Huawei Watch GT 4: A Comprehensive Review
The Huawei Watch GT 4 has caught my attention for all the right reasons. Its sleek design, available in various materials and color options, is truly impressive. Each iteration looks fantastic, with a wide range of choices. The large AMOLED screen boasts a smooth refresh rate and vibrant colors. Additionally, the speaker is surprisingly loud, though it can be embarrassing if you forget to turn off workout notifications during a class.
Functionality is a key aspect of the Huawei Watch GT 4, with highly accurate metrics. The TruSleep tracking feature provides accurate data, and the Huawei Health app offers detailed metrics. However, I must note that I would have appreciated some actionable advice based on the data provided. The heart rate tracking, powered by Huawei’s TruSeen 5.5+ algorithm, is excellent both during workouts and regular use. Moreover, the GPS performance is comparable to top-tier smartwatches such as the Apple Watch Ultra 2, delivering great results during runs and rides.
Despite all these positive aspects, I regret to say that I won’t be using the Huawei Watch GT 4 again. Under normal circumstances, I would give this watch a glowing review, possibly even full marks. However, the frustrations arising from Huawei’s limitations cannot be ignored. The company’s AppGallery store, which most phones can only access via a browser, prevents the watch from interfacing with popular apps such as Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and Spotify. Although apps like Strava work fine, the overall lack of compatibility diminishes the overall experience.
Nevertheless, if these limitations don’t bother you, the Huawei Watch GT 4 is a stunning device waiting to be loved. Existing Huawei phone users who are familiar with workarounds will find it to be the best smartwatch for their needs.
Specifications of the Huawei Watch GT 4:
– Huawei Watch GT 4 (41mm): Price starts from £230 / €250 euros
– Huawei Watch GT 4 (45mm): Price starts from £230 / €250 euros
– Dimensions: 41.3 × 41.3 × 9.8 (mm) for the 41mm model, 46 × 46 × 10.9 (mm) for the 45mm model
– Weight: 37g (no strap) for the 41mm model, 48g (no strap) for the 45mm model
– Case/bezel: Stainless steel for both models
– Display: 1.32-in, 466 × 466 px AMOLED for the 41mm model, 1.46-in, 466 × 466 px AMOLED for the 45mm model
– GPS: Yes (unspecified) for both models
– Battery life: 7 days in smartwatch mode for the 41mm model, 14 days in smartwatch mode for the 45mm model
– Connection: Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi, BR + BLE for both models
– Water resistant: Yes, 5ATM for both models
Price and Availability:
The Huawei Watch GT 4 is priced at £229.99 in the UK and €249.90 euros in the EU for the 46mm model with a black silicone strap, and the 41mm model with a white silicone strap. There are various options available at different price points, including a rose gold version with Milanese or leather straps for the 46mm model. The most expensive variant is the 41mm steel-and-gold edition watch costing £349.99 / €399.90 euros, followed by the stainless steel 46mm model with a stainless steel strap priced at £299.99 / €369.90 euros. Overall, the prices are very competitive, offering a beautiful watch with a stainless steel case at an affordable price. It’s a shame that availability is limited. Unless you are an existing Huawei user, there are usually better options for you.
Design:
When it comes to external style, Huawei watches exhibit a lack of consistency. However, the Huawei Watch GT 4 models, in contrast to the gimmicky Huawei Watch Buds and Huawei Watch D, excel in terms of design. The Watch GT 4 models look fantastic, with built-in microphones and speakers enabling on-wrist call functions. These watches offer a diverse range of styles, from delicate circular fashion watches to robust field and diving units. During my testing of the 46mm model with a stainless steel strap, I found that it resembled an analog dive watch with the right watch face. The circular digital crown and responsive touch-screen make navigation seamless and enjoyable. The screen is spacious and impressive on both models, with a fantastic refresh rate and vibrant colors. While the screen falls slightly short of Apple’s Retina Display, it surpasses many Garmin watches, boasting around 600 nits of brightness. Some watch faces could use improvement, but I found a suitable one that replicated an analog watch face, complete with step count, moon phase, and calendar complications. The stainless steel aesthetic matches the watch’s overall elegance. However, I must note that changing the band was a tedious experience, but the final result was worth it.
Features:
The Huawei Watch GT 4 relies heavily on the Huawei Health app, which isn’t available on the iOS or Google Play store. However, it can be easily downloaded via your browser using the provided QR code. The app allows customization of watch faces, notification toggling, and detailed health data viewing. The Huawei Health app excels in providing comprehensive information and inclusive advice on workouts and sleep. For instance, it recommended cutting out caffeine in the evening for better sleep quality, a simple yet valuable tip. The Watch GT 4 offers a wide range of workout profiles, including outdoor and indoor cycling, pool and open-water swimming with stroke and length tracking. These workout profiles integrate seamlessly with the Huawei Health app. The watch also offers AI-generated plans for specific training goals in common exercises such as running. Advanced heart rate monitoring, ECG functionality, temperature tracking, blood oxygen measurement, and stress metrics complete the extensive suite of health features. However, the lack of compatibility with other phones and operating systems mars the overall experience. While you can receive notifications from apps like WhatsApp and email, responding to them is not possible. Additionally, using apps like Gmail requires considerable sideloading efforts. Popular apps such as Google or Apple Maps are unavailable, and access to Huawei NFC payments is limited depending on your country. These restrictions limit the watch’s potential, and unless you are a Huawei phone user (outside the US and Australia) or live in a region with greater support, there are better options available.
I have over 10 years of experience in the cryptocurrency industry and I have been on the list of the top authors on LinkedIn for the past 5 years.