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In review: Huawei Watch D2

Huawei Watch D2 Smartwatch review - Medical blood pressure measurement on the wrist

Small air pump.

The Huawei Watch D2 is a blood pressure monitor and much more. ECG and blood pressure measurements are medically certified and start automatically. Huawei also installed a speaker in the new model and designed the watch to look more stylish.
Benedikt Winkel, 👁 Daniel Schmidt, Anton Avdyushkin (translated by DeepL / Ninh Duy) Published 🇩🇪 🇫🇷 ...
Accessory Gadget Smartwatch Wearable

Watch D is Huawei's series of smartwatches that measure blood pressure without tools or calibration, and with the Watch D2, the manufacturer is launching an improved model.

The Watch D2 is even certified as a medical device and Huawei advertises 24-hour blood pressure measurement. The predecessor model impressed in the test with its precise measurements and good battery life, but it lacked a speaker. The manufacturer has rectified this shortcoming.

The Watch D2 is available in two colors: black and gold. However, only the bottom of the case is black, the visible part of the watch is gray with silver accents, combined with a fluoroelastomer strap. The gold model is combined with a white leather strap.

Huawei does not offer a variant with LTE, and the model is only available in one size. The RRP of the smartwatch is 399 euros - unchanged from the first Watch D. The Watch D2 is compatible with iOS and Android.

Huawei Watch D2
Display
1.82 inch, 408 x 480 pixel 347 PPI, capacitive, AMOLED, glossy: yes, 60 Hz
Connections
NFC, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: 9-axis IMU sensor (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer), optical heart rate sensor, ECG sensor, Barometer, Temperature sensor, Differential pressure sensor, Hall sensor
Networking
Bluetooth 5.2, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 14 x 38 x 48 ( = 0.55 x 1.5 x 1.89 in)
Battery
524 mAh Lithium-Polymer
Charging
wireless charging
Operating System
Huawei HarmonyOS
Additional features
Speakers: mono, Keyboard: onscreen, Keyboard Light: yes, two wristbands in different sizes, measuring template, charger, HarmonyOS 5.0, 24 Months Warranty, fanless, waterproof
Weight
83 g ( = 2.93 oz / 0.18 pounds), Power Supply: 38 g ( = 1.34 oz / 0.08 pounds)
Price
399 Euro

 

Case and features - Watch D2 is more compact and stylish

The frame of the Watch D2 is made of an aluminum alloy, and the 1.82-inch display is covered by glass (Huawei does not provide any information about its type). The glass is slightly curved on all sides so that the transition to the frame is extremely smooth.

A rotatable and pressable crown and a button are located on the right side of the watch. Both elements have a firm fit and a clear pressure point. A microphone is embedded below the lower button - almost invisible in the black material of the case back.

Another microphone - as well as the new speaker - is located on the left side of the case. With a width of 30 millimeters, the strap is wider than the standard. This is because an air cushion is installed under the elastomer, which is inflated for the blood pressure measurement.

The strap cannot be opened completely but has a butterfly clasp. There is no need to adjust the width every time the strap is closed - it is done by fixing the clasp to the strap. The holes are numbered on the inside, which makes adjustment easier.

Huawei supplies the Watch D2 with straps in two different sizes. A template is provided to help you find the right size. Instructions explain how to wear it correctly. The straps can be changed without tools using buttons on the underside of the case. However, due to the pump function and special connectors, only straps from the manufacturer fit the Watch D2.

The Watch D2 weighs 41 grams without the strap, which is exactly what the manufacturer specified. With the size L strap, it weighs 83 grams.

Compared to its predecessor, the Watch D2 has become more compact and significantly more stylish. The materials used are of a higher quality and the build quality is outstanding. The built-in vibration motor also impresses with its quiet operation. It is discreet but crisp. The haptic feedback of the crown is equally good. The smartwatch is protected against the ingress of dust and water according to IP68.

Sustainability - No information from Huawei

Huawei does not provide any information on the carbon footprint of the Watch D2, nor is there any indication of the recyclability of the materials or whether recycled materials are used. Most of the smartwatch's packaging is made of cardboard, but there are also elements made of foam.

Setup and operation - Watch D2 for iOS and Android

The Huawei Health app must be installed to set up and use the Watch D2. The current version of the software is not listed in the Google Play store. A QR code for downloading the software is printed on the packaging of the Watch D2. However, we recommend downloading it from Huawei's app store, AppGallery. Alternatively, the Health app is also available in other app stores, but not in the Play store.

When downloading the app alone, there may be problems with the assignment of rights, such as the authorization for notifications. If the AppGallery is installed, software updates are also installed via this store. Huawei offers the software as an APK download via the website.

New devices can be searched for in the Huawei Health app. The Watch D2 is recognized quickly after being switched on in the test. During pairing, initial authorizations are requested, such as access to contacts. In the test, the Watch D2 immediately downloads a training language package.

After pairing, the smartphone app explains how to wear the smartwatch correctly and how to select the straps. New functions such as screenshots on the watch and continuous blood pressure measurement are also introduced.

The Huawei Health app is divided into five sections: Health, Training, Discover, Devices, and Account. "Health" is a dashboard with all the information about the collected data. The values are sorted thematically in tiles; there are tiles for heart rate, stress, sleep, skin temperature, and blood pressure. The arrangement of the tiles can be customized.

"Training" shows completed training sessions broken down by sport. The software also offers video workouts and running plans. These courses also appear under "Discover" along with other offers such as challenges, weight management, and music to fall asleep to. Some of the offers require a paid subscription - Huawei Health+ (free for three months for buyers of the Watch D2).

"Device" shows the linked smartwatch. The watch settings can be changed here, such as the frequency of health monitoring or setting an alarm clock. There is also a store for watch faces, some of which are free, and the others are paid.

Music can be stored locally on the smartwatch. There is also an app store for the smartwatch. The range is limited, but there is a Spotify controller, calendar synchronization, and navigation apps. Huawei Wallet is the manufacturer's payment service, but it is not available in Germany. Pressing the tile leads to an error message.

Some functions of the Watch D2 such as ECG, blood pressure measurement, and sleep breathing monitoring are only possible if a Huawei ID is created. The "Account" section displays collected medals, as well as weekly and monthly reports, an overview of personal data, training plans and routes.

The Watch D2 can be operated via the 1.82-inch touchscreen, the rotatable and pressable crown, and a button. Pressing the crown opens the app overview from the watch face. From any menu, a press on the crown takes you back to the home screen. A double tap opens the overview of the most recently opened apps, and a long press takes you to the switch-off menu. Turning the crown can be used to scroll through menus.

Huawei calls the bottom button the "Health button". Pressing it leads to blood pressure measurement by default. Double-tapping opens the Huawei Wallet, which cannot be used in Germany. A long press activates the voice assistant. The assignment of the lower button can be changed in the settings directly on the smartwatch. The assignment options are varied and are not limited to health functions; it is also possible to set an alarm clock or start navigation.

From the home screen, swiping from left to right takes you to "Huawei Assitant today". On this page, the manufacturer groups together access to the voice assistant, weather, and media control. Swiping from right to left takes you through various widgets. Some display values relating to a specific topic, such as the lunar cycle or daily activity. However, some of them are also compilations from different areas, such as Calendar, Contacts, and Phone. The content and order can be changed on the smartwatch.

Swiping from top to bottom takes you to the short menu with access to the alarm clock, flashlight, and do-not-disturb mode. Swiping from bottom to top, on the other hand, opens the notification menu. Notifications are listed here sorted by app.

Telephony and notifications - Watch D2 can now also make calls

Unlike its predecessor, the Watch D2 can be used to make calls. Microphone and loudspeaker are built in. It does not have its own LTE connection, so a paired smartphone must always be within Bluetooth range. Voice transmission is good overall, but the other party hears a slight hiss and echo. The sound for the watch wearer is good, the speaker is loud enough.

The smartwatch does not display all contacts of the paired smartphone. Individual contacts must be stored in the Huawei Health app, which can then be called from the watch. There is also no keypad and only a call list.

The Watch D2 reliably displays notifications. Apps allowed to send notifications can be selected individually in the smartphone app. Longer messages, such as emails, are shortened by the smartwatch and the sender, subject, and first few lines are displayed.

Replies are only possible on the Watch D2 using configured short replies - this also only works on Android. The order and content of these can be customized. The Watch D2 can display many emojis, but images are not displayed.

Voice assistant - a step backwards for the Watch D2

Huawei relies on its own assistant Celia for the Watch D2. This can be called up via Huawei Assitant today or by pressing a button. However, the voice assistant only works in conjunction with Huawei smartphones or smartphones with the EMUI 10.1 operating system or higher.

With the Watch 4 Pro from Huawei the voice assistant can also be used with other smartphones. It remains incomprehensible why Huawei does not use this potential on other smartwatches as well.

Health and fitness - Blood pressure measurement as a unique selling point of the Watch D2

Healthcare is the main theme of the Huawei Watch D2. The focus is on blood pressure measurement. The Watch D2 is currently the only smartwatch on the market that enables this measurement without calibration or other aids. Unlike Samsung, for example, the function is also not dependent on the paired smartphone.

To measure blood pressure, the watch inflates an airbag between the skin and the wristband; the pump is located in the case. Compared to its predecessor, the WatchD2 offers the new function of measuring over 24 hours using a schedule. The schedule can be adjusted via the app. The software distinguishes between day and night time. The time intervals between measurements can also be set.

A measurement every 30 minutes is suggested by default. During the day, a vibration reminds you of an upcoming measurement. At night, the watch starts the measurements automatically. The measurement is so quiet that the tester does not wake up. Frequent and regular measurements are intended to allow developments to be monitored better. The Watch D2 is certified as a medical device.

In addition to measuring blood pressure, the Watch D2 can also take ECG measurements, monitor skin temperature, and measure arterial stiffness and stress. The values can be determined individually. The measurements can be taken continuously or triggered manually. Huawei also offers the "Health Glance" function. When the app is started, the smartwatch runs through all measurements of the aforementioned parameters, as well as blood oxygen saturation and heart rate, one after the other, and creates a report.

If the measurements are taken regularly, the software also provides average values and trends.

Activity goals - Huawei with shamrocks and rings

Huawei provides two ways to monitor daily activity in the Health app. One display is in the form of three clovers, which stand for sleep, steps, and mood (stress). Based on the course of the day, there are tasks for getting up appropriately, breathing exercises, activity, steps, and sleeping on time. If the goals are achieved, the shamrocks change color to green.

The second representation is the familiar circles that close as you progress - these stand for calories burned during exercise, training minutes and time spent standing. The software also shows the number of steps, the distance covered in kilometers, and the altitude meters completed. The circles and values can be displayed for days, but also for weeks and months.

Heart rate, heart rhythm and blood oxygen saturation

The Huawei Watch D2 can measure heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and blood pressure without the use of any aids. In order to better classify the values, we compare them with those of reference devices.

To measure the heart rate, we take the Watch D2 with us on a bike ride. A Polar H10 chest strap serves as the reference device. The resting heart rate values of the two devices are only one beat per minute apart. We took measurements at three points during the tour. The average deviation from three measurements is 0.28 percent, two out of three readings are identical.

The precision of the blood oxygen saturation is at the same very high level. In this case, a Braun pulse oximeter 1 serves as a reference. The average deviation from three measurements is 0.34 percent. Two out of three measured values are identical.

A Braun ExacFit 5 Connect is used as the reference device for measuring blood pressure. In the average of three measurements, the smartwatch deviates by only 0.76 percent for the systolic value and 6.64 percent on average for the diastolic value. The measured values of the Watch D2 are always lower than those of the reference device.

Both measuring devices are certified medical devices. The deviation in the test is a maximum of 7 mmHG, which is within the tolerance. The values for blood pressure measurements can be influenced by many factors, such as posture, the intervals between measurements, and also the location of the measurement - right/left arm, upper arm or wrist.

Overall, the measured values of the Huawei Watch D2 are at a very good level. Not only does it provide an overview of many parameters, but these are also determined very accurately.

 

 

Heart rate measurement with the Polar H10 chest strap
Heart rate measurement with the Polar H10 chest strap
Heart rate measurement with the Huawei Watch D2
Heart rate measurement with the Huawei Watch D2

Sleep tracking - Huawei offers lots of data

The sleep tracking of the Huawei Watch D2 is extensive. The results of the measurements are displayed on the smartwatch itself and in the Health app. The software displays the total time spent sleeping. Sleep is also broken down into deep, light, and REM sleep. Waking phases are also reliably recognized by the smartwatch.

The software indicates times for the phases, but they are also displayed graphically on a timeline and the proportion of total sleep accounted for by each phase is shown, including a classification and a recommendation.

The smartwatch also measures the heart rate during sleep, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate. The total sleep is also rated with a score and stars. The values can be displayed not only for one night but also for weeks, months, and even years.

New are daily, weekly, and monthly summaries of sleep values. The Health app also offers trends over a longer period, such as the development of sleep duration over the past six months. The app also provides tips for better sleep and integrates sounds or music to help you fall asleep.

It is also possible to record sleep sounds, but the smartwatch must be paired with a smartphone at night for this. Sleep and wake-up times are reliably recognized in the test. The only thing missing is a smart alarm clock.

Training recording - Watch D2 weakens with automatic recognition

The Watch D2 can be used not only for health monitoring but also for training monitoring. According to the manufacturer, the smartwatch can track more than 80 different sports. The data collected varies depending on the sport selected.

Targets can be set for the training sessions, such as times, distances, or calories burned. For running training, the smartwatch also offers a suitable warm-up program, interval training, a metronome, and an intelligent pacer that runs at a set pace.

During training, the values are very easy to read thanks to the large display. The heart rate is a central element on every screen. If desired, the Watch D2 can make training announcements after a distance or time has been covered. The announcements are also available in German and provide information on heart rate values, speed, and exertion.

After training, all data can be viewed on the smartwatch or in the app. The software also suggests a recovery time. The Watch D2 comes with 13 pre-installed running courses in various levels of difficulty. There is also a selection of stretching and warm-up exercises. You can create individual training plans for different sports.

In addition to these courses on the smartwatch, there are other video courses via the Health app. Some of these can be accessed free of charge, while others require a Huawei Health+ subscription - which is included free of charge for three months after the Watch D2 purchase. There is a wide range of courses on offer, from yoga and HIIT to home office workouts.

The Huawei Watch D2 also has automatic training recognition. The smartwatch is supposed to automatically recognize walking, jogging, and rowing and start a workout. This did not work at first in the test. After an update, the smartwatch recognizes corresponding workouts and asks whether a recording should be started. However, a few minutes are lost in the process.

 

GNSS and navigation - Precise positioning and navigation on the Watch D2

The Huawei Watch D2 has its own satellite connection. It supports all common systems. We took the Watch D2 on a bike ride with a Garmin Venu 2. The route is accurately recorded by the smartwatch. Curves in various radii are reliably reproduced.

Completed training routes can be exported as gpx, tcx and kml files. GPX routes can also be pushed to the smartwatch via the Health app and completed in training sessions. The Watch D2 offers a compass function and return route navigation.

Regardless of training sessions, the watch can be used for navigation with the help of Huawei's map service Petal Maps. The corresponding app must also be installed on the paired smartphone.

GNSS measurement: Lake circumnavigation 1
GNSS measurement: Lake circumnavigation 1
GNSS measurement: Lake circumnavigation 2
GNSS measurement: Lake circumnavigation 2
GNSS measurement: Summary
GNSS measurement: Summary

Display - Even bigger and beautifully bright

Subpixel structure
Subpixel structure

At 1.82 inches, the display of the Huawei Watch D2 is large for a smartwatch. It has grown significantly compared to its predecessor. Huawei uses an AMOLED panel with a resolution of 347 PPI. We like the color reproduction and sharpness very much.

The display is also pleasantly bright. We achieved a maximum brightness of 1265 cd/m2 in our measurements. A maximum of 574 nits is possible without an ambient light sensor. This means that the Watch D2 does not achieve the top values of the Samsung Galaxy Watch7 or Apple Watch Series 9, but it has absolutely nothing to hide. Above all, it is very easy to read in everyday use and even in the sunshine.

Huawei offers a genuine always-on display on the Watch D2. The style of the display is based on the selected watch face. The display remains active until the sleep mode is selected at night - manually, by time control, or smart.

The lift detection function is very well designed. It registers the movement directly and activates the display while the arm is still moving to look at the watch.

Huawei Watch D2Samsung Galaxy Watch7 LTE 44mmGoogle Pixel Watch 2 LTEApple Watch Series 9 45mm
Response Times
PWM Frequency
60
110
83%
120
100%
310
417%
Screen
49%
-28%
28%
Brightness middle
1265
1884
49%
907
-28%
1619
28%
Black Level *
Total Average (Program / Settings)
66% / 66%
36% / 36%
223% / 223%

* ... smaller is better

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM detected 60 Hz
Amplitude: 85 %

The display backlight flickers at 60 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) .

The frequency of 60 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 8623 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured.

Performance and runtime - Watch D2 runs smoothly

Huawei does not provide any information about which SiP is installed in the Watch D2. There is also no browser, so benchmark measurements are unfortunately not possible. The everyday performance is impressive. The UI runs very smoothly, there are no jerks during transitions between cards. Apps start quickly and several apps can be open at the same time.

Even with a large number of consecutive inputs, the watch remains easy to operate and accepts further inputs. Information on storage space is also missing. This can be used for apps, maps, and music.

Battery life - Watch D2 lasts a week

If the 24-hour blood pressure measurement is activated with an interval of 30 minutes, the battery life of the Watch D2 is still impressive. When using all functions including the always-on display and wearing it all day, the smartwatch still shows 77% charge after 24 hours.

With frequent, but not constant, blood pressure measurement and two workouts, we achieve a runtime of around five to six days. If the always-on display is deactivated, the Watch D2 easily lasts a week - that's impressive.

You can also get over the fact that the smartwatch takes time to fully charge again. In 10 minutes, the watch charges from 8 to 21 percent, after 30 minutes it shows 44 percent, after 60 minutes it is 73 percent. It takes around 90 minutes for a full charge. In the test, we used an Honor power supply unit with 66 watts.

However, it is nice that Huawei uses the wireless Qi standard for the Watch D2. This means that the smartwatch does not necessarily have to be charged on the supplied pad.

Pros

+ calibration-free blood pressure measurement
+ accurate measured values
+ wide range of functions
+ very good battery life
+ excellent workmanship

Cons

- no LTE version available
- no payment functions
- limited range of apps
- Voice assistant limited

Verdict - Huawei Watch D2 with a unique range of functions

In the review: Huawei Watch D2. Test device provided by Huawei Germany.
In the review: Huawei Watch D2. Test device provided by Huawei Germany.

With the Watch D2, Huawei has a unique selling point on the market: calibration-free blood pressure measurement. The Watch D2 is even more discreet than its predecessor. It can also measure automatically and create logs.

And it's not just the blood pressure measurement alone. The smartwatch also measures ECG - also medically certified - blood oxygen saturation, skin temperature, arterial stiffness, and pulse. That's an impressive overall data package.

Our comparative measurements clearly show that the values collected are very accurate. The Watch D2 is therefore ideal for keeping an eye on your own body parameters. However, the Watch D2 can do more than just measure health values - it is a fully-fledged smartwatch.

The smartwatch also impresses with extensive support for satellite navigation and sports tracking. Maps can be imported and exported. Navigation is also possible with the smartwatch. The watch also has nothing to hide when it comes to sports functions.

Thanks to the new built-in loudspeaker, the smartwatch is also a winner in everyday use. Phone calls are now possible and a voice assistant is also on board, although there is still room for improvement.

Huawei has further improved the Watch D2. If you want to measure your blood pressure with your watch, you can't go past it. And it can do much more than that.

The larger display is also impressive. Although it is not quite at the top in terms of peak brightness, it is still easy to read and very sharp. Finally, the Watch D2 impresses with a very good battery life despite its many functions. It takes five to seven days before it needs to be recharged.

Two big plus points are the great compatibility and the Huawei app. The Watch D2 is compatible with Android and iOS; there are a few restrictions when using it with iOS, but these do not affect the health functions. The Huawei Health app is extremely comprehensive and offers a lot of data, but remains clearly structured.

If you want to measure your blood pressure with your smartwatch, the Watch D2 is the perfect choice. The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 can also do this, but not at this level. It needs to be calibrated regularly and must be paired with a Samsung smartphone.

Price and availability

The Huawei Watch D2 has an RRP of 399 euros. At market launch, Huawei is offering the Freebuds 5i headphones free of charge. The smartwatch is sold at major retailers such as Amazon and Mediamarkt, as well as in the Huawei online store.

Transparency

The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was provided to the author as a loan by the manufacturer or retailer for the purpose of this 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. We never accept compensation or payment in return for our reviews. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.

This is how Notebookcheck is testing

Every year, Notebookcheck independently reviews hundreds of laptops and smartphones using standardized procedures to ensure that all results are comparable. We have continuously developed our test methods for around 20 years and set industry standards in the process. In our test labs, high-quality measuring equipment is utilized by experienced technicians and editors. These tests involve a multi-stage validation process. Our complex rating system is based on hundreds of well-founded measurements and benchmarks, which maintains objectivity. Further information on our test methods can be found here.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Huawei Watch D2 Smartwatch review - Medical blood pressure measurement on the wrist
Benedikt Winkel, 2024-10- 5 (Update: 2024-10- 5)