A year after launching one of the most interesting smartwatches on the market, thanks to its price and design, Huawei is back with a new version. This updated model has improvements in both aesthetics and health and sports features. The Chinese company unveiled the Huawei Watch GT 5 in Barcelona. We at Thetechbasic had the chance to test it firsthand, and our impressions are very similar to last year’s version, both good and bad.
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The Huawei Watch GT 5 continues the tradition of its predecessor by focusing on design and offering many options to satisfy almost any user looking for a smartwatch for their Android phone. The new watch comes in two sizes: 46 mm and 41 mm, depending on wrist size. There is also a Pro variant available in 42 mm or 46 mm, which has a more sophisticated look thanks to materials like aerospace-grade titanium alloy.
Let’s focus on the regular Huawei Watch GT 5, which is the model we have tested and offers the best price-to-value balance. It is also one of the most attractive in the lineup. The watch features a 46 mm stainless steel case, highlighted by an octagonal bezel that gives it a look similar to traditional watches.
This smartwatch is very elegant and pairs nicely with its recycled fabric strap in a stylish blue color. It’s comfortable to wear, thanks to its polycarbonate back, and has a well-designed button layout. There is a digital crown at the top and a button below it for accessing different applications, both of which have a good feel when pressed.
The Screen and Battery of the Huawei Watch GT 5
In addition to its design, another standout feature of the Huawei Watch GT 5 is its screen. It has an AMOLED panel that provides excellent sharpness, and the viewing angles are great, making it easy to read content without needing to hold the device directly in front of you. Notably, the battery lasts up to two weeks.
The screen is large enough to support a full-screen keyboard, which can be used to respond to notifications from specific apps. However, platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram are not supported, so you can only read or dismiss notifications.
The Huawei Watch GT 5 runs on HarmonyOS, the brand’s own operating system, specifically adapted for smartwatches. It includes the same functions as previous models, featuring its own apps like weather and calculator, along with various health and sports functions.
With Its Pros and Cons
While the Huawei Watch GT 5 offers the same features as last year’s model, it also has the same limitations. For example, you still cannot respond to notifications, and downloading third-party apps is not an option. Customization in the Huawei app is minimal, allowing only for the download or purchase of watch faces.
However, Huawei has made improvements in sensor technology compared to its predecessor. The company highlights the new TruSense system, which monitors sports and health more accurately thanks to three advanced technologies. One of these is called glass darkening technology, which effectively shields ambient light to reduce interference when taking sensor readings.
It’s difficult to determine if this is a significant change without comparing it to previous models. However, the Huawei Watch GT 5 does take measurements quickly and provides fairly accurate results compared to other smartwatches. The device features useful health functions, including a blood oxygen meter. Additionally, it offers various sports functions, including one specifically designed for golf, which can be helpful for golf enthusiasts.
Is the Huawei Watch GT 5 a Good Choice for Android?
Apple remains the leader in smartwatches for iPhone users, and with the wide range of features they offer, it’s hard to recommend anything other than an Apple Watch. However, for Android users, where Apple’s watch isn’t an option, there are several standout models, and the Huawei Watch GT 5 is definitely one of them. It’s one of the most attractive watches available today and is also very comfortable to wear. Additionally, Huawei’s variety of versions gives it an edge over competitors.
For those looking for something more compact, the 41 mm model is available for 249 euros. If you prefer a more elegant option, the 46 mm version we tested at Thetechbasic costs 269 euros. The most expensive variant, the ceramic Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro, is priced at 599 euros.
Is It an Attractive Option?
Absolutely! The Huawei Watch GT 5 is a great choice, especially for those seeking an elegant accessory that focuses on sports and offers good battery life. It’s a watch that brands like Xiaomi and Samsung should envy for its strong emphasis on design.
However, it’s worth noting that there are other models with similar features that offer additional functions. For example, the OnePlus Watch 2R may not have the same premium look, but it runs on Wear OS, which allows the use of third-party apps.
