Huawei

Overview

Huawei Technologies, the Chinese telecommunications giant founded in 1987, entered the smartwatch arena in 2015 with a clear vision: blend premium design aesthetics with practical battery life that actually works for real people. While geopolitical challenges have reshaped their global presence, Huawei has responded by doubling down on health innovation and battery technology, creating smartwatches that routinely last two weeks on a single charge while looking like luxury timepieces.

The company’s approach combines traditional watchmaking aesthetics with cutting-edge health sensors and their proprietary HarmonyOS platform. This unique position has made them particularly strong in markets where elegant design, comprehensive health tracking, and exceptional battery life matter more than deep smartphone integration. From the fitness-focused Watch Fit series to the luxury Watch Ultimate line, Huawei offers something for every wrist and wallet.

Why Choose Huawei

Unrivaled Battery Life Without Compromise: Huawei has mastered the art of delivering 10-14 day battery life without resorting to basic fitness band displays. Their watches feature vibrant AMOLED screens, continuous health monitoring, and smart features while still lasting two weeks between charges. The Watch GT 4 and Watch Ultimate deliver this performance with style, making daily charging feel antiquated. For users tired of battery anxiety, Huawei offers genuine freedom from the charger.

Premium Design at Competitive Prices: Huawei smartwatches look expensive but often cost significantly less than comparable offerings from Apple or Samsung. The attention to detail—from precision-crafted cases to ceramic bezels and sapphire crystal displays—rivals luxury Swiss watches. The Watch GT 4’s octagonal design and floating pearl aesthetic wouldn’t look out of place in a high-end jewelry store, yet it costs a fraction of luxury smartwatch prices. This combination of style and value is particularly compelling in markets where brand prestige matters.

Advanced Health Monitoring Without Subscriptions: Huawei’s TruSense System represents a comprehensive health platform that rivals medical-grade devices. Features like TruSleep 3.0 sleep analysis, TruSport scientific training programs, ECG monitoring, and arterial stiffness detection come standard without monthly fees. The new Watch D2 even offers medical-grade blood pressure monitoring. All this health intelligence is processed on-device and presented through the intuitive Huawei Health app, making advanced health insights accessible to everyone.

Trade-offs to Consider

The elephant in the room is ecosystem limitations, particularly for Western users. Due to US trade restrictions, Huawei watches have limited access to Google services and many popular third-party apps. While they work with both Android and iOS phones, the integration isn’t as seamless as native ecosystems. You won’t find Google Pay, and the app selection in AppGallery is significantly smaller than Apple’s App Store or Google’s Play Store.

HarmonyOS, while efficient and well-designed, exists in relative isolation. Popular fitness apps like Strava require workarounds to sync, and many Western services simply aren’t available. The Huawei Health app is comprehensive but doesn’t integrate as deeply with other health platforms. For users embedded in Google or Apple ecosystems, these limitations can be frustrating.

Geographic availability and support pose additional challenges. In the US market, Huawei smartwatches are harder to find through official channels, warranty support can be complicated, and future software updates aren’t guaranteed. While the hardware is excellent, the long-term software support outside of China and friendly markets remains uncertain.

Current Lineup Highlights

The 2024-2025 lineup showcases Huawei’s continued innovation despite global challenges. The Watch GT 5 series leads with the new TruSense health system, offering even more accurate vital sign monitoring while maintaining that legendary two-week battery life. The Watch Ultimate remains the flagship, combining expedition-grade durability with luxury materials and professional diving capabilities.

The Watch 4 series represents Huawei’s mainstream offering, running full HarmonyOS with eSIM support in select markets. These watches blur the line between smartwatch and fitness tracker, offering comprehensive health monitoring in an elegant package. The Watch Fit 3, meanwhile, has become surprisingly popular as an affordable alternative to the Apple Watch, offering a similar rectangular design with far superior battery life.

For health-conscious users, the Watch D2 stands out as one of the few smartwatches with certified blood pressure monitoring, though availability varies by region due to medical device regulations.

For Consumers

Huawei smartwatches excel for users who prioritize battery life, design, and health tracking over app ecosystems. They’re ideal for fitness enthusiasts who want comprehensive metrics without subscription fees, professionals who need a stylish watch that lasts through business trips, and anyone frustrated by daily charging routines. The value proposition is particularly strong in Asia, Europe, and markets where Huawei maintains full service support.

These watches particularly shine for Android users outside the US who aren’t deeply invested in Google services. iPhone users can use them, though with reduced functionality. The sweet spot is health-conscious users who want premium materials and two-week battery life at prices well below Apple or Samsung flagships.

However, they’re not ideal for users who rely heavily on third-party apps, need deep smartphone integration, or live in markets with limited Huawei support. Those who want to leave their phone behind for runs will miss LTE options in many models. Users in the US should carefully consider long-term support implications before purchasing.

The reality is that Huawei makes excellent hardware hampered by geopolitical realities. In markets where they operate freely, they offer compelling alternatives to the Apple-Samsung duopoly. The Watch GT 4 at around $250-350 delivers premium design and two-week battery life that embarrasses more expensive competitors. The Watch Fit 3 at under $150 offers remarkable value for basic smartwatch needs. For the right user in the right market, Huawei represents smart spending on genuinely innovative technology.