I Chose This as My Partner for Government Office Rounds | An Administrative Scrivener's Honest Review of the "HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5"

First, let me start with an honest concern of mine.

When running an office alone as an administrative scrivener, my daily schedule is incredibly fragmented.

In the morning, I'm at the Legal Affairs Bureau; before noon, the city office; in the afternoon, a client's home; and in the evening, I'm back at the office doing paperwork. It's common for me to realize my planner and smartphone are buried deep in my bag.

Working like this, I often think, "If I had a smartwatch, I could handle everything right from my wrist."

However, the Apple Watch is quite expensive, and the lifestyle of charging it every night before bed is a bit of a hassle for someone who is constantly on business trips.

There are many cheap smartwatches out there, but I often hear horror stories like "the screen is invisible outdoors," "the notification text is too blurry to read," or "the health data is unreliable."

Since my job doesn't allow for errors in paperwork, I don't want to make a bad choice when selecting a gadget.

That's why I decided to thoroughly test the mid-rangeHUAWEI WATCH FIT 5myself.

It's a model packed with features: an astonishingly light weight of about 27g, a 2,500-nit large screen that is clearly visible even outdoors, a battery that lasts up to 10 days with normal use, and over 100 workout functions.

Moreover, it even comes with features rare in this price range, such as mini-stretches guided by a panda and fall detection.

Is it truly a "buy" for a professional who frequently visits government offices? Can it replace an Apple Watch? Is it comfortable for an iPhone user like me?

I will share my thoughts without holding back, while also incorporating a legal professional's perspective.

Note: Although I borrowed this unit from the manufacturer, I have written my honest impressions exactly as I felt them.

[Please check the official HUAWEI website, Rakuten, or Amazon for details]

Conclusion | A device that hits the mark for "mobile sole proprietors"

To put it bluntly, the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 is the perfect smartwatch for those who want to prioritize practicality and cost-performance.

What I fell in love with is how the three key factors—lightness, battery life, and screen visibility—are balanced at a high level.

Since a smartwatch is a tool you wear on your skin every day, "whether it feels tiring to wear" matters more than the raw specs.

In that regard, the lightness of about 27g is honestly amazing. Whether I'm waiting at the counter of the Legal Affairs Bureau or gripping the steering wheel of my car, I forget it's even there.

In addition, since it lasts up to 10 days with normal use, I've been freed from the minor stress of charging it every night. Even in weeks when applications pile up at the beginning of the month and I get home late, I can keep going without worrying about the battery.

However, to be honest, it will likely feel underwhelming to those who expect an ecosystem like the Apple Watch or electronic payments like Suica.

Conversely, if you focus on checking notifications, health management, exercise tracking, and daily use, it is a device that delivers satisfaction beyond its price.

A quick look at the pros and cons

Before diving into the details, let me summarize it briefly.

First, the good points: the lightness of about 27g, the bright 2,500-nit screen that is readable outdoors, the long battery life of up to 10 days, over 100 workout modes, comprehensive health management features, and support for fall detection and emergency SOS.

On the other hand, what concerned me was the lack of tight integration like that between an Apple Watch and an iPhone, and the absence of payment functions like Suica; it really comes down to these two points.

Rather than having a fatal flaw, it is the type of device whose evaluation changes based on 'what you prioritize.' As long as you understand that, it is a model you are unlikely to regret.

Who it is and isn't for

It is suitable for people who want a lightweight smartwatch, people who want to reduce the number of times they charge, people who want to start managing their health, people who want to use it for running or walking, and people who feel that 'the Apple Watch is a bit expensive.'

Conversely, for those who prioritize electronic payments above all else or who value integration with Apple products more than anything, I recommend other options.

As an all-purpose device for daily use, it is quite excellent, and the balance between features and price is superb.

However, from the perspective of an iPhone user like myself, it is not a complete replacement for an Apple Watch.

Even so, since I am getting the necessary integration properly, I feel that if you accept it as a 'practical mid-range device,' it is a unit you can be satisfied with and live with for a long time.

What's so great about it? Breaking down its features

The lightness of about 27g pays off during a day of field work

Its greatest weapon is, after all, its lightness of about 27g for the main body.

Even if you switch to a nylon band, the total is about 50g. It is quite lightweight for a smartwatch.

Because it is something you wear every day, a difference of just a few grams greatly affects the comfort of wearing it.

With heavier models, your wrist can get tired during long hours of wear, or you might become self-conscious about its presence while talking to a client.

In that respect, this device makes you feel almost none of that minor stress.

Especially for those who want to track their sleep, this lightness is a major appeal. There is almost no discomfort while wearing it during sleep.

Whether walking from one government office to another or climbing stairs while carrying a stack of documents, just having a light wrist changes how tired you get during the day.

With 2,500 nits of brightness, you can read it even at a counter in the scorching sun

The screen brightness is also beyond reproach.

This device is equipped with a high-brightness display of up to 2,500 nits, which puts it in the category of quite bright smartwatches.

This is effective in the midsummer outdoors.

For example, when walking from a city hall parking lot to the government building, even if you suddenly want to check an incoming call, if the model has a dark screen, it will reflect and you won't be able to read it at all.

With this device, the information enters your mind instantly even under the glaring sun.

Since both checking notifications and viewing the clock are easy, it ultimately leads directly to daily comfort.

It was free from the 'can't see it outside' problem common in cheap models.

With a 10-day battery life for normal use, you can be at ease even during a business trip week

The long battery life is also not to be overlooked.

The specifications are up to 10 days for normal use and up to 7 days even with heavy use.

For those who find charging every night troublesome, this alone can be a reason to purchase.

Especially for those who are not used to smartwatches, the habit of 'charging every night' is something that often doesn't last.

In that respect, since you only need to charge it once every few days, you can continue using it without feeling burdened.

Even when I have consecutive overnight business trips, the number of times I get nervous about forgetting the charger has definitely decreased.

With over 100 types of workouts, your excuses for lack of exercise will disappear

The exercise functions are also quite substantial.

There are over 100 supported workouts.

The range of genres is wide, including running, walking, cycling, swimming, mountain climbing, hiking, strength training, and yoga.

It is suitable not only for those who want to train their bodies seriously but also for light users who think, 'I've been sitting too much lately, so maybe I'll walk a little.'

Because there are many types of activities, it is hard to get bored, and the fact that you can use it for a long time is also a nice point.

HUAWEI's first mini-stretch feature hits home for desk workers

What's a bit interesting is the mini-stretch feature, which is a first for HUAWEI.

It covers 10 parts of the whole body and includes 30 types of movements.

This is effective on days when you are glued to your desk for hours creating documents.

There are countless smartwatches in the world that send 'too much sitting' or 'let's stand up' notifications, but this device is unique in that it guides you through specific movements.

I think this is a feature that will reach people who say, 'I get notifications, but I don't know what to do, so I ignore them.'

Fall detection and emergency SOS are reassuring when you are working alone

It is also equipped with fall detection and emergency SOS functions, a first for this series.

Since you can expect support in an emergency, it is easy to consider not only for yourself but also as a gift candidate for family members living apart.

For a sole proprietor working out in the field alone, having a 'system you can rely on in case of an emergency' is more reassuring than you might think. It is a reliable feature even in situations involving danger, such as mountain climbing.

[Please check the official HUAWEI website, Rakuten, or Amazon for details]

What about the look and feel? The issue of whether it fits under a suit cuff

Aircraft-grade aluminum, doesn't look cheap

The main body material uses aircraft-grade aluminum alloy.

Some lower-priced models inevitably look cheap, but this device gives the impression that attention has been paid to the texture.

It doesn't feel cheap even when worn on the wrist, and considering the price range, it has a high-quality finish.

It doesn't look out of place even if it peeks out from under a suit cuff, and I don't feel self-conscious in front of clients.

It is a model that is easy to choose even for those who dislike designs that scream 'gadget'.

9.5mm thick and 27g, won't get caught on sleeves

It is slim with a thickness of about 9.5mm.

Even at the thickest part of the sensor, it measures 1.2mm. Since other companies' outdoor models were about 1.7mm, you can see that it is quite thin.

With thicker models, they get caught on dress shirt cuffs or your wrists lift up and get tired when typing on a keyboard.

With this device, you can say goodbye to those little frustrations.

The balance between lightness and thinness is good, so it is comfortable all day long, from field work and paperwork to sleeping.

Is it too small even for a man's arm?

Some people might wonder, 'Since the FIT series is vertically long, won't it look flimsy if a man wears it?'

In conclusion, it doesn't look small because it has a large 1.82-inch screen.

Compared to large round models, it is on the compact side, but it is neat and easy to use because of that.

The screen-to-body ratio is 83%, so the visibility of notifications and exercise data is also sufficient.

For men who dislike bulky watches, I think it is actually just the right size.

Can women use it without feeling out of place?

It is a natural size even for women to use.

Some people feel that large models have too much presence, but this device is quite neat.

Because it is light and thin, it doesn't look bulky even on those with slender wrists, and you don't get the feeling that the 'watch is wearing you'.

It doesn't easily interfere with fashion, so I would recommend it to women looking for their first device for health management purposes.

What color should I choose?

The color lineup is abundant, including black, white, silver, green, and purple.

If you don't want to make a mistake at work, the safe choices are black or silver. They don't limit your clothing and won't stand out when visiting clients.

If you want to show a little playfulness, green or purple are also interesting options.

If you are someone who wants to enjoy it as fashion on your days off, that's a possibility.

Is it easy to change the band?

Changing the band is easy.

Compatible bands are also sold on Amazon, so if you choose a compatible product, even beginners can easily swap them out.

You can enjoy one device for a long time by using a calm band on weekdays and a casual band on holidays.

[Please check the official HUAWEI website, Rakuten, or Amazon for details]

Screen review | Is it really easy to see?

1.82-inch AMOLED display quality

The display is a 1.82-inch AMOLED.

Recently, every company has been loading AMOLEDs, but it is enough to roughly understand this as an 'evolved organic EL display'.

The strength of AMOLED is that it can firmly express true black.

Thanks to this, the contrast is sharp, making notifications, clock displays, and workout data easy to read.

The colors are vivid, and I was even able to enjoy the beauty of the watch face designs. The level of satisfaction is on a completely different level compared to cheap LCD models.

2,500 nits of Outdoor Visibility

Another strength of AMOLED is its ability to produce high brightness.

That is why it is easy to see even outdoors in midsummer.

With budget models, you might find yourself squinting to read numbers because of reflections, but you won't have that stress with this device.

By the way, even for 50,000 to 100,000 yen models from other companies, the current upper limit is 3,000 nits. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 (approx. 130,000 yen) and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (over 90,000 yen) are at that level.

The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 Pro also has about 3,000 nits and sells for 35,800 yen. Having the same brightness as a top-tier model in the 30,000 yen range makes me wonder if they mispriced it.

The standard model here is 2,500 nits, but the difference between 2,500 and 3,000 is something you would only notice if you went to a desert. For everyday use, 2,500 nits is more than enough.

Ease of Reading Notifications and Text

The readability of notifications is also super important for a smartwatch.

Some budget models I have touched in the past had decent-looking watch faces, but the notification text was jagged and small.

The FIT 5 is ② on the top right.

In my line of work, where I cannot miss messages from clients, the precision of notification text is a point I cannot compromise on.

The comfort of not having to take out my smartphone every time is beyond imagination, so I want to choose a model that displays text beautifully.

The Fun of Customizing Watch Faces

Being able to change the watch face to match my mood is also a charm.

You can choose from a wide range, from simple business styles to sporty ones.

There is even a moving panda watch face, which is subtly soothing. Just having it in my plain office makes me feel a bit relaxed.

It is also fun to switch between a calm watch face on weekdays and a playful design on weekends.

Summary of Specs and Basic Performance

Main Specs

To pick out the key points, it features a 1.82-inch AMOLED display, up to 2,500 nits, a body weight of about 27g, a thickness of about 9.5mm at its thinnest point, up to 10 days of battery life in normal use, Bluetooth 6.0, built-in GPS, and IP6X / 5ATM water resistance.

You might find the numbers difficult at first glance, but the reality is a 'balanced model focused on practicality.'

It is light, the screen is easy to see, the battery lasts a long time, and it handles exercise and health management well. It hits all the essential requirements perfectly.

Built-in Sensors

The sensors are also well-equipped.

It is equipped with a 9-axis sensor (accelerometer, gyroscope, geomagnetic), optical heart rate sensor, ambient light sensor, temperature sensor, and barometer.

With all these, it is sufficient for both health management and exercise tracking. The barometer is also useful for hiking and outdoor activities.

Considering the price range, it is an impressive lineup to have packed in.

GPS and Water Resistance Performance

The built-in GPS is also a major attraction, and it supports dual-band 6-system satellite positioning.

Since it has higher precision than single-band, it is perfect as a replacement for previous models.

Because you can record exercise without a smartphone, it is a welcome feature for those who want to stay light when running.

It has an IP6X / 5ATM waterproof rating. It won't break from daily hand washing or sweat.

On top of that, it even analyzes your jogging form, and I discovered that my center of gravity leans slightly to the left. For those who make running a daily habit, this is an interesting and practical feature.

[Please check the official HUAWEI website, Rakuten, or Amazon for details]

Health Management Review | How Reliable Is It?

The Capabilities of Heart Rate and Blood Oxygen Monitoring

This device allows you to check your heart rate and blood oxygen levels daily, making it perfect for those who want to increase their health awareness.

Usually, there are few opportunities to see the state of your body in numerical values.

Just by observing how your heart rate recovers after exercise or how it changes on days when you are tired, you can gain small insights.

Here is a personal experience: on a day when I felt like I was in poor physical condition, I checked it and my blood oxygen was outside the normal range; as expected, I came down with a cold shortly after.

Since it is not a medical device, I cannot say for sure, but that was the moment I felt it was useful enough as a guideline.

Accuracy of Sleep Monitoring

Sleep management is also a strong point of this device.

It visualizes deep sleep, light sleep, and REM sleep, allowing you to grasp your own sleep patterns.

People who feel like they 'slept well but still feel tired' should especially appreciate the value of this visualization.

The device is lightweight, making it easy to wear while sleeping, which is another great point.

Furthermore, it is now equipped with 'Sleep Breathing Awareness.' This is a simple check for what is known as sleep apnea. I regret that I only noticed it at the end of my review and could only try it once.

HRV, Stress, and Emotional Monitoring

It also supports the noteworthy HRV (Heart Rate Variability).

This is data that can be used as a guideline for physical condition and stress, and having this turns it from 'just a pedometer' into a more advanced health management device.

You can also check emotional changes, and it classifies your state into 12 types, telling you things like 'comfortable' or 'normal'.

It provides hints for objectively viewing your own condition, such as when you are feeling tense because an application deadline is approaching.

Breathing Exercises and Menstrual Cycle Tracking

It also features a breathing exercise function.

A cute panda leads you through deep breathing, which is helpful when you want to calm your mind.

It is surprisingly useful when I want to take a breather between meetings with clients.

It also supports menstrual cycle tracking, offering a wide range of health support.

Is it worth buying for health management purposes?

In conclusion, it is definitely worth it.

While it is not a medical device, it is sufficient as a tool to raise your daily health awareness.

It is easy to use as a first device for those who are concerned about a lack of exercise or want to improve their sleep.

Exercise & GPS Review: Can You Really Use It Outdoors?

Is the GPS accuracy sufficient?

Since it has built-in GPS, you can record your workouts without a smartphone.

This is quite comfortable for running and walking.

It avoids the common restriction of budget devices that require a smartphone due to a lack of built-in GPS, allowing you to run light.

However, in the summer, I recommend bringing your smartphone along as a means of contact in case of heatstroke or dehydration.

During other seasons, it feels great to leave your phone at home and run lightly with just this device.

Running Usage

The specifications are also easy for runners to use.

The GPS is dual-band, so tracking is accurate. It also includes basic features like pace, distance, and heart rate.

For beginner runners, just knowing how far you have run and whether you are going too fast is a big help.

It is lightweight, so your wrists won't get tired even during long runs, which is a plus.

Walking Usage

It is also a perfect match for daily walking.

Even walking from one government office to another becomes solid exercise data when you record it.

Seeing results in numbers helps keep your motivation going.

There is a pleasant side effect: you develop healthy habits while you walk.

Can it be used for strength training, yoga, and swimming?

It supports a wide range of activities, so you can use it for strength training and yoga as well.

It is better to think of it as a comprehensive fitness device rather than just a running-specific one.

It has 5ATM water resistance, so swimming is also an option, and it is convenient to handle multiple types of exercise with one device.

Are the over 100 workout modes practical?

You might wonder if you will really use that many, but having a wide selection is surprisingly convenient.

You can use it for a long time without needing to replace it, even if your exercise preferences change.

If you start out just walking but decide you want to run a little once you get used to it, one device covers it all.

Is the automatic exercise detection useful?

It also supports automatic exercise detection.

It automatically picks up when you start, so you are less likely to forget to record your activity.

If you leave the GPS on all day to track walking data, it will drain the battery, but if you turn on automatic detection, you don't need to manually turn it on and off, which saves both your peace of mind and the battery.

[Please check the official HUAWEI website, Rakuten, or Amazon for details]

Mini Stretch Function Review: Is It Really Useful?

What kind of function is it?

This is a unique feature exclusive to HUAWEI.

It guides you through short stretches, which is perfect for people who think, "I know I should exercise, but I don't have the time."

It's more about supporting light physical activity during spare moments rather than full-scale training.
For a job that involves facing documents in the same posture for long periods, the fact that it gives you a reason to move your body really hits home.

Is the panda guide practical?

An animated panda guides you through the exercises.

Some might think, "Isn't it a bit too cute?" but thanks to this approachability, it's easy to keep up with.

Health features are meaningless if you don't stick with them, so this "accessibility" should not be underestimated.

By the way, my child calms down when they see this panda. I never expected it to have a calming effect on children as well.

Is it good for stiff shoulders and building exercise habits?

This is a particularly welcome feature for those who primarily do desk work.

When your shoulders and neck tend to get stiff from long hours of computer work, having a prompt to move for a short time is a big help.

Even for those who find "jumping straight into full-scale exercise" a high hurdle, it's easy to start with light stretches.

Battery Review | How long does it actually last?

Is the 10-day standard really true?

The official specifications are quite excellent.

Considering that an Apple Watch runs out in about a day, being freed from daily charging is of great value.

With my usage, I still had around 50% left after a week.

So, if you decide to "charge it while taking a bath every Sunday," you can focus on your work during the week without worrying about the battery level.

Since it achieves battery life close to the official specs, it definitely reduces charging stress.

The reality of 7 days of heavy use

Up to 7 days for those who use notifications and fitness features extensively is also an impressive figure.

However, for those who really use it heavily, the drain is significant, so it's safer to take the 7-day claim with a grain of salt.

Even so, since it doesn't require "daily charging," it's a great match for busy people or those who tend to forget to charge.

Battery life when using GPS

When you use GPS, consumption inevitably increases. This is common to most devices equipped with GPS.

However, for daily running or walking (about an hour), I felt it didn't drain that significantly.

Charging time and usability

No matter how long it lasts, if it takes a long time to charge, its usability drops.

Since this model is designed for daily use, you can quickly charge it in the gaps, such as while getting ready in the morning or taking a bath.

What about degradation over long-term use?

As it is a battery-powered product, it will gradually degrade with long-term use. This is the same for any smartwatch.

However, models with higher initial battery performance tend to maintain their practicality even after degradation.

This device has excellent base battery performance, so it provides peace of mind in that regard as well. For those who have been using the FIT 3 or 4 for a long time, now is the time to upgrade, as performance has improved significantly.

[Please check the official HUAWEI website, Rakuten, and Amazon for details]

iPhone/Android Compatibility Review | Differences in Usability

Can it be used with an iPhone?

I used it paired with an iPhone. It works without any issues.

Basic functions like checking notifications, reviewing health data, and recording workouts work perfectly on the iPhone.

There is no need to worry, thinking, "It won't work because it's an iPhone."

However, if you expect deep integration like the Apple Watch, your impression might differ. Nevertheless, considering the price difference, it is sufficiently attractive.

Differences from Android

As is typical with HUAWEI products, it feels like you can make full use of the features more easily in an Android environment.

For those who want to use it to its full potential, Android users will likely be more satisfied.

Even with an iPhone, it is practical enough if you focus on basic functions, and you won't have any major complaints if your main use is checking notifications and health management.

How are LINE and email notifications?

Notification checking, which could be called the most used feature on a smartwatch, is well-handled by this device.

You can quickly check both LINE and emails on your wrist, reducing the number of times you need to take out your smartphone.
It comes in handy during situations where you can't immediately look at your phone, such as during meetings with clients or while on the move.

Thanks to the large screen, notifications are easy to read, and I had no issues with text size or fonts.

Can I use quick replies?

Quick replies are convenient, but this is only available when paired with Android.

Please note that iPhone users cannot use this at the moment. This is mainly due to security restrictions on the iPhone side.

However, receiving notifications themselves works fine on an iPhone, so please choose with that understanding.

Ease of use of the HUAWEI Health app

The HUAWEI Health app organizes health data, sleep, and workout history in an easy-to-view list.

Since you spend a lot of time looking at records in the app as well as on the smartwatch itself, the quality of the app affects your overall satisfaction.

While cheap devices often use common generic apps, this one is specifically designed. Even beginners can use it intuitively.

Notification feature review: Are LINE and calls comfortable?

Ease of viewing LINE notifications

For many people, the most used notification is likely LINE. It is now like infrastructure.

That is precisely why ease of viewing is directly linked to satisfaction.

In addition to its 1.82-inch large screen, this device uses high-precision text and easy-to-read fonts for notifications.

Thanks to this, it is easy to check the content, and personally, I felt it was very easy to use.
If you are choosing primarily for checking notifications, this standard model is more than enough.

Incoming call notifications

It also supports incoming call notifications.

Knowing who is calling on your wrist is more convenient than you might imagine.

You can decide not to answer during meetings or while working, and it also prevents missing calls on your phone while it's in your bag.

Email notifications

Email notifications are quite useful for work purposes.

Since I manage my emails on my smartphone, I like being able to judge whether a message needs urgent attention without taking out my phone.

It changes efficiency by reducing the hassle of checking your phone repeatedly while out and about or working at your desk.

SNS notifications

It also supports various SNS notifications.

Not only X and Instagram, but also the Chinese version of X, 'Weibo,' is supported. This is appreciated as I use Weibo for work.

However, if you get too many notifications, it can break your concentration, so the trick is to turn on only what you really need.

Is there any notification lag?

Lag varies slightly depending on your smartphone environment and Bluetooth, but this is common to many smartwatches.

In my experience, there is almost no notification lag on this device.

When compared to cheap devices, this one actually reacts faster, so you don't need to worry about communication lag.

【Please check the official HUAWEI website, Rakuten, and Amazon for details】

Water Resistance Review: Can You Use It in the Bath or While Swimming?

What IP6X / 5ATM Means

This device features IP6X / 5ATM dust and water resistance.

IP6X means it is dust-tight and designed to prevent dust ingress.

5ATM refers to its resistance to water pressure, meaning it is safe to use in situations involving water.

It is my habit to rinse off sweat with running water after jogging, wipe it with a towel, and then take a shower. Because it is a tool I use every day, having solid water resistance makes it easy to keep clean and feels great.

Since I frequently encounter water through hand washing, sweat, and sudden rain, this peace of mind really pays off.

Can You Use It in the Shower?

While it is resistant to daily water exposure, I do not recommend using it in the shower.

Hot water, soap, and shampoo put a strain on the waterproof seals, and high temperatures and steam are not kind to precision equipment.

In the worst case, soap bubbles could get between your skin and the device, causing irritation.

As a rule, you should take it off when bathing or showering.

Can You Use It in the Pool?

Since it supports 5ATM and includes swimming workouts, you can use it in the pool.
Being able to record swimming data is a major appeal.

It is a great match for people who make swimming, not just running, a habit.

However, it is safer to avoid diving or activities that subject the device to high-pressure water streams.

Can You Use It in the Ocean?

You need to be careful with the ocean.

Seawater puts a greater strain on devices due to its salt content, so even with water resistance, you cannot be completely at ease.

If you do use it, limit it to shallow water and be sure to rinse it thoroughly with fresh water afterward.

Summarizing the Benefits Again

Regarding its lightness, the feeling that 'you won't get tired even if you wear it all day' is even greater than the 27g figure suggests.

Many beginners will be surprised by the fact that a smartwatch is actually lighter than a heavy watch. After all, analog watches are typically over 100g.

The screen brightness is 2,500 nits, providing excellent outdoor visibility. You can read notifications and exercise data without stress.

The battery lasts up to 10 days under normal use. You will reduce the frequency of carrying a charger on business trips or travels, avoiding the failure of 'stopping using it because charging is a hassle.'

Health management covers a wide range, including heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep, and stress. You can visualize changes in your physical condition with numbers, which serves as a trigger for building habits.

The built-in GPS is also a strength, allowing you to record exercise without a smartphone. Combined with a wide range of workouts, it is a reliable all-around exercise device.

And then there is the cost-performance. It is rare to find features so neatly assembled for under 30,000 yen.

Usually, products cut corners somewhere to differentiate themselves, but this device covers lightness, screen, battery, health, and GPS evenly.

It is positioned perfectly for those who think, 'High-end features are too expensive, but I'm worried about something too cheap.'

[Please check the official HUAWEI website, Rakuten, and Amazon for details]

Being Honest About the Downsides

First, the app flexibility does not reach the level of the Apple Watch.

If you expect extensibility like the App Store, you will feel it is lacking.

It is not suitable for those who want to use it as a 'small smartphone on their wrist,' but if notifications, health management, and exercise recording are your main priorities, you are unlikely to be dissatisfied.

Next, it does not have payment functions like Suica. For those who want to 'pay at a convenience store with just their wrist' or 'use a transit IC card as their main payment method,' this is a major negative.

If payment is your priority, you should consider a different model.

And finally, the appeal is slightly reduced if you have an iPhone. You can use the basic functions, but it is harder to utilize fully compared to Android, and there are times when you feel the wall of iPhone-specific specifications in detailed integration.

Apple users should understand this before making their choice.

That said, in my own daily use, pairing was smooth, and I highly rated the speed of GPS reception and the screen display when raising my wrist.

Points to keep in mind before buying

iPhone users should be aware of the functional differences.

The basic functions are practical enough, but if you want to make full use of everything, I recommend checking in advance.

The more accustomed you are to the integration between Apple products, the more likely you are to feel a gap. Also, it is correct to think of this as something different from the Apple Watch. Because the visual direction is similar, they are often compared, but their philosophies are different.

The Apple Watch emphasizes integration and extensibility, while this model emphasizes practicality, health management, and battery life. It is also a device I can recommend to smart watch beginners.

Both the app and the device itself have a refined UI, making it hard to get lost in operations. Since the basics of health management, notifications, and exercise tracking are straightforward to use, it is suitable as a 'first device.' Conversely, those who prioritize electronic payments, Apple integration, and app extensibility will be less likely to regret their purchase if they compare it with other models.

【Please check the official HUAWEI, Rakuten, and Amazon websites for details】

Is it worth upgrading from the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4?

There are definitely improvements. The display has increased from approximately 2,000 nits to 2,500 nits, approaching the brightness of high-spec machines.

The memory has been significantly increased from 4GB to 64GB, and the GPS has been upgraded from dual-band 5-satellite to 6-satellite. This is quite a major update, not just a minor change. On the other hand, the basic concept remains the same. Its position as a 'practical model' that balances lightness, health management, and workouts remains unchanged.

Therefore, if you are satisfied with the FIT 4, there is no reason to go out of your way to upgrade. I would recommend upgrading to those who are using the FIT 3 or 4 and want more comfort or new features. You should feel the evolution strongly, especially if you are coming from the FIT 3.

The criterion for judgment is simply, 'Are you dissatisfied with your current model?' That is all there is to it.

Comparison with popular models

Differences from the HUAWEI Band 11

The Band 11 is a more convenient and simple smart band type. It is for those who want to keep costs down and only want health management and notification checks. In contrast, this device is a smart watch, so it has a large screen and high functionality. It is a rank above in terms of screen visibility, GPS, workout performance, and overall capability. It is easy to choose: 'minimum is enough' means the Band 11, while 'I want to use it thoroughly' means the WATCH FIT 5.

Differences from the Amazfit Active series

Amazfit is a popular brand that is hot on the heels of the major players, and its appeal lies in the balance between price and functionality, as well as its design. Both are strong in health management and exercise, and evaluations will differ based on UI preferences and brand usability. This device is attractive for its lightness, screen, and well-organized health features. Amazfit has its own unique characteristics in GPS and exercise functions. Since this device is square and the Amazfit Active is round, it is also interesting to choose based on the shape.

Differences from the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Pro

Xiaomi is an incredibly cheap competitor, making a direct comparison difficult.

While it is inexpensive and feature-rich, this device stands out in terms of its refinement as a smartwatch and screen size.

In terms of overall satisfaction, including build quality and the depth of health features, many will likely find this device superior. If price is your top priority, go with Xiaomi; if you want a balanced overall package, go with HUAWEI.

Differences from the Apple Watch SE series

The SE is a formidable rival. The biggest differences are Apple integration and app flexibility.
If you are an iPhone user who values deep integration, the SE is attractive.

On the other hand, the price difference is significant, and this device has the advantage in battery life. If you want 'notifications, health management, and exercise tracking with good cost-performance,' this device is the only choice.

Which one should you choose in the end?

It depends on what you prioritize. If Apple integration and expandability are your top priorities, choose the Apple Watch SE.

If you want to keep costs down and only need the basics, the Band 11 or Xiaomi are options. If you want a balance of cost-performance, practicality, health management, and exercise, this device is a very strong contender.

There is no single absolute answer for everyone, but if you are looking for a balanced model, this device can be considered an optimal choice.

Reasons to choose this device over an Apple Watch

Price difference

While the Apple Watch is attractive to iPhone users, the psychological barrier is higher, with the SE starting in the high 30,000 yen range.

Many people likely feel that 'this price is too high to start with,' 'I'm not sure if I'll use it enough,' or 'it might be over-specced.'

In that regard, this device offers necessary features at an accessible price point. It sits at the perfect spot of around 25,000 yen in actual market price. It is a strong candidate if you prioritize cost-performance.

Battery life

While the Apple Watch is highly functional, it generally struggles to last even a full day.

This device lasts up to 10 days under normal use, significantly reducing charging frequency. It is convenient for business trips and travel, and it will appeal to those who find daily charging to be a hassle.

Health management features

For everyday use, this device is more than sufficient.

However, since the Apple Watch's ECG and irregular rhythm notifications are certified by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare as a home medical device program, the Apple Watch has the advantage if you want higher precision measurements.

As a legal professional, I want to be precise here: the higher-end version of this device, the 'HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 Pro,' actually includes an ECG app, which has received approval as a program medical device in Japan.

Consequently, the actual market price is around 35,000 yen, putting it in the same price range as the Apple Watch SE.

Please note that both models have only received 'approval as a home medical device program,' and the device itself is not a medical device. This is often confused, so it is important to keep this distinction in mind.

Differences in apps and notifications

The Apple Watch wins in terms of app flexibility due to its ecosystem.
However, daily use is primarily about checking notifications and managing health.

From that perspective, there is no significant difference between this device and the Apple Watch. If you are mainly using it for daily tasks, choosing based on cost-performance and design is perfectly fine.

So, which one?

My view is that if you only use it for general health management, exercise, and checking notifications, there is little incentive for an iPhone user to go out of their way to choose an Apple Watch.
In that case, you will likely be more satisfied choosing this cost-effective device.

【Please check the official HUAWEI website, Rakuten, or Amazon for details】

Summary of Reviews and Reputation

Positive reviews tended to show high satisfaction with its lightweight design.

Comments like "I don't notice it even when wearing it for long periods" and "It feels natural even when sleeping" are typical for this device.

The screen's readability is also well-received, with many noting its excellent outdoor visibility thanks to the 2,500 nits brightness.

Regarding battery life, many users shared the sentiment that "it's comfortable not having to charge it every day." As for negative reviews, there was a certain amount of dissatisfaction regarding the lack of freedom compared to the Apple Watch.

Those who expected high expandability or integration tended to feel it was lacking, but if that is what you need, you should choose an Apple Watch from the start.

Some also mentioned the lack of payment features like Suica as a disadvantage. If your expectations are to "do everything," your evaluation is likely to be harsh. Overall, the impression is that satisfaction is quite high for those who prioritize practicality. The evaluation of "features actually used in daily life"—such as weight, battery, health management, and notifications—is strong.

Since a smartwatch's satisfaction level changes greatly depending on what you are looking for, if you view it as a practical tool, the build quality and operability of this device are outstanding for the price.

Conclusion: Is it worth buying?

It is suitable for those who want to be conscious of health management, those who prioritize exercise, those who want something lightweight, those who value cost-performance, and smartwatch beginners. Conversely, those who prioritize Apple integration or want to use electronic payments daily will find more satisfaction by comparing other models. The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 5 is a highly polished, balanced device. It firmly hits the points you actually want to use in daily life: weight, screen readability, battery, health management, and GPS. Its direction is different from the Apple Watch, but that is not a weakness; it is correct to view it as "targeting a different user base." For a sole proprietor like me who moves around government offices, people who want to start health management, and those who don't want to charge every day, this is a device I can confidently recommend.

[Please check the official HUAWEI website, Rakuten, or Amazon for details]