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MagyarHuawei Watch 4 Pro Smartwatch review - Can finally do more
The Huawei Watch 3 Pro was the manufacturer's first smartwatch with Harmony OS. The successor, the Watch 4 Pro, is also based on this operating system and is again the manufacturer's first smartwatch with some innovations. The feature set and UI have been revised, and Huawei also shows attention to detail.
The manufacturer only offers the Watch 4 Pro in a case size of 48 millimeters. However, there is a choice of casing colors. Huawei offers the Watch 4 Pro in blue with a fabric strap, titanium with a brown leather strap, or titanium with a matching titanium link strap.
The watches with a fabric or leather band cost 549 Euros; an additional 100 Euros is due for the titanium band. The smartwatch has an LTE connection via eSIM. Our test model comes in titanium and costs 649 Euros. The watch is compatible with Android and iOS devices.
Case and features - Watch 4 Pro in titanium alloy
The Watch 4 Pro's casing is made of titanium, and the display is protected by sapphire glass. Huawei installs a rotatable and pressable crown on the right side as well as a button that also houses a sensor. A speaker is installed underneath. Huawei has installed two openings for microphones on the left side. Sensors for monitoring the body's parameters are located on the underside.
Huawei has omitted a bezel for the Watch 4 Pro. However, the edge between the display and the bezel is visually divided into minute intervals. The band is 22 millimeters wide and can be removed without tools. Huawei also includes several link elements to adjust the band to the arm circumference without tools. The watch can be worn on wrists with a circumference between 140 and 210 millimeters.
The smartwatch weighs 110 grams with the strap and 67 grams without it. The Watch 4 Pro is IP68 certified, while Huawei specifies the water resistance with 5 ATM and allows free diving to a depth of 30 meters. The smartwatch complies with EN 13319 for diving accessories.
Setup and Operation - Only with Huawei Health App
As known from other Huawei smartwatches, the installation of the Huawei Health app is necessary for setup and operation. The current version of this software is not available in the Google Play Store. The installation file can be downloaded via a QR code on the packaging. Alternatively, Huawei's own app store, called App Gallery, can be installed first. The app also gets its updates via that. Logging in with a Huawei ID is necessary for the software.
Once this hurdle is cleared, the setup is quick. The watch and smartphone are connected right away. After that, some permissions have to be granted so that the watch can receive messages from the smartphone or access contacts. After pairing, The watch welcomes the user with a tutorial for the buttons and swipe gestures.
The Health app is divided into the sections Health, Training, Discover, Devices and Account. Under Device, the paired Watch 4 Pro is displayed. Watchfaces can be selected here. In addition, music can be stored locally on the watch via WLAN. A small form of the app gallery for smartwatch apps and the manufacturer's payment service, Huawei Wallet, are also located here. In Germany, however, only customer cards and no payment methods can currently be stored in Wallet.
Some settings of the watch can also be changed in the app. In particular, the measurements of various health values can be activated, and the measurement intervals can be adjusted.
Most settings are only possible on the watch itself. The selection options are diverse. They range from the display of the always-on screen to the strength of the vibration, and the assignment of the bottom button.
The Watch 4 Pro is operated via a 1.5-inch touchscreen, a button, and a rotating and pressable crown on the right side. Pressing the crown opens the app overview, and turning the crown zooms in and out of the display. Pressing the crown in a menu always leads back to the watch face.
Unlike other Huawei smartwatches, the bottom button of the Watch 4 Pro does not open a program, but a pop-up menu with three selection points. The list of programs shown there can be customized in the settings. In the factory settings, they are Training, Health Glance and the Phone menu.
The touchscreen is operated via swipe gestures. A swipe from top to bottom opens the quick menu with access to connection settings like WLAN, silent mode, alarm clock, sleep mode or flashlight. A swipe from left to right opens the Huawei Assistant menu today. In this overview, Huawei places the voice assistant, a weather overview, and media control in media playback.
Swiping from the bottom to the top opens the notifications. Messages are sorted by apps and displayed as cards. Pressing the card opens the message or the message history. Swiping from right to left leads through the familiar tiles. However, Huawei has adjusted the display. Each individual tile now offers much more information. The heart rate tile now also informs about the skin temperature, sleep, oxygen saturation, and stress level. The order and content of the tiles can be customized in the settings.
Telephony and notifications - Watch 4 Pro with eSIM
The Huawei Watch 4 Pro offers the best conditions for telephony. It not only has a microphone and speakers but can also establish its own connection to the mobile network via eSIM. The eSIM is installed via the Huawei Health app. The software asks whether it is a secondary card with the same number or an independent card.
The installation of the SIM card works smoothly in the test. In order to protect the battery, the Watch 4 Pro offers various settings for when its own SIM connection is automatically stopped, for example when the smartwatch is on Wi-Fi or when it is connected to the paired smartphone via Bluetooth.
We had a good reception with the Watch 4 Pro in the test. However, the voice quality during calls via a paired smartphone is significantly better than when the eSIM was used. Contacts can be synchronized with the smartphone. In addition, the smartwatch offers access to call lists and a number field for dialing unknown numbers.
The handling of notifications is just as pleasing. The Watch 4 Pro reliably displays incoming messages. It is possible to select which apps are allowed to forward notifications to the watch in the Health app. The smartwatch displays the messages broken down by apps in cards, and a click on the card opens the history of new messages.
A big innovation of the Watch 4 Pro is that Huawei not only allows short replies, but replies are also possible via voice input or a virtual keyboard. The inputs are recorded precisely, and typing is possible without problems. The smartwatch can also display emojis; only pictures cannot be displayed. In addition, e-mails are still not displayed completely.
Voice assistant - Celia now talks to Allen
There is another progress in the digital assistant. Huawei still relies exclusively on the in-house solution called Celia, but the assistant now works with all smartphones and not only EMUI devices.
The voice recognition is good, and answers are displayed on the screen as well as spoken via the speaker. However, the feature set is much smaller than Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
Health and fitness - Huawei offers ECG measurement
All health data that the Watch 4 Pro collects is compiled in the Health app. On the app's home page, Huawei presents clear maps of activity goals, training data, heart rate, sleep, stress, oxygen saturation, skin temperature, and Health Glance. Which content is shown in which order can be customized in the settings.
Pressing the cards opens the respective submenu and shows more information about the areas. The heart rate can be displayed as a value or graphically. It can be viewed over the course of a day, as well as for a week, a month or a year. The software also determines the resting rate as well as the highest and lowest values. The Watch 4 Pro can also take ECG readings and measure arterial stiffness. In doing so, the watch is said to measure whether the arteries are still elastic and whether the values correspond to the wearer's age.
Health Glance is a new feature of Huawei's software. It strings together seven tests in a series of measurements: heart rate, blood oxygen measurement, stress, skin temperature, ECG, arterial stiffness, and a breath test. The test lasts one minute and should be performed at rest; in some cases, the electrode in the button must also be touched with the finger. The app clearly compiles the results in a report and warns if there are any abnormalities.
A new feature is the breathing test, which cannot be triggered separately, but only via the row in Health Glance. The wearer has to take a deep breath and then cough several times near the smartwatch. The software is supposed to be able to measure the forced vital capacity (FVC), which is given both as lung volume in liters and as a percentage value depending on age.
It is not possible to synchronize the data with Google Fit without a third-party app. However, the Watch 4 Pro can be linked with accounts at Komoot and Strava.
Activity Targets - Huawei Rings and Clovers
Huawei offers two approaches to display daily activity. On the one hand, there are familiar rings, where the calories burned, the training time in minutes, and the time standing in hours are indicated.
In addition, Huawei relies on its own health cloverleaves. Different areas with their targets are monitored throughout the day. The software shows when sleep ended, whether breathing is suitable, how many steps have been walked, and how many minutes of training there were in the day. It also points out a suitable time for sleep. The shamrocks keep filling up and change color to green when the set goals are achieved.
In addition, the smartwatch measures the distance covered and breaks it down into running, walking and climbing stairs. The completed altitude meters can also be output. If desired, the smartwatch can also indicate a lack of exercise when the wearer stays in one place for a long time - at a desk, for example.
Heart rate, heart rhythm and blood oxygen saturation
We compare the Huawei Watch 4 Pro's readings with those of reference devices to better classify them. We took the Watch 4 Pro on a bike tour with a Garmin Venu 2 to measure the heart rate. The Huawei smartwatch's rates are convincing both at rest and under load. The resting pulse rate is exactly the same for both devices. The difference in the performance pulse averaged over three measurements is only 1.16 percent.
The results for measuring blood oxygen saturation are equally convincing. In this case, Braun pulse oximeter 1 is used as the reference device. The deviation in the average of three measurements is 0.69 percent. The Watch 4 Pro deviates downward in two of three measurements.
Sleep tracking - Watch 4 Pro without smart alarm clock
The sleep tracking of the Watch 4 Pro is extensive. The software indicates the slept time as a total value but also subdivides the sleep into different phases, such as light, deep or REM sleep. Values are given in hours and minutes for the respective phase. The values are also visualized on a timeline.
In addition, the software indicates percentage of sleep that was spent in each phase and ranks the values in each case. This results in a grading of the sleep with points and stars. The values can be displayed not only for one night but also for weeks, months and years. All this information can be called up not only via the smartphone app but also directly on the watch, but then only for the previous night.
Sleep sounds can also be recorded and analyzed via the smartphone. The software also offers various soundscapes to help you fall asleep. Unfortunately, the Watch 4 Pro does not offer a smart alarm clock that uses the sleep data for a gentle wake-up.
Training recording - Watch 4 Pro is not afraid of water
The Huawei Watch 4 Pro supports the tracking of more than 100 sports. A special feature is the release up to a depth of 30 meters in open water. Thus, the smartwatch is also suitable for open-water swimming and manageable dives. Those who want to dive deeper and need corresponding support will have to switch to the Huawei Watch Ultimate for deeper dives.
Huawei focuses on running training. The Watch 4 Pro offers a virtual training partner that runs the average speed of past workouts. A distance is calculated for this. The software also provides - somewhat hidden - information about the current running performance, which Huawei calls the "Running Ability Index", VO2Max, and runtime forecasts for different distances.
The watch comes with 13 preloaded training plans for different running levels. Additional training plans can be installed on the smartwatch via the Health app. Video workouts can also be completed via the Health app, and the program ranges from stretching to strengthening to fat burning. When a video is started, the smartwatch automatically starts recording the workout.
Completed workouts can be tracked in the Health app. The software provides information about distances, duration, speed and calories burned. The information can also be displayed for individual route segments. Training or routes from other apps, such as Komoot, can be imported and then completed. In addition, a goal can be set for each sport, such as a specific time, distance or calorie consumption.
If desired, the smartwatch informs about the current training status after a certain time or distance during training. It indicates the current heart rate, the time for the stage and the training status. The Watch 4 Pro can automatically detect and record walking, running and training on the cross trainer. However, the automatic recording does not always work reliably in the test.
GPS and navigation - Good software, moderate accuracy
Another development of the Huawei Watch 4 Pro is the navigation. Huawei relies on its own map service Petal Maps. If navigation is started with the software on the smartphone, the smartwatch also shows the way - the previous generations could do that as well. Now it is also possible to start the navigation directly from the watch. Thanks to the eSIM connection, a paired smartphone is not necessary.
The Watch 4 Pro can also connect to all common satellite networks via dual-band GNSS. The connection is established relatively quickly outdoors, but it takes a long time indoors. Once the connection is established, it remains stable in the test. However, a comparison with the Garmin Venu 2 on a bike tour shows that the Watch 4 Pro's positioning could be better. Straight radii are not displayed correctly.
Recorded routes can be exported as gpx, tcx and kml files. Importing gpx files is also possible. In addition, the Watch 4 Pro has a return path navigation, for example, if you get lost during sports or are traveling in an unknown environment.
Display - Huawei installs bright LTPO AMOLED
The 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED panel is an absolute gem on the Watch 4 Pro. Thanks to the installed display technology, the black levels are perfect and the contrasts are crisp. Content is displayed sharply at all times. In addition, the panel is bright and easy to read at all times; training data is also visible when training in the sun. We measured a maximum brightness of 660 cd/m² with the brightness sensor enabled. When the sensor is deactivated, the panel still reaches 441 nits.
The comparison with other smartwatches like the Pixel Watch or the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro shows that their displays can be even brighter. The always-on display of the Watch 4 Pro is positive. Huawei offers one in a matching style to the selected watchface. The AoD is automatically disabled in sleep mode. An individual adjustment of the AoD according to time or style, like the Amazfit GTR 4 is not available on the Watch 4 Pro.
We also noticed flickering of the display in the test. The average frequency is low at 72 Hz; we measured a maximum of 153 Hz and a minimum of 56 Hz.
| Huawei Watch 4 Pro | Google Pixel Watch LTE | Huawei Watch Ultimate | Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro | Amazfit GTR 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Response Times | |||||
| PWM Frequency | 72 | 60 -17% | 60 -17% | 119.4 66% | |
| Screen | 62% | -3% | 23% | -36% | |
| Brightness middle | 660 | 1066 62% | 638 -3% | 813 23% | 423 -36% |
| Black Level * | |||||
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | 62% /
62% | -10% /
-10% | 3% /
3% | 15% /
15% |
* ... smaller is better
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| Screen flickering / PWM detected | 72 Hz |   | |
The display backlight flickers at 72 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) . The frequency of 72 Hz is very low, so the flickering may cause eyestrain and headaches after extended use. In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 17900 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured. | |||
Performance and runtime - Watch 4 Pro with Snapdragon
For the first time in a long time, Huawei provides information about the SiP in the Watch 4 Pro. A current chip from Qualcomm is used. Whether it is the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 or the Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 we could not find out. However, benchmark measurements are not possible because a browser cannot be installed on the smartwatch. The SiP is manufactured in the current 4 nm process. Unlike the W5, the W5+ integrates an additional always-on chip (QCC5100 with 250 MHz Cortex-M55 CPU).
The watch convinces with a good performance in everyday use. Transitions in the UI are smooth, programs start quickly, and switching between applications also happens without waiting times. Thus, the Watch 4 Pro runs even smoother than the recently introduced Huawei Watch Ultimate.
It is also positive that Huawei has installed 32 GB of storage. It can be used for local music, apps and routes. Furthermore, 2 GB of RAM are installed.
Battery life - Huawei has to make concessions
Huawei promises a battery runtime of up to 4.5 days. We achieve a runtime of 2.5 to 3 days when all sensors are permanently active and the always-on display is enabled. It does not make a difference whether we have the eSIM installed or not. We used a standalone eSIM with a permanent connection.
The AoD has a bigger impact. If it is deactivated, the runtime is extended to about four days with otherwise the same usage. Thus, the Watch 4 Pro is far away from the very good runtimes of older Huawei smartwatches like the Watch GT 3 Pro. However, the feature set has increased significantly and the Watch 4 Pro lasts significantly longer than, for example, the Pixel Watch and also a bit longer than the Watch5 Pro from Samsung.
Huawei uses the wireless Qi standard for charging. The Watch 4 Pro needs just under 90 minutes for a complete charging process. We used a 24-watt power supply.
Pros
Cons
Verdict - Watch 4 Pro is a well-rounded overall package
Something is happening: Huawei brings a noticeable breath of fresh air into its own smartwatch portfolio with the Watch 4 Pro. The manufacturer has been making good watches for a long time, but they have mainly shined with slim software and long battery runtimes. Now, Huawei addresses many small issues and eliminates weaknesses.
It is finally possible to answer questions via the keyboard, navigate directly from the watch, and there is a voice assistant that works with every smartphone. The Watch 4 Pro even supports music streaming, albeit only via the in-house service Huawei Music. These are only small steps in themselves, but it is a noticeable comfort gain in everyday life. Even the operation has become smoother with the current processor.
Of course, there is also criticism: Above all, the battery runtime has clearly decreased compared with older models. Nevertheless, the Watch 4 Pro does not have to be plugged in every day like many rivals with a similar feature set.
A larger app selection with other streaming services and a functioning payment service would be desirable so that the Watch 4 Pro's NFC can also be used. In everyday use, however, the watch is fun, especially with its great display and pleasant wearing experience.
The features of the Watch 4 Pro are impressive. The watch convinces in all disciplines.
The Watch 4 Pro's feature set is more extensive than that of the top model, the Watch Ultimate, and makes a clear request for its price. Those who want more common apps will have to look in the Android-Wear camp. The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro, which is also available as an LTE model, is similarly equipped. Google's Pixel Watch is much more delicate on the wrist, but it has to be plugged in every night.
Price and availability
Huawei sells the Watch 4 Pro with a leather or textile strap in silver with a brown band or in blue with a blue band for 549 Euros ($614). The test version in all-titanium has an MSRP of 649 Euros. Huawei offers the smartwatch in its own online store, but other retailers like Amazon or Mediamarkt have the smartwatch on offer.
Transparency
The present review sample was made available to the author as a loan by the manufacturer or a shop for the purposes of review. The lender had no influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review.
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