The greatest smartwatch of 2025?

After the spectacular Watch GT6 collection , which inspired in our check, Huawei is now launching the brand new high mannequin. The Huawei Watch Ultimate 2, introduced at first of October, comes with sonar-based underwater communication and an excellent brighter show. But is it actually definitely worth the cash? We discover out within the check.

Technical knowledge

Product identify	Watch Ultimate 2
Operating system	Android; iOS; HarmonyOS
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, dual-band GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo and QZSS
Features	X-Tap, TruSeen 6.0, optical coronary heart price, ECG, HRV, temperature, SpO2, accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, depth sensor, magnetometer, gentle sensor
Display	AMOLED (1.5 inch); 3,500 nits
Processor	Unknown
Water resistance	20ATM, IP69
Battery life	as much as 4.5 days
weight	80.7 grams
worth	€ 1,137.90 *

Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 assessment: design and workmanship

Even at first look, the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 makes it clear that it’s no extraordinary smartwatch. Its large, nearly martial design is extra harking back to skilled diving watches than elegant on a regular basis companions. With a diameter of 48.5 millimetres and a case thickness of round 13 millimetres, it’s a actual eye-catcher. Or somewhat: a press release on the wrist.

The case is manufactured from a very sturdy amorphous zirconium alloy which, in response to Huawei, is more durable and extra corrosion-resistant than titanium or chrome steel. This materials, which is in any other case solely utilized in aviation or high-performance expertise, offers the watch spectacular stability with a chic end.

However, the cumbersome dimensions additionally come on the expense of weight. The Watch Ultimate 2 weighs round 81 grams, which is one other 30 grams greater than the Watch GT6. Nevertheless, the watch is kind of comfy to put on, however is undoubtedly made for bigger wrists. The weight is nicely balanced and the ergonomic curvature of the case again ensures a steady match, even when in movement.

The entrance is protected by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, which merges seamlessly with the ceramic bezel. This mixture not solely ensures an opulent look, but in addition reliably protects the watch from scratches and knocks, even throughout demanding outside actions or diving. On the again, Huawei makes use of nanocrystal ceramic, which is pleasantly skin-friendly and proof against sweat and salt water.

In addition to the pre-installed strap manufactured from fluoroelastomer rubber (splendid for sports activities and water actions), our blue and white check mannequin additionally comes with an extended model and a high-quality metallic strap for a extra elegant look.

In phrases of robustness, the watch is difficult to beat: it’s licensed to the 20 ATM, IP68 and IP69 requirements, which not solely protects it from mud and water, but in addition allows dives to a depth of 200 meters. Even with temperature modifications, strain variations or salt water environments, the workmanship stays impeccable. Anyone in search of a watch that’s each a luxurious object and a technical device will discover what they’re in search of right here.

Display and operation

The show of the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 is doubtless among the finest on the smartwatch market. The 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED panel has a razor-sharp decision of 466 × 466 pixels and achieves a peak brightness of as much as 3,500 nits. This makes it one other 500 nits brighter than its counterpart on the Huawei Watch 5 (our check), which permits for wonderful readability in direct daylight.

The adaptive refresh price additionally ensures vitality effectivity by dynamically switching between 1 and 60 hertz – easy throughout animations and economical in standby mode. The sensible colour copy may be very pleasing. Black ranges are completely deep and the distinction is among the many greatest presently accessible in a smartwatch. The contact recognition additionally reacts exactly and reliably, whether or not with moist fingers, gloves or underneath water.

When it involves operation, Huawei combines a number of enter strategies right into a nicely thought-out total system. The rotating crown on the right-hand aspect permits haptically nice navigation by means of menus, whereas two further operate keys supply particular person fast entry to coaching modes or diving features.

Already acquainted from the Watch 5 is the so-called X-Tap sensor: a floor built-in on the aspect that can be utilized to activate well being knowledge corresponding to pulse, ECG or stress stage by merely inserting a finger on it.

There can also be a gesture management that reacts to finger faucets: If you double-press your thumb and index finger collectively, you may reply calls or verify actions. This is especially sensible when your fingers are moist or you’re sporting gloves.

Features and sensors

When it involves performance, no different producer can beat Huawei’s smartwatches. Accordingly, the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 additionally performs within the absolute high class. It is excess of only a basic smartwatch and presents a spread of options that’s actually spectacular.

The particular dive mode might be essentially the most thrilling new characteristic. This lets you dive right down to a depth of 150 meters and shows knowledge corresponding to depth, ascent pace, water temperature and strain in actual time. Particularly progressive: a sonar communication system lets you alternate easy messages or emojis with different Ultimate 2 wearers underwater. A characteristic that’s presently distinctive. How helpful the entire thing is, nevertheless, stays to be seen. I discover it very area of interest, because it solely appeals to divers and solely works if everyone seems to be utilizing the Watch Ultimate 2.

The watch can also be nicely outfitted on land. It has exact dual-band GPS (L1 + L5) with help for all main satellite tv for pc programs, permitting mountaineering or biking routes to be reliably recorded even in tough environments. A barometric altimeter, compass and depth sensor are additionally built-in. As a contemporary high-end smartwatch, it’s outfitted with an eSIM and mobile choice, helps Wi-Fi 6, quick Bluetooth 5.2 and NFC for contactless cost

The well being features are complete and state-of-the-art. Huawei combines a number of sensors to create a posh monitoring system:

• Optical pulse sensor of the most recent TruSeen 6.0 era
• ECG measurement for coronary heart rhythm evaluation
• Blood oxygen measurement (SpO₂)
• Skin temperature measurement
• Stress and sleep monitoring (incl. REM section evaluation)
• HRV analysis to detect stress or exhaustion
• Body temperature and respiratory price

The X-Tap sensor can be utilized to start out a whole important indicators evaluation on the faucet of a finger. A characteristic that’s notably sensible for brief check-ins in on a regular basis life. In my comparability, all measured values are very correct. The coronary heart price and calorie consumption values are precisely the identical as these of the units in my fitness center, particularly relating to coaching detection.

For athletes, the watch presents over 100 coaching modes, from working to snowboarding to golf, together with exact efficiency knowledge corresponding to VO2max or coaching load. Those who get pleasure from being outdoor will profit from the navigation and map features, which may also be used offline. In “Expedition mode”, routes, elevation profiles and waypoints are displayed in nice element – splendid for longer excursions away from civilization.

Once once more, nevertheless, the app choice stays a disadvantage: The AppGallery expands the vary of features, however lags far behind Apple or Google on account of political restrictions. The Watch Ultimate 2 lacks many features, particularly along side an iPhone. Unfortunately, that is and stays a tiresome subject.

Battery life: A bit meagre – by Huawei requirements

When it involves the battery lifetime of the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2, the producer differentiates between whether or not the smartwatch is paired with an Android gadget or an iPhone. In the Google ecosystem, it’s mentioned to last as long as 4.5 days, whereas underneath Apple it’s only 3.5 days (regardless of a smaller vary of features). Why is that? I don’t know.

However, this solely applies when Always-on-Display is deactivated. With AOD, you may subtract one other day from the battery life. And that’s fairly meager by Huawei requirements. Especially when you think about that the Watch GT6 lasts as much as 14 days right here.

In intensive sports activities use, corresponding to GPS-supported outside coaching or diving, the battery life is round two to 2 and a half days. The quick wi-fi charging is especially optimistic: The battery is absolutely charged in round one hour.

In comparability, the battery life is roughly on a par with the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and is subsequently nonetheless at a very good stage. However, if you’re in search of a extra enduring companion, you’ll most likely have to achieve for the Watch GT collection.

Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 Review: Conclusion

Is the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2, on paper, the very best smartwatch the producer has ever constructed? I can clearly reply “yes” right here. But is it additionally the smartwatch that I’d advocate to anybody with out hesitation? A really clear “no” to that.

The heavy weight and large measurement disqualify it for customers with smaller wrists, whereas the actual distinctive promoting factors within the type of sonar communication are extremely area of interest and solely of curiosity to divers. The worth of 999 euros (RRP) can also be undoubtedly a bit steep, whereas I personally discover the battery life too meagre.

In my opinion, a Watch GT6 (Pro) or Watch 5 supply a way more well-rounded and attractively priced total bundle.

But that doesn’t imply that the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 is unhealthy. Quite the other. It is, undoubtedly, the very best wearable that the producer has ever constructed and among the finest smartwatches presently accessible.

It combines the best supplies with state-of-the-art sensor expertise and units requirements by way of robustness and submersibility. The vibrant, high-contrast show, intuitive operation and wealth of sensors make it a severe device for sports activities, well being and expeditions.