In just a few years, smartwatches have transitioned from futuristic novelties to everyday essentials, weaving technology and health monitoring seamlessly into our daily routines. If you’ve ever contemplated elevating your wrist game with a blend of style and function, the Huawei Watch GT 4 might be the perfect device to consider.
Huawei has consistently pioneered technological advancements, and with the Huawei Watch GT 4, they’ve seamlessly blended user-favorite features and fresh innovations into a fashion-forward smartwatch.
In this unboxing and first impressions article, we are going to highlight the most exciting features of the Huawei Watch GT4.
UNBOXING: WHAT’S IN THE BOX
The Huawei Watch GT 4 comes in the trademark black box of Huawei’s smartwatches. On the front, you’ll find the gold Huawei branding and a photo of the watch itself. There are several versions of the watch and each one has a unique box of its own, so you’ll definitely know what you are getting.
You can also check the bottom of the box for the model number and the kind of strap is indicated there as well. Flip over the box for the device warning and mandatory precautions and a QR code that you’ll need to scan to download the Huawei Health App. Do note that the Huawei Health App is not available on the Play Store, good thing you can easily download it from the website or via the APP Gallery if you are using a Huawei phone.
Lifting the box cover reveals the Watch GT 4 unit tucked neatly in place by a die-cut tab lid. Lift that tab up again to reveal two compartments on the each side, one contains the charging cradle and the other a quick start guide.
FASHION FORWARD DESIGN: At first glance, I thought it looked the same as its GT predecessor, but as soon as I held it up, the differences became quite obvious.
The HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 is a testament to this effort. The watch breathes life into the concept of “Classic Evolved.”
According to the brand, the octagonal design isn’t just a departure from the ordinary; it’s a deliberate nod to geometric clarity, strength, and perseverance. This choice is symbolic, representing regeneration, totality, and infinity. This smartwatch is not just about telling time, but about embracing a lifestyle of exploration and sophistication.
The 46mm version of the GT 4 flaunts an octagonal bezel reminiscent of a diamond’s cut and the sharp, angular design of performance car headlights, the octagonal shape radiates both luxury and durability. It’s a confidence boost on the wrist and speaks to the fashion-forward and tech-savvy individual. It is built from 316L stainless steel, the same material often used in Swiss watches to assure quality.
The 46mm version of the GT 4 comes in four straps:
Black (46mm & 41mm): The one that I have is the black edition, it might not be my favorite among the choices but you can never go wrong with its Black Fluoroelastomer Strap. I do think its a good choice for younger more active people though. Its a great choice for those who work out a lot as it manifests an air of athletic elegance—something I obviously don’t.
Next is the Rainforest Green GMT edition. Perfect for those who love nature and eco-conscious as it is crafted using 70% ocean-recycled nylon and 30% recycled polyester, it represents Huawei’s commitment to sustainability and style.
For those who prefer leather—strap into the Brown Leather edition. It channels a classic charm that transcends time. The combination of the silver stainless steel body with the comforting tan leather strap fits well with any style or occasion.
Lastly, and the most pricey is the Grey Edition. This is my top choice as its absolutely looks gorgeous IRL. Great for those who appreciate the finer things in life, with an integrated Stainless Steel Strap, it’s the epitome of refined luxury.
For those who prefer smaller watches, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 also comes in 41mm. The 41mm version comes in a “pendant design,” embodying a fashionable, slim, and well-balanced aesthetic. The outer gold bezel adds glamour to the overall look of the watch face, creating an eye-catching and understated look that resembles precious dainty jewelry and accessories. It comes in three choices, black, silver, and white.
The Silver Edition has a Two-tone Piano Key bracelet that exudes a sense of elevated elegance that’s further enhanced with tasteful gold accents.
The pristine White Edition with its gold Stainless Steel Case is a blend of elegance and adaptability, transitioning from a mere accessory to an extension of one’s style.
Lastly, the Black edition combines aesthetics with elegance in a display of sporty sophistication.
DISPLAY AND PERSONALIZATION: The AMOLED screens on both versions are crisp and bright. The 46mm model features a 1.43-inch screen with a crisp 326 PPI density, while the 41mm model offers a slightly more compact 1.32-inch screen but boasts a denser 352 PPI. Plus, with the Always-On Display function, accessing crucial information is readily available and with its frame rate as low as 1Hz, it manages to optimize power consumption brilliantly.
Huawei offers 12 unique watch face designs for the GT4. But the customization doesn’t stop there. Users can tweak background colors, dial types, and much more to truly make the watch their own. Coupled with a variety of strap colors and styles, you can easily personalize your watch to express your own individuality.
WEARABLE HEALTH-TECH: While the distinctive design of the Huawei Watch GT 4 catches the eye, its superior health monitoring capabilities truly distinguish it from the rest.
The Watch GT 4 can help you take charge as you embark on a journey toward a healthier lifestyle by providing you with round-the-clock health monitoring.
Diverse Sports Modes: The Watch GT 4 doesn’t just passively record your activities; it actively assists in them. Boasting over 100 sports modes, it is designed to cater to a wide range of physical activities. Whether you’re into mainstream sports like running or swimming, or you have a passion for niche activities, the watch likely has a mode tailored for it.
HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 series likewise introduces 19 new professional sports modes, covering indoor and outdoor activities such as walking, running, cycling, swimming, golf, yoga, padel, esports and more. YES e-sports, I’m actually curious as to how and what it can do for our e-athletes.
Additionally, custom modes for soccer, basketball, and esports are added. Through professional sports assessments and suggestions, users can gain a deeper understanding of their exercise routines and receive guidance to exercise in a more scientific and efficient manner.
Another improved feature is TruSeen™ 5.5+ Heart Rate Monitoring: Heart rate monitoring has become a staple feature in wearables, but the Huawei Watch GT 4 takes it up a notch. With its upgraded TruSeen™ 5.5+ technology, it offers accurate, real-time heart rate readings. This is invaluable not just during workouts, where it can help users maintain their desired heart rate zone, but also in everyday life to monitor stress and overall heart health.
Photoplethysmography (PPG) arrhythmia analysis: While it might be a mouthful to say, this unique feature is essentially a heart rhythm checker. It looks for irregularities which could indicate potential issues. It’s like having a mini-cardiologist on your wrist, providing a heads-up about your heart’s wellbeing. The inclusion of Photoplethysmography (PPG) arrhythmia analysis is a game-changer. This feature allows the watch to detect irregular heartbeats, which can be crucial in identifying conditions like Atrial Fibrillation early on. Early detection can lead to timely medical intervention and prevent potential health complications.
Smart Menstrual Cycle Tracking: The watch also includes a menstrual cycle tracking feature, which is an important tool for many women. By analyzing various metrics, it predicts menstrual cycles, helping in planning and health management.
Enhanced Sleep Tracking: While you might not have time to go to the gym to get those numbers in. There is absolutely no way you can avoid sleeping. Good sleep is crucial for overall health, and the Huawei Watch GT 4 doesn’t underestimate this. It goes beyond just tracking sleep duration. With its “breathing awareness” feature, users not only get insights into their REM, deep sleep, light sleep, and awake times but also receive a “Breathing Quality” score. This score can offer insights into the quality of rest one is getting and potential disturbances during sleep. I
Stay Fit App: Another exciting addition is the Stay Fit app, designed to provide a comprehensive view of your caloric intake and expenditure. This helps users balance their diets with their physical activity, essential for weight management and overall fitness.
Adaptive Training Plans: Whether you’re training for a 3km fun run or gearing up for a marathon, the Watch GT 4 has got your back. With adaptive running training plans, it can offer guidance tailored to the individual’s needs, helping to optimize training and reach personal goals.
Unlike traditional health monitoring scans and machines, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 series is able to carry out round-the-clock health monitoring and analyses such as heart rate monitoring, SpO2, blood oxygen monitoring, sleep analyses, stress management, and health reminders.
Do note that while smartwatches are not a replacement for professional health services, it can help users monitor their health and alert them of any irregularities they would have missed out on until the next doctor’s appointment.
What good are all these features if you need to keep recharging your smartwatch. Battery has been a pain point and the Achilles heel for many smartwatches. The WATCH GT 4 promises extended battery durations, which means you won’t have to charge it every night. Depending on how you use it, the watch can go for as long as two weeks without needing a power boost. It’s convenient, especially if you’re on the go. Huawei says the 46mm version promises up to 14 days of use, while the 41mm version can last up to a week. And when you do need to power up? Wireless charging ensures a smooth experience.
Smart Lifestyle Companion: Besides looking good and helping you feel good, the Watch GT 4 is also an extension of your smartphone. From replying to messages, including from third-party apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, Viber, to Bluetooth calling with a whopping 100-meter range from a paired Huawei phone, the GT4 is designed to make everyday tasks simpler. There’s also been talks about an upcoming QR payment support which will further add to the convenience convenience it brings.
Fitness for All: And for those wondering, yes, the GT4 is compatible with non-Huawei smartphones, as long as they run Android 6.0 or iOS 9.0 and above.
So far the Huawei Watch GT4 is looking to be a very solid choice for those planning to get a serious smartwatch. It’s a fashionable statement piece packed with features that cater to both health enthusiasts and the everyday user and Huawei might just have another winner on their hands.
I’ll be using it for a few more days and be sure to wait for our full review feature this Saturday on The Technivore exclusive to the Business Mirror.
