Honor Watch 5 Ultra Review: Stunning Hardware, Frustrating Software

Exceptional Design and Battery Life Hampered by Software Limitations

The Honor Watch 5 Ultra boasts a premium titanium build with a sleek blend of matte and glossy finishes. Its 1.5-inch AMOLED display is vibrant, and the watch offers impressive 5ATM/IP68 water resistance. Battery life is exceptional, lasting over a week on a single charge. However, the software experience detracts from the watch's overall appeal.

Software Shortcomings

  • Limited app selection and no mobile payment support.
  • Restrictive watch face customization options and difficulties downloading new faces.
  • Inconsistent and dysfunctional notification handling, especially with threaded messages.

While the custom OS contributes to the long battery life, the lack of features and frustrating notification management make it a questionable trade-off. The Honor Health app, while useful for tracking health metrics, proves cumbersome for other tasks, such as downloading watch faces. See how this compares to other wearables in our Top Smartphones of 2024 article.

A Case for Wear OS

The Watch 5 Ultra's hardware deserves better software. Wear OS, with its broader app ecosystem and smoother notification handling, would be a significant improvement. The addition of Play Store access and the potential for Honor's customization could create a truly compelling smartwatch experience. Check out the OnePlus Open for a different approach to wearables.

Price and Value

Priced at €279, the Honor Watch 5 Ultra's software limitations raise concerns about its value proposition. Cheaper smartwatches offer similar battery life and a more refined software experience. For tips on maximizing battery performance on other devices, see our guide on Maximizing iPhone Battery Life.

Conclusion

The Honor Watch 5 Ultra presents a compelling blend of premium hardware and impressive battery life. However, its software shortcomings ultimately hold it back. A transition to Wear OS could unlock the watch's full potential and deliver a more satisfying user experience. Learn more about alternative options in our review of the Acefast AceFit Air.