The Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 is the latest addition to the TicWatch lineup, succeeding the popular TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra. With a host of upgrades, improved features, and the latest Snapdragon W5+ chipset, the TicWatch Pro 5 has generated a lot of interest in the smartwatch market. In this article, we compare the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 vs TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra, highlighting their differences and similarities.
TicWatch Pro 5 vs TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra
Design and Hardware
The TicWatch Pro 5 is made from aerospace-grade aluminum and high-strength nylon with glass fiber, similar to its predecessor. Both smartwatches are equipped with chip and scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla anti-fingerprint cover glass. While both watches are designed with durability in mind, the TicWatch Pro 5 has an upgraded military standard certification of MIL-STD-810H, compared to the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra’s MIL-STD-810G. This makes the TicWatch Pro 5 slightly more resistant to damage from drops and shocks.
The TicWatch Pro 5 is also water-resistant up to 5 ATM, while the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra has an IP68 rating. The new device supports underwater heart rate monitoring and GPS tracking, making it an improvement in terms of water resistance as well.
| Feature | TicWatch Pro 5 | TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra |
| Design and Materials | Aerospace-grade aluminum | Aerospace-grade aluminum |
| High-strength nylon with glass fiber cover glass | High-strength nylon with glass fiber cover glass | |
| Durability Certification | MIL-STD-810H | MIL-STD-810G |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM | IP68 |
| Additional Features | Underwater heart rate monitoring | – |
| GPS tracking |
Rotating Crown
One notable difference between the two watches is the physical buttons. The TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra has two physical buttons, while the TicWatch Pro 5 features a flat physical button on the top right-hand side and a fully functional rotating crown in the center.
The rotating crown provides satisfying haptic feedback and allows users to easily scroll to switch tiles, adjust music volume, and even zoom in and out on maps with just one finger or while wearing gloves. This enables a touch-free experience and a quicker way to navigate and launch apps.
| Feature | TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra | TicWatch Pro 5 |
| Physical Buttons | Two physical buttons | One flat physical button |
| Navigation Features | Haptic feedback on the rotating crown | |
| Touch-free navigation | ||
| One-finger scrolling and switching tiles | ||
| Music volume adjustment | ||
| Zooming in and out on maps | ||
| Glove-compatible |
Innovative Display
Both TicWatch models feature a dual-layer display, with an ultra-low-power FSTN display on top of an OLED display. The TicWatch Pro 5, however, comes with an “Evolved Ultra Low Power (ULP) Display” that allows users to scroll between ULP tiles to show always-on biological data and ambient information. This includes heart rate, blood oxygen, calories, compass, and other essential data.
The TicWatch Pro 5 has a slightly larger 1.43-inch screen with a higher resolution of 466 x 466 pixels, compared to the 1.40-inch display and 454 x 454-pixel resolution on the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra. This provides a clearer and more vibrant display experience.
| Feature | TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra | TicWatch Pro 5 |
| Display Type | Dual-layer display: FSTN on top of OLED | Dual-layer display: FSTN on top of OLED |
| Evolved Ultra Low Power (ULP) Display | – | Yes |
| ULP Tiles | – | Scroll between ULP tiles |
| Always-on Biological Data | – | Heart rate, blood oxygen, calories, compass, and more |
| Display Size | 1.40-inch | 1.43-inch |
| Display Resolution | 454 x 454 pixels | 466 x 466 pixels |
| Display Clarity | – | Clearer and more vibrant |
Under the Hood
Both versions of the TicWatch feature a range of sensors, including PPG heart rate sensors, SpO2, accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, and skin temperature. On the TicWatch Pro 5, some of these sensors have been upgraded, such as the heart rate monitor, which now offers more accuracy. Additionally, the TicWatch Pro 5 packs a compass, while the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra does not.
In terms of processing power, the TicWatch Pro 5 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear W5+ Gen 1 processor, while the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 processor. The newer W5+ Gen 1 processor in the TicWatch Pro 5, coupled with more memory (2GB of RAM and 32GB of ROM), provides a better responsive user experience than the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra’s processor.
| Feature | TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra | TicWatch Pro 5 |
| Sensors | PPG heart rate, SpO2, accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, skin temperature | PPG heart rate, SpO2, accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, skin temperature |
| Upgraded Sensors | – | More accurate heart rate monitor |
| Additional Sensor | – | Compass |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 | Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear W5+ Gen 1 |
| Memory | – | 2GB of RAM |
| Storage | – | 32GB of ROM |
| Processing Power | – | Better responsive user experience |
Tech Specs Comparison: TicWatch Pro 5 vs TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra
| Feature | TicWatch Pro 5 | TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra |
| Release Date | May 2023 | October 2021 |
| Build | Aerospace-grade aluminum and high-strength nylon with glass fiber, Corning Gorilla anti-fingerprint cover glass | Stainless steel and high-strength nylon with glass fiber, Corning Gorilla anti-fingerprint cover glass |
| Strap | Silicone 24mm | Silicone 22mm |
| Durability | MIL-STD-810H | MIL-STD-810G |
| Dimensions | 50.15 mm x 48mm x 12.2 mm | 47mm x 48mm x 12.3mm |
| Weight | 44.3 grams | 41.9 grams |
| Physical Buttons | 1 + rotating crown | 2 |
| Display Size | 1.43 inch | 1.40 inch |
| Display Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels | 454 x 454 pixels |
| Display Type | OLED + ultra low power backlight FSTN display | OLED + ultra low power backlight FSTN display |
| Water-resistance | 5 ATM | IP68 |
| Sensors | PPG heart rate sensor, SpO2, accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, skin temperature, compass, off-body sensor | PPG heart rate sensor, SpO2, accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, skin temperature, off-body sensor |
| Satellite Connectivity | GNSS (GPS+Beidou+Glonass+Galileo+QZSS) | GNSS (GPS+Beidou+Glonass+Galileo+QZSS) |
| Microphone & Speaker | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Capacity and Charging | 628 mAh. Wireless charging – fast charge technology (30 mins for 65% battery) | 577 mAh. Wireless charging |
| Battery Life | Smart Mode: up to 80 hours. Essential Mode: up to 45 days | Smart Mode: up to 72 hours. Essential Mode: up to 45 days |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth: 5.2 / Wi-Fi: 802.11bgn 2.4GHz | Bluetooth: 5.0 / Wi-Fi: 802.11bgn 2.4GHz |
| Memory | 2GB RAM; 32GB ROM | 1GB RAM; 8GB ROM |
| Processor | Qualcomm® Snapdragon Wear™ W5+ Gen 1 | Qualcomm® Snapdragon Wear™ 4100 |
| Price | $349.99 | $299.99 |
Functionality
Both the TicWatch Pro 5 and TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra offer a multitude of health tracking capabilities, thanks to their extensive range of sensors. These include 24/7 activity and sleep monitoring, blood oxygen and stress tracking, and advanced satellite connectivity for outdoor exercise tracking. However, there are some key differences in functionality between the two devices, which we will explore below.
Wear OS 3
One significant distinction between the TicWatch Pro 5 and its predecessor is the support for Wear OS 3 on the new watch. This is Google’s latest operating system for smartwatches and brings numerous improvements, including enhanced performance, a more streamlined user interface, and access to an expanding ecosystem of apps and new features. The TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra is expected to receive Wear OS 3 support in Q3 2023.
Recovery Time & VO2Max
The TicWatch Pro 5 includes VO2Max and Recovery Time tracking, essential metrics for fitness enthusiasts and athletes. VO2Max reflects the maximum amount of oxygen an individual can utilize during intense exercise and offers insights into their cardiovascular fitness and aerobic performance capabilities. Recovery Time, on the other hand, helps optimize workout routines and prevent overtraining.
Compass
The TicWatch Pro 5 also features a built-in compass, enhancing its functionality as an outdoor companion. This addition provides users with accurate directional information, making it easier to navigate unfamiliar environments or during activities like hiking and trail running.
Other Improvements
The TicWatch Pro 5 offers several other improvements over the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra, including enhanced sleep tracking, TicHealth fatigue assessment, TicZen energy level and stress level monitoring, and support for more than 100 professional workout modes.
| Feature | TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra | TicWatch Pro 5 |
| Health Tracking Capabilities | 24/7 activity and sleep monitoring | 24/7 activity and sleep monitoring |
| Blood oxygen and stress tracking | Blood oxygen and stress tracking | |
| Advanced satellite connectivity for outdoor exercise tracking | Advanced satellite connectivity for outdoor exercise tracking | |
| Wear OS Version | Expected to receive Wear OS 3 support in Q3 2023 | Supports Wear OS 3 |
| VO2Max Tracking | – | Includes VO2Max tracking |
| Recovery Time Tracking | – | Includes Recovery Time tracking |
| Compass | – | Built-in compass |
| Sleep Tracking | – | Enhanced sleep tracking |
| Fatigue Assessment | – | TicHealth fatigue assessment |
| Energy Level Monitoring | – | TicZen energy level monitoring |
| Stress Level Monitoring | – | TicZen stress level monitoring |
| Professional Workout Modes | – | Supports more than 100 professional workout modes |
Verdict
The Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 offers a multitude of improvements and new features compared to its predecessor, the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra. With a larger innovative dual display, upgraded durability, a rotating crown, and better waterproofing, the TicWatch Pro 5 stands as a strong contender in the smartwatch market.
Furthermore, the enhanced fitness tracking capabilities, such as VO2Max and Recovery Time monitoring, along with more accurate heart rate tracking and excellent GNSS satellite sensor make it an attractive option for fitness enthusiasts. Other than that, you now also get access to a compass.
And let’s not forget the Snapdragon W5+ chipset and the addition of Wear OS 3 on TicWatch Pro 5. But hopefully, the latter should also come to TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra in the coming months.
Overall, the TicWatch Pro 5 stands out as a high-quality, feature-packed smartwatch that offers excellent value for its $350 price-tag, taking its place as a worthy successor in the TicWatch line. There really is a lot to like about the TicWatch Pro 5.
If you already own the $300 TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra and are considering an upgrade, the TicWatch Pro 5’s updated features may justify the investment. However, if you’re satisfied with your current smartwatch’s performance, the differences might not be significant enough to warrant an immediate switch. If you’re in the market for a new watch, it’s a no-brainer, go for the Pro 5.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 is a feature-rich smartwatch that offers significant upgrades and improvements over the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra. With its enhanced design, hardware, and functionality, the TicWatch Pro 5 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile and powerful Wear OS smartwatch. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, outdoor adventurer, or simply want a reliable and stylish timepiece, the TicWatch Pro 5 is a worthy investment.
You can buy both devices on Mobvoi or Amazon.
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