Huawei Watch 6 Pro: What can the new X-Tap sensor on the edge of the housing do?
With the Huawei Watch 5, the manufacturer introduced an additional sensor on the side of the casing. The Watch 6 Pro now features the second generation of this technology, dubbed "X-Tap 2.0." It combines an optical PPG sensor with a pressure-sensitive sensor area, allowing for measurements to be taken via a fingertip rather than exclusively from the wrist. Huawei has refined the technology: the optical sensor now operates with twelve channels, while the pressure sensor can distinguish between 20 levels of sensitivity. According to the manufacturer, this makes the system twice as fast as that of the Watch 5. However, whether this actually results in more accurate readings cannot be determined without corresponding reference measurements.
The fingertip is well-suited for optical measurements due to its high level of blood perfusion. For instance, the Watch 6 Pro can determine blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) directly from the finger. The side-mounted sensor is also used for recording an electrocardiogram (ECG).
The "Health Glance" feature is particularly noteworthy. By pressing and holding the X-Tap sensor for three seconds, you initiate a health check that lasts approximately 60 seconds. During this process, the smartwatch combines readings taken from your finger with data from the sensors located on the back of the device. The result is an overview of up to eleven health metrics, including heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), blood oxygen saturation, ECG analysis, stress levels, and skin temperature. These findings are presented both on the watch itself and within the Huawei Health app. The specific metrics available may vary depending on the region.
Consequently, X-Tap 2.0 is not an entirely new feature, but rather a technical evolution of the concept already introduced with the Watch 5. Its primary advantage is the ability to quickly and easily access multiple health data points. However, this feature is not a substitute for a medical examination; Huawei explicitly states that Health Glance is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Nevertheless, as a supplementary overview of one's personal health, X-Tap 2.0 serves as an interesting and distinctive feature of the Watch 6 Pro.
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