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The Huawei Watch GT 4: A Fashionable Smartwatch Worth Considering

The Huawei Watch GT 4 is not your average smartwatch. While most smartwatches focus on the technology housed within, Huawei has decided to put design at the forefront. The octagonal shape and various strap and case size combinations make the GT 4 a fashion-forward accessory. But does its style speak loudly enough to convince potential buyers? Well, that depends on the phone you own.

The Different Huawei Watch GT 4 Models and Specs

The Huawei Watch GT 4 offers seven different models to choose from. The 46mm case size comes in four variants: black with a black rubber strap, silver with a brown leather strap, steel with a steel bracelet, and silver with a green hybrid rubber strap. The 41mm case size has three options: gold with a white leather strap, gold with a gold Milanese bracelet, and gold with a two-tone gold and silver bracelet.

In terms of dimensions, the 46mm version is 10.9mm thick and weighs 48 grams without the strap, while the 41mm version is 9.8mm thick and 37 grams without the strap. The screen sizes differ as well, with a 1.43-inch AMOLED display on the larger watch and a 1.32-inch AMOLED display on the smaller one. Both versions are made from stainless steel with a metal bezel and a case back made from a fiber polymer composite material.

The GT 4 offers a 5ATM water resistance rating, along with IP68 water and dust resistance. The battery life varies, with the 46mm version expected to last up to 14 days on a single charge, while the 41mm version lasts around seven days. The smartwatch runs on HarmonyOS 4.0 software and is compatible with both iOS and Android devices through the Huawei Health app.

Wearing the Huawei Watch GT 4: A Blend of Style and Comfort

Having worn the Rainforest Green GMT version of the Huawei Watch GT 4 for a week, I can confidently say that it strikes a balance between style and comfort. The thick rubber strap, with a nylon NATO-style section running down the center, not only looks great, but also feels comfortable on the wrist. The watch itself weighs 71 grams with the strap, making it slightly lighter than the 47mm Galaxy Watch 6 Classic.

While Huawei promoted the watch’s octagonal case shape, it’s not as noticeable in reality due to the round bezel and rounded sections between the lugs. Nonetheless, the Watch GT 4 maintains Huawei’s unique style, with design elements reminiscent of the Watch GT 3, such as the rotating crown at 2 p.m. and a single button at 4 p.m. Overall, the watch is eye-catching, although it would have been even more impressive with ceramic case backs and a sapphire crystal like some of its competitors.

There are reportedly 25,000 watch face designs to choose from, but customization options are limited. Despite this, the Huawei Watch GT 4 remains an aesthetically appealing timepiece, with users only having to nitpick minor details such as the lack of custom ambient modes for certain watch faces.

Using the Huawei Watch GT 4: HarmonyOS and Beyond

Huawei’s HarmonyOS on the Watch GT 4 presents a prettier version of Google’s Wear OS. The interface features tiles that display activity, weather, appointments, and health data. Pressing the crown reveals a grid of circular app icons, while the lower button serves as a shortcut to the workout app. Swiping down reveals quick actions, while swiping up displays notifications.

As an iPhone user, I found setting up the Huawei Watch GT 4 to be a breeze. The seamless integration with the Huawei Health app and smooth connection to my iPhone 14 Pro resulted in a hassle-free experience. The watch delivered notifications without any issues, and fitness data seamlessly synced with Apple’s HealthKit.

The HarmonyOS interface boasts colorful icons, clear text, and intuitive graphics. It’s easy to navigate through the tiles and find what you need. During my testing, I found the watch to be highly accurate when tracking workouts, and the health data recorded in the Huawei Health app was both comprehensive and visually appealing.

The Watch GT 4 introduces several new features, including improved health tracking accuracy even when the watch isn’t optimally placed on the wrist, additional sports tracking options such as basketball and eSports, and an updated Smart Cycle Calendar that considers skin temperature and heart rate variation for menstrual cycle estimates. The watch also analyzes breathing during sleep tracking, looking for signs of snoring and sleep apnea.

What Could Be Better: Minor Complaints and Compatibility Challenges

Apart from the initial setup process with non-Huawei Android phones, the HarmonyOS software and Huawei Health app consider the best in class for fitness wearables. The watch performs flawlessly, with instant responsiveness and no noticeable lag. HarmonyOS was designed with wearables in mind, and it shows.

One minor complaint I have is the new calorie tracker tile, which calculates calorie targets based on current weight and target weight. While it does provide a vague warning about setting unrealistic goals, promoting healthy living and weight management through alternative methods might be a better approach. For example, the Oura Ring prioritizes other metrics and excludes calories from its tracking.

One particularly embarrassing feature is the watch audibly announcing exercise stats during outdoor walks or runs. While this might be useful for cyclists or those who don’t want to constantly check their wrist, the default volume can be startlingly loud. It would be ideal to have this feature disabled by default or at least have the option to adjust the volume to a more reasonable level.

The Verdict: A Recommended Smartwatch with a Caveat

Overall, the Huawei Watch GT 4 impressed me. It combines style, versatility, excellent software, and a comprehensive range of health and activity tracking features. Furthermore, starting at just £230 or roughly $286, the watch presents exceptional value for money. However, there is a catch: if you own an iPhone, it’s highly recommended to invest in an Apple Watch for a more seamless and integrated experience. For Android users, setting up the Watch GT 4 can be a messy process, and there are simpler options available, such as smartwatches running Google’s Wear OS.

This brings us to Huawei phone owners. If you happen to own a Huawei smartphone, the Watch GT 4 is an easy recommendation. The seamless connection and integration between the watch and phone make it a complete package. However, for non-Huawei Android phone owners, it’s worth considering other smartwatches that align more closely with your phone’s operating system. In the end, the Huawei Watch GT 4 is a fantastic smartwatch that requires an open mind when it comes to compatibility.

Buy this smartwatch only if you own a specific phone | ENBLE