Huawei Watch 5 adds fingertip readings, gesture controls & more
Huawei’s Watch 5 launches on May 26 with a side-mounted X-Tap sensor for fingertip health scans, expanded gesture controls, and upgraded case materials. It also brings new color and strap options, improved display brightness and better battery life.
Health sensors move to the side
The biggest change lies in how the Watch 5 handles health tracking. Instead of relying only on wrist-mounted sensors, it introduces a side-mounted system called X-Tap, part of Huawei’s TruSense tech. This combines ECG, PPG, and a tactile pressure sensor into a single module, powered by the company’s Distributed Sensor Module. The result is quicker, fingertip-based readings.
Hold the X-Tap sensor and you get a “One-Tap Health Glance.” This delivers a snapshot of nine health metrics, including heart rate variability and blood oxygen levels, all in under a minute. SpO₂ readings can also be done manually in about ten seconds, using pulse wave signals from the fingertip rather than the wrist. These are all metrics we’ve seen before, but the way you capture them is different.
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Standard health features like automatic SpO₂ monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress levels are still on board. These are backed by additional sensors such as an accelerometer, depth sensor, and optical heart rate sensor.
Gesture control and app support
Gesture controls have been expanded to include both “Double Tap” and “Double Slide” actions. You can answer calls, pause music, silence alarms, or trigger the camera shutter with simple finger movements. Some third-party apps, including social platform voice calls, are also supported. These features work best on Huawei smartphones but are available across Android and iOS.
Fitness remains a priority, with support for over 100 workout modes. Dual-band GNSS is built in, along with Huawei’s Sunflower Positioning System, designed to improve tracking accuracy in complex environments.
New finishes and strap choices
As far as build, Watch 5 comes in 42mm and 46mm sizes. The smaller model is offered in Sand Gold, Beige, Green, and White. It uses 904L stainless steel for the case, the same grade used in some luxury timepieces. The 46mm version is available in Black, Titanium Purple, Titanium Silver, and Titanium Brown, built with aerospace-grade titanium. All variants feature a ceramic rear and sapphire glass on the display.
Strap options include titanium, fluoroelastomer, and a new composite that mimics leather but is waterproof, stain-resistant, and odor-free. The composite strap is available in Denim Beige and Silk Purple, giving more flexibility in styling.
Display and battery life
Both versions offer a 466×466 resolution AMOLED screen with up to 3000 nits peak brightness. The 46mm model includes a 1.5-inch LTPO panel with automatic brightness, while the 42mm comes with a slightly smaller 1.38-inch screen.
Typical battery life is rated at 3 days for both sizes. In Ultra Long mode, the 42mm can stretch to 7 days and the 46mm up to 11. Wireless charging is handled by Huawei’s second-gen SuperCharger, which is included in the box.
Connectivity and pricing
The Watch 5 supports eSIM for 3G and 4G cellular use. Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC for contactless payments are also on board. Pre-orders are already open.
Pricing starts at €449.99 in Europe for the 42mm variant, with the 46mm titanium model priced up to €649.99. A free three-month Huawei Health+ membership is included for new users.
While availability in the US has not been confirmed, previous models have made their way through online retailers. Still, importing could bring limitations like reduced warranty coverage and lack of access to Google services.
Check availability and price on Huawei’s website.
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