Looking for an honest Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm vs Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active comparison in 2026? We scored both smartwatches on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm comes out ahead 37/100 to 26/100 — a 11-point gap. The widest gap is in display, where the Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active undercuts the Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm by 132% ($69 vs $160), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
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Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm edges out the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active in the smartwatches category, especially in display quality (1000 nits vs 400 nits), scoring 37 vs 26. If you want the better overall smartwatches, Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm is the recommended choice.
Picking Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm over Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active means trading these off.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mmW | Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.9"✓ | 1.4" |
| Display Type | Always-on Retina LTPO OLED | — |
| Resolution | 396 x 484 pixels | — |
| Chipset | Apple S8 SiP | — |
| OS | watchOS 9 | MIUI Watch |
| Heart Rate | Optical HR 24/7 |
Buy Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm if…
Buy the Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Buy Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active if…
Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm edges out the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active in the smartwatches category, especially in display quality (1000 nits vs 400 nits), scoring 37 vs 26. If you want the better overall smartwatches, Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm is the recommended choice.
Yes, Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm scores higher overall (37 vs 26).
Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active is cheaper at $69 vs $160 for the Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm.
Buy the Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Choose the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm lasts longer with 18 hours vs 10 hours for the other.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Scores are relative within the smartwatchescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
| — |
| SpO2 | Yes (blood oxygen) | — |
| ECG | Yes (FDA approved) | false |
| Temperature | Wrist skin temperature | — |
| GPS | Yes | — |
| Workout Modes | 80+ | — |
| Swim Proof | 50m water resistance | — |
| Battery Life | 18hrs✓ | 10hrs |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | — |
| NFC | Yes | false |
| Case Material | Aluminium | — |
| Water Resistance | IP6X, WR50 | — |
| Weight | 47g✓ | 50g |
| Price | 160$ | 69$ |
Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm has the larger display (1.9" vs 1.4").