Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro, the manufacturer, has presented the first smartwatch from the premium category, although this only applies to the materials used for the time being. But something is happening there.
After the two popular and successful models, the Watch GT 2 and Watch GT 2e, Huawei has launched the Watch GT 2 Pro. Although the watches are always referred to as smartwatches, the devices are actually just excellent fitness trackers.
After all, it was not possible to install third-party apps on any of the models, which would be one of the essential features of a smartwatch. But there are indications that some things could change in this regard very soon. More on that later.
With the Huawei Watch GT 2, the Chinese manufacturer has presented the latest version of the popular fitness watch. Compared to its predecessor, the training functions of the current model have been expanded a little, and the watch has been made a little smarter with additional smart features.
The first Watch GT was a real box-office hit for Huawei, and so the proven concept was continued with the 2-series model and improved a little with some interesting additional functions.
The previous model was often referred to as a smartwatch, but the Watch GT turned out to be a fitness tracker on closer inspection. And despite some improvements, that seems to be the case with the Huawei Watch GT 2.
The comparison clearly shows that the two models are very similar in terms of technical specifications. Check out Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro vs Huawei Watch GT 2
General
| GT 2 Pro | GT 2 | |
| $ | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
| Brand | Huawei | Huawei |
| Model | GT 2 Pro | GT 2 |
| Release date | Sep 2020 | Sep 2019 |
| Shape | Circular, Flat Dial Design | Circular, Curved Dial Design |
| OS | Huawei Lite OS | Proprietary OS |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2, VO2max | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass |
| Display | AMOLED | OLED |
| Compatibility | Android, iOS | Android v4.4, iOS |
| Colors | Night Black, Nebula Gray | Titanium Grey Stainless Steel, Black Stainless Steel, Stainless Steel |
Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro
Titanium, steel, ceramic, and sapphire are the ingredients from which the new GT 2 Pro was made. And it is precisely these high-quality materials that define and emphasize the premium character of the new model.
There are attributes such as simple elegance or clear design that come to mind when you look at the watch. And the smartwatch actually makes a very classy impression without being unsuitable for fitness and sport.
The watch case itself is made of titanium and stainless steel. Ceramic was used for the back, and a sapphire crystal protects the display. The model is available in the colors Night Black (Sport Edition) with a silicone strap or Nebula Gray (Classic Edition) with a leather strap.
The touch-sensitive AMOLED display shows a crystal clear resolution with vibrant colors, and everything is still easy to read even in direct sunlight. The brightness of the display can be regulated in five levels, and the Always-on function can also be activated if desired. But since the activation of the clock by gesture works very well, I did without the AoD.
As mentioned above, the display is protected by a sapphire crystal, which should normally be sufficient against scratches or other damage.
Huawei Watch GT 2
The Huawei Watch GT 2 is also available in two sizes (46mm and 42mm) and different design versions (Sport, Classic, Elegant). In terms of technical and functional equipment, however, the devices are all the same.
There is absolutely nothing to criticize about the materials used and their processing. The watch makes a high-quality impression, and even if the larger version seems quite bulky, the watch is very comfortable to wear.
In addition, bracelets made of silicone, leather, and metal are offered, easily exchanged using a quick-release fastener. The models were equipped with a 1.4 inch or 1.2 inch AMOLED display, which impresses with a crystal clear resolution and brilliant colors. Of course, the display is touch-sensitive, so the watch is mainly operated using touch and swiping gestures.
In addition, there are two buttons on the side with which you can easily access the app menu and the sports functions. Overall, the Huawei WatchGT 2 is a very chic watch that knows how to inspire its design.
Technical Specifications
| GT 2 Pro | GT 2 | |
| Display Resolution | 454 x 454 pixels | 454 x 454 pixels |
| Dimension | 46.7 x 46.7 x 11.4 mm | 45.9 x 45.9 x 10.7 mm |
| Touchscreen | Capacitive Touchscreen | Capacitive Touchscreen |
| Water Resistant | 50m water resistant | 50m water resistant |
| Water Resistance Depth | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Weight | 52 grams | 41 grams |
Activity Monitoring
| GT 2 Pro | GT 2 | |
| Pedometer | Yes | Yes |
| Calories Count | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Yes | Yes |
| Compass | Yes | No |
| Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Alarm Clock | Yes | Yes |
| Chronograph | Yes | Yes |
| Date & Time Display | Yes | Yes |
| Language | English | English |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes |
Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro
The previous models and the current Watch GT 2 Pro are often referred to as smartwatches. In fact, the models are more like smart fitness trackers.
The watch delivers notifications of incoming calls, messages, and upcoming appointments. Telephone calls can even be made directly via the watch in surprisingly good quality.
In addition, there is also a music player function that is also compatible with streaming services such as Spotify and Deezer.
Other apps such as weather, contacts, compass, flashlight, or a phone search function make the Huawei watch a useful assistant in everyday life.
However, the installation of apps or watch faces from third-party providers has not yet been possible. But that seems to be changing now.
On the one hand, an update is currently being played out (as of October 2020) that will make it possible to buy paid display designs in addition to the free watch faces that are already available.
Huawei Watch GT 2
There are also a few new features in activity tracking. In addition to the usual step counting and calorie consumption, the daily stress load is also measured, which is supposed to be alleviated by special breathing training.
The already quite extensive sleep monitoring in the previous model has been improved with measuring the breathing rate in the new model.
When it comes to sports, they have teamed up with Firstbeat, the leading manufacturer of physiological analysis for sports and fitness, and equipped the Huawei Watch GT 2 with some interesting training functions.
Like many other sports watches, the GT 2 determines the VO2max, optimally determining the current fitness level. In addition, data on training intensity and training effect are provided.
Based on these values, the watch calculates how long the optimal recovery time should take before the next training session and how effective the training is.
In addition, 10 different running training sessions are available, which can be started via the clock and guide the user using voice guidance.
Even with the first Huawei Watch, numerous user reports confirmed the high accuracy of the pulse measurement and the GPS. Since a current version of this technology is used in the new Watch GT 2 with Huawei TruSeen 3.5, the heart rate measurement and distance measurement are also very accurate with this model.
Connectivity Features
| GT 2 Pro | GT 2 | |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Yes, with GLONASS, GALILEO | Yes, with GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Mobile Payment | Fitbit Pay | Garmin Pay |
| Battery | Li-Ion 455 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 455 mAh, non-removable |
| Battery backup | Up to 14 days | Up to 14 days |
| Charging port | Proprietary charging cable | Proprietary charging cable |
Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro
The phenomenal battery life was already one of the best features of the previous models, so Huawei also promises a battery life of up to 14 days for the Watch GT 2 Pro.
Since we already knew from the Huawei Band 4 Pro and the Huawei Watch Fit that the manufacturer’s specifications are usually approximately achieved in practice. Of course, the battery life depends on how much the watch is used. As an example for a runtime of 10 days, Huawei shows the following scenario.
Huawei Watch GT 2
The strong battery was already a prominent feature of the predecessor, and that also applies to the new Watch GT 2. Again a 420 mAh battery was installed, whereby the larger version is said to have had an even stronger battery.
The manufacturer promises a runtime of 7 days (42 mm) and 14 days (46 mm) for typical use. But we can well imagine that if the always-on display is activated, frequent use in sports (GPS), and permanent news reception, the battery life will be shorter after all.
But even if the battery in the large model were to last for “only” 10 days, that would still be an excellent value that many other fitness trackers or smartwatches do not even come close to. The Huawei Watch GT 2 is charged with the included charging cradle, and a full battery should be reached within two hours at the latest.
Conclusion!
The Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro is a careful further development of the previous models. Paid particular attention to the design, where the premium character of the watch is to be emphasized by using the highest quality materials.
And that was also successful. The watch convinced me with its elegance, although I never had the feeling that the Watch GT 2 Pro was therefore unsuitable for sporting activities.
In addition to the excellent display and the long battery life, I particularly like the detailed training analysis and the new route back function. It shows that the Huawei Watch is still primarily about sports and fitness.
Of course, the model has to get smarter to really deserve the name Smartwatch, but as current developments show, Huawei seems to be on the right track.
In principle, the same applies to the Huawei Watch GT 2, as was already said about its predecessor. At first glance, the watch gives the impression of being a smartwatch. But some features are missing. The installation of third-party apps, an LTE or WLAN connection, or voice control are not offered.
And so the Huawei Watch GT 2 is “only” a fitness tracker, but a perfect one. A successful design, an excellent display, a powerful battery, and a perfect range of functions make the watch a beautiful companion in everyday life and a useful trainer for the amateur athlete.
