Three weeks into using the Huawei Watch GT 4 Pro, and I have a serious love-hate relationship with this thing. On the one hand, it’s a stunning piece of hardware, a genuine head-turner that’s gotten me compliments at the gym, the grocery store, and even at my stuffy work meetings. On the other, well, let’s just say it’s not all sunshine and roses. But let’s dive in, shall we?
First, the aesthetics. Huawei absolutely nailed the design. The model I have, with the titanium case and the green fluoroelastomer strap, is just gorgeous. It feels premium, it looks premium, and it makes me feel premium, even when I’m just shuffling around in my sweatpants on a Saturday morning. The rotating crown is a joy to use, offering precise navigation through the menus. The 1.43-inch AMOLED display is vibrant and bright, easily readable even in direct sunlight, which is crucial when you’re out for a run or cycling. The resolution is fantastic; everything looks crisp and clear. The variety of watch faces is impressive, too. You can customize them to your heart’s content, and I’ve spent a shameful amount of time tweaking them to match my outfit or mood.
The fitness tracking capabilities are where the Watch GT 4 Pro really shines. I’m a runner, and I’ve found the GPS accuracy to be excellent. It locks on quickly, and the data it provides – distance, pace, heart rate, cadence, stride length – is spot-on. The TruSeen 5.5+ heart rate sensor seems incredibly accurate, even during high-intensity workouts. I’ve compared it to my chest strap, and the readings are consistently within a few beats per minute. The watch also tracks a multitude of other activities, from swimming (it’s water-resistant to 5 ATM, which means it’s safe for shallow-water activities like swimming) to cycling to even more niche activities like skiing and e-sports.
Sleep tracking is another strong point. The Watch GT 4 Pro provides detailed information about your sleep stages – deep sleep, light sleep, REM sleep, and awake time – along with insightful analysis and recommendations for improvement. I’ve found it to be surprisingly accurate, and it has actually helped me identify patterns in my sleep that I wasn’t aware of. The watch also monitors blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), stress levels, and even skin temperature, providing a comprehensive overview of your overall health.
Now, for the not-so-great aspects. The biggest drawback, at least for me, is the operating system. It’s Huawei’s own HarmonyOS, and while it’s smooth and responsive, the app selection is limited compared to Wear OS watches. You won’t find popular apps like Spotify or Google Maps directly on the watch. You can control music playback from your phone, but it’s not the same as having native apps. This is something I have found frustrating, especially when I’m out for a run and don’t want to carry my phone.
Another minor annoyance is the lack of NFC for Google Pay. While the Watch GT 4 Pro supports Huawei’s own payment system (Huawei Pay), it’s not nearly as widely accepted as Google Pay. This means I can’t use the watch to make contactless payments at most stores, which is a feature I’ve come to rely on.
The battery life is pretty impressive, though. Huawei claims up to 14 days of typical use, and I’ve found that to be reasonably accurate. With heavy use, including GPS tracking and frequent notifications, I still get around a week, which is significantly better than most smartwatches on the market. The wireless charging is convenient, and the watch charges quickly.
Price-wise, the Huawei Watch GT 4 Pro is in the premium smartwatch category. The price varies depending on the configuration (case material and strap type), but you can expect to pay around $499 for the titanium version with a fluoroelastomer strap, which is the one I have. I bought mine from Best Buy, but you can also find it at other retailers like Amazon and directly from Huawei’s website. Before you buy, consider your needs. If you’re heavily invested in the Google ecosystem and rely on Google apps, this might not be the watch for you. If, however, you prioritize design, fitness tracking, and exceptional battery life, the Watch GT 4 Pro is definitely worth considering.
Shopping Considerations:
- Ecosystem Compatibility: This is a crucial factor. If you’re heavily invested in Google services (Gmail, Google Maps, Google Pay), the limited app selection on HarmonyOS could be a dealbreaker. Consider your daily app usage and whether you can live without the apps you use the most.
- Design Preference: Do you prefer a sleek and sophisticated design? The Watch GT 4 Pro excels in this area. If you prefer a more rugged or sporty look, you might want to explore other options.
- Fitness Needs: If you’re a serious athlete, the accurate GPS and comprehensive fitness tracking features of the Watch GT 4 Pro are a major advantage. If you’re a casual user, you’ll still appreciate the data, but the advanced features might be overkill.
- Payment Preferences: If you rely on contactless payments, the lack of Google Pay support is a significant drawback. Consider whether you can live with Huawei Pay or other payment methods.
- Battery Life Requirements: If you hate charging your devices frequently, the Watch GT 4 Pro’s exceptional battery life is a huge plus.
- Retailer Reputation: Buy from a reputable retailer with a good return policy. This is particularly important if you’re unsure whether the watch is the right fit for you. Best Buy, Amazon, and Huawei’s website are all reliable options.
FAQ:
Q: Is the Huawei Watch GT 4 Pro waterproof?
A: Yes, it’s water-resistant to 5 ATM, which means it can withstand shallow-water activities like swimming. However, it’s not suitable for scuba diving or high-velocity water sports.
Q: Does the watch support phone calls?
A: Yes, the Watch GT 4 Pro has a built-in microphone and speaker, allowing you to answer and make calls via Bluetooth when connected to your phone.
Q: Can I download apps on the watch?
A: Yes, you can download apps from the Huawei AppGallery, but the selection is limited compared to Wear OS.
Q: Does the watch have GPS?
A: Yes, it has built-in GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, and QZSS for accurate location tracking.
Q: Does the watch support NFC?
A: Yes, but only for Huawei Pay. It does not support Google Pay.
Q: What is the battery life like?
A: Huawei claims up to 14 days of typical use. With heavy use, you can expect around a week.
Q: What strap options are available?
A: The Watch GT 4 Pro comes with various strap options, including fluoroelastomer, leather, and titanium bracelets.
Q: Where can I buy the Huawei Watch GT 4 Pro?
A: You can buy it from retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Huawei’s official website.
Q: Is the watch compatible with iOS?
A: Yes, the watch is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
Q: Does the watch track sleep?
A: Yes, it offers detailed sleep tracking, including sleep stages and analysis.