Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro assessment

At a look

Expert’s Rating

Pros

• Attractive, premium designs
• In-depth health & wellbeing monitoring
• Great battery life

Cons

• Inconsistent notification help
• Lack of third-party app help
• Price versus efficiency

Our Verdict

Little modifications by way of performance when transferring from the GT 3 to the GT 3 Pro, nonetheless, the {hardware} could be very succesful and the designs premium and distinctive, serving to these Pro fashions stand out within the wearable area.

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Price When Reviewed

Not accessible within the US

‘Pro’ branding has occupied the smartphone area for just a few years at this level, nevertheless it’s far much less prevalent within the smartwatch market. Huawei is considered one of solely a handful of big-name wearable makers to supply up ‘Pro’ branded timepieces, with the primary such providing in its Watch GT sequence arriving again in 2020.

Fast-forward 18 months and the most recent entry – or moderately entries – within the sequence are right here to proceed the method laid out by the Watch GT 2 Pro, particularly of their use of latest design aesthetics, enhanced by premium supplies.

The most evident distinction between the earlier Pro and this technology is that there at the moment are two variants to decide on between, providing extra alternative from what’s – most likely now greater than ever earlier than – considered one of Huawei’s most essential shopper product classes on the worldwide stage.

Design and construct

• 46mm titanium physique or 43mm ceramic physique
• Dive-proof as much as 3ATM
• User-replaceable bands

The Watch GT 2 Pro got here in a single 46mm casing dimension, however with the GT 3 Pro sequence, as with the usual GT 3 line, you now have the choice of two sizes to decide on between. Both GT 3 Pro fashions are a fraction bigger than their vanilla counterparts however the primary differentiator isn’t dimension, it’s supplies.

2020’s GT 2 Pro traded a stainless-steel casing for a titanium one and the bigger 46mm (46.6mm) GT 3 Pro follows swimsuit. In truth, the design of the 46mm mannequin is clearly knowledgeable by its predecessor, with the primary distinction being the shrouded lugs that angle away sharply from the flat entrance, at about 45°. It’s a definite sufficient adaptation that units the 46mm GT 3 Pro aside from each its predecessor and the vast majority of the opposite smartwatches on the market, with out feeling over-engineered.

While the titanium-bodied GT 3 Pro is a pure evolution of the earlier Pro-branded Watch GT, the smaller 43mm entry is an thrilling new addition that comes clad in a cloth that, within the context of the trade, is reserved virtually solely for the posh watch market: ceramic.

The unusual caveat to the GT 3 Pro as a pair of timepieces is that your most well-liked materials can also be tied to casing dimension. As such, for these not sure whether or not the Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro Titanium Edition or the Watch GT 3 Pro Ceramic Edition is the way in which to go, be sure to’re snug with the design and materials at work before everything, earlier than shopping for.

Alex Walker-Todd / Foundry

There’s no denying that each variants of the GT 3 Pro really feel a little bit particular in-hand. Not solely do they each supply distinct styling however using titanium and ceramic throughout each fashions additionally comes with just a few extra advantages: these supplies are markedly more durable sporting in comparison with stainless-steel, hypoallergenic, corrosion-resistant, and impressively light-weight.

In this specific occasion, each GT 3 Pros are a little bit heavier than their vanilla siblings however neither feels notably cumbersome or uncomfortable to put on.

Alex Walker-Todd / Foundry

At a look, the end of the Ceramic Edition (which solely is available in white) may very well be mistaken for shiny plastic however boasts a singular lustre when held towards the sunshine, to not point out polished ceramic is considerably extra immune to scratches and scrapes in comparison with plastic (though it’s liable to chipping and cracking if not taken care of).

While the type of the Titanium Edition appears like a dressed up commonplace 46mm GT 3, the ceramic mannequin sports activities a markedly completely different design in comparison with the 42mm GT 3, ditching the curved-edge cowl glass for a flat entrance accompanied by a definite seashell patterned bezel, rendered in gold or silver, relying on the strap you go for at buy. That steel accent additionally extends to the rotating crown and button, discovered on the fitting aspect of the watch’s physique too.

Alex Walker-Todd / Foundry

Speaking of straps, there are two variations of the Ceramic Edition, one with a white leather-based strap (the place the casing options silver accents) and one with a ceramic hyperlink strap, sporting a sublime butterfly clasp and (together with the casing) gold accents.

As for the Titantium Edition, there are three strap choices to decide on between: black fluoroelastomer, gray leather-based, or a titanium hyperlink strap. Unlike the Ceramic Edition, the place a device is included in-box, each the strap and the person hyperlinks on the titanium hyperlink band supply tool-less adjustment, with spring-loaded pins which can be designed to make the act of eradicating or including hyperlinks simpler. While it’s easier, the method continues to be difficult, with shorter nails making the method notably difficult.

Alex Walker-Todd / Foundry

Like the final Pro, sapphire crystal protects the show and a ceramic again additionally options throughout each variations of the GT 3 Pro, with the underlying {hardware} providing comparable sturdiness to the usual mannequin. Huawei has, nonetheless, upgraded the road’s water resistance, making these considerably distinctive within the smartwatch area by being dive-proof as much as 30m.

Display and audio

• Circular AMOLED show with 326ppi
• Dynamic watch faces for day & night time
• Integrated microphone & speaker

Behind that impressively resilient sapphire crystal lies both a 1.43in or 1.32in round AMOLED show (relying on casing dimension), with the identical 326ppi pixel density as the previous couple of generations of Huawei smartwatch (throughout each the GT sequence and numbered entries just like the Watch 3), in addition to rivals just like the Apple Watch.

It’s a splendidly vivid, vibrant and constantly responsive show that’s straightforward to see and comes paired with a smattering of customisable controls. It encompasses a well-timed tilt-to-wake setup by default (which is sweet, as there’s no choice to regulate sensitivity anyway) in addition to controls for brightness (together with auto-brightness), sleep, and screen-on occasions.

Alex Walker-Todd / Foundry

Huawei has made a concerted effort to tailor the plethora of watch faces included on the GT 3 Pro to function devoted always-on show alternates that also supply an analogous fashion and structure to their commonplace look, a stage of consideration to element that different smartwatch makers ought to be aware of.

Some of the watch faces additionally help customisable issues for metrics like battery life, coronary heart fee, and climate, with the UI additionally altering you to which watch faces may draw extra energy than others, which is a small however helpful consideration that, once more, could be good to have accessible on rival wearables.

Like the GT 3 line, the GT 3 Pro additionally options an built-in speaker and microphone, with the previous serving up surprisingly clear sound that may be heard over common din (reminiscent of highway noise), making it usable for listening to progress updates throughout exercises whereas out working, for instance.

With onboard storage facilitating offline music playback, it’s also possible to play tunes by the GT 3 Pro’s speaker they usually don’t sound horrible nevertheless it’s removed from the perfect method to get pleasure from tunes or podcasts, so Bluetooth earbuds are most likely the good plan of action.

As for the microphone, it’s primarily used for on-wrist calls or, in the event you’re paired to a Huawei smartphone particularly, interplay with the consumer expertise’s assistant Celia. Quality is once more useful (offered it’s not too noisy within the background) and will solely be used in case your telephone is out of attain.

Software and options

• HarmonyOS
• UI borrows from Wear OS and watchOS
• Varied notification quick-action help

Running on Huawei’s personal HarmonyOS 2.1, the Watch GT 3 Pro presents a virtually equivalent consumer expertise to the opposite GT 3 watches, together with the corporate’s first HarmonyOS watch, the Huawei Watch 3.

Alex Walker-Todd / Foundry

Harmony’s wearable guise borrows from comparable platforms, like Google’s Wear OS, with swiping down, left, up, and proper summoning fast settings, widgets, notifications, and the watch’s assistant, respectively. Meanwhile, by default, urgent the rotating crown brings up a decidedly watchOS-like apps grid (though a listing view can also be accessible).

While it makes for a usually pleasnt and wealthy expertise total, there are some quirks to pay attention to, like inconsistent fast actions on notifications, reminiscent of conversations from varied completely different social apps you could have. Meanwhile the voice assistant solely features when you’ve got the GT 3 Pro paired as much as a appropriate Huawei telephone, making its ever-present place to the left of the primary watch face a little bit annoying in the event you’ve paired it to a different producer’s Android telephone, or an iPhone.

Alex Walker-Todd / Foundry

The GT’s line’s standing beneath the Watch 3 implies that though the Pro sequence presents a number of the most premium {hardware} from Huawei’s present smartwatch portfolio, top-tier options like its on-wrist AppGallery app retailer and eSIM performance (for phone-free calls and knowledge utilization) aren’t a part of the equation right here.

Fitness and monitoring

• Tracks 100+ sport modes
• New free-dive monitoring
• ECG & NFC are market particular

Fitness is the place the GT line locations its focus, with a well-recognized line-up of sport-centric options as discovered on the vanilla Watch GT 3. The GT 3 Pro is supplied to trace all the things out of your steps to your sleep (together with sleep levels like REM), with the likes of coronary heart fee, stress, blood oxygen and pores and skin temperature too.

In some markets (particularly Huawei’s homeland of China) ECG performance can also be on the desk (together with NFC), nonetheless approval from native medical our bodies is required for this function to be enabled in every single place the GT 3 Pro has launched (suggesting the performance may very well be ‘unlocked’ in markets the place it isn’t at the moment accessible had been Huawei to hunt the related approval).

Alex Walker-Todd / Foundry

Pair all this with an improved TruSeen 5.0+ sensor for larger accuracy when logging metrics like SpO2 and the GT 3 Pro presents a number of the most complete monitoring of any smartwatch at the moment on the market.

Via the companion Huawei Health app, that knowledge comes dressed with extra perception too. Sleep knowledge, for instance, is complemented by suggestions on easy methods to enhance your habits for extra constructive outcomes (or just to inform you you’re already heading in the right direction).

Alex Walker-Todd / Foundry

Along with the upgraded hardiness of this newest Pro sequence, Huawei has additionally added to the prevailing 100+ sport modes that the GT 3 line already supplied by means of dive monitoring that may log attributes like dive depth and curve; increasing on an already spectacular assortment of trackable actions.

Where Huawei hasn’t fairly ventured with any of its wearables is in direction of the realm of supplementary exercise knowledge and perception, reminiscent of dietary consumption, one thing usually discovered on extra superior multisport watches from manufacturers like Polar.

Performance and battery

• Responsive consumer expertise
• Convenient, fast charging
• Strong longevity

Given the GT sequence’ marginally decrease standing in comparison with the likes of the Watch 3, I used to be anticipating middling efficiency from the consumer expertise, particularly as that was what the corporate’s earlier Lite OS-powered watches typically doled out.

In follow, the GT 3 Pro proves pleasantly snappy, with easy UI animations little question serving to the watch stay easy and attentive to a level approaching premium smartwatch market leaders just like the Apple Watch Series 7 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 household.

Alex Walker-Todd / Foundry

Interaction by way of the touchscreen, rotating crown, and aspect button seldom proved problematic, with solely the occasional delay or stutter as I moved across the UI.

As for battery life, the 2 completely different casing and show sizes end in differing battery longevity. Huawei quotes as much as 7 days of ‘typical’ utilization from the 43mm Ceramic Edition and as much as 14 days from the 46mm titanium mannequin and in follow, that proved proper on the cash, the place earlier Huawei watches have typically fallen a day or so wanting the corporate’s claims.

Even with half-hour of GPS-based monitoring a day, the 46mm Titanium Edition ought to nonetheless serve up eight days of what Huawei calls ‘heavy use’, which is spectacular, to say the least.

If you’re new to wearables, small modifications in utilization – like tweaking display screen brightness or timeout, enabling GPS whereas going for a run, or turning fixed coronary heart fee monitoring on or off – can all have sizeable impacts on a watches longevity and that’s simply as true right here. Still, Huawei has discovered an excellent stability of health options, software program fluidity and battery life that’s difficult to seek out elsewhere.

Recharging the Ceramic mannequin introduced it to 75% cost in simply half-hour, with a full cost in beneath an hour, whereas the Titanium mannequin takes a short while longer. Charging takes place by way of a well-recognized magnetically attachable wi-fi charging puck that attaches to the watch’s ceramic again in any orientation.

Charging is, for probably the most half, painless, though the Ceramic Edition did tend to complain about needing the again of the watch to be cleaned to permit for charging consistency, even when the watch was field recent.

Price and availability

Both fashions are that can be purchased direct from Huawei’s web site (Titanium Edition/Ceramic Edition), with some areas additionally providing availability by native retailers, reminiscent of Amazon (Titanium Edition/Ceramic Edition) and Currys (Titanium Edition/Ceramic Edition) within the UK.

Perhaps probably the most divisive features of the Watch GT 3 Pro is its worth. For a begin, in contrast to the usual GT 3, the ceramic bodywork of the smaller 43mm Pro renders it costlier than its bigger titanium-clad counterpart, whereas the selection of strap that you simply pair together with your most well-liked GT 3 Pro can up the price much more.

Titanium mannequin pricing:

• Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro Titanium Edition (46mm) w/ fluoroelastomer strap: €369/£299
• Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro Titanium Edition (46mm) w/ leather-based strap: €369/£299
• Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro Titanium Edition (46mm) w/ titanium strap: €499/£429

Ceramic mannequin pricing:

• Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro Ceramic Edition (43mm) w/ leather-based strap: €499/£429
• Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro Ceramic Edition (43mm) w/ ceramic strap: €599 (or €699 in some areas)/£499

In each instances, the hyperlink strap of every mannequin’s respective signature materials makes for the priciest pairing, whereas the black fluoroelastomer strap accessible with the 46mm Titanium Edition is among the many most reasonably priced choices within the vary (and coincidentally the most suitable choice for individuals who need to work out whereas sporting their GT 3 Pro).

The silver lining for these delay by the worth is that Huawei doesn’t use a proprietary strap design like Apple, so when you can go for any of the corporate’s personal EasyFit 2 bands, you’re not restricted to them.

Check out our greatest smartwatch roundup to see what the GT 3 Pro line is up towards.

Verdict

When it comes all the way down to it, virtually all the things that makes the Huawei Watch GT 3 such an achieved pair of smartwatches can also be true with their Pro-branded siblings.

The array of metrics these wearables can monitor and the first-party performance afforded to that knowledge is wealthy and various, whereas battery life and efficiency stroll a cautious line that guarantee a powerful stability.

Sure, HarmonyOS has its quirks and a number of the extra nuanced performance of those watches stays walled behind Huawei exclusivity however the underlying expertise is arguably good, albeit acquainted.

Considering the extent of performance on supply the GT 3 Pro line is pricey, however there simply aren’t many options prepared to toy with such luxurious supplies, that means there’s little else on the market to select from.

The Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro presents itself as much as those that need luxurious and connectivity of their timepieces, with out having to fork our 4 figures for the closest various in entries like Hublot’s Big Bang E or the latest Tag Heuer Connected. Even at its most costly, the Ceramic Edition undercuts Apple’s top-tier titanium-bodied various, making it preferrred for iPhone customers who favour Huawei’s round stylings over Apple’s squircles.