The Huawei Watch GT 4 aims to combine design, health, and fitness aspects in a single device. In our comprehensive review, we delve into whether this device is more than just a stylish accessory, examining its capabilities as a truly impressive smartwatch. Discover a meticulously crafted timepiece that not only boasts enhanced features and precision but also stands out with an extended battery life.
The device isn’t available in the US or the UK due to various sanctions and sales bans, but the majority of the rest of the world can get their hands on it.
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Design & Display
Similar to its predecessor, the Watch GT 4 is available in two case sizes: the familiar 46mm version and a newly introduced 41mm version for those favouring a more compact profile.
I had the opportunity to test the 46mm variant, featuring a sleek silver metal case and bezel paired with a polymer case back. Opting for the green fabric band, ideal for my preferred exercise, swimming, I explored one of the four available versions for the 46mm GT 4 (compared to three for the 41mm option). The steel version, as pictured, also offers a metal link bracelet strap, adjustable with additional links.
Weighing in at 48g (excluding the strap) and with a thickness of 10.9mm, the 46mm GT 4 is slightly heavier and only marginally slimmer than its Watch GT 3 counterpart (42g). Despite this, it maintains a well-balanced feel on the wrist, avoiding any cumbersome bulkiness.
In terms of aesthetics, the GT 4 leans towards the Watch GT 3 Pro rather than the GT 3, adopting a more traditional watch design. This shift towards classic aspirations in design will appeal to those seeking a timeless look.
Control-wise, Huawei retains the twisting crown at the top and a flat physical button on the right-hand side of the case. The 1.43-inch 466 x 466 AMOLED touchscreen mirrors the display of the GT 3, maintaining responsiveness to swipes, taps, and presses. The vibrant screen with rich colors, good viewing angles, and the ability to stay on at all times reflects Huawei’s commitment to impressive displays, even though it lacks the LTPO display technology featured in the Watch 4 Pro.
The GT 4 maintains its waterproofing capabilities, suitable for pool and open water swimming up to 50 meters depth. However, it doesn’t carry the diving-proof credentials found in the Watch 4 Pro and the Watch Ultimate.
Software and Performance
Powering the GT 4 is the latest iteration of Huawei’s HarmonyOS, benefiting from the user interface enhancements showcased on the Watch 4 Pro. Notably, the ability to customize cards/screens with frequently used apps is a welcome change, alongside dedicated cards for health monitoring and sports tracking modes.
While these interface updates, akin to the Watch 4 Pro, may not revolutionize how users navigate the GT 4, they do streamline access to desired features, reducing the need for frequent scrolling through the main app screen.
The fundamental smartwatch experience closely resembles that of the GT 3. Users can receive notifications from paired iOS and Android devices, alter watch faces, and download additional faces through the Huawei Health app. Although lacking eSim functionality present in the Watch 4 Pro, the GT 4 enables Bluetooth calls within a range of up to 100 metres from the paired phone.
Featuring Huawei’s Celia smart assistant, music playback controls, and a music player for Android users, the GT 4 also provides access to the Huawei AppGallery store through the companion app. While app synchronization is swift, the AppGallery’s selection hasn’t evolved significantly, still lacking prominent apps.
Aesthetically and in terms of user-friendliness, HarmonyOS on the GT 4 performs well and offers a pleasant operating system experience. However, some aspects still feel less mature than expected. Features like the music player, payment and app support, and to a lesser extent, smart assistant integration, fall short compared to the seamless experiences provided by Apple and Samsung.
While notification support, message replies, weather updates, and overall system responsiveness remain robust, the GT 4 doesn’t represent a significant leap from the GT 3 in terms of user experience.
Fitness Tracking and Features
When compared to many other Android-friendly smartwatches, including those from Samsung, the Huawei Watch GT 4 stands out with a robust set of features and commendable tracking accuracy. Huawei appears to have prioritized enhancing tracking precision and providing better motivation for regular physical activity.
In terms of fitness tracking, the GT 4 mirrors the Watch 4 Pro by introducing new activity rings aligned with World Health Organization recommendations. Additionally, it introduces 3D medals that users can inspect and interact with onscreen, earned by completing challenges such as consecutively closing activity rings for seven days or completing a first 5km run.
The GT 4 excels in sleep tracking, displaying sleep scores, breaking down sleep stages on the watch, and even capturing naps. In comparison to other reliable watches, sleep times, durations, scores, and the registration of REM sleep stages were notably similar, showcasing solid overall sleep data.
To enhance sports tracking, Huawei upgraded key features, implementing its new TruSeen 5.5+ heart rate monitoring algorithm. This promises improved accuracy for activities like running, faster blood oxygen readings, and enhanced heart rate performance in colder conditions. Notably, while lacking the ECG sensor found in the Huawei Watch 4 Pro or the Watch GT 3 Pro, the GT 4 stands out as one of the best smartwatches for accurately measuring heart rate, especially during swimming, compared to many more expensive specialized units.
Battery
The battery performance of the GT 4 remains consistent with its predecessor, the GT 3, particularly in the case of the 46mm model I tested. Huawei pledges up to 14 days of battery life, a claim it fulfils as long as you refrain from frequent use of features like GPS-based workout tracking, all available continuous health monitoring modes, and a combination of the always-on display mode and raise-to-wake gesture support.
In practical terms, I observed a daily battery drop of around 10%, translating to a commendable 10 days of use. This underscores Huawei’s ability to design smartwatches that reliably last for at least a week. To provide context, the Huawei Watch 4 Pro managed approximately 4.5 to 5 days on a single charge.
Under more intensive usage, the GT 4 still impressively delivers a solid week of battery life. Although Huawei doesn’t explicitly specify GPS battery metrics, based on my experience, it aligns with the GT 3, averaging around 10-15 hours. During an hour of outdoor running, the battery decreased by just under 10%, indicating that while it may not be a GPS battery powerhouse, it provides sufficient power for extensive position tracking throughout the week.
Conclusion
The Huawei Watch GT 4 excels in numerous aspects, making it a standout choice for those seeking an elegant smartwatch with a classic aesthetic that doesn’t break the bank. Boasting a captivating design and sturdy build, this device catches the eye, complemented by a vibrant OLED display that remains easily readable even under sunlight.
Impressively, the Watch GT 4 offers an extensive array of sport modes, accompanied by a comprehensive Health app on your smartphone. Beyond fitness tracking, it monitors sleep, blood sugar, pulse, and more, showcasing its versatility. The user experience is seamless, thanks to the precise crown, and Harmony OS 4.0 adds a layer of sophistication, although the limited app selection is a drawback compared to competitors. Unfortunately, users relying on other health or fitness applications may face compatibility issues.
The GPS accuracy has improved from its predecessor, and NFC is now included, although the inability to use it for cashless payments is a letdown. Additionally, LTE support is absent. Despite these drawbacks, the Huawei Watch GT 4 remains a formidable smartwatch without significant weaknesses.
Priced at R6,999, with occasional sales dropping it to R5,500, it offers excellent value even at its recommended price. The seamless integration of high-quality materials, advanced technology, and software features into an appealing design is a testament to Huawei’s expertise. Observing this achievement, one can only hope that the company will reclaim a leading role in the smartphone industry in the future.
