Oraimo Watch 5R Pro Review: 8 Months Later, Here's What Nobody Tells You About Budget Smartwatches in Kenya

I bought the Oraimo Watch 5R Pro in June 2025 for KSh 3,500 on Jumia. Eight months later, I'm still wearing it daily. That alone should tell you something.

But this isn't just another "unboxing + first impressions" review that tech YouTubers pump out after 48 hours with a device. This is what happens when you actually live with a budget smartwatch through Nairobi's dust, rain, and the chaos of daily life.

Spoiler: The Oraimo Watch 5R Pro punches way above its KSh 3,500 price tag. But it's not perfect, and there are things you need to know before buying especially about what it can't do.

Who this review is for:

• You want a smartwatch but don't have KSh 20,000+ for a Samsung Galaxy Watch or Apple Watch

• You care more about battery life and basics (notifications, calls, fitness tracking) than having Google Assistant or a million apps

• You're skeptical about cheap smartwatches and want to know if this one is actually worth it

• You've never claimed a warranty in your life and wonder if manufacturers actually honor them (spoiler: I tested this)

Let's get into it.

Quick Specs: What You're Getting

Where to buy: Official Oraimo stores, Jumia, or trusted electronics retailers. Current price hasn't changed since June 2025, still KSh 3,500 on Jumia, KSh 4,500 in official stores.

My advice: Pay the extra KSh 1,000 for the official store if you can. The warranty support is worth it (more on this later).

Design & Build Quality: Surprisingly Premium for the Price

First Impressions: The Unboxing Experience

Let's talk about something reviewers rarely mention: unboxing.

When you're buying a KSh 3,500 smartwatch, you expect it to arrive in a flimsy cardboard box with a user manual written in broken English. The Oraimo Watch 5R Pro? Not even close.

The packaging feels deliberate. The box has a magnetic flap (not a cheap tuck-in lid). Inside, everything is neatly compartmentalized: the watch sits in a foam cutout, the straps are in separate sleeves, the charging cable has its own slot. There's even a protective film on the display that you get to peel off (oddly satisfying).

Why this matters: It sets the tone. You don't feel like you bought a cheap gadget off AliExpress. You feel like you bought a product someone actually cared about.

The Watch Itself: Better Than It Has Any Right to Be

Materials:

• Aluminum alloy frame (not plastic!)

• 2.5D curved glass on the display (gives it a "floating" 3D effect)

• Silicone straps (two included, black and another color depending on your variant)

Weight & Comfort: This watch is light. You forget you're wearing it, which is exactly what you want. I've worn it to bed for sleep tracking, and it doesn't dig into your wrist like some bulkier smartwatches.

The curved glass isn't just for looks, it makes swiping smoother and gives the watch a more expensive feel.

The Display: Genuinely Impressive

1.43-inch AMOLED screen.

Let me be clear: this is not one of those washed-out LCD displays you see on cheap fitness trackers. This is a vibrant, punchy AMOLED panel that looks stunning indoors and remains readable outdoors even in direct sunlight.

Brightness: Easily adjustable through the watch settings. At max brightness, you can read notifications under the Nairobi midday sun without squinting.

Always-On Display (AOD): Yes, it has AOD. You can choose between analog and digital clock styles. The customization is limited (you can't design your own AOD face), but the fact that it exists at this price point is impressive.

The 2.5D floating interface gives the screen a subtle 3D effect, especially with certain watch faces. It's a small touch, but it elevates the overall aesthetic.

Straps: The Good and the Bad

Here's where we need to talk honestly.

The good: You get two silicone straps in the box. They're 20mm standard width, so you can swap them with third-party straps from AliExpress or local accessory shops if you want leather or metal bands.

The bad: Within two months of use, one of my straps broke at the connection point where it attaches to the watch. Now, this could be a defect or just wear and tear (I'm not gentle with gadgets), but it happened.

For a week, I used the second strap, which wasn't my favorite color but served the purpose. Then I remembered: I have a warranty.

(More on that life-changing experience in the Warranty section below. Seriously, keep reading.)

Durability After 8 Months

Scratches: The display has held up remarkably well. No major scratches despite daily wear, accidental bumps against walls, and zero use of a screen protector.

Water Resistance (IP68): I've worn this watch in the rain, while washing hands, during workouts where I'm sweating heavily. No issues.

Important disclaimer: IP68 means it can handle splashes and brief immersion (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, theoretically). I have not tested full water immersion (swimming, showering), and I wouldn't recommend you do either unless you're okay with potentially voiding your warranty.

Buttons: The watch has a single physical button on the side (plus touch controls). After 8 months, it still clicks satisfyingly and hasn't become mushy.

Overall build verdict: This feels like a KSh 8,000 - KSh 10,000 watch, not a KSh 3,500 one.

Setup & Companion App: Simple but Limited

Pairing Process

Setup is straightforward:

1. Download the Oraimo Health app (available on Google Play and Apple App Store)

2. Open the app and scan the QR code displayed on the watch

3. Enable Bluetooth on your phone

4. Done. The watch pairs in under a minute.

No complicated account creation, no forcing you to input 47 personal details before you can use the device. Just scan, pair, go.

The Oraimo Health App

The companion app is... functional. Beautiful, not feature-rich, but it does the job.

What it does well:

• Displays detailed health data (heart rate trends, sleep analysis, step history)

• Lets you customize watch settings (alarms, notifications, AOD preferences)

• Provides access to additional watch faces (you can download more or generate AI-designed ones)

• Syncs workout data and stores it long-term (the watch only keeps 30 days of workout records before deleting)

What it lacks:

• No integration with third-party apps like Google Fit, Fitbit, Strava, or Apple Health

• Limited customization options

• No social features, challenges, or community aspects

The reality: If you're someone who lives in the Apple Health or Google Fit ecosystem and expects everything to sync seamlessly, this will frustrate you. The Oraimo Health app is a walled garden. Data stays there.

But if you're new to fitness tracking and just want a simple app to see your stats, it's perfectly adequate.

Features & Performance: The Good, the Meh, and the Missing

Bluetooth Calling: Surprisingly Good

One of the standout features is Bluetooth calling. You can make and receive calls directly from the watch when it's connected to your phone.

Call quality: Both the microphone and speaker are clear. I've taken calls while walking around the office, and people on the other end had no trouble hearing me. The speaker is loud enough to use in moderately noisy environments (though I wouldn't recommend taking important calls in a matatu).

Convenience: You can dial numbers from the watch, access your recent calls, and even save favorite contacts. Ending calls is a simple tap.

Use case: This is genuinely useful when your phone is charging in another room, buried in your bag, or when you're driving (hands-free calling).

Health & Fitness Tracking: Decent for the Price

The Oraimo 5R Pro offers the usual suite of health sensors:

Heart Rate Monitoring: The watch continuously monitors your heart rate throughout the day. You can also manually trigger a reading anytime.

Accuracy? I don't have medical-grade equipment to compare, but spot-checking against a fingertip pulse oximeter showed the watch was within 3-5 bpm. Good enough for casual tracking, not precise enough if you're a serious athlete optimizing training zones.

Blood Oxygen (SpO2): Measures oxygen saturation in your blood. Useful for altitude training, sleep apnea detection, or just general health awareness.

The readings seem consistent, though again, this isn't a medical device.

Blood Pressure: Here's where you need to manage expectations. The watch doesn't give you actual systolic/diastolic numbers (120/80 mmHg). Instead, it shows a range (e.g., "Normal," "Elevated," "High") and a general indicator.

This is NOT a replacement for a medical blood pressure monitor. If you have hypertension or cardiovascular concerns, use a proper cuff-based device. The watch's readings are more of a trend indicator than diagnostic data.

Sleep Tracking: The watch tracks sleep duration, stages (deep, light, REM), and provides a sleep score in the morning.

My experience: Sleep tracking works, but it's not as sophisticated as a Fitbit or Apple Watch. Sometimes it thinks I'm asleep when I'm just lying still scrolling Twitter at 2 AM. But for general awareness of your sleep patterns, it's useful.

Step Counting: This is where things get interesting. The Oraimo 5R Pro counts steps, but it consistently undercounts compared to other apps.

I compared it to my phone's Fitbit app over several weeks, and the Oraimo was typically 1,000 - 1,500 steps lower by the end of the day.

Why? Likely more conservative algorithms. The watch seems to filter out arm movements that aren't actual steps (shaking, typing, etc.). This is arguably more accurate, but if you're someone who likes hitting 10,000 steps a day for psychological satisfaction, you might feel shortchanged.

Workout Modes: The watch supports 10+ activities:

• Outdoor running

• Walking

• Cycling

• Rope skipping

• Treadmill

• Yoga

• Badminton

• Basketball

• Football

• Cricket

• And more...

How they work: Select your activity, tap start, and the watch tracks duration, calories burned, heart rate, and (for outdoor activities) estimated distance.

No GPS: Important note : This watch does NOT have built-in GPS. Distance tracking for runs/walks is estimated based on step count and stride length, not actual GPS mapping. If you need precise route tracking, you'll need to carry your phone with GPS enabled.

Workout records: The watch stores the last 30 days of workout data locally. After that, older workouts are deleted. To keep a permanent record, make sure your watch regularly syncs with the Oraimo Health app, which stores everything in the cloud.

Smart Features: Basic but Useful

Let's go through the apps/features available on the watch:

1. Voice Assistant Tap this, and it opens your phone's default assistant (Google Assistant, Siri, etc.). The watch itself doesn't have any on-device AI. It's just a trigger.

2. Messages (Notifications) You can receive notifications from any app on your phone: WhatsApp, SMS, email, Instagram, etc.

The limitation: Notifications are truncated to fit the watch screen. If someone sends you a long WhatsApp message, you'll only see the first few lines. You can't scroll to read more. You have to pull out your phone for the full message.

You also can't reply from the watch. It's read-only.

3. Calls As mentioned earlier, you can make, receive, and end calls. Works flawlessly.

4. Music Control The watch acts as a remote controller for music playing on your phone.

You can:

• Pause/play

• Skip to next or previous track

• Adjust volume

What you can't do: Store music on the watch itself. There's no onboard storage for songs. Audio always plays from your phone, not the watch speaker (the speaker is only for calls).

5. Breathing Training A guided breathing exercise app. It shows animations prompting you to inhale and exhale at specific intervals.

Use case: Stress relief, meditation, calming down before a meeting.

6. Remote Camera The watch doesn't have a camera, but this feature lets you trigger your phone's camera remotely.

How it works: Open the camera app on your phone, then use the watch as a shutter button. Useful for group photos or selfies where you want to set up the phone and step back.

7. Weather Displays current weather and a 5-day forecast pulled from your phone's location.

Simple but handy when deciding whether to carry an umbrella.

8. Calendar Shows the current date and upcoming days. It's literally just a calendar view, no integration with Google Calendar or Outlook for event reminders.

9. Alarm Clock You can set alarms, but only through the Oraimo Health app, not directly on the watch.

When the alarm goes off, the watch vibrates and emits a gentle ringtone. You can snooze or dismiss from the watch.

10. Stopwatch & Timer Standard features. Work as expected.

11. Calculator A basic calculator on your wrist. Honestly, pulling out your phone is faster, but it's there if you need it.

12. Find My Phone If your phone is connected via Bluetooth and you've misplaced it, tap this feature and your phone will ring loudly.

Requirement: Bluetooth must be active and within range (~10 meters).

13. Flashlight This is hilariously useless. The "flashlight" just turns the entire screen white at max brightness.

It's not bright enough to illuminate anything beyond maybe finding your keys in a dark bag. Don't expect to navigate a power outage with this.

Watch Faces: Limited but Customizable

The watch comes preloaded with 5 watch faces (dials). You can download additional faces from the Oraimo Health app, and there's even an AI-powered watch face generator in the app where you can create custom designs.

The reality: The selection is decent for casual users, but if you're someone who obsesses over watch face aesthetics and wants hundreds of options (like Wear OS or Apple Watch), you'll feel limited.

That said, the included faces are well-designed and the AMOLED display makes them pop.

Battery Life: The Unsung Hero

Let me be blunt: This is the best thing about the Oraimo Watch 5R Pro.

Real-World Usage: 2 Weeks Per Charge

Oraimo claims the 300mAh battery can last "up to 15 days." I was skeptical. Most smartwatches promise a week and die in 3 days.

My experience after 8 months: I charge this watch once every two weeks. And that's with:

• Always-On Display enabled

• Continuous heart rate monitoring

• Sleep tracking every night

• Notifications from WhatsApp, email, SMS throughout the day

• Occasional workouts (3-4 times a week)

Some weeks, I've pushed it to 16 days before the low battery warning.

For comparison:

• Apple Watch: 18-24 hours

• Samsung Galaxy Watch: 2-3 days

• Most budget fitness trackers: 5-7 days

The Oraimo 5R Pro is in a completely different league.

Charging: Fast and Hassle-Free

When the battery finally does run low, a full charge takes about 45 minutes using the included magnetic charging cable.

The magnetic connection is strong (the watch won't fall off the charger easily), and the cable is long enough to comfortably place the watch on your desk or nightstand while charging.

Charging frequency: For me, I charge it every other Sunday while getting ready for the week. It's become a routine, like charging my laptop.

Software: Proprietary, Limited, But Stable

What It Is (and Isn't)

The Oraimo Watch 5R Pro runs on proprietary software, not Wear OS, watchOS, or any other mainstream smartwatch platform.

What this means:

• No app store: You can't download third-party apps like Spotify, Uber, or banking apps

• No updates: Don't expect new features, bug fixes, or security patches. What you get out of the box is what you'll have forever.

• No voice assistants on-device: No Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri running locally. The "voice assistant" feature just triggers your phone's assistant.

• No Google Pay / Apple Pay: No contactless payments from the watch.

• No ecosystem integration: Doesn't sync with Google Fit, Apple Health, Fitbit, Strava, or any other third-party health platform.

If you're coming from or considering:

• Apple Watch: This will feel primitive

• Samsung Galaxy Watch: Major downgrade in features

• Fitbit / Xiaomi Mi Band: Comparable or slightly worse in terms of app integration

But here's the flip side:

Because the software is simple, it's stable. In 8 months, I've experienced:

• Zero crashes

• Zero freezes

• Zero bugs that affected core functionality

The UI is smooth, touch response is snappy, and everything just works.

UI & Navigation

The watch interface is intuitive:

• Swipe down: Quick settings (brightness, Do Not Disturb, flashlight, find phone)

• Swipe up: Notifications

• Swipe left/right: Widgets (heart rate, steps, sleep, weather, etc.)

• Press the physical button: Home screen / app menu

• Long-press the button: Power menu (restart, power off)

It's easy to learn and doesn't require reading a manual.

The Walled Garden Problem

The biggest limitation is lack of connectivity beyond the Oraimo Health app.

I tried connecting the watch to:

• Fitbit (to sync step data) — Failed

• Google Fit (to consolidate health data) — Not supported

• Strava (for run tracking) — No integration

If you're someone who uses multiple health apps and wants everything synced to one ecosystem, this watch won't work for you. But if you're okay with the Oraimo Health app being your single source of truth, it's fine.

The Warranty Experience: Why This Matters More Than You Think

Okay, this section is why I wanted to write this review.

Nobody talks about warranty claims. Every product comes with a warranty card, and we all file it away thinking, "I'll never need this." Manufacturers know this. They count on you never actually claiming the warranty. Well, I did. And the experience was eye-opening.

What Happened

Two months after buying the watch (August 2025), one of the straps broke at the connection point where it clips onto the watch. I switched to the second strap (the one I liked less), but it annoyed me. I'd paid KSh 3,500 for this watch. Why should I accept a broken component? I noticed the warranty sticker on the box: 365 days warranty. I thought, "Alright, let's see if Oraimo actually honors this, or if it's just marketing fluff."

The Warranty Claim Process

I went to Calcare, Caxton House, Kenyatta Avenue (Oraimo's authorized service center in Nairobi).

What I brought:

• The broken strap

• My Jumia digital receipt (I didn't buy from an official Oraimo store, so I was nervous they might reject me)

What happened:

1. I explained the issue: "One of my straps broke."

2. They asked for the receipt.

3. I showed them the Jumia order confirmation on my phone.

4. They checked the purchase date to confirm it was within the warranty period.

5. No questions asked. No "How did it break?" No "Did you misuse it?" No trying to shift blame to me.

6. They handed me a brand new strap on the spot.

Total time: Less than 5 minutes.

Why This Matters

This was the first time in my life I successfully claimed a warranty on a tech product without a fight.

Usually, warranty claims involve:

• Being told "damage is user-caused, not covered"

• Filling out forms

• Waiting weeks for "assessment"

• Getting a runaround about "spare parts not available"

• Eventually giving up

Oraimo's process was the opposite: Fast, respectful, no-hassle.

The lesson: A warranty is only as good as the company's willingness to honor it. Oraimo passed the test.

Recommendation: If you're deciding between buying from Jumia (KSh 3,500) or an official Oraimo store (KSh 4,500), pay the extra KSh 1,000. The peace of mind knowing you can walk into an official service center and get support is worth it.

Water Resistance: IP68 in the Real World

The Oraimo Watch 5R Pro is rated IP68, which theoretically means:

• IP6 (Dust): Completely dust-tight

• IP8 (Water): Can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes

What I've Tested

Over 8 months, I've exposed this watch to:

• Rain: Multiple downpours while walking or riding a boda. No issues.

• Handwashing: Daily. Water splashes on the watch constantly. No problems.

• Sweat: Heavy workouts where I'm dripping. The watch is fine.

• Accidental spills: Coffee, soda, water knocked over on my desk. Wiped it off, still works.

What I Haven't Tested (And Don't Recommend You Do)

• Swimming: I have not worn this watch in a pool or ocean.

• Showering: I take it off before showering.

• Full submersion: Never tested dunking it in a bucket of water.

Why?

IP68 is a rating under controlled lab conditions. Real-world immersion (hot water, soap, chlorine, salt water) can affect seals over time. Plus, most warranties have fine print excluding water damage.

If you need a proper swim-tracking smartwatch, get one specifically designed for that (Garmin, Apple Watch Ultra, etc.). The Oraimo 5R Pro is splash-resistant, not a dive computer.

Bottom line: Feel confident wearing it in the rain or while washing your hands. Don't take it swimming unless you're comfortable potentially voiding the warranty.

What I Love: The Highlights

After 8 months, here's what keeps this watch on my wrist:

1. Battery Life That Doesn't Lie

Two weeks per charge. In a world where smartwatches die daily, this is revolutionary. I've stopped thinking about charging entirely.

2. The Warranty Actually Works

Oraimo honored my warranty claim without hassle. This alone sets them apart from brands that treat warranties as marketing gimmicks.

3. Bright, Beautiful AMOLED Display

The 1.43-inch screen is vibrant, sharp, and readable in sunlight. It doesn't feel like a budget display.

4. Bluetooth Calling is Surprisingly Practical

Clear audio, loud speaker, and the convenience of taking calls without pulling out my phone is something I use daily.

5. Includes an Extra Strap

Small touch, but appreciated. When one strap broke, I had a backup. When I eventually bought a third-party leather strap, I still had the originals as spares.

6. Build Quality Exceeds Price Expectations

Aluminum frame, curved glass, no creaking or cheap feel. This doesn't look or feel like a KSh 3,500 watch.

7. Zero Software Bugs in 8 Months

It's simple software, but it's stable. No crashes, no freezes, no "restart required" nonsense.

What Could Be Better: The Honest Criticisms

No product is perfect. Here's where the Oraimo 5R Pro falls short:

1. Step Counting is Consistently Low

Compared to Fitbit and other trackers, the Oraimo undercounts steps by 1,000 - 1,500 per day. If you're someone who needs precise step data for fitness goals, this will frustrate you.

2. No Third-Party App Integration

Can't sync with Google Fit, Apple Health, Strava, Fitbit, or any other ecosystem. You're locked into the Oraimo Health app.

Impact: If you use multiple health apps or switch devices frequently, your data is siloed.

3. Limited Watch Face Customization

The AI watch face generator is cool, but the overall selection is limited compared to Wear OS or Apple Watch. If you like changing faces daily, you'll run out of options.

4. No GPS for Accurate Distance Tracking

If you're a runner or cyclist who cares about precise route mapping and distance, the lack of built-in GPS is a dealbreaker. You'll need to carry your phone.

5. Notification Truncation

Long messages are cut off. You can't scroll to read more. You have to pull out your phone. This is annoying for WhatsApp group chats or lengthy emails.

6. Blood Pressure Monitoring is Vague

It gives you ranges, not actual numbers. If you need medical-grade BP tracking, this won't cut it.

7. No Software Updates

What you get out of the box is what you'll have forever. Don't expect new features, security patches, or bug fixes. The watch is frozen in time.

8. Flashlight is Useless

Seriously, it's just a white screen. Don't expect to light up a room or find anything in the dark.

Comparisons: How Does It Stack Up?

Oraimo Watch 5R Pro (KSh 3,500) vs. Competitors

Verdict:

• Best value for money: Oraimo 5R Pro (especially with Bluetooth calling and warranty support)

• Best for serious fitness: Amazfit Bip 3 Pro (has GPS)

• Best app integration: Xiaomi Mi Band 8 (works with Google Fit, Strava, etc.)

• Best battery: Xiaomi Mi Band 8 (slight edge at 16 days)

For most Kenyans on a budget: The Oraimo 5R Pro is the sweet spot. You get Bluetooth calling (unique at this price), excellent battery life, and the confidence that warranty support actually works.

Who Should Buy the Oraimo Watch 5R Pro?

Perfect For:

1. First-time smartwatch buyers

• If you've never owned a smartwatch and want to dip your toes in without spending KSh 20,000+, this is ideal.

2. People who prioritize battery life

• If you hate charging devices daily, the 2-week battery life is a game-changer.

3. Budget-conscious buyers (KSh 3,000 - KSh 5,000 range)

• You get premium build quality and features that punch above the price.

4. Users who need Bluetooth calling

• Rare at this price point. If you want hands-free calling, this delivers.

5. Casual fitness enthusiasts

• If you want to track steps, workouts, sleep, and heart rate without obsessing over precision, this is enough.

6. People who value reliable warranty support

• Based on my experience, Oraimo actually honors warranties. That peace of mind matters.

7. Anyone in areas with unreliable power

• Two-week battery means you're not constantly hunting for charging opportunities.

Skip This If:

1. You need GPS for runs/cycling

• No built-in GPS. Distance tracking is estimated, not precise.

2. You're deep in the Google/Apple ecosystem

• No integration with Google Fit, Apple Health, Strava, etc. Data stays in the Oraimo app.

3. You want advanced fitness features

• If you're training for marathons, doing VO2 max testing, or tracking advanced metrics, get a Garmin or Polar.

4. You expect software updates and new features

• This watch is frozen in time. What you buy is what you'll have.

5. You want to pay for things with your watch

• No NFC, no Google Pay, no contactless payments.

6. You're an Apple Watch / Samsung Galaxy Watch user

• Coming from premium smartwatches, this will feel like a massive downgrade in features (though the battery life will shock you).

7. You need medical-grade health tracking

• Blood pressure and SpO2 readings are approximations, not diagnostic tools.

Consider Alternatives If:

You want better app integration: Get the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 (works with Google Fit, more third-party support)

You need GPS for accurate tracking: Go for the Amazfit Bip 3 Pro (~KSh 8,000 but has built-in GPS)

You're an iPhone user and want seamless integration: Save up for an Apple Watch SE (KSh 35,000+ but worth it for the ecosystem)

You want premium features and don't mind frequent charging: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 or Huawei Watch GT 4 (KSh 25,000 - 40,000 range)

Final Thoughts: The Watch That Just Works

I've spent eight months with the Oraimo Watch 5R Pro. I've worn it through Nairobi's rain, dust, heat, and chaos. I've tracked workouts, taken calls, monitored sleep, and forgotten to charge it for weeks at a time.

And it just... works.

In a world where tech products over-promise and under-deliver, where budget gadgets fall apart after a month, where warranties are worthless pieces of paper. The Oraimo Watch 5R Pro is refreshingly honest. It doesn't claim to be an Apple Watch killer. It doesn't pretend to have features it lacks. It does a few things really well, and those things happen to be what most people actually need from a smartwatch.

Two weeks of battery life. Clear Bluetooth calls. A bright, beautiful display. And a warranty that actually means something. For KSh 3,500, that's a win.