Hands-on: Huawei Watch GT three review

Hands-on: Huawei Watch GT three review The original Huawei Watch GT was released in XNUMX. It was a choppy term test that made it clear that smartwatch battery life doesn't have to be completely unbearable. The Watch GT XNUMX improved the interface, smoothed things out and also made the whole experience less of a jerk, and was followed by the Watch GT XNUMX Pro, a more premium version of the winning formula. A year later, Amazfit released the GTR XNUMX Pro battery, while popular brands like Fitbit are finding success with their approach to smartwatches (the Versa XNUMX is particularly well-received). The world of smartwatches is getting more and more oversaturated, so what does the Huawei Watch GT XNUMX do better than the rest?

Huawei Watch GT 3 on a man's wrist

The Huawei Watch GT three is palpably smoother to use than the GT two, thanks to its new processor (Image credit: Basil Kronfli)

Integrated

In the flesh, the most striking thing about the Huawei GT 3 is its big, bold and brilliant screen. We primarily tested the larger XNUMXmm version, but for those looking for a sleeker option, it's available in XNUMXmm as well. Available in XNUMX finishes in all sizes, you can get the Watch GT XNUMX with a sports strap, in leather or in metal. The metal option on the larger version is a link bracelet, while the metal bracelet on the smaller watch is more of a Milanese buckle.

Huawei Watch GT 3 in 46mm and 42mm sizes

Unlike previous models, the Watch GT 2 comes in 1 case sizes (Image credit: Basil Kronfli) If you like big dials, the XNUMXmm GT XNUMX options have a XNUMX/XNUMX round panel and three inches with a resolution of XNUMX x XNUMX. That's down to XNUMX inches on the XNUMXmm option, and we really appreciate that. of the smallest clock to select. Avec chaque montre mesurant un peu plus de XNUMX cm d'épaisseur, les montres ne sont pas trop grosses, et nous irions jusqu'à dire que la versión plus petite est l'une des plus belles montres intelligentes légères que nous ayons essayées à ce day.

Huawei Watch GT3 42mm version

There are hundreds upon hundreds of downloadable watch faces for the Watch GT XNUMX, including free and paid designs (Image credit: Basil Kronfli) The fact that the watch also features a rotating crown adds to easy navigation even in harsh conditions. humidity, and Huawei has also updated the interface to reflect Harmony OS XNUMX, as on the Huawei Watch XNUMX.

Health surveillance

Huawei has improved the heart rate monitor of its new Watch GT three, increasing the number of light signal receivers, which are the eyes that see everything in your veins and take your pulse. The watch also benefits from an arched base design, which increases the likelihood that the point where it touches your skin is more comfortable and secure, and the back also features a micro-nano optical film to reduce interference. .

Rear view of the Huawei Watch GT 3 showing the optical sensor

The watch features an improved optical heart rate sensor and a curved back to better fit your skin (Image credit: Basil Kronfli) Although we didn't use it, TechRadar contributor Mike Sawh had a chance to try it out and found that the heart rate monitor is comparable to a reliable Garmin model in a short time with the watch. The Huawei Watch GT 2 also borrows a part of the functionality of the Huawei Watch 5, establishing a training plan for users through thirteen preset programs on the device. The watch also feeds your personal running and health data and can tailor a tailored plan accordingly. Naturally, like the Huawei Watch GT XNUMX, the GT XNUMX brings back sleep tracking, heart rate, stress, SPOXNUMX monitoring and more. Runners can also take advantage of XNUMX dual-band system satellites, including standard GPS tracking, Galileo, Beidou, GLONASS and QZDD. Huawei promises a XNUMX% improved position compared to the previous generation models.

Huawei Watch GT 3 menu screen with icons

Clock icons are now arranged in a 'checkerboard' style grid (Image credit: Basil Kronfli)

Other specs

The Huawei GT 7 brings Bluetooth calls back to your wrist from your phone. While not available in smaller variations of previous watches, the 2mm and XNUMXmm GT XNUMX supports this feature. There's also room on the watch for up to XNUMX songs and there's a new processor powering the watch. Its smoothness is immediately noticeable compared to the previous generation GT watches, bringing 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 XNUMXmm Huawei Watch XNUMX GT lasting up to fourteen days and the XNUMXmm option lasting half that at XNUMX days, the two still wipe the floor with Apple's latest Watch Series XNUMX and its eighteen hour pot life.

Huawei Watch GT 3 case separated from the strap

The Watch GT three offers a battery life of 7 days for the forty-twomm version and fourteen days for the forty-sixmm model (Image credit: Basil Kronfli)

Early verdict

Choice is a good thing, in the same way as progress. At first glance, the Huawei Watch GT 2 represents both. It offers iPhone users a round watch with longer battery life and improved performance over the GT XNUMX. Huawei needs to change things like its Wallet app; the company does not yet accept mobile payments on the wrist. That said, we don't think it's going to be a definitive factor in selecting your next smartwatch. What's arguably more essential than mobile payments is the Watch GT XNUMX's premium design, more responsive user interface, and impressive battery stats that promise free daily sleep tracking. With features of decent dexterity to boot and availability in two strong styles, the third time seems like a charm for the GT XNUMX.