Pros and Cons of the Huawei Watch: A Comprehensive Review

As a long-time user of the Huawei Watch, I can provide an in-depth analysis of the pros and cons of this device. From the stunning appearance to the less-than-ideal battery life, let's explore what makes the Huawei Watch stand out and what needs improvement.

Pros of the Huawei Watch

Amazing Style

Without a doubt, the Huawei Watch is a visually striking piece. It comes in various versions, but each one exudes elegance and sophistication. Some may compare it to the Moto 360, but the differences are clear without even turning it on. The watch's perfectly circular display is a testament to Huawei's design aesthetics. In addition, it has a premium build quality, thanks to the use of top-notch materials like stainless steel, which ensures durability. Despite dinging it multiple times, it remains scratch-free, even after meticulous inspections.

Great Build Quality

Huawei has clearly invested in making the Huawei Watch look and feel luxurious. The watch's sturdy construction is a result of its robust materials. The stainless steel body is complemented by a Sapphire Crystal coated display, which not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also ensures the screen remains scratch-resistant. This combination of materials makes the watch feel premium and durable.

Great Display

The display on the Huawei Watch is a sight to behold. With a resolution of 286 ppi, the AMOLED technology ensures that text, graphics, and watch faces are sharp, crisp, and well-saturated. The screen's clarity is evident, with no visible flaws, even under close inspection. Whether you're scrolling through your notifications or checking your heart rate, the display delivers a visually pleasing experience.

Nice Speaker

While the speakers on other smartwatches aren't for comparison, the ones on the Huawei Watch stand out. The speaker produces clear and loud notifications, ringtones, and even music. Although it may not be Dolby audio, the sound quality is decent and ensures that you're not missing out on any audio cues. Whether you're in a quiet environment like a meeting or a noisy one, the loudspeaker can be used to notify you of important devices.

Interchangeable Bands

One of the best features of the Huawei Watch is the interchangeable bands. Each watch can accommodate 18mm bands, making it easy to switch out the look of your device. Changing the band is simple and takes just a few moments to accomplish, adding to the versatility of the watch.

Cons of the Huawei Watch

Battery Life Variability

While Huawei claims a battery life of 1.5 days, it can be inconsistent. On some days, the battery performance is consistent, but on others, the charge duration can vary significantly. This inconsistent performance can be frustrating, especially for users who rely on the watch throughout the day. The exact reasons for this inconsistency are unclear, but it's a drawback that users need to consider.

Specs Not as Competitive

Although the specs of the Huawei Watch are decent, they are not top-tier. Cheaper alternatives can offer similar or better specifications, making the Huawei Watch less competitive in this aspect. Huawei might have aimed to make the watch more comparable to the LG Watch Urbane 2, but it falls short in terms of specs.

lack of Ambient Light Sensor

The absence of an ambient light sensor can be a slight inconvenience, as the screen brightness cannot adjust automatically. However, manually adjusting the screen brightness has its benefits, as it allows users to control their battery life better. The sensor could be useful, but it's not a dealbreaker for most users.

Fitbit App Limitations

The Huawei fitness app, while offering some features, doesn't quite match the likes of Android Wear apps like Samsung's S Health or Google Fit. Heart rate sensing accuracy can be lower compared to these alternatives, which means users might need to rely on other fitness apps to get accurate data.

Additional Cons

Non-Qi and Fussy Charger

The charger for the Huawei Watch is not Qi compatible, meaning it requires careful alignment to start charging. The magnetic guide makes it easier to place the watch, but the finicky nature of the charging process can be a nuisance. Users might need to spend extra time getting the watch on the charger, which can be a minor inconvenience.

Below-Average Vibration Motor

The vibration motor on the Huawei Watch is generally considered below average. It can be light at times, sometimes not even felt, especially when the motor is located near the screen. In a quiet environment, the vibration might not be enough, leading users to rely on the loudspeaker for notifications. This can be an issue in scenarios where silent notifications are preferred.

Expensive Accessories

Huawei's own bands and replacement chargers come at a premium price, making them a significant extra expense for users. While this might not be a deal-breaker for everyone, it is something to consider if you're on a budget.

Missing GPS

The absence of built-in GPS is a noticeable drawback. For a watch that is generally well-designed and priced, the lack of GPS can be frustrating. Users might need to rely on their smartphones for GPS functions, which can be inconvenient.

Higher Price Point

Although the Huawei Watch offers great value, it can be pricey compared to other smartwatches with similar features. While it might be a good deal if bought at a reasonable price (such as through eBay), the full retail price can be higher than that of its competitors.

Overall, the Huawei Watch is a fantastic smartwatch that checks off most of the boxes in terms of style, build quality, and display. However, it falls short in a few key areas, such as battery consistency and built-in features. If you're considering a Huawei Watch, it might be worth exploring alternatives like the LG Watch Urbane 1st Gen, which offers similar features at a lower price.

If you are interested in exploring further, you might consider purchasing from platforms like eBay, where you can find Huawei watches at a more budget-friendly price. With a bit of research and luck, you might find yourself with a new, high-quality smartwatch at a reasonable cost.

So, whether you're a tech enthusiast or a casual user, the Huawei Watch is definitely worth considering. Embrace the club of smartwatch owners and enjoy the convenience and elegance of this device.