A few months ago we had the opportunity to test and review the Huawei Watch 3 and today we finally got our hands on the Huawei Watch GT3. And this is an opportunity not only to go and see one of Huawei's flagship smartwatches, but also for an interesting re-test of Harmony OS in the mobile version for wearable devices. Initially the new operating system had changed very little in terms of graphics, with the exact same menus and the same graphic style as the previous OS, but with many additional functions and improved optimization especially coupled with other Huawei devices. Watch GT3 is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful smartwatches on the market and the choices relating to design and materials used convince right from the unboxing; yet despite all the sensors and all its possibilities it is still limited in our country, due to a software-side refinement that is slow to arrive.
A watch with an "important" design
If you intend to buy an elegant, robust and generously sized smartwatch, the Watch GT 3 could really be for you. Thanks to the premium materials used in its construction, such as the protective glass for the display and the steel case (even if the bottom of the case is made of plastic), it almost seems like you are wearing one of those expensive and refined models of the big brands on your wrist of the sector.
The 46mm case (also available in a 42mm version) makes it a priori excluded from a certain type of public: female users or anyone with a very thin wrist will not be comfortable with these sizes, above all because then it is actually very uncomfortable to wear if the wrist does not allow it. In my case it was perfect, comfortable at the right point and wearing it on my wrist 24/7 is a real pleasure.
The extremely accurate finishes are appreciated and the 22mm leather strap is soft and premium as exclusively high-end watches are. Furthermore, the contrast between the polished case and the anodized finish of the sides manages to return a successful overall design that hits the mark. Two keys on the right side, one with a ring with functions that we will see later, and the other classic to press: when pressed, they are solid and stable, without unwanted movements.
The thickness of the case is 11mm for the 46mm version and 10.2mm for the 42mm version: excellent if we consider that many smartbands easily exceed these values. The weight is also more than acceptable, at just 42.6g including the strap.
Wearable 24 hours a day, but…
One of the aspects to take into consideration most in the case of a smartwatch or a fitness band is that of its comfort in prolonged use. And this Watch GT 3 manages to do the same great job as the Watch 3 series. I had no problems wearing it for a whole week without taking it off, except for washing or showering, and even when I slept I had no pain or wrist discomfort. Of course, keeping your hand under the pillow won't be the best, but after the first night you get used to it and this is no longer a problem. As already mentioned, the strap is excellent in its workmanship and in its softness: the coloring is pleasant and also the sensation on the skin, with the exception of one small detail. When you sweat or when you play sports, it tends to get wet and "stain": once dry, you no longer notice the marks, but while wearing it, it almost seems as if you are wearing a damaged strap.
Display to admire
1.43 ″ with Amoled technology: the panel mounted by Huawei is perfect for this market segment and manages to return perfect visibility in all conditions. The colors are vibrant and contrasty and the blacks, thanks to Amoled technology, are deep and absolute. Touch support is also comprehensive, thanks to touch and scroll support that works perfectly smoothly and precisely. The sensor for detecting ambient brightness allows us to use it without thinking about anything, since the brightness is able to adjust automatically according to the situation and need.
But even the screen transitions are extremely smooth and pleasing to the eye, with a system that, as we will see, is well optimized in many respects. Absent the double-tap function to unlock the screen and since the wrist activation function does not work in 100% of the cases (about 60-70% of the time), we are forced to press one of the two buttons to activate the screen . On board Huawei has also included theAlways ON display, very convenient to activate, but able to drain the battery at record rates.
Top of the line performance, limiting operating system
Think of anything from the processor, to memory, to a specific function: this Watch GT 3 has it all. ARM Cortex-M, 32MB of ram, 4GB of rom, sensors of any type, NFC, GPS, voice assistant, speaker, microphone: in short, a complete package from every point of view. Despite this, Harmony OS, which in the meantime has reached version 2.1, is not able to guarantee equal performance on all devices. Apple is left behind, then comes Android and finally EMUI with HMS from Huawei, with which the sync is perfect. I tested this smartwatch with all three of these categories, and the possibilities that can be achieved with the pairing of Huawei devices are really much more complete than other brands. And this is now Huawei's new philosophy, so we need to take it as it is, otherwise we have to go elsewhere. Some examples may be those of music management or the Voice Assistant, relegated exclusively to Huawei devices and not available on Android or iOS, or even in the management of payments via NFC and the Wallet. On Android (and in Italy) incredibly this function is not supported, which leads to a direct exclusion of all those users who often use the sensor for reasons of comfort or even work issues.
With the exception of this "small" inconvenience, the entire system has been improved in general fluidity, but unfortunately the apps and even the management of smart features are still behind. Let's start with the notifications, implemented very well both in the justification of the text and then in the ease of reading: a pity that it is not possible to send quick or pre-set replies and that emoticons are not supported in any way, which are replaced with asterisks. Two aspects that sink the notification side, which otherwise would have been perfect, thanks also to the super readable screen. The store linked to apps that can be downloaded to the device is still practically empty and the only app that can be downloaded with any use from the store is Petal Maps. The only question is why it's not installed by default on the watch, but so be it; moreover, it also needs the application on our phone, otherwise it will not be able to connect for phone navigation functions.
Music management, which can be downloaded directly to the smartwatch thanks to the 4GB of internal memory, is one of those functions much appreciated by runners or those who exercise without carrying their smartphone. By connecting true wireless to Watch GT3 we will be totally free from constraints and we will be able to manage music directly from our wrist. Also nice is the fact that it is finally possible to manage the music playback of our smartphone via the Music app under the voice assistant, even with Spotify with Play / Pause, Next and Previous track functions.
Fitness and health? With some sacrifices
Doing sports of any kind is not exactly easy with such a large and thick watch, and could represent a limitation for some. But at least Watch GT3 has all those sensors and functions necessary to make it complete: it is true, many innovative functions such as EDA or ECG are missing, but being totally honest, not everyone is interested and they are not always precise to the point of actually representing a decisive aspect for the purchase of a smartwatch, rather than another. The new optical sensor for measuring the heart rate has evolved with TruSeen 5.0 technology and I must say that in the daily and sports measurement Watch GT3 seemed very precise and accurate. Tested head-to-head with an Omron professional meter, at rest the heartbeat has always matched, while for sport average and peak values seem to match other graphs of other smartwatches dedicated exclusively to sport. Also added the sensor for measuring blood oxygenation and that of detecting body temperature. With the sleep mode we can go and monitor the quality of sleep, with the division of sleep into deep, light and REM, bedtime and wake-up times, number of awakenings and breathing management: in this respect I have had no problems and the measurement has always reflected (at least as regards times and awakenings) what was my sleep during these test days. Also present is the measurement of stress and the breathing mode to guide us in some guided exercises that can make us relax during the day or before going to sleep.
From a sporting point of view, there are dozens of sports supported by Watch GT 3 and all the main sports you can imagine are present: if your sport is not present, you can adapt another one or even select the generic sport to monitor anyway heart rate and exercise time. Tested on various occasions for walks and archery sessions, the heart rate measurement was precise to the right point, or at least precise enough for a measurement of this type, and likewise also the management GPS and step count were great. The GPS track (the sensor hooks the signal in about 5-7 seconds) is not as detailed as on other devices, but faithfully reflects the route taken; the number of steps recorded during the day is in line with the movement followed, without variations or anomalous peaks, while during our dedicated 1000-step test, the pedometer stopped at 982 steps, with a difference of only 18 steps.
Record autonomy
If this smartwatch were equipped with its complete functions, and not limited by the Harmony OS experience, autonomy would undoubtedly be one of those aspects for which to buy it immediately. The values indicated and advertised by Huawei are true: with normal use of reading notifications, checking the time, alarm clocks, various timers during the day, and weekly exercise with and without GPS, including all active health monitoring 24 hours a day. hours a day, consumption stood at 7-8% of daily consumption. However, by making more use of some functions, such as that of calls, management of the voice assistant and use of the apps in the menu, the autonomy drops very quickly around 7-8 days. By activating the Always ON display, the Huawei Watch GT 3 consumes around 20-25% of the daily battery, a value that remains impressive all in all, especially compared to its direct competitors on the market. For my use, having over 10 days of autonomy is a great advantage and allows me to face an entire working week without thinking about recharging the smartwatch.
Recharge is wireless and takes place via the base included in the package in about 2 hours, but it is possible to use any other device for wireless recharging available at home.
Conclusions and price
There are two scenarios for which to consider this new product:
The price is €249 for the 46mm version and €229 for the 42mm version, but if you buy it by November 23rd, you can take advantage of the promotion that gives you Freebuds 4i and a strap among those available during the 'purchase. An all in all honest price, valid above all being able to fully exploit the functions of Watch GT 3, a little less if among those functions available only on Huawei there are some that you intend to exploit.