I, sort-of, loved the XPLOVA X5 and then, sort of, didn’t. Aspiring awesomeness mixed with annoying quirkiness at time let it down.
Acer have updated the X5 to the EVO version. I suspect that there is not going to be too much interest in this product so I have not invested much time in looking at what’s new.
The looks of the hardware are the same but the software interface has received some tinkering. Indeed @CraigMiddleton gives some feedback that the video capabilities have received a welcome few improvements.
Some of the documentation I’ve read online seems improved in the “readability of the English” sense.
Yet the iTunes app still shows lots of Korean things to its English audience.
The document linked to, below, also has some nice QR code links at the end. Excitedly (sigh) I downloaded a QR code reader to get to the manual. The link didn’t work.
There is now the ability to overlay performance stats onto video, which I seem to remember dcrainmaker suggesting would be a good idea (it is).
Original Detailed X5 Review: (link to: the5krunner.com) – worth an interesting read in a quiet moment perhaps
Summary info: here (link to: xplova.com)
| Display | 3-inch, Trans-reflective type, with 240×400 pixels (capacitive), auto light condition adjust |
| Water Rating | IPX7 (Max.1m under water for 30 mins) |
| Video Camera/Spec. | 120 degree wide-angle camera with HD 720P@30fps |
| Internet Connection | Wi-Fi; BLE |
| GPS | High sensitivity GPS/GLONASS dual system |
| Memory | 512MRAM/8G flash |
| Recording Modes | Support data-linked auto recording, time-lapse recording, loop recording and manual recording |
| Map | Support OSM maps/Xplova’s website provides route planning and downloading services |
| Size and Weight | 110 x 62 x 23 mm, 120g |
| Battery | Rechargeable Lithium Battery/1500 mah/ approximately 12 hours (Wi-Fi/Backlight off; GPS 3D-Fixed) |
| Input | 5V Micro-USB |
| Languages | English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Danish, Thai, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese |
| Built-in Sensors | Temperature, Barometric Altimeter, Ambient Light |
| Support ANT+ | HRM Chest Belt, Speed Sensor, Cadence Sensor, Combo (speed & cadence) Sensor XA-CS2, Power Meter |
| Xplova Connect /Video App | Andorid 5.0 or above; iOS 10 or above; BT4.0 with BLE |
| Package | Xplova X5 Evo, Extended Holder, Micro-USB Cable, Quick Start Guide, Warranty Card, Strap |
Last Updated on 16 January 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Injinji – Runners protect your toes. Avoid discomfort and minor injury. Run more. run faster. I use them.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — the small adapter that keeps your charging cables tidy. Essential for race day. I use one.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session. I use one.
- Ravemen FR300 — front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters. I use one.
- Body Glide – The Blue anti-chafe stick that all swimmers and many runners use. I use it.
- Maurten — the race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mix engineered to be easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Garmin watch. I use this model.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — the power meter pedals most serious cyclists end up choosing. Accurate, easy to move between bikes. I use this model.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
