Honor Watch 5 Ultra: A Chic Smartwatch That Gets the Essentials Right
The smartwatch industry is filled with premium choices from major players like Apple and Samsung, yet not everyone is inclined to pay top prices for advanced features. Enter the Honor Watch 5 Ultra — a device that strikes a remarkable balance of aesthetics, performance, and battery longevity at a much lower cost than its flagship counterparts.
Though it may not fully match the extensive feature set of the Galaxy Watch Ultra or Apple Watch Ultra 2, the Watch 5 Ultra offers fantastic value for individuals who emphasize necessities over superfluous options.
A High-End Look Without the High-End Cost
One of the distinguishing aspects of the Watch 5 Ultra is its aesthetic appeal. Honor has designed a smartwatch that exudes a premium feel, thanks to its titanium alloy frame and striking octagonal design. This unique appearance ensures it stands out among the multitude of round smartwatches available.
Even with a sizable 46mm case, the watch remains relatively light at 51g. It features a comfortable fluoroelastomer strap that can be effortlessly changed due to standard 22mm lugs. The rotating crown with a red highlight and an additional configurable button provide both flair and practicality.
A Display That Dazzles
The Watch 5 Ultra boasts a 1.5-inch AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate and LTPO technology, allowing for dynamic refresh rate adjustments that conserve battery. The screen is sufficiently bright for outdoor use, and the slim bezels contribute to its overall appeal. While it doesn’t offer customizable watch faces, the pre-installed options are diverse and visually striking.
Battery Life That Lasts
Battery performance is where the Watch 5 Ultra truly shines. Thanks to its lightweight Magic OS and LTPO display, the watch can endure up to two weeks on a single charge. Even with the always-on display and continuous heart rate monitoring activated, users can anticipate around a week of use — a considerable advantage over many Wear OS devices.
Charging is also user-friendly, with compatibility for standard Qi wireless charging. This means you can utilize any Qi-compatible charger, not just the one provided with the watch.
Software: Straightforward Yet Efficient
The Watch 5 Ultra operates on a tailored version of Honor’s Magic OS instead of Google’s Wear OS. This restricts app availability — you won’t find Spotify, Google Maps, or third-party applications here — but the benefit is a smoother user experience and improved battery life.
The interface is sleek and responsive, and the watch manages essential functions like notifications, call management, and music playback competently. The built-in speaker is unexpectedly robust, making it simple to take calls or enjoy music straight from the watch.
Health and Fitness Monitoring
Honor made sure not to overlook health features. The Watch 5 Ultra accommodates over 100 workout modes and delivers detailed metrics such as VO2 Max, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and stress monitoring. It’s also water-resistant up to 40 meters, making it ideal for swimming and even diving.
The Honor Health app complements the watch effectively, providing an intuitive means to examine your fitness data and modify settings.
What’s Lacking?
While the Watch 5 Ultra excels in many areas, it does come with some drawbacks:
– No Wear OS: Limits app options and flexibility.
– No cellular connectivity: Requires your phone to be nearby for complete functionality.
– Only one size available: The 46mm case may not suit everyone’s wrist.
– No third-party watch faces: You’re restricted to the pre-installed choices.
Final Verdict: A Wise Choice for Those Mindful of Budget
Priced at €279 (approximately $306), the Honor Watch 5 Ultra represents an attractive alternative to pricier smartwatches. It may not deliver the complete array of features found in the Galaxy Watch Ultra or Apple Watch Ultra 2, but it excels at the fundamentals — and does so with flair.
If you’re in search of a large, robust smartwatch offering superb battery life, reliable fitness tracking, and an eye-catching design, the Watch 5 Ultra is definitely worth considering. It serves as a reminder that you don’t need to spend a lot to acquire a smartwatch that is both attractive and dependable.
