I was thrilled about the Honor Watch 5 Ultra, but then I came to this realization.

      At first glance, I was somewhat perplexed by Honor’s recently unveiled Watch 5 Ultra at MWC 2025 in Barcelona. It closely resembles the OnePlus Watch 3, which isn't necessarily a bad comparison.

      Having just reviewed the Watch 3, which became my favorite Wear OS smartwatch, I examined the Honor Watch 5 Ultra with a discerning perspective. After spending an hour with it, I can affirm that it's a stunning device, though it does have one major drawback that could impede its success in the market.

      **Premium Design and Materials**

      The front casing of the 46mm body is striking, featuring high-quality titanium that gives it the appearance of a true timepiece rather than just a tech gadget. Its angular, machined design and larger size cater to a more masculine look.

      This angular design is a recurring motif, first evident in the Octagonal Dome that encircles the sapphire glass display. The outer edges have smooth, straight lines, while the inner section is round, providing a distinct aesthetic. Huawei seems to have taken a similar route with last year’s Watch GT 5 series, indicating that this design may be a trend.

      The angular case that connects the 22mm watch bands contributes to a boxy profile, emphasizing that it is not intended for smaller wrists. It creates the illusion that the watch bands are seamlessly integrated into the housing.

      The functional rotating crown on the side features short, spiky ridges for a good grip, contrasting with the softer tapered design of the OnePlus Watch 3’s crown, which can occasionally slip during use. Below the crown is a customizable button for various functions on the watch, and the control layout feels very similar to that of the OnePlus Watch 3.

      Underneath is a sensor pod with standard health-related sensors, which also manages wireless charging, although I didn't have the chance to test this feature.

      The 1.5-inch AMOLED display, protected by sapphire glass, is bright, sharp, and vibrant, boasting a 60Hz refresh rate and an Always On option. I did notice a bezel around the display, but it’s not distracting. The Watch 5 Ultra is also rated for water and dust resistance with a 5ATM/IP68 certification.

      Although I didn't have enough time to rigorously test the 480mAh battery, Honor claims it can last up to 15 days with regular use, attributing this to onboard AI for improved efficiency. I would also suggest that a less demanding operating system plays a role in this battery life.

      **Challenges with the Custom OS**

      The Honor Watch 5 Ultra operates on the company's proprietary Honor OS, which is responsive and organized in a fairly conventional manner.

      Browsing through the pre-installed apps reveals that Honor has aimed to cover essential functions, like various fitness tracking options, a Quick Health Scan, and even a compass.

      The quick settings menu is reminiscent of the layout typically found on Wear OS. Had I not been informed beforehand that it was a different OS, I might not have suspected anything initially.

      What is surprising is Honor's decision not to strengthen its collaboration with Google for this smartwatch, as it could have become a true Wear OS flagship. The Honor Watch 5 Ultra lacks several features that many Android users expect, including extensive app compatibility and integration with core Google services.

      While it does connect effortlessly with both Android and iOS devices for basic functions like notifications and works with the Honor app, its ecosystem doesn't measure up to the robust functionality and third-party watch face support available on the Google Play Store.

      **A Confusing Value Proposition**

      At a price of €279 (approximately $300), Honor does not seem to be targeting a highly price-sensitive audience. This makes the offering somewhat challenging to comprehend. Given its pricing and design that signal a move into a more “Ultra” category in wearables, the lack of comprehensive software support ultimately undermines its value for potential buyers.

      After my hands-on experience, I was left uncertain about the watch's future, but I remain hopeful that Honor will eventually release a genuine Wear OS competitor. That is something I could definitely look forward to.