The Realme Watch S5 arrives as the brand's latest attempt to balance affordability with premium smartwatch features, targeting users who want style, fitness tracking, and long battery life without breaking the bank. Positioned under Rs 8,000, it aims to compete with rivals like Amazfit and Redmi by offering a sleek circular design, AMOLED display, Bluetooth calling, built-in GPS, and over 110 sports modes. We used the Realme Watch S5 for some time and here's our complete review.
Design
The Realme Watch S5 is not trying to be a subtle smartwatch. Three physical buttons on the side, a rotating crown, a metal frame, and a ceramic-texture back make it stand out on the wrist. The circular form factor sets it apart from the sea of rectangular budget smartwatches, giving it a more traditional watch-like appeal. The device features an aluminum-alloy frame that makes a bold statement, along with physical navigation buttons that add to a premium, purposeful feel. At 11.8 mm thick and weighing just 32 grams (without the strap), the watch is surprisingly lightweight for its build. Including the strap, it weighs around 49 grams and sits on the wrist almost without announcing itself. The three physical side buttons make navigation easier and enhance the overall experience, as you no longer need to juggle through apps to open certain functions. They are particularly useful during workouts or when your hands are wet. However, the included silicone strap can trap sweat during extended wear, which may be uncomfortable in India's humid climate. The watch is waterproof to 5 ATM, meaning it can be worn while swimming. Overall, for the price, the build quality punches well above its segment.
Display
The Realme Watch S5 stands out with its 1.43-inch AMOLED display that offers 466x466 resolution and up to 1000 nits peak brightness. The display is protected with Panda Glass. The smartwatch offers a 79% screen-to-body ratio and features a noticeable black inner bezel with a thin gray plastic ring between the screen glass and the aluminum casing. Thanks to the high brightness levels, you can comfortably read notifications and messages under direct sunlight. In real-world testing, everything from watch faces to notifications appears crisp. Colors feel punchy without looking unnatural, and the overall viewing experience feels premium for a smartwatch in this price segment. AMOLED's inherent advantage of true blacks and high contrast makes the display pop in all lighting conditions, whether in a dimly lit room or under the afternoon sun. The screen runs at a 60Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth navigation through menus and notifications. The smartwatch also includes a dedicated night vision mode that switches the display to red tones for low-light viewing.
Performance
The Realme Watch S5 packs a host of features that make it more than just a fitness tracker. It supports Bluetooth calling, allowing users to make and receive calls directly from the wearable. Additionally, built-in GPS ensures accurate outdoor activity tracking without needing a smartphone. With over 110 sports modes, it caters to everything from running and cycling to niche workouts like yoga or rowing. The watch also includes a heart-rate sensor, SpO2 monitor, sleep analysis, VO2 Max, and women's health tracking. It can monitor stress levels and guide breathing exercises. Getting started is easy: install the Realme Link app on Android or iOS. The app syncs fitness data, customizes watch faces, and manages notifications. It offers a dashboard for health metrics such as heart rate trends and sleep analysis. You can set reminders and goals directly through the app. However, the app experience remains basic and somewhat inconsistent. Notifications can be viewed on the watch but lack actionable replies, limiting productivity. Syncing can occasionally lag, and customization options for widgets and layouts are minimal.
In terms of performance, the Realme Watch S5 offers a smooth user experience. Navigating the menu is fluid, and the touchscreen responds well to taps and swipes. The three physical buttons add convenience, enabling quick access to workouts and the home screen. Health tracking is consistent, with reasonable GPS lock times and accurate route tracking for casual and semi-serious fitness users. However, accurate fitness tracking remains a concern, as heart rate readings fluctuate during intense workouts and step counting has room for improvement. The watch offers over 110 sports modes and adapts to different activities. Real-time metrics on the AMOLED screen and post-workout summaries provide a good overview of performance. Sleep tracking breaks down light, deep, and REM cycles, though accuracy varies with wear consistency. Overall, the Realme Watch S5's performance is smooth, dependable, and well-rounded.
Battery
Battery life is one of the Realme Watch S5's strongest selling points. It packs a 460mAh battery that lasts up to 16 days under typical usage, though enabling the always-on display cuts this to just 5 days. Battery life is class-leading for this price segment. With GPS and Bluetooth calling both active, real-world endurance is lower, but most users should comfortably get 7 to 10 days between charges depending on usage. This is a massive advantage over competitors that barely last 3 to 5 days. Charging is done via a magnetic cradle, which is straightforward and secure. The charging speed is reasonable, taking under two hours to go from near-zero to full.
Verdict
Priced at Rs 7,999, the Realme Watch S5 is worth it if you want a feature-rich smartwatch. The AMOLED display is among the best at this price, battery life is class-leading, and having both built-in GPS and Bluetooth calling together at this price point is rare. For casual users, fitness enthusiasts on a budget, and first-time smartwatch buyers in India, the Realme Watch S5 is a compelling package.
