Honor

Overview

Honor represents one of the most intriguing stories in the smartwatch industry—a former Huawei sub-brand that became independent in 2020 and has since carved out its own identity in wearable technology. Founded in 2013 as Huawei’s youth-focused brand, Honor was spun off to a consortium of Chinese companies following U.S. trade restrictions, allowing it to regain access to Western suppliers and technologies.

In the smartwatch space since 2018, Honor has positioned itself as a premium value brand that emphasizes advanced health monitoring capabilities, quality materials, and competitive pricing. Their approach combines Huawei’s legacy of innovation with newfound independence and flexibility in global markets.

Key Products

Honor’s smartwatch lineup centers around the Honor Watch GS series, their flagship line featuring advanced health monitoring and premium design. The Honor Watch GS 4 and GS 3 showcase the brand’s commitment to health technology, offering features like 8-channel PPG heart rate monitoring, blood pressure measurement, and atrial fibrillation detection—capabilities typically found in more expensive devices.

The Honor Watch 4 represents their value-focused offering, bringing GPS tracking and comprehensive health monitoring to a more accessible price point around $200. For fitness enthusiasts, the Honor Band series provides basic activity tracking and health monitoring in a compact, affordable format.

All Honor smartwatches emphasize long battery life (7-14 days), premium materials like 316L stainless steel and Nappa leather, and comprehensive health tracking with over 100 sport modes.

Market Position

Honor occupies a unique position in the smartwatch market as a “premium value” brand. Their strategy focuses on delivering advanced health monitoring features and quality build at prices significantly lower than Apple or Samsung flagship models. This positioning appeals particularly to health-conscious consumers, former Huawei users, and buyers seeking premium features without flagship pricing.

However, Honor faces significant challenges in global markets. Limited to Android compatibility only, the brand lacks iOS support that could expand their potential customer base. Their app ecosystem remains limited compared to established platforms, and brand recognition outside of China and select international markets remains low.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths:

Advanced health monitoring with features like blood pressure tracking and AFib detection typically found in medical devices
Premium build quality using high-grade materials like 316L stainless steel and Nappa leather
Exceptional battery life ranging from 7-14 days depending on usage
Competitive pricing offering flagship features at mid-range prices
Independence from Huawei allows access to Western suppliers and potential future iOS support

Weaknesses:

No iOS support severely limits market potential in regions where iPhone dominance is high
Limited app ecosystem with fewer third-party applications compared to Wear OS or watchOS
Brand recognition challenges in Western markets where Honor is less established
Geographic limitations with availability primarily in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and select other regions

For Consumers

Honor smartwatches appeal most to Android users who prioritize health monitoring, battery life, and value. If you’re coming from a Huawei ecosystem or appreciate advanced health features at competitive prices, Honor offers compelling options. The brand excels for users who want premium materials and comprehensive health tracking without paying flagship prices.

However, iPhone users should look elsewhere due to complete lack of iOS support. Additionally, those who rely heavily on third-party apps or prefer extensive customization options might find Honor’s ecosystem limiting compared to Wear OS or Apple Watch alternatives.