Huawei is making a bold statement in the smartwatch arena with a fresh lineup designed to take on the likes of Apple and Samsung. The company has unveiled the Watch GT 5 series, encompassing three distinct models: the 41mm Watch GT 5, the 46mm Watch GT 5, and the Watch GT 5 Pro. In addition, Huawei has introduced a special golf-focused edition of its premium Watch Ultimate, called the Fairway Green, and a unique Watch D2 that incorporates a cuff-based blood pressure management system. Let’s delve into the unique features of each smartwatch.
Huawei Watch GT 5
The three Watch GT 5 models share an octagonal bezel design but offer different aesthetic interpretations. The 41mm model prioritizes elegance with a rounder shape, while the Watch GT 5 Pro emphasizes sharp angles and a defined look. The 46mm Watch GT 5 strikes a balance between these two styles. Screen sizes differ as well, with the 41mm model featuring a 1.32-inch AMOLED display and the 46mm and Pro models boasting larger 1.43-inch screens. Huawei offers a variety of finishes and colors, including a full ceramic case option for the 41mm model, complete with a titanium bezel and sapphire crystal protection. The Pro and 46mm models are available in titanium with a ceramic case back and a wide range of strap choices – leather, rubber, metal, and even ceramic.
On the back of the watch is a new TruSense heart rate monitor that Huawei claims delivers more accurate readings than previous models. The Watch GT 5 series also supports Huawei’s Women’s Health 4.0 monitoring, providing skin temperature and trend data. The Pro model further enhances its health tracking capabilities with an electrocardiogram (ECG) feature. For golf enthusiasts, the Pro model introduces a dedicated golf course mode that grants access to over 15,000 courses worldwide, complete with real-time performance monitoring, hole previews, wind conditions, and distance to each hole. The entire Watch GT 5 series boasts an IP69K water and dust resistance rating, guaranteeing it can withstand condensation and steam.
Huawei Watch Ultimate Fairway Edition
The Huawei Watch Ultimate, originally launched in mid-2023, now gets a specialized Fairway Edition targeted at golfers. This edition positions Huawei to compete directly with Garmin’s Approach or Marq Golfer smartwatches and the Tag Heuer Connected Caliber E4 X Malbon Golf Edition. It’s crafted from zirconium liquid metal, a material Huawei claims is even more durable than titanium and previously unseen in any smartwatch. The bezel boasts a dual-color ceramic design. A 1.5-inch AMOLED screen, protected by sapphire crystal, showcases golf-specific watch faces. The case is paired with a new green woven strap, and a simple rubber strap is included in the box. The golf watch face features 18 markers around the bezel, each representing a performance indicator, allowing golfers to track their progress on the course. Inside, the watch incorporates dual-frequency GPS, an AI Caddie mode that provides performance-based recommendations, and specialized course maps.
Beyond golf, the Huawei Watch Ultimate Fairway Edition retains the same functionality as the Watch GT 5 Pro, but adds enhanced trail, hiking, and expedition modes, making it attractive to outdoor enthusiasts seeking a high-end smartwatch.
Huawei Watch D2
The Huawei Watch D2 stands out as one of the most unique smartwatches on the market. Building on the features of its predecessor, the Watch D, it provides cuff-based blood pressure monitoring using a custom inflatable band wrapped around the wrist. This method contrasts with algorithm-based blood pressure monitoring found on smartwatches like the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, offering a more precise approach akin to traditional blood pressure cuffs worn on the upper arm. The Watch D2 goes a step further by enabling automatic blood pressure monitoring over a 24-hour period, providing detailed insights into your blood pressure fluctuations. The collected data can be exported for sharing with your healthcare provider or with family members in real time. The air bag within the strap is covered in a soft, gel-like material for comfort and is powered by a Huawei-developed micro pump, which is 61% quieter than comparable devices, making it suitable for overnight use.
The Watch D2’s design is reminiscent of the Apple Watch, borrowing cues from the Watch Fit 3. It features a 1.82-inch screen, a heart rate sensor with ECG functionality, dual-frequency GPS, and 80 workout modes. It also supports making and receiving calls.
Pricing and Availability
The Huawei Watch GT 5 starts at 230 British pounds (approximately $305), while the Watch GT 5 Pro has a starting price of 330 pounds (around $448). The Huawei Watch Ultimate carries a considerably higher price tag at 750 pounds (about $995), and the Huawei Watch D2 is priced at 350 pounds (approximately $465). All models are available for purchase starting September 19th through Huawei’s online store in the U.K. and other European regions.
Furthermore, Huawei has introduced a subscription option for its Huawei Health app, called Health+. Unlike some other subscription services that restrict core features behind a paywall, Huawei has opted to offer additional value for those who choose to subscribe. Health+ includes specialized training modes, personalized fitness plans, and features designed for relaxation and stress reduction. It costs 8 euros per month (around $9), and a three-month free trial is included with the purchase of the new smartwatches.
