Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro
Huawei’s focus on wearables has been steadily growing over the years, and with the launch of the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro, it has taken its commitment to the next level. Featuring a sleek design, new health-monitoring technology, and extended battery life, the GT 5 Pro packs in impressive upgrades over its predecessors, offering a blend of style and performance. In this review, we’ll dive into all aspects of the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro, examining its design, features, software, battery life, and overall performance.
Design and Build: Premium Materials with Precision Craftsmanship
The Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro comes in two different sizes: 46 mm and 42 mm. In this review, we’ve focused on the Titanium model, which offers an ultra-premium feel. Both the body and the strap are constructed using titanium alloys, a material known for its strength, light weight, and premium aesthetic.
At 53 grams (without the strap), the Watch GT 5 Pro is slightly heavier than its predecessors, the GT 4 and GT 3 Pro, but it retains a solid yet comfortable feel on the wrist. The titanium body gives it a sleek and modern look, making it a versatile option for both sports and formal occasions. However, one minor drawback is the strap: while it offers a high-quality, premium feel, the metal components can occasionally rattle due to the powerful vibration motor inside the watch. Though not a dealbreaker, this might be something to consider if you prefer a quieter experience.
Huawei has also kept compatibility with standard 22mm straps, so you can easily swap out the titanium strap for another style if desired. However, it’s worth noting that not all straps will match the high-end look of the titanium finish.
On the right side of the watch, you’ll find two buttons: a crown button at the top and a metal button below it. The crown allows users to scroll through the menu or quickly open and close apps, while the lower button is customizable for specific functions. When the app menu is open, the bottom button becomes inactive. These buttons are designed to provide a smooth and intuitive navigation experience, ensuring that the watch is easy to use without relying too heavily on the touchscreen.
The back of the watch houses the new TruSense health monitoring system, which includes six sensors that track a wide range of health metrics. This is one of the standout features of the Watch GT 5 Pro, offering more accurate data than its predecessors in key areas such as heart rate, blood oxygen (SpO2), blood pressure, and sleep tracking.
Health Monitoring: TruSense Technology Takes Health Tracking to the Next Level
One of the major improvements on the Watch GT 5 Pro is the integration of TruSense, Huawei’s new six-sensor system that aims to provide more accurate and detailed health insights. The sensors work together to offer advanced readings for key metrics, including:
- Heart Rate Monitoring: TruSense promises improved accuracy in heart rate tracking, a crucial metric for fitness enthusiasts and those keeping tabs on their cardiovascular health.
- Blood Oxygen (SpO2) Levels: This feature is vital for tracking respiratory health, particularly for athletes, and it offers greater precision than previous models.
- Blood Pressure Monitoring: An increasingly sought-after feature, this allows the watch to measure your blood pressure with improved accuracy.
- Sleep Tracking: Huawei has always been known for its advanced sleep tracking, and with TruSense, the watch delivers even more accurate insights into your sleep patterns.
- Mental Health Tracking: Huawei has also incorporated mental health tracking features, though these were not available in our testing region. Once available, this will allow users to track and manage their stress and overall mental well-being.
These sensors are backed by data from healthcare institutions and researchers, ensuring the highest level of accuracy. During our testing, the watch performed admirably, with heart rate readings aligning closely with the reviewer’s fitness level (an avid ultrarunner).
ECG Health Monitoring is another standout feature. Huawei has acquired ECG certifications for its wearables, and the GT 5 Pro can now provide users with more detailed insights into heart health.
Software: HarmonyOS 5.0 and Enhanced Features
Running on HarmonyOS 5.0, the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro benefits from a polished and user-friendly software experience. HarmonyOS brings significant improvements in both usability and functionality, including:
- Interactive Notifications: Notifications on the GT 5 Pro are now larger and more interactive. You can read, respond to, and even interact with messages more efficiently thanks to the new interface.
- QWERTY Keyboard: For the first time on a Huawei wearable, users can type directly on the watch using a QWERTY keyboard. While small, it’s a convenient feature for quick replies when you don’t have access to your phone.
- Offline Maps and GPX Import for Runners: For those who love to run or hike, the GT 5 Pro now allows users to import GPX files into Huawei Health, offering offline maps to follow routes during workouts. This was a major improvement over previous models, which lacked proper mapping features. You can now track your runs more effectively with visual routes and waypoints.
- Petal Maps: A version of Petal Maps has been adapted for wearables, offering offline mode, but it still lacks some detailed metrics, like hill gradients—a feature that could be useful for runners and hikers.
A fun addition to the running features is the Zodiac-inspired running routes. These are pre-designed routes with waypoints, based on the 12 zodiac signs, each offering a route of similar distance. Although creative, these routes could benefit from refinement in future updates, as some have sharp turns that might disrupt a smooth-running experience.
Huawei’s commitment to software updates is worth noting, as the company tends to refine features over time. As a result, some of these features, including running routes, may improve with future updates to HarmonyOS—perhaps by summer 2025.
Battery Life: Excellent Longevity for Active Users
Huawei has long been known for its exceptional battery life, and the Watch GT 5 Pro is no exception. Powered by a power-efficient chipset and a 1.43” AMOLED display, the GT 5 Pro delivers impressive battery performance that lasts up to 10 days on a single charge, even with moderate usage.
For the test, the watch was used with 100 daily notifications, 30 minutes of exercise every other day, and minimal display brightness—conditions under which it easily reached the claimed 10-day battery life.
In a more demanding scenario, such as a half-marathon with GPS tracking active, the watch only consumed 5% of the battery for a 30-minute run, which translates to a minimal drain of just 1% for each 30-minute GPS workout. Charging from 0 to 100% took around 70 minutes, which is slightly longer than Huawei’s claimed 60 minutes but still quite reasonable.
In our heavy-use scenario (which included a 10-hour ultramarathon, continuous GPS tracking, voice calls, and using a high-power watch face), the watch lasted an impressive 6 days. However, using the Always-On Display (AOD) feature did drain the battery more rapidly, bringing it down to 4 days under heavy use.
The GT 5 Pro charges using any Qi wireless charger, though the included magnetic charging puck offers the most stable connection, especially with the titanium strap, which can sometimes make it difficult to align the watch with standard chargers.
Pricing and Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
The Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro is priced at €499 for the Titanium model in Europe, which is on the higher end of the spectrum. However, there is a more affordable version with a fluoroelastomer strap available for €379, which offers excellent value for those looking for a functional, feature-packed smartwatch at a lower cost. Huawei often offers bundles on its website, including extra straps and accessories like FreeBuds, making it a more appealing option for buyers looking to maximize their purchase.
Final Thoughts
The Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro is a powerful and sophisticated smartwatch that blends luxury design with outstanding functionality. The integration of TruSense health tracking, advanced ECG monitoring, and impressive battery life make it a great choice for both fitness enthusiasts and everyday users. While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, it provides excellent value for money—especially if you’re looking for a stylish, feature-rich smartwatch that can stand up to intense use.
For those who prioritize health tracking, premium build quality, and extended battery life, the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro stands out as a top contender in the premium smartwatch category. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to combine style, fitness, and performance in a single wearable.
FAQs
1. What makes the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro different from its predecessors?
The GT 5 Pro introduces Huawei’s new TruSense health monitoring system with six sensors for more accurate heart rate, blood oxygen (SpO2), blood pressure, and sleep tracking. It also supports ECG health monitoring, which was previously unavailable on earlier models. The watch runs on HarmonyOS 5.0, bringing new features like interactive notifications, offline maps, and a QWERTY keyboard for typing responses directly on the watch.
2. How long does the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro battery last?
The Watch GT 5 Pro offers impressive battery life, lasting up to 10 days with moderate use. Even with features like GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring, the watch performs well, with only minimal battery drain. In more demanding scenarios, such as ultra-endurance sports, the battery still provides several days of use, though enabling the Always-On Display (AOD) will reduce battery life.
3. Can I track my runs and workouts without my phone?
Yes, the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro supports offline maps and GPX file imports, making it perfect for runners and hikers who want to track routes and waypoints without needing their phone. The watch also offers a variety of sports modes, including running, cycling, and swimming, with GPS tracking to provide detailed insights into your workouts.
4. Is the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro water-resistant?
Yes, the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro is water-resistant up to 5 ATM (50 meters). This makes it suitable for swimming, showering, and other water-based activities. However, it’s always best to avoid exposing the watch to hot water or prolonged immersion in water at high depths.
5. Can I use third-party straps with the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro?
Yes, the Watch GT 5 Pro is compatible with standard 22mm straps, allowing users to swap out the titanium strap for another style if desired. However, note that not all straps will match the high-end aesthetic of the titanium finish, so it’s recommended to choose straps that complement the watch’s premium design.