Huawei Unveils New Smartwatches: Watch 5 and Watch Fit 4 Pro

Huawei has introduced two new smartwatches, the Watch 5 and the Watch Fit 4 Pro, in a launch event held in Berlin. The Watch 5 is designed for users who are keen on tracking a wide range of health metrics, while the Watch Fit 4 Pro caters to fitness enthusiasts.

The Watch 5 comes in two sizes, 42mm and 46mm. The smaller version features a stainless steel case, whereas the larger model is encased in titanium. Both models are protected by curved sapphire glass and boast an OLED display that offers up to 3000 cd/m² brightness. The design is consistent across both sizes, featuring a round display, a rotating crown on the upper right, and an additional button on the lower right.

A standout feature of the Watch 5 is the newly integrated X-Tap sensor, which allows users to take three measurements simultaneously at the fingertip. This 3-in-1 sensor is capable of generating an electrocardiogram (ECG), conducting photoplethysmography (PPG) to measure blood vessel volume changes, and detecting ten levels of pressure. This advanced technology promises to deliver more accurate and rapid readings by simply placing a finger on the sensor. Huawei refers to this capability as the Health Tap, which complements the continuous monitoring provided by the sensors on the watch's underside.

In terms of battery life, the Watch 5 is said to last up to three days in standard mode for the 42mm version and four and a half days for the 46mm model. With the always-on display feature, the battery life decreases to two days for the smaller model and three days for the larger one. In ultra power-saving mode, users can expect up to seven days for the smaller and eleven days for the larger variant. Additionally, the Watch 5 supports mobile connectivity through eSIM technology.

For those who lean towards sports, Huawei has launched the Watch Fit 4 Pro, which the company compares to the Apple Watch Ultra in terms of functionality and design. The Watch Fit 4 Pro features a rectangular shape, which gives it a distinctive appearance. It is notably slimmer at 9.3mm compared to the Apple Watch Ultra's 14.4mm, and it weighs around 30 grams due to its titanium alloy casing. The display is slightly smaller at 1.82 inches, yet both watches claim a maximum brightness of 3000 cd/m².

This smartwatch supports numerous sports modes, including diving and golf, and is built to handle rigorous physical activities without facing battery challenges. The manufacturer claims that users can achieve up to one week of regular usage and a maximum of ten days without needing to recharge.

For those looking for a more affordable option, the Watch Fit 4 is also available. It comes with fewer features and a more understated design while still providing a battery life of up to one week under normal usage conditions, similar to the Pro version. The Watch Fit 4 is lightweight at 27 grams and has a case thickness of 9.5mm. Its 1.82-inch OLED display has a brightness capability of up to 2000 cd/m².

To set up the Huawei watches, users need to download the appropriate app. However, due to the US embargo on Huawei, this app is not listed in the Google Play Store and must be sideloaded manually. A QR code included in the packaging directs users to the download link, but it requires enabling external APK sources on their smartphones, which may pose potential security risks. Users are advised to close this vulnerability after installation to mitigate the risk of malware. The Huawei watches are compatible with Android, iOS, and Huawei's EMUI system.

The pricing for the Huawei Watch 5 ranges from EUR449 to EUR649, depending on the size and model selected. The Watch Fit 4 Pro is priced at EUR279, while the standard Watch Fit 4 is available for EUR169.