Realme has launched the Watch 5 in India at a starting price of ?4,499, positioning it as a budget smartwatch with features that are usually seen in costlier adventure and sports watches. The device is available on sale from December 10, with an introductory price of ?3,999. The company is pairing the launch with a broader push into India-led manufacturing of its AIoT products, signalling the start of a major shift in its operations.
A senior Realme executive said the company plans to manufacture its entire range of AIoT devices, including smartwatches, earbuds and accessories, in India by 2027. The brand has tied up with Optiemus Electronics Limited for local production and aims to turn India into a key export hub for markets in South Asia, the Middle East, Russia and the European Union.
Realme expects the expansion to generate more than 2,000 direct jobs and bring down overall production costs. The Watch 5 is central to this strategy. Realme is pitching it as a capable outdoor and fitness-focused wearable rather than just another notification device. The watch features a 1.97-inch AMOLED display, independent multi-system GNSS positioning and an IP68 rating, placing it ahead of most devices in its price segment. The larger screen supports a 60 Hz refresh rate, offering smoother interaction and better visibility outdoors.
Independent GPS tracking is one of the watch’s headline features. Most budget smartwatches rely on smartphones for location data, but the Watch 5 connects directly to multiple satellite systems. According to Realme, the technology improves route accuracy for activities such as running, cycling and walking. The feature is aimed at users who prefer to leave their phones behind during workouts.
Battery life is another area where Realme is betting big. The company claims up to 16 days of typical use. Even with GNSS tracking enabled, the watch is designed to minimise energy drain during long outdoor sessions. Realme is targeting travellers and fitness enthusiasts who prefer fewer charging cycles.
On the health front, the Watch 5 includes continuous heart-rate monitoring, SpO2 measurement, sleep mapping and stress tracking. It also introduces a “body energy” score that merges activity, rest and stress indicators into a single daily metric. The companion app has been overhauled to present data in a simpler and more structured manner.
The watch supports 108 sports modes. Running, walking and cycling benefit the most from the onboard GPS, while gym-based modes use motion detection for rep counting. Realme says it has improved accuracy over previous models but acknowledges that complex movements may still challenge the sensors. The company has also emphasised design. The Watch 5 features a refined aluminium-alloy crown, a sturdier body and a new 3D wave strap that improves grip and reduces sweat accumulation. More than 300 watch faces are available at launch.
Realme’s broader AIoT roadmap ties directly into this product cycle. The company said India will play a central role in designing, testing and producing its next generation of AIoT devices. The goal, the executive added, is to become one of the top AIoT brands in the country within the next two to three years. With the Watch 5, Realme is aiming to redefine expectations in the sub-?5,000 smartwatch category while simultaneously building a long-term manufacturing base in India that will support its global ambitions.
