Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Smartwatch Review: Does a lot and lasts just as long

Mobvoi uses a mix of different materials for the casing of the TicWatch Pro 5. The case is largely made of a matte 7000-series aluminum. The bezel is non-rotating, has a fine structure, is glossy, and made of stainless steel. On the underside, the manufacturer relies on fiberglass-reinforced nylon. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. The manufacturer does not provide further details about the Gorilla Glass version, but a coating against fingerprints is supposed to have been applied.

Mobvoi changes the layout of the keys compared to the predecessor. There is a centrally placed, rotatable and pressable crown on the right side, which is highlighted by a red ring in terms of color. Above it, a flat button is inserted into the case. Both buttons have a good pressure point and sit well in the casing without wobbling. Overall, the build quality and choice of materials are pleasing. We did not discover any scratches on the smartwatch during the test period.

The manufacturer has placed a microphone in the same row as the buttons further down. The left side offers room for a speaker. The sensors for measuring health values and metal pins for the charger are located on the underside.

The TicWatch Pro 5 weighs 64 g with the band, and 45 g without. The band complies with the 24-mm standard and can be replaced without tools. Mobvoi states that the TicWatch Pro 5 is suitable for open water swimming. The manufacturer specifies the water resistance as 5 ATM, and the smartwatch is also supposed to partly comply with the military standard 810H.

Because the TicWatch Pro 5 runs WearOS, it has access to the Google Play Store. Although the app selection is limited compared to smartphones, it is much more extensive than other manufacturers outside the WearOS universe — apart from Apple, of course. 

Well-known Google apps like Google Maps, Google Home, or Google Wallet are already preloaded, but other well-known apps can also be installed on the watch, such as Spotify, Komoot or even Microsoft Outlook. It is surprising that Google still does not offer its own browser for smartwatches. Thanks to NFC and Google Wallet, the smartwatch can also be used for mobile payments, provided a smartphone is paired.