The Honor Watch 5 Ultra, unveiled at MWC 2025 in Barcelona, immediately caught my attention. Bearing a resemblance to the OnePlus Watch 3, a current favorite in the Wear OS arena, the Watch 5 Ultra prompted a closer look. While undeniably beautiful, a key drawback could hinder its success: the operating system.
Honor Watch 5 Ultra on table
Premium Build and Striking Aesthetics
The 46mm titanium casing exudes a premium feel, resembling a traditional timepiece rather than a piece of tech. The angular, machined design contributes to a masculine aesthetic. This angularity extends to the “Octagonal Dome” surrounding the sapphire glass display. The outer edges are straight, while the inner edge remains circular, creating a distinctive look, reminiscent of Huawei’s Watch GT 5 series.
Honor Watch 5 Ultra band casing
The angular lugs accommodating the 22mm watch bands reinforce the watch’s robust, boxy design, clearly not intended for smaller wrists. The bands appear integrated into the casing, adding to the seamless aesthetic. The rotating crown, with its textured grip, offers superior control compared to the smoother crown of the OnePlus Watch 3. A customizable button below the crown provides quick access to various functions. This control layout mirrors the OnePlus Watch 3. The underside houses a standard array of health sensors and the wireless charging mechanism.
Honor Watch 5 Ultra side shot
The 1.5-inch AMOLED display, protected by sapphire glass, is vibrant and sharp, boasting a 60Hz refresh rate and Always-On functionality. A subtle bezel separates the display from the frame, adding a touch of refinement. With a 5ATM/IP68 rating, the Watch 5 Ultra offers robust water and dust resistance. Honor claims the 480mAh battery, aided by AI-powered optimizations, can deliver up to 15 days of typical usage.
HonorOS: A Limiting Factor
Honor Watch 5 Ultimate with HonorOS
The Honor Watch 5 Ultra runs on HonorOS, a responsive operating system with a standard layout. Pre-installed apps cover essential functions, including fitness tracking, a quick health scan, and a compass. The quick settings interface closely resembles Wear OS.
Honor Watch 5 Ultra fitness modes
However, the decision to use HonorOS instead of Wear OS is puzzling. The Watch 5 Ultra lacks the extensive app ecosystem and core Google services integration that many Android users expect. While it connects seamlessly with Android and iOS devices for basic notifications and integration with the Honor app, Honor’s ecosystem cannot compete with the Google Play Store’s vast selection of apps and watch faces.
Honor Watch 5 Ultra quick settings
Price vs. Functionality: A Questionable Value
Honor Watch 5 Ultra watch face
Priced at €279 (approximately $300), the Honor Watch 5 Ultra targets a premium segment. This price point, combined with the impressive design, suggests Honor’s ambition to compete in the “Ultra” wearable category. However, the limited software support undermines its value proposition for potential buyers. While the hardware is impressive, the lack of a robust operating system ultimately holds the Watch 5 Ultra back. Hopefully, future iterations will embrace Wear OS to unlock its full potential.
