Huawei Watch GT 4 First Look

In the realm of smartwatches, the discussion often revolves around Android vs. iOS and Wear OS vs. watchOS. However, a formidable contender has been quietly gaining ground among fitness enthusiasts and tech enthusiasts alike: the Huawei Watch GT. This review delves into the Huawei Watch GT, a smartwatch that offers an intriguing alternative to its competitors, showcasing its design, features, and overall performance.

Design and Build

The Huawei Watch GT exudes a classic and timeless aesthetic. Available in two sizes: the Huawei Watch GT 4 46mm with an Octagonal design and the Huawei Watch GT 4 41mm with a sleek Pendant design, these watches feature round faces with minimal bezels and two multifunctional buttons on the right side for navigation and activity control. While the buttons lack a tactile feel, they get the job done. Both the 46mm and 41 mm are available in three vibrant colour options with customisable Huawei Easyfit Straps, and watch faces.

Both variants boast a bright and easily readable display, even in direct sunlight. Additionally, Huawei has integrated a speaker and microphone into the watch, enabling calls and voice assistant access. Both models are water-resistant up to 5ATM, adding durability to their sleek designs.

Battery Life and Health Tracking

One standout feature of the Huawei Watch GT is its exceptional battery life. The GT 4 41mm claims up to 7 days of battery life, while the GT 4 46mm extends that to an impressive 14 days. Enabling the always-on display does reduce battery life, but even then, it remains commendable at around four days on a single charge. The extended battery life proves essential for continuous health tracking.

Health tracking is where the Huawei Watch GT truly shines. Equipped with a variety of sensors, including heart rate and PulseOx, it provides comprehensive health data. The watch monitors sleep patterns, restlessness, stress levels, and “body battery,” offering valuable insights into overall well-being. Extended battery life ensures uninterrupted data collection, which is crucial for a holistic understanding of one’s health.

Software and Notifications

While the Huawei Watch GT may not match the complexity and app variety of some competitors, its software interface excels in simplicity and efficiency. Notifications are reliably delivered, ensuring you stay connected with your smartphone. However, the notifications themselves lack advanced features like quick replies regardless of application or email archiving, a drawback compared to the Apple Watch and Wear OS devices.

The watch’s software truly shines in the morning report feature, providing a quick summary of your sleep quality, daily schedule, and weather forecast upon waking up. The watch’s large and vibrant AMOLED screen enhances the visual appeal of this feature. Additionally, the smartphone app offers in-depth health reports, enabling users to analyze their health metrics over various timeframes.

Software Challenges

Despite its strengths, the Huawei Watch GT does face some software challenges. Customizing watch faces can be frustrating due to a lack of developer support and clunky interfaces. Huawei needs to improve its developer kit to enhance the user experience.

Another area needing attention is the process of purchasing watch faces. Developers often employ creative solutions, such as inputting codes or “unlock keys,” making it feel like the Wild West of smartwatch software development. Streamlining this process would improve the overall usability of the watch.

Seamless Pairing

Huawei excels in the seamless pairing of the watch with a smartphone. The process is straightforward, with the watch connecting to the app within seconds. This simplicity benefits users who frequently switch between phones and provides an excellent user experience.

Workout and Activity Tracking

Starting and tracking workouts on the Huawei Watch GT 4 is effortless. The watch offers various activity modes, and with a press of a button, you can start recording your exercise. While the watch attempts to automatically detect walking or running activities, this feature may be inconsistent. Manual initiation is a reliable alternative.

During workouts, the watch displays vital data such as duration, pace, and heart rate. Notably, the watch features a wheelchair mode, expanding its functionality to a broader range of users. After completing an activity, users can review detailed statistics, including a map of their route.

An essential feature for any smartwatch is nap detection. The Huawei Watch GT automatically detects naps, eliminating the need for manual input. This data contributes to overall health insights and influences the watch’s sleep coaching function.

Charging the Huawei Watch GT 4 is straightforward but relies on a proprietary cable. A wireless charging option would be a welcome addition. Additionally, the watch supports contactless payments through Huawei Pay, although the service is not available in South Africa yet.

The Huawei Watch GT impresses with its focus on health tracking, extended battery life, and user-friendly pairing. Its classic design and comfortable strap contribute to its appeal. While some software aspects require refinement, such as watch face customization and payment methods, the watch excels in delivering essential health data.

For those seeking a smartwatch that balances health tracking and longevity, the Huawei Watch GT 4 is a compelling choice. Its ability to last over a week on a single charge sets it apart, making it a formidable competitor in the smartwatch market. Whether you prioritize sleep monitoring or overall wellness, this watch can help you achieve your health goals. Priced at R6999.99, it offers a competitive alternative to iOS and Wear OS watches.

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Posted By

Papi Mabele

Papi Mabele has a marketing background, he is a digital marketing expert with extensive experience in launching and building global brands in the emerging markets. Papi is also an avid tech writer, enthusiast and all round tech junkie. As a freelance writer and analyst he has been numerously published in Popular Mechanics (SA), GQ South Africa, Premier Magazine, Driven Magazine, Bloem News, Courant, The Weekly, Enthooze Magazine and PiE magazine amongst others.