Huawei Watch GT 4 Review: A Balanced Midrange Smartwatch Experience

Huawei Watch GT 4 Review: A Balanced Midrange Smartwatch Experience

Huawei's Watch GT 4 offers a compelling mix of style, health tracking, and endurance for users seeking a feature-rich smartwatch without premium pricing. The device shines in its hardware capabilities but faces limitations in software flexibility compared to competitors.

Design and Build

The 46mm model reviewed features an octagonal stainless steel case paired with a brown leather strap, delivering a classic look suitable for both casual and formal settings. Huawei also offers a smaller 41mm variant with a sleeker profile. Build quality feels premium, and the watch handles everyday wear well thanks to its IP68 rating and 5 ATM water resistance. Navigation is straightforward using the rotating crown and programmable side button.

Display and Interface

The 1.43-inch AMOLED screen delivers sharp visuals and strong outdoor visibility, though it lacks protective glass. Huawei provides ample watch faces with customization options, including an artsy "Kaleidoscope" mode. While the display responds well to inputs, the absence of a protective layer may raise long-term durability concerns.

Health and Fitness Tracking

Equipped with TruSeen 5.5+ technology, the Watch GT 4 provides reliable heart rate monitoring, sleep analysis, and blood oxygen measurements. Testing against a Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic showed closely matched results during high-intensity workouts. The device supports over 100 sports modes and benefits from upgraded dual-band GNSS for improved location accuracy, though performance can vary in challenging conditions. Users can export workout routes or import GPX files for trail running.

Software and Features

Running on Huawei's HarmonyOS 4.0, the smartwatch focuses on efficiency rather than extensive functionality. Third-party app support remains limited, and users can only send preset replies to notifications. Bluetooth calling works well, but dialing directly from the watch is not yet supported. The system includes quality-of-life upgrades like Activity Rings 2.0 for tracking daily goals.

Battery Performance

With a robust 524mAh battery, the GT 4 achieves impressive longevity, lasting just over a week with frequent GPS use and continuous health monitoring enabled. Reducing navigation usage extends battery life beyond ten days. Wireless charging completes the process in approximately two hours.

Verdict

The Huawei Watch GT 4 succeeds as a health-focused smartwatch with exceptional battery life and attractive design, making it a strong contender for users who value fitness tracking above advanced smart features. While HarmonyOS restrictions limit functionality compared to Wear OS alternatives, the device delivers strong core performance at a competitive NPR 34,990 price point. iOS users should note compatibility limitations with certain features like quick replies and music management.