Over the past three months, we’ve had the opportunity to wear both the HUAWEI Watch Ultimate and the HUAWEI Watch GT 5, and they stand out as some of the most impressive smartwatches we’ve experienced. As Christmas approaches, these devices could make excellent gift options for your loved ones.
Design and Build
Key Highlights:
- Sophisticated craftsmanship
- Ideal choice for professionals
- Comes with versatile accessories
The HUAWEI Watch Ultimate sits at the top of the brand’s smartwatch lineup, making it the ultimate pick for business professionals, those who appreciate classic luxury paired with modern technology, or individuals who enjoy exploring the great outdoors.
During my time wearing the Ultimate, it consistently attracted attention and sparked conversations. Its case is crafted from zirconium-based Liquid Metal, which is 4.5 times stronger than stainless steel and 17% lighter. The bezel is made from nano-microcrystalline ceramic, while the additional titanium strap included in the box further elevates its premium feel.
The package also includes three additional straps: a Rubber Strap, a Diver Strap, and a Woven Strap. These options cater to different scenarios—be it formal events, active sports, or diving adventures. The titanium strap is ideal for formal occasions, while the woven strap works well for light sports or social gatherings, thanks to its stylish yet sweat-resistant design. The rubber strap is better suited for intense sports like tennis, and the Diver Strap, with its extended length, is perfect for diving activities.
Switching between straps is simple, thanks to a convenient clasp mechanism. Paired with a wide variety of customizable watch faces, the HUAWEI Watch Ultimate adapts seamlessly to any occasion. It combines elegance and versatility in a way that traditional mechanical watches can’t match.
If you’re looking for the ultimate experience, pairing the HUAWEI Watch Ultimate with the recently launched HUAWEI Mate X6 smartphone could provide a top-notch tech duo.
HUAWEI Watch GT 5
Key Highlights:
- Stylish and well-balanced design
- Lightweight yet powerful
- Versatile everyday performance
The HUAWEI Watch GT5 offers a more balanced option with its sleek design and thinner profile. Its case is constructed from stainless steel and features a mix of frosted and polished surfaces, adding a touch of refinement. The smartwatch includes physical buttons for navigating features, ensuring nothing essential is missing.
The watch comes with a single strap made from a rubber and fabric mix, offering both durability and a sophisticated look. For those seeking more variety, third-party straps can be purchased. Weighing about a third less than the Ultimate, the GT 5 feels noticeably lighter and is ideal for sports tracking and everyday use. Its lighter build makes it a perfect choice for active individuals.
Available in two sizes, 46mm and 41mm, the GT 5 offers options for both men and women. The 41mm version features a more rounded and sleek design, making it suitable for smaller wrists and possibly appealing as a family smartwatch.
While both the Ultimate and the GT 5 have their strengths, the lighter GT 5 is better suited to day-to-day activities. However, for business professionals or those attending formal events, the Ultimate remains the superior choice.
Features
HUAWEI Watch Ultimate
- Golf Mode:
The Ultimate is one of the few conventional-looking smartwatches to feature a dedicated Golf Mode. It tracks advanced metrics such as swing speed, swing tempo, backswing time, and downswing time. Additionally, it allows you to download golf course maps to improve your performance on the course. - 100m Diving Mode:
Designed for diving enthusiasts, the 100-meter diving mode offers specialized options, including no-decompression time suggestions. This is the first smartwatch to offer such a feature, making it a go-to choice for divers. Its three crowns provide easy navigation underwater, addressing the challenge of using a touchscreen in aquatic environments. - Health Tracking:
The Ultimate excels in health tracking, offering features like step counts, heart rate monitoring, and sleep analysis. Its built-in ECG functionality is approved in multiple countries and helps detect irregular heart rhythms, offering potentially life-saving insights. - Expedition Mode:
This mode uses dual-band, five-system GNSS for accurate positioning, even in remote areas. Offline maps and route-back navigation ensure you can find your way even without a GPS signal, making it perfect for outdoor adventurers. - Ultra-Long Battery Life:
With up to 14 days of battery life, the Ultimate eliminates the frequent charging woes common in many wearables. Even with the Always-On Display (AOD) activated, it can last up to four days, making it ideal for frequent travelers and busy professionals.
HUAWEI Watch GT 5
The GT 5 retains many of the core features of the Ultimate while maintaining a lighter and more affordable design.
- TruSense System:
This advanced health monitoring system delivers accurate readings for daily activities, and its lightweight build makes it comfortable to wear even while sleeping. - Fitness Tracking:
With IP69K waterproofing, the GT 5 is ready for various fitness activities, including swimming. Its single strap is versatile enough for workouts and casual wear. - Super-Long Battery Life:
The GT 5 boasts up to 14 days of battery life, making it an excellent option for users who prefer long-lasting performance. In our experience, it consistently lasted over a week on a single charge.
For those seeking more advanced features like ECG, Golf Mode, and diving capabilities, the upcoming GT 5 Pro may be worth considering. It combines a lightweight build with high-end functionalities, bridging the gap between the GT 5 and the Ultimate.
Verdict
After three months of use, both the HUAWEI Watch Ultimate and GT 5 have proven impressive in their own ways. The Ultimate offers a luxurious design with high-end materials and advanced features, making it perfect for business professionals or formal events. Meanwhile, the GT 5 provides a lightweight and versatile alternative for those who prioritize comfort and everyday functionality.
With Christmas just around the corner, both watches make excellent gifts for yourself or loved ones. They are packed with features and come with festive offers, ensuring you’ll find the perfect wearable for the holiday season.
