Huawei has released the latest smartwatch, the Huawei Band 8. In this article, we will compare the Huawei Band 8 with its predecessor, the Huawei Band 7, highlighting the main differences between the two models. While both devices share several similarities, there are noticeable changes in design, display quality, software features, and more. Let’s jump into the details and explore the key differences between these two Huawei Band models.
Pros and Cons
| Huawei Band 8 | Huawei Band 7 |
|---|---|
| Lower price | More elegant and expensive feel |
| Circular pink color option | Better design |
| Transparent strap | Comfortable to wear |
| Better always-on display (AOD) feature | Soft and flexible strap |
| Quick reply feature for WhatsApp calls | Similar fitness and health tracking capabilities |
| Moonset and moonrise features | More watch faces available |
| Better quick settings | Good connection stability |
| Design may not be preferred by everyone | Design may not be as visually appealing |
| AOD styles may not match all watch faces | Lack of quick reply feature for WhatsApp calls |
| Limited free watch faces | Limited availability of accessories |
| Short strap length in certain color variants | Charging time slightly longer |
Specifications: Huawei Band 8 vs Huawei Band 7
| Huawei Band 8 | Huawei Band 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| SHAPE | Rectangular | Shape: Rectangular |
| MATERIAL | Polycarbonate, Silicone | Aluminium, Metal, silicone |
| DISPLAY | 1.47-inch AMOLED | 1.47 inch AMOLED |
| RESOLUTON | 368 x 194 pixels | 194*368 pixels |
| DIMENSIONS | 44.35 x 26 x 9.99mm | 44.35 x 26 x 9.99mm |
| WEIGHT | 14 grams | 16g |
| GPS | No | No |
| NFC | Yes (China) | No |
| CONNECTIVITY | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| WATER RESISTANCE | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| BATTERY | Up to 14 Days | Up to 10 Days |
Design
When you look at the Huawei Band 8, its sleek and stylish design stands out. It has a rectangular shape with curved edges and a plastic frame. You can get it in three colors: black, pink, and green. But guess what? The Huawei Band 7, Huawei Band 6, and even the Honor Band 6 had the same design before.
The Huawei Band 8 features a slightly thinner profile, measuring 8.99 millimeters compared to the Huawei Band 7’s 9.99 millimeters. The weight has also been reduced, with the Band 8 weighing 14 grams and the Band 7 weighing 16 grams. The Band 8 sports a more square design, offering a refreshed aesthetic.
Huawei Band 8 is thinner and lighter compared to Huawei Band 7. The slimmer profile of Huawei Band 8 adds to its comfort and makes it less noticeable when worn on the wrist.
Huawei Band 8 has a more symmetrical screen, while Huawei Band 7 is slightly tilted upwards.
Huawei Band 8 has a better always-on display (AOD) feature with several styles that match the watch face design.
Build Quality
The Huawei Band 8 has a robust construction made from solid plastic material. The band itself combines PPU plastic with silicone rubber, ensuring durability and comfort.
A host of applications come built-in, such as:
- Workout records
- Heart rate & SpO2 monitor
- Sleep & Stress trackers
- Music Control
- Notifications
- And more!
Navigating is intuitive: press the side button to go back, swipe top-down to access applications, and swipe bottom-up for notifications. If you’re familiar with the Band 7, the interface will be comfortably familiar. However, do note that unlike some competitors, the Band 8 still does not have a built-in speaker or mic.
Display
| Huawei Band 8 | Huawei Band 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| DISPLAY SIZE | 1.47 inches | 1.47 inches |
| TYPE | AMOLED, Full color | AMOLED, Full color |
| RESOLUTION | 194 x 368 pixels | 194 x 368 pixels |
| PIXEL DENSITY | 282.8 PPI | 283 PPI |
| ALWAYS ON | Yes | Yes |
| INPUT TYPE | 1 Physical button, Touchscreen | 1 Physical button, Touchscreen |
Both smartwatches boast a 1.47-inch AMOLED panel, providing vibrant and clear visuals. The maximum brightness is the same for both models. However, users have noticed that the text and function titles appear sharper and more defined on the Huawei Band 8’s display. It is unclear whether this is due to the system update or panel improvements.
Comfort and Fit
The default strap on the Huawei Band 8 has a slightly transparent appearance, while the Huawei Band 7 featured a completely opaque strap. This change adds a subtle visual distinction between the two models.
The strap of Huawei Band 7 is softer and more flexible, making it more comfortable.
The spacing between the holes on the Huawei Band 8 strap is closer, offering a better fit for different wrist sizes.
The strap length of Huawei Band 8 in the Sakura pink variant is shorter compared to other color options.
Comfort and fit may vary based on individual preferences and wrist sizes.
The Huawei Band 8 introduces a new strap connection system, similar to what Xiaomi has implemented in its Band 8. This new system utilizes buttons for quick and easy strap removal and attachment, replacing the previous method involving a metallic pin.
Software
The Huawei Band 8 runs on the Harmony OS, bringing several software enhancements compared to the previous generation. A notable addition is the direct access feature, where swiping right from the main watch face reveals quick access to time, music controls, and other functions. This feature enhances usability and convenience.
Customization
With the Huawei Band 8, users can customize the appearance of the cards that appear when swiping right. However, this customization can only be done directly from the smartwatch itself, whereas the Huawei Band 7 required accessing the Huawei Health application.
The Huawei Band 8 offers more brightness levels for customization compared to the Huawei Band 7. Users can fine-tune the brightness to their preference, although automatic brightness adjustment, present in the Band 8, is not available on either model.
Always-On Display (AOD)
Both Huawei Band 7 and Huawei Band 8 offer an AOD feature, allowing you to keep the display on at all times. However, the activation process is simpler and more convenient on Huawei Band 8. With a quick toggle, you can easily enable or disable the AOD feature. On Huawei Band 7, activating the AOD requires selecting an image to display when the band is in the standby state.
Sensors
| ACCELEROMETER | Yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|
| ALTIMETER | No | No |
| AMBIENT LIGHT | No | No |
| BAROMETER | No | No |
| COMPASS | No | No |
| ECG | No | No |
| GYROSCOPE | Yes | Yes |
| HRM | Yes | Yes |
| PULSE OXIMETER (SPO2) | Yes | Yes |
| TEMPERATURE | No | No |
Notifications
| SMS ALERT | Yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|
| CALLS ALERT | Yes | Yes |
| EMAIL ALERT | Yes | Yes |
| EVENT REMINDER | Yes | Yes |
| THIRD-PARTY APPS ALERT | Yes | Yes |
Both the Huawei Band 7 and Band 8 connect to your smartphone and show notifications from various apps, including WhatsApp messages. But remember, you can’t answer calls using either of these bands. When someone calls you on WhatsApp, the Huawei Band 7 shows you a notification but doesn’t vibrate. However, the Huawei Band 8 not only shows a notification but also vibrates. This means even if your phone is quiet, the Huawei Band 8 makes sure you know about the call.
Sports and GPS
| BLOOD OXYGEN | Yes | Yes |
|---|---|---|
| BLOOD PRESSURE | No | No |
| CALORIES | Yes | Yes |
| DISTANCE | Yes | Yes |
| ECG TRACKING | No | No |
| HEART RATE MONITORING | Yes | Yes |
| SLEEP TRACKING | Yes | Yes |
| STEPS | Yes | Yes |
| STRESS | Yes | Yes |
| FALL DETECTION | No | No |
| MENSTRUAL CYCLE | Yes | Yes |
| VO2 MAX | Yes | Yes |
| SWIM-TRACKING | Yes | Yes |
While the Huawei Band 8 offers more sports modes compared to the Huawei Band 7, one notable limitation remains unchanged. Neither model allows users to start a sport directly or utilize GPS tracking from the smartwatch itself. To track a specific sport with GPS, users must initiate the activity from the Huawei Health application on their paired mobile device.
Color options
Huawei Band 7 has a more elegant and expensive feel, while Huawei Band 8 has a sleek and minimalist design. Huawei Band 7 offers more color choices, including green, red, black, and pink. On the other hand, Huawei Band 8 comes in green, black, and pink, excluding the red color option.
Battery Life
Both bands offer impressive battery life, capable of lasting up to two weeks with regular usage. There is no significant difference in battery performance between Huawei Band 7 and Huawei Band 8.
Conclusion: Huawei Band 8 vs Huawei Band 7
The Huawei Band 8 brings some incremental improvements over its predecessor, the Huawei Band 7. Changes include a slightly thinner and lighter design, sharper display text, a new strap connection system, enhanced software features, and improved customization options.
However, certain expected updates, such as automatic brightness adjustment and the ability to start sports and utilize GPS directly from the smartwatch, were not implemented in the Huawei Band 8.
Considering these factors, users may opt for the Huawei Band 7 if it offers a significant cost advantage. Ultimately, personal preferences, including design and specific feature requirements, should guide the decision-making process for potential buyers.
