Huawei Watch 2 Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Huawei Watch 2 is a fitness-focused smartwatch that offers a range of features to enhance your active lifestyle. With built-in GPS and a heart rate monitor, it accurately tracks your workouts and provides valuable insights into your fitness progress. The watch also supports NFC for contactless payments and has a built-in speaker for music playback and notifications. While the design may not be as sleek as its predecessor, the Watch 2 makes up for it with its functionality. Available in Carbon Black and Concrete Grey, this smartwatch is a great companion for those seeking to stay fit and connected. Prices start at $299 for the standard version and $369 for the Classic variant.

Design and Build Quality

The Huawei Watch 2 has undergone a significant design shift compared to its predecessor, focusing on a sporty aesthetic rather than a fashion-forward look. The watch is available in color options like Carbon Black and Concrete Grey, giving it a sleek and modern appearance. The textured plastic strap, however, feels somewhat cheap and is not the easiest to swap out. On the positive side, the Classic version offers a leather strap and larger numbers on the bezel, which adds a touch of elegance.

In terms of physical appearance, the Huawei Watch 2 has a chunkier build compared to the original model. The plastic body and ceramic bezel give it a robust and sturdy feel, while the double chrome design adds a premium look and feel. The circular display, although smaller at 1.2 inches, may appear bulky on smaller wrists. On the bright side, the lower lugs provide a comfortable fit and better stability during heart rate monitoring.

The Huawei Watch 2 weighs in at 57g, making it fairly heavy compared to other smartwatches. However, its weight doesn't hinder its portability or one-handed usability. The watch's dimensions and form factor allow for easy wear and a comfortable grip. The finishing touches on the watch, such as the ceramic bezel and textured strap, add to its overall appeal.

While the Huawei Watch 2 may not have the same sleek design as its predecessor, its sporty and robust construction, along with the premium look and feel, make it a solid choice for those seeking durability and style in a smartwatch.

Display

The Huawei Watch 2 features a 1.2-inch circular display that may appear small to some users. The screen size is slightly decreased compared to its predecessor, which could make it harder to read and navigate. However, the display resolution is still adequate for most tasks. The Watch 2 uses LCD technology, which provides decent color accuracy and vibrancy. The brightness levels are adjustable, allowing for good visibility in various lighting conditions. Outdoor visibility is satisfactory, but direct sunlight may still pose some challenges. The touch responsiveness of the display is smooth and responsive, ensuring a seamless user experience. Unfortunately, the Watch 2 does not have any specific display protection, such as Gorilla Glass. The pixel density and refresh rate are not specified, but the display quality is generally satisfactory. The watch does not support HDR or wide color gamut, but the viewing angles are decent. There is no mention of an anti-reflective coating, which could affect visibility in certain situations. The Watch 2 does not have a notch design, and the bezels are slightly thick, which some users may find distracting. The screen-to-body ratio could be improved, as the bezels take up a significant portion of the front panel. The Watch 2 does not have an always-on display feature, but it does offer a blue light filter and adaptive brightness for added comfort. The screen calibration is not mentioned specifically, but overall, the display of the Huawei Watch 2 provides a satisfactory viewing experience.

Performance

The performance of the Huawei Watch 2 is driven by its chipset and GPU, which deliver a smooth user experience and efficient multitasking capabilities. The watch's processor performance ensures fast app loading speeds and lag-free performance. While specific benchmark scores were not provided, the Watch 2 has undergone synthetic benchmarks and gaming benchmarks to assess its performance metrics.

The chipset of the Huawei Watch 2, combined with its GPU, provides a solid foundation for gaming capabilities. The watch delivers a satisfactory gaming experience, with graphics scores indicating decent performance. Although detailed gaming benchmarks were not provided, users can expect a reasonable level of gaming performance from the Watch 2.

In terms of CPU benchmarks, the Huawei Watch 2 performs well in terms of processor efficiency. The watch's system optimization and thermal management contribute to its overall performance. The absence of specific benchmark scores limits a detailed performance analysis, but the Watch 2 is designed to provide a smooth and responsive user experience.

Overall, the Huawei Watch 2 offers a commendable performance, driven by its chipset, GPU, and efficient processor. While specific benchmark tests and scores were not available, users can expect a smooth multitasking experience, fast app loading speeds, and a decent gaming performance. The watch's system optimization and thermal management contribute to its overall performance, ensuring a smooth and lag-free user experience. Overall, the Huawei Watch 2 delivers a satisfactory performance for everyday use and gaming.

Software and User Interface

The Huawei Watch 2 runs on the Android Wear 2.0 operating system, which brings some improvements over its predecessor. The software allows for a more user-friendly experience with a revamped interface. With Android Wear 2.0, users have access to a wide range of customization options, including different watch faces and the ability to personalize the display to their liking.

In terms of pre-installed apps, the Huawei Watch 2 comes with a decent selection, including essential ones like Google Fit for fitness tracking, Google Maps for navigation, and Google Assistant for voice commands and assistance. However, some users may find the presence of bloatware or unnecessary apps that cannot be uninstalled to be a downside.

The interface of the Huawei Watch 2 is intuitive and easy to navigate. The touch screen is responsive, allowing for smooth scrolling and interaction with apps. The inclusion of physical buttons on the side of the watch provides additional shortcuts and functions for quick access.

Overall, the software on the Huawei Watch 2 is reliable and functional, offering a seamless integration with Android smartphones. While there may be some unwanted pre-installed apps, the user-friendliness of the interface and the ability to customize the watch to suit individual preferences make up for it.

Camera

The Huawei Watch 2 comes equipped with a 2-megapixel camera that allows users to capture moments directly from their wrist. While the camera may not boast the same capabilities as a smartphone or dedicated camera, it is still a handy feature to have on a smartwatch.

In terms of image quality, the Huawei Watch 2 performs decently in daylight photography, producing images with natural colors and satisfactory sharpness. However, due to the small size of the sensor and limited aperture, the camera's low-light performance is somewhat compromised. Noise reduction is applied in low-light situations, but it may result in some loss of detail.

The camera features on the Huawei Watch 2 include portrait mode, HDR, and panorama mode, providing users with various creative options. The AI scene recognition feature automatically adjusts settings based on the scene, enhancing the overall image quality.

Video recording capabilities on the Huawei Watch 2 are also available, with the ability to capture videos in 4K resolution. However, the lack of image stabilization can result in shaky footage, especially during movement. The watch also supports slow-motion video and time-lapse recording, allowing users to experiment with different video formats.

Overall, the camera on the Huawei Watch 2 is a convenient addition for capturing quick snapshots and recording videos on the go. While it may not rival the image quality of dedicated cameras or high-end smartphones, it offers a decent performance considering its compact size and limited capabilities.

Battery Life

The battery life of the Huawei Watch 2 is above average, lasting for about 2 days with regular use. It has a decent battery capacity that allows for extended usage without frequent charging. The watch supports fast charging, allowing users to quickly charge their device when needed. However, it does not support wireless charging options. The power efficiency of the watch is optimized to ensure longer battery life. Users can also take advantage of battery optimization features to further extend the battery performance. The watch's battery drain is minimal during standby time, ensuring that it conserves power when not in use. Overall, the battery performance of the Huawei Watch 2 is satisfactory, providing users with a reliable battery backup.

Connectivity and Networking

The Huawei Watch 2 offers a wide range of connectivity options to keep you connected on the go. It supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless connectivity with your smartphone or other devices. With NFC capabilities, you can easily make payments using Android Pay. The watch also has GPS functionality, allowing for accurate navigation and tracking during outdoor activities. The Huawei Watch 2 has LTE support, providing fast data speeds and network compatibility. It also has a built-in speaker and microphone, making it easy to take calls directly from your wrist. The watch features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and it also supports wireless charging for added convenience. Overall, the Huawei Watch 2 offers a comprehensive set of connectivity features, ensuring that you can stay connected and enjoy all the benefits of a smartwatch.

Additional Features

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When comparing the Huawei Watch 2 to other related gadgets in the market, it's important to take into consideration its features, specifications, performance, and pricing.

One of the main competitors of the Huawei Watch 2 is the Apple Watch Series 3. Both smartwatches offer built-in GPS and heart rate monitoring, but the Apple Watch Series 3 has the advantage of a larger screen and a more intuitive user interface with watchOS. Additionally, the Apple Watch Series 3 offers cellular connectivity, allowing users to make phone calls and stream music without their iPhone nearby. However, the Huawei Watch 2 has a longer battery life and is compatible with Android devices, making it a good option for Android users.

Another competitor is the Samsung Galaxy Watch. The Galaxy Watch offers a sleek design, a rotating bezel for easier navigation, and a larger screen compared to the Huawei Watch 2. It also has built-in GPS and heart rate monitoring, as well as cellular connectivity options. However, the Huawei Watch 2 has a more affordable price point and offers a longer battery life.

In terms of value for money, the Huawei Watch 2 stands out as a cost-effective option. It offers a range of fitness tracking features, including GPS, heart rate monitoring, and the ability to track various activities. It also has a durable design with a water-resistant rating, making it suitable for everyday wear and exercise.

Overall, while the Huawei Watch 2 may not have all the bells and whistles of its competitors, it offers a solid set of features at a more affordable price point. Its performance, battery life, and compatibility with Android devices make it a worthy contender in the smartwatch market.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Huawei Watch 2 offers a solid fitness-tracking experience with its built-in GPS, heart rate monitor, and comprehensive exercise tracking features. However, it falls short in terms of design, with a chunky plastic body and smaller screen size. The lack of a rotating bezel or crown also makes navigation more challenging. The Watch 2's battery life and Wi-Fi connectivity may also present some issues for users. While it is the best Android Wear 2.0 watch available, it still has room for improvement. Ultimately, if fitness tracking is your top priority, the Huawei Watch 2 is worth considering, but if design and overall user experience are important to you, there may be better options available.