Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro evaluation: Luxuriously restricting

Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro

MSRP $54000

“The Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro is a really elegant smartwatch loaded with tested, trusted physical fitness innovation, however it’s missing out on that something unique, and the platform does not have large appeal.”

Pros

Choice of size and style
Luxury products
At least a week’s battery life
Fast and precise GPS
Comprehensive activity tracking and app

Cons

Some functions are Huawei-only
ECG function is not prepared
No neutral style for the 43 mm design
Very restricted app assistance

The Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro is a brand-new item, however its functions make it a little bit of a “biggest hits” design in Huawei’s smartwatch variety. It’s not dramatically various from the Watch GT 3 in regards to innovation, it has styling that returns the Watch GT 2 Pro, and it takes plenty from the Watch GT 2 Porsche Design smartwatch too. Plus, it has the brand-new health tech that made the Watch GT Runner unique.

Can absorbing the very best of previous designs make this a really terrific smartwatch, and can the high-end style offset the restrictions of HarmonyOS?

Design

We are focusing on the 46 mm Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro Titanium for our evaluation, however likewise discuss the smaller sized 43 mm Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro Ceramic, which is likewise imagined. The style, screen size, and battery capability different the 2 designs.

Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro Elite's titanium bracelet and screen on a wrist. — Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

The Watch GT 3 Pro deserts the open lug style of the Watch GT 3 and embraces the strong, integrated lug style drawn from the Watch GT 2 Pro and Porsche Design designs. The shapes and shapes utilized are really comparable to the Porsche Design Watch GT 2, right to the kind of clasp and its style. Even using titanium for the case and the bracelet remember the Porsche Design variation.

The integrated lugs make the 46 mm Watch GT 3 Pro appearance and use like a huge watch. Put it along with the G-Shock MTG-B1000, and there’s little to compare them. It is likewise substantially bigger than my 43 mm Oris Aquis GMT. I have a 6.5-inch wrist, and as you can see in the images, the lugs reach its edge.

The titanium bracelet on this leading design makes the smartwatch light-weight for an all-metal style at 97 grams, and although it’s cool versus the skin, it has actually captured on my arm hair on a regular basis. It’s likewise not the very best option for using over night, or to keep the heart rate sensing unit tight versus your wrist either. The quick-release technique for changing its length was more of a discomfort than on the old Porsche Design Watch GT 2 Pro, which likewise shared the exact same system. If you do not desire the titanium bracelet, the watch is likewise readily available with a leather or a silicone strap.

On the front is a sharp, brilliant, and vibrant 1.43- inch AMOLED screen with a 466 x 466- pixel resolution. It’s an attractive smartwatch, and the products utilized– titanium for the case, ceramic on the case back, and sapphire crystal over the screen– indicate it’s up there with some high-end conventional watches, however you can’t get away from how big it is and the declaration it makes on your wrist.

The Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro Ceramic's screen on a wrist. — Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

Huawei likewise has a smaller sized 43 mm variation of the Watch GT 3 Pro, which it states is created for ladies, and sure enough, there’s a scalloped bezel and some silver or gold accents rather of the difficult, sharp lines of the 46 mm design. It has a 1.32- inch screen, however it’s considerably various in design. The uncommon all-ceramic case and great bracelet style truly set it apart from other smartwatches. Ceramic is hardwearing, skin-friendly, and perfectly smooth and warm, making it perfect for usage on watches.

The ceramic bracelet looks beautiful. Each link has a sleek shine, the strong lugs are compact and subtle, and the butterfly clasp is not just aesthetically perfect, however it feels strong and high quality when you lock and open it. I might do without the gold accents– I believe they lower it a little– however otherwise the 43 mm ceramic Watch GT 3 Pro is the better-proportioned, more elegant of the 2 designs.

It’s an embarassment there isn’t a 43 mm Watch GT 3 Pro with a more neutral style. The size is better suited for my wrist, and I think it will be for others, too. I choose it over the 46 mm design, which, in spite of the lovely products, is simply too huge.

Sensors and physical fitness

What makes the Watch GT 3 Pro pro? The greatest modification originates from the heart rate sensing unit, which has actually been updated to include 8 photodiodes and utilizes the TruSeen 5.0+ system with enhanced heart rate keeping an eye on that we just recently saw on the Watch GT Runner. It likewise utilizes the very same onboard AI software application to assist tidy up the signal when determining heart rate in tight spots.

The Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro. — Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

Huawei states the golf exercise mode now has a swing measurement function, and there’s a freediving mode that runs in 30 meters of open water. Numerous of the watch deals with will dynamically alter in between night and day, and these are solely for the Watch GT 3 Pro. Otherwise, it likewise has the dual-band, five-system GPS seen on the GT Runner, Bluetooth calling, music control, IP68 and 5ATM water resistance, and as much as 14 days battery life for the 46 mm design and 7 days for the smaller sized 43 mm smartwatch.

Wondering where the unique function is? It’s missing out on in action. It must have the ability to take an Electrocardiogram (ECG), however this is not readily available on worldwide Watch GT 3 Pro designs due to the function not yet being authorized by regulators in Europe. Huawei could not supply a concept of when that would take place, however stated it wished for approval to come this year.

The Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro Ceramic. — Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

The Watch GT 3 Pro brings what made the Watch GT Runner intriguing into a less stylish style, however it’s doubtful whether this makes it genuinely “Pro.” It’s likewise no various in operation from the GT Runner or the Watch GT 3, so if you own either of these, the GT 3 Pro must not be thought about an upgrade. If you looked at either of these in the past and dismissed them, do not anticipate the Watch GT 3 Pro to alter your mind.

Software

The Watch GT 3 Pro includes HarmonyOS 2.1, and I’ve been utilizing it linked to an iPhone 13 Pro To utilize the smartwatch, you require to download Huawei Health, which originates from the App Store on iOS, or through the individually downloaded Huawei App Gallery on Android. It’s the exact same procedure as on the Watch GT 3 and is rather verbose on Android, however a little much easier on the iPhone and simpler still if you link to a Huawei phone. My Watch GT 3 Pro needed a software application upgrade of about 400 MB, and it took a whole early morning to finish.

HarmonyOS looks terrific. It runs like a mix of WearOS and WatchOS, with a primary menu that can be a grid or a list, plus a slide-down fast settings menu and a notice list that takes a swipe as much as gain access to. The crown on the side of the watch can be utilized to scroll through lists, and the lower button opens the exercise mode by default. It’s all extremely quick and really smooth.

If you do not utilize a Huawei phone, you do lose some functions. Notices are interactive if you own a Huawei phone, however are restricted to simply text on iOS, where they did dependably get here. There’s no Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa voice assistant assistance and Huawei’s Celia needs a Huawei phone to work. You can’t utilize Google Maps, however Huawei’s good Petal Maps exists, and if you utilize an iPhone, then third-party apps aren’t readily available.

You require to be familiar with its restrictions app-wise, and when not utilizing it with a Huawei phone.

The absence of extra apps is an issue on the physical fitness side too, as there’s no assistance for platforms like Strava or Google Fit, or music apps like Spotify. This minimized performance can make the Watch GT 3 Pro feel a little like a really well made physical fitness tracker instead of a smartwatch. The absence of these apps will not impact everybody, simply as long as you understand what you’re getting prior to purchasing.

HarmonyOS itself can’t match the terrific simpleness and power of WatchOS, however it’s more pleasant and sensible to utilize than WearOS. You require to be knowledgeable about its constraints app-wise, and when not utilizing it with a Huawei phone.

Activity tracking

The activity-tracking functions correspond those provided on the Huawei Watch GT Runner. There are more than 100 various activities to track, accessed with a press of the lower button on the case. I tracked a number of activities with the Watch GT 3 Pro and compared it to the Apple Watch Series 7 It obtains a GPS signal rapidly and an interactive map is displayed in the app, in addition to all your exercise information. The screen reveals range, heart rate, and rate throughout exercises in a big, simple to check out typeface.

The 2 smartwatches settle on range, typical speed, and active calorie burn. The heart rate sensing unit did tape-record a somewhat lower number than the Apple Watch, and I put this to the Watch GT 3 Pro’s titanium bracelet not holding the smartwatch versus my skin. Otherwise, the shared outcomes recommend each is precise. The Health app is rational and cool, although there is a great deal of information to sort through and it can get a little frustrating.

Huawei’s Healthy Living Shamrock(yes, that actually is its name) is Huawei’s variation of Apple’s ring-based system for tracking everyday development. There are numerous various inspirational strategies to select from, consisting of relaxation, activity, and reducing weight. Satisfy your objectives and each “shamrock leaf” will be filled out. It’s rather uncommon, and I value how it is doing something various, however it’s not as uncomplicated or as easy as a ring-based system. It’s all optional though, so you do not need to utilize it.

When examined as a standalone system, the Watch GT 3 Pro is an outstanding exercise partner, assisted by the huge, clear screen and its sharp text, plus a huge series of exercise modes from the normal (strolling and running) to the extremely uncommon (freediving). Huawei Health runs in its own little bubble, which is essential to comprehend if you presently rely on physical fitness platforms like Strava.

Battery

Huawei claims that the 46 mm design’s battery will last for 14 days and the 43 mm’s battery for 7 days, however that depends upon which includes you utilize. I have actually utilized the 46 mm design with the always-on screen, 24- hour heart rate, and Sp02 tracking, in addition to logged a number of GPS-enabled exercises, and it has actually lasted for 10 days. Include sleep tracking and another couple of exercises, and this might drop to around a week.

This transcends to the competitors, however do not anticipate it to reach Huawei’s declared times unless you do not utilize all the consisted of functions. The smartwatch is charged utilizing a consisted of plinth. It connects magnetically to the back of the smartwatch and charging takes about an hour.

Price and accessibility

The Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro in titanium with the titanium bracelet expenses 430 British pounds, or around $540, however the exact same watch with a leather strap expenses 300 pounds ($377), making it the much better worth purchase. The 43 mm ceramic design expenses 500 pounds ($628), with gold accents or 430 pounds ($540) with silver accents. Pre-orders are open now through Huawei’s online shop, with shipments anticipated in June.

Huawei has not formally revealed the Watch GT 3 Pro for the U.S., and is not likely to do so. It might be bought as an import.

Our take

Huawei has actually continued to improve its leading smartwatch, and the Watch GT 3 Pro integrates whatever we liked about the Watch GT Runner’s physical fitness innovation with the daily appeal of the Watch GT series’ style. Providing it the name “Pro” recommends there’s a lot more to the innovation than there is; it’s more of a “Lux” design on account of the top quality products utilized.

It’s still a really high-spec smartwatch, and other standout functions consist of the long battery life and the diverse and simple to utilize activity-tracking functions. The peculiarities around the setup procedure stay, once you’re past this, the Watch GT 3 Pro ends up being simple to deal with, reputable, and really capable. You’ll have to be pleased with Huawei Health as your sole activity-tracking app.

All this aside, if you like the style, the Watch GT 3 Pro is a great option to a WearOS smartwatch for usage with an Android phone, however it can’t beat the Apple Watch when it pertains to dealing with an iPhone. Huawei smart devices today need an “eyes open” technique prior to purchasing, and the Watch GT 3 Pro continues the pattern for its smartwatches.

Is there a much better option?

The Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro has 2 clear competitors– the Apple Watch Series 7 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 The Apple Watch Series 7 stays the very best alternative for iPhone owners due to its tight combination with iOS, while the Galaxy Watch 4 is the present suggestion for those who desire a WearOS smartwatch for Android, once again due to the method it incorporates with Android. If you own a Huawei mobile phone like the P50 Pro, then the Watch GT 3 Pro makes the very best sense for the exact same factors, as it works completely with HarmonyOS on the phone.

How long will it last?

The Watch GT 3 Pro’s style suggests it’s not likely to age badly, and must still look as great on your wrist in 2 years time as it does today. Both titanium and ceramic are hard-wearing, as is the sapphire crystal over the screen, assisting to secure the smartwatch’s surface. It’s water resistant to 5ATM and has an IP68 water-resistance ranking. Huawei is devoted to HarmonyOS and will continue to support the software application. There’s years of usage in the Watch GT 3 Pro.

Should you purchase it?

Yes. The Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro is a “biggest hits” smartwatch, however that’s not a bad thing, as the innovation it boasts is improved and shown to work, and it’s all involved an elegant case. Simply understand its restrictions.