Huawei Watch 5 features and all the details: What is X-Tap technology?

Huawei held a special launch for its wearable devices in Berlin, Germany. In this launch, new headphone and watch models, as well as some new technologies used in these devices were introduced. Among the devices announced at the event held in Velodrom, the Watch 5 series draws attention especially with its new technology called X-Tap.

First of all, when we look at the design of the device, we see that the standard rounded lines have not been abandoned. Curved sapphire glass is used in all models in the series with 300 nits of brightness. This means an improvement in both clarity and durability.

The company has focused on the frame structure here, leaving aside the distinction between men and women. It has offered different color options and case styles for both the 46 mm and 42 mm models. We can say that a wider range is targeted here according to pricing and user preferences. The 46 mm models, which have an aviation and space grade titanium case, have brown, silver and purple color options. The model, which is also 46 mm and comes with a 316L stainless steel case, will have a Black color option.

When we look at the 42 mm models, we see two different case designs. The 904L stainless steel case models have beige and sand gold color options. Again, the 42 mm 316L stainless steel models have white and green color options.

What is X-Tap technology?

We can briefly call X-Tap technology a multi-sensing technology. It can take 11 measurements in just one minute. This technology has been added to the watch model as a button. We see that it is positioned between the wheel on the right side of the watch face and the shortcut key that we generally use for sports modes. In fact, it is possible to say that this technology is a kind of new sensor. As you know, in smart watches, there are sensors on the lower part that corresponds to our wrist. In this model of the company, the sensors here are still in place. However, in order to obtain better results in some health applications, these new sensors have been moved to the right side of the watch, to an area where you can touch, with a new technology called X-Tap.

This X-Tap button includes a pressure sensor that can detect fingertip pressure intensity, a glass-coated ECG electrode, and a fingertip PPG sensor. The company says this sensor has X-Level+ enhanced pressure sensitivity. This means that we can make much more accurate measurements than regular watch sensors. Thanks to these new sensors that we can touch, we will be able to get clearer results in health applications. Measurements such as ECG measurement, real-time blood oxygen measurement, and arterial stiffness detection can be made with this new sensor.

The company also announced that it will add color to the design with pressure-sensitive watch faces thanks to this new X-Tap button, and will also include some pressure-sensitive mini games in the watch market. In short, we can say that this is the most important innovation of the Watch 5 models.

eSim support is coming to the watch

Another major innovation in the new models is that they now have eSim support. The goal is to further develop the connection options and to have an independent connection thanks to the eSim feature. The eSim feature will be very effective especially for users who do sports frequently, run or focus on sports such as swimming and rock climbing. As you know, with eSim, you can define a line on your watch without a phone and use many features such as calling. The eSim feature also includes options such as getting a different number or using your existing number on your watch.

In normal use, the 42 mm version of the series offers a battery life of 3 days, while the 46 mm version has a battery life of 4.5. There is another interesting choice on the battery side. Because you can use each model like a Watch GT by reducing some of its features. The company's GT series consists of models that come with some features reduced compared to the main series and thus offer a longer battery life. Here, when you switch the Watch 5 series to the other battery mode, you can use it like a GT series. When you switch to this mode, where some features such as eSim, fall detection, motion control, wireless network and independent map are turned off, the 42 mm version gets a battery life of 7 days, and the 46 mm version gets a battery life of 11 days. We can say that it is a good method especially for situations such as travel.