The original Huawei Watch GT launched in 2018. It was a choppy proof of concept that made the point, smartwatch battery life doesn’t have to be totally excruciating. The Watch GT 2 improved the interface, smoothed things out and made the whole experience less janky, and was followed by the Watch GT 2 Pro, a more premium version of the winning formula.
A year later, Amazfit launched the GTR 3 Pro battery, while popular brands like Fitbit are having success with their take on smartwatches (the Versa 3 being particularly well received). The world of smartwatches is increasingly saturated, so what does the Huawei Watch GT 3 do better than the rest?
Design
In the flesh, the most striking thing about the Huawei GT 3 is its bold and bright large display. We mainly tested the larger 46mm version, but for those looking for a sleeker option, it’s also available in 42mm.
Available in three finishes in all sizes, you can get the Watch GT 3 with a sporty strap, in leather or in metal. The metal option of the larger version is a link bracelet, while the metal bracelet of the smaller watch is more of a Milanese buckle.
If you like big dials, the 46mm GT 3 options sport a 1.43 inch round panel with 466 x 466 resolution. That comes down to 1.32 inch on the 42mm option, and we really appreciate it. ‘have both neutral styling and sleeker versions of the smaller watch to choose from.
With each watch measuring just over 1cm thick, the watches aren’t too big, and we’d go so far as to say that the smaller version is one of the nicer, lightweight smartwatches we’ve tried at this time. day.
The fact that the watch also benefits from a rotating crown adds easy navigation even in wet conditions, and Huawei has also updated the interface to reflect Harmony OS 2, like on the Huawei Watch 3.
Health monitoring
Huawei has improved the heart rate monitor of its new Watch GT 3, increasing the number of light signal receptors, which are the all-seeing eyes that scan your veins and take your pulse. The watch also benefits from an arched base design, increasing the likelihood that the point it touches your skin will be more comfortable and secure, and the back also features a micro-nano optical film to reduce interference.
Although we didn’t use it, TechRadar contributor Mike Sawh had a chance to test it out and found the heart rate monitor to be comparable to a reliable Garmin model in a short time with the watch.
The Huawei Watch GT 3 also borrows some of the functionality of the Huawei Watch 3, establishing a training plan for users through 13 preset programs on the device. The watch also feeds your personal running and health data and can tailor a personalized plan accordingly.
Naturally, just like the Huawei Watch GT 2, the GT 3 brings back sleep tracking, heart rate, stress, SPO2 monitoring and more. Runners can also take advantage of five dual band system satellites, which include standard GPS tracking, Galileo, Beidou, GLONASS, and QZDD. Huawei promises an improved positioning of 50% compared to the models of the previous generation.
Other specifications
The Huawei GT 3 brings Bluetooth calls back to your wrist from your phone. Although not available on smaller variants of previous watches, the GT 3 46mm and 42mm do support this feature. There’s also room on the watch for up to 500 songs, and there’s a new processor that powers the watch. Its smoothness is immediately noticeable compared to previous generation GT watches, which brings the series closer to the responsiveness of the Apple Watch.
One aspect of the watch that Apple can only dream of competing with is battery life. With the 46mm Huawei Watch 3 GT that lasts for up to 14 days and the 42mm option that lasts half of that to seven days, the two still mop the floor with Apple’s latest Watch Series 7 and its autonomy of 18 hours.
Anticipated verdict
Choice is a good thing, and so is progress. At first glance, the Huawei Watch GT 3 represents both. It gives iPhone users a round watch with longer battery life and improves performance over the GT 2. Huawei needs to tweak some things like its Wallet app; the company still does not support mobile payments on the wrist. That said, we believe it won’t be a deciding factor in choosing your next smartwatch.
What’s arguably more important than mobile payments is the Watch GT 3’s premium design, more responsive user interface, and impressive battery stats that promise daily no-charge sleep tracking. With decent fitness features to boot and availability in two strong styles, the third time around seems like a charm for the GT 3.