise, the WATCH 5 doesn’t stray far from convention but instead sharpens it. Available in two sizes, the 42mm model uses 904L stainless steel — a material often reserved for traditional luxury watches — while the larger 46mm version opts for aerospace-grade titanium. The switch in materials brings weight and durability benefits, with titanium offering higher strength and corrosion resistance while remaining significantly lighter.
The display is protected by spherical sapphire glass, matched by a polished finish that leans into a more understated, premium aesthetic. The 12mm X-TAP blends seamlessly into the curvature of the casing, suggesting that Huawei is treating the sensor as a permanent fixture of its future wearables.
Beyond health tracking, the HUAWEI WATCH 5 Series includes typical flagship features such as eSIM support for cellular calls, standalone GPS navigation, onboard music playback, and compatibility with Huawei’s app ecosystem. The introduction of new gesture controls also points to a broader effort to make the watch more usable without relying heavily on the paired smartphone.
Battery life remains a key feature for smartwatch buyers, and Huawei has responded with a dual-mode system. In Standard Mode, the 46mm version offers up to 4.5 days of use, while the 42mm model delivers up to 3 days. In Battery Saver Mode, these extend to 11 days and 7 days respectively — respectable figures, though not industry-leading.
The HUAWEI WATCH 5 Series looks to appeal to users seeking a more structured approach to health monitoring without compromising on material quality or everyday functionality. While it may not bring dramatic visual changes or disruptive features, the emphasis on fingertip-sensing accuracy, longer battery life, and improved autonomy gives this release a grounded relevance in today’s health-focused wearable market.
