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Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro Test

Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro review - Stylish titanium smartwatch with ECG and much more

Comeback.

With the Watch GT 5 Pro, Huawei is once again introducing a Pro model in its GT series after a one-year break. The premium smartwatch offers an ECG and other health features, a bright AMOLED, and GPS in a stylish and robust titanium casing. Our test reveals whether the smartwatch delivers what it promises.
Marcus Schwarten, 👁 Daniel Schmidt, Anton Avdyushkin (translated by DeepL / Ninh Duy) Published 🇩🇪 🇫🇷 ...
Accessory Gadget Smartwatch Wearable

After a year's break, Huawei is adding a higher-quality Pro version to the new GT 5 smartwatch series. The Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro features an ECG function and, like the classic model, is available in two sizes.

The Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro is available with a 42 mm ceramic case and a 46 mm titanium case. We took a closer look at the large version in the classic variant with a titanium strap. Our Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro review reveals what makes this stylish premium smartwatch stand out, what it has to offer - and what it doesn't...

Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro
Display
1.43 inch, 466 x 466 pixel 326 PPI, capacitive Touchscreen, AMOLED, sapphire glass, glossy: yes, 60 Hz
Connections
NFC, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: TrueSense 6.0, 9-axis Acceleration, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Temperature, opt. Heart Rate, Blood Oxygen, ECG, Depth
Networking
Bluetooth 5.2, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 10.9 x 46.3 x 46.3 ( = 0.43 x 1.82 x 1.82 in)
Battery
524 mAh Lithium-Polymer, Battery runtime (according to manufacturer): 336 h
Charging
wireless charging
Operating System
Huawei HarmonyOS
Additional features
Speakers: Mono, Keyboard: OnScreen, Charger, HarmonyOS 5.0, 24 Months Warranty, Dual-Band-GNSS (GPS, Glonass, BeiDou, Galileo), 5 ATM, IP69K, fanless, waterproof
Weight
53 g ( = 1.87 oz / 0.12 pounds) ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds)
Price
499 Euro
Amazon

 

Case and features - Robust titanium smartwatch with IP69K protection

Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro 46 mm in the Classic Edition with titanium strap
Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro 46 mm in the Classic Edition with titanium strap

This version of the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro with a diameter of 46 mm has a particularly robust case. As with the Watch GT 3 Pro, it consists of a titanium alloy at the front and a ceramic cover at the back. The bezel is not rotatable. The display is framed by a red and blue semicircle. Otherwise, the octagonal design is kept relatively simple. It stands out from its round predecessor Watch GT 3 Pro but is very similar to the Watch GT 4 46 mm with a titanium-coated stainless steel case.

The Classic Edition's strap is also made of titanium. It is easy to change and uses the standard connection width of 22 mm. The length can also be adjusted without tools for a wrist circumference of approx. 140 to 210 mm using attachable and detachable links. It is closed with a folding clasp. Alternatively, the 46 mm wearable is also available with a fluoroelastomer strap (Sport Edition). Huawei also offers a smaller 42 mm version made of white ceramic with gold-colored embellishments and two strap variants.

Thanks to IP69K certification, the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro is optimally protected against dust, water, and corrosion and is also water-resistant up to 5 ATM. Huawei has installed a speaker and a microphone. Bluetooth is used for wireless communication. WLAN is not officially available but is optionally used for data transfer (e.g. offline maps) between the smartphone and smartwatch. NFC is also on board, but unfortunately cannot be used for contactless payments due to a lack of support.

Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro review
Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro test
Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro smartwatch test
Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro Review
Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro smartwatch review
Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro Wearable Test
Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro test

Sustainability

Huawei does not provide any official information on the use of recycled materials or the recyclability of the smartwatch. There are also no official update promises. The manufacturer mainly uses cardboard for the packaging, but unfortunately does not use foamed plastics or foil.

Setup and operation - Familiar fare with HarmonyOS

In addition to HarmonyOS from Huawei, the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro is also compatible with iOS (from version 13.0) and Android (from 8.0). However, as in previous years, there are a few limitations in combination with an iPhone, which we will discuss in detail later.

Setup is quick and easy as usual. You first need to install the Huawei Health app and (if you don't already have one) create an account. The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store, the Samsung Galaxy Store, and the Xiaomi App Mall, for example. The app is only not available in the Google Store. An APK download is required here instead. A new device can then be added in the "Devices" tab.

If the smartwatch is already switched on and is near the smartphone, it should be found automatically. Alternatively, you can scan a QR code shown on the watch display. The app and smartwatch then guide you through the set-up process in just a few steps, which we have captured in a few pictures. During our test, there were no problems establishing the connection.

Select language
Select language
Download app
Download app
Add
Add
Search
Search
Connecting
Connecting
Finished
Finished
Symphony World
Symphony World

HarmonyOS 5.0 is pre-installed as the operating system on the Watch GT 5 Pro. Huawei's operating system has a store for watch faces and apps (not under iOS), where both free and paid apps can be purchased. A good 15 watch face designs are already pre-installed on the device, for example, one with an animated panda. When activating the different watch faces, the watch displays the power consumption and thus the impact on battery life.

Pre-installed watch faces:

Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope
Style
Style
Gallery
Gallery
Route Beam
Route Beam
Dream Star
Dream Star
Glacier
Glacier
Morning shadow
Morning shadow
Eternal moment
Eternal moment
Eternal phantom
Eternal phantom
Luxury
Luxury
Panda
Panda
Blooming
Blooming
Module 2024
Module 2024
Time code
Time code
Activity ring
Activity ring

Not only can new watch faces be installed via the Huawei Health app, but many settings can also be made. These include activating notifications from many different apps, switching health features on and off, downloading and transferring offline maps, and installing available firmware updates.

Device overview
Device overview
Health settings
Health settings
Notifications
Notifications
Watch faces
Watch faces

Huawei has installed a rotatable and pressable crown on the top right edge of the case and an action button at the bottom, which is also used as a touch-sensitive surface for ECG analysis. While the crown is used to open and close the menu and for scrolling, pressing the lower button leads directly to the sports workouts by default. However, it can also be assigned other shortcuts if desired.

Grid view (smallest zoom level)
Grid view (smallest zoom level)

Most functions are operated by touching and swiping the high-resolution touchscreen. For example, tapping on one of the many small icons in the grid menu calls up the relevant function. Thanks to the displayed names (depending on the zoom level), there is no need to guess what is behind which icon.

Horizontal swipes across the dial lead to various menus in the usual manner, including the familiar activity rings, an overview of important health values, such as heart rate, SpO2, and popular sports modes. The order and type of menus displayed can be customized. A vertical swipe upwards calls up the notifications received, while a swipe downwards brings up a shortcut menu. Many different options are available here, such as settings, sleep mode, flashlight, alarm clock, "Find device" and more.

Calls and notifications

The Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro supports Bluetooth telephony. The smartwatch can be used to answer and make a phone call on the wrist if the connected smartphone is within range. It also displays notifications with almost no delay, but sometimes only in abbreviated form (e.g. emails). The app can be used to select which messages are transferred to the watch and which are not, with fewer options available under iOS than under Android.

Huawei also offers the option of replying to messages and provides a full keyboard on the smartwatch in addition to predefined texts. However, this does not work in conjunction with an iPhone.

Call list
Call list
Notification
Notification
Keyboard
Keyboard

Voice assistant

Huawei offers its own voice assistant called AI Voice Assistant, which is only available with devices running EMUI 10.1 or later.

Health and fitness - ECG function, golf mode and much more

Huawei Health App
Huawei Health App

Huawei has given the Watch GT 5 Pro numerous features for monitoring your health. In addition to an ECG analysis, these include the (optional automatic) measurement of heart rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), stress level, and skin temperature. The smartwatch also tracks sleep quality, including sleep breathing.

In addition to the usual activity tracking, there are also numerous sports modes, some with VO2Max. Cycle tracking is also on board for female users. There is also an improved calorie tracker and workout plans, although some exclusive content such as guided meditations, breathing exercises, and more can only be accessed via the paid Health+ subscription (€7.99 per month or €59.99 per year).

The data collected by the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro can be synchronized with Apple Health and Google Fit. Huawei Health also supports exchange with Strava and Komoot.

Activity goals

The Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro aims to encourage an active lifestyle and therefore evaluates your activities throughout the day. These can be displayed and evaluated either via three classic rings for calories burned, training minutes, and standing up (for sedentary activities) or via Huawei's cloverleaf (sleep, steps, mood/stress).

The watch motivates you to achieve your goals, which can be set individually and reminds you to get up regularly and go to bed on time if you have been sitting for a long time, for example.

Activity rings
Activity rings
Goals achieved
Goals achieved
Cloverleaf
Cloverleaf
App
App

Heart rate, heart rhythm and blood oxygen saturation

Huawei has installed the new and, according to Huawei, even more accurate TruSensor 6.0 in the Watch GT 5 Pro. In terms of heart rate measurement, we can attest to the very high accuracy of the smartwatch compared to a Polar H10 chest strap as a reference device. There were no deviations in the resting heart rate. For the dynamic performance heart rate during a bike ride, the values of the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro were only 0.5 percent higher than the chest strap.

Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro
Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro
Polar H10
Polar H10

The deviations in blood oxygen saturation were slightly greater in our test. However, the accuracy is also at a good level. Compared to the Braun Pulse Oximeter 1, the watch displayed values that were two percentage points too high in some cases, with an overall deviation of just under 1.5 percent.

While the blood pressure measurement is reserved for the new Huawei Watch D2 (399 euros at Huawei), the Watch GT 5 Pro also offers ECG analysis compared to the Watch GT 5 (from 249 euros at Amazon). To do this, a finger must be placed on the electrode in the lower button on the right edge of the case for 30 seconds. During this time, the smartwatch analyzes the heartbeat and evaluates it for signs of atrial fibrillation.

Heart rate and
Heart rate and
SpO2 over the course of the day
SpO2 over the course of the day
ECG function
ECG function
Result ECG function
Result ECG function

Sleep tracking

Sleep evaluation Huawei Health App
Sleep evaluation Huawei Health App

With Huawei's own TruSleep system, the Watch GT 5 Pro analyzes the quality of sleep when the wearable is worn at night. It not only measures the length but also analyzes the sleep phases (deep sleep, light sleep, REM sleep, and waking up) and provides tips for improving the quality of sleep.

If desired, the smartwatch can also record sleep noises such as snoring and optionally track breathing during sleep to indicate possible problems such as sleep apnea or hypopnea. Naps are also recorded automatically.

The sleep data for the previous night can be viewed directly on the smartwatch. The Health app on the smartphone provides more detailed insights. Optionally, the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro can also be used to wake you up via the integrated alarm clock. Unfortunately, only a time can be set here, but no smart alarm function depending on the respective sleep phase.

Evaluation
Evaluation
on
on
the
the
Smartwatch
Smartwatch
Nap
Nap
Alarm clock
Alarm clock

Training recording

The Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro has over 100 sports modes. It can therefore track many different sports, with a distinction made between indoor and outdoor. For the new generation, the manufacturer has focused on the golf mode with a database of more than 15,000 courses and an improved trail running mode with segment-based navigation and altitude information. Thanks to water resistance up to 40 m, the smartwatch can also be used for free diving and offers various functions such as a depth sensor, float timer, water type recognition and safety reminders as well as apnea training and tests.

Sport modes
Sport modes
During the workout
During the workout
Route
Route
Recovery heart rate
Recovery heart rate
Workouts
Workouts

Depending on the respective sport, various specific data is recorded and evaluated. When running or walking, for example, this includes the distance, time, average time per kilometer, pace, number of steps and step length, altitude, calories burned, heart rate including zones, and, if desired, the recovery heart rate within two minutes after the workout. As with sleep tracking, the data is also evaluated directly on the smartwatch. The data can be viewed in more detail in the Health app.

Overview
Overview
Heart rate
Heart rate
Zones
Zones
Speed
Speed
Steps
Steps
Altitude meters
Altitude meters

GNSS and navigation

While the previous Watch GT 4 Generation still lost ground in terms of GNSS accuracy, Huawei has been able to achieve visible improvements with the Watch GT 5 Pro. In our practical test, the positioning was much more accurate. The deviations from a Garmin Venu 2 as a reference are small. The smartwatch's positioning system supports all five global satellite networks with dual-band technology. The connection was established quickly and reliably during the test.

GNSS test drive: Lake 1
GNSS test drive: Lake 1
GNSS test drive: Lake 2
GNSS test drive: Lake 2
GNSS test drive: Summary
GNSS test drive: Summary
Simple navigation function with Petal Maps
Simple navigation function with Petal Maps

The new Sunflower positioning system seems to be doing a great job here. It is supported by a special algorithm that continuously tracks the satellite signal. Huawei promises an even more precise navigation experience, e.g. when trail running. However, iPhone users are also left out in the cold when it comes to navigation. Android users can use a rudimentary navigation function with written instructions but without a map via the Petal Maps app. During a workout, however, the route covered can be displayed on maps saved offline.

Display - Twice as bright AMOLED as its predecessor

Subpixel structure
Subpixel structure

The 1.43-inch round AMOLED screen of the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro has a pleasantly high resolution of 466 x 466 pixels with a pixel density of 326 ppi. The panel can automatically adjust the brightness using a sensor and achieves a peak value of a good 1,260 cd/m². This is more than twice as high as the previous model Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro. Compared to the cheaper Huawei Watch GT 5 however, there are no differences.

If we compare the peak brightness with other current smartwatches such as the Galaxy Watch7 from Samsung or the T-Rex 3 from Amazfit however, the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro is at a disadvantage. In direct sunlight, it can be a little difficult to read, but on the whole, it works well. The minimum brightness is a good 12 cd/m² and could be a little lower for our taste.

The measured refresh rate is 60 Hz. We noticed PWM flickering, which can lead to headaches for some people. However, as we usually only look at a wristwatch for a few seconds, this should not be a problem in practice.

Huawei Watch GT 5 ProHuawei Watch GT 5Huawei Watch 4 ProHuawei Watch GT 3 ProAmazfit T-Rex 3Samsung Galaxy Watch7 LTE 44mm
Response Times
0%
11%
84%
PWM Frequency
60
60
72
60
110
PWM Amplitude *
93.32
93.32
-0%
83.33
11%
15.22
84%
Screen
0%
-48%
-54%
56%
49%
Brightness middle
1265
1271
0%
660
-48%
584
-54%
1978
56%
1884
49%
Black Level *
Total Average (Program / Settings)
0% / 0%
-48% / -48%
-54% / -54%
34% / 34%
67% / 67%

* ... 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: 93.32 %

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 8354 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured.

Bright AMOLED
Bright AMOLED
In the sun
In the sun

Performance and runtime - Lasts around a week

Unfortunately, Huawei does not provide any specific information on the chipset used. Operation is smooth, so there is no reason for criticism in the test of the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro. There is also no information on the local memory. However, music and offline maps can be saved on the watch.

Battery life

Magnetic charger
Magnetic charger
Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro charging
Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro charging

Huawei advertises a battery life of up to 14 days for the larger model with its 524 mAh battery. This is a theoretical value that can only be achieved in practice if the functions of the smartwatch are severely restricted. If you use one of the interactive watch faces and want regular health monitoring, you will have to reckon with less stamina. The manufacturer's claim of up to 10 days with typical use is therefore more realistic.

In our practical experience, we activated most of the functions. In addition to notifications, we ticked the boxes for Huawei TruSleep, continuous heart rate monitoring, automatic stress test, automatic SpO2 measurement, continuous skin temperature measurement, and sleep breathing monitoring. In addition, there is relatively intensive use with several workouts including GPS tracking.

In the end, this led to a battery life of around six to seven days during our tests of the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro. If you don't use the watch quite so intensively, you only have to charge it once a week, which is a remarkable figure compared to various competitors. Charging is completed in less than two hours using the included wireless charging station.

Pros

+ robust titanium design with IP69K
+ long battery life
+ precise health tracking
+ ECG function
+ precise localization
+ Bluetooth telephony
+ numerous sports modes

Cons

- no payment function despite NFC
- Restrictions for iPhone users
- small selection in the app store
- high minimum display brightness
- WLAN only for data transfer

Verdict - Durable titanium smartwatch with ECG

The Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro was provided by Huawei for our test
The Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro was provided by Huawei for our test

Compared to its two-year-old predecessor, the Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro and the previous generation Huawei Watch GT 4 (without Pro version), the new Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro has several new features and improvements.

Packaged in a robust titanium design, the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro scores points with a week (and more) of battery life even with intensive use.

The comprehensive health features once again include ECG analysis, which was not yet activated two years ago at launch. In addition to the usual heart rate and SpO2 recordings, there is also skin temperature measurement, over 100 sports modes including golf course data, new trail running features, and offline maps as well as improved free diving options.

The AMOLED is significantly brighter. There are also many useful and practical functions on board, although unfortunately, these are still not fully available for iPhone users. We missed a payment function that works in this country, but according to Huawei, this will change in the course of the year. We would also like to see a smart alarm clock in addition to extensive sleep tracking.

Overall, however, the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro offers a comprehensive and successful overall package. In the Classic Edition with a titanium strap, the 46 mm smartwatch is a stylish business companion; alternatively, the Sport Edition comes in a sporty design. The premium smartwatch is also available in a more compact 42 mm ceramic design.

If the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro (from 379 euros) is too expensive for you, you can opt for the Huawei Watch GT 5 - a slimmed-down version without titanium and ECG (from 249 euros). Alternatively, there are comparable and equally robust smartwatches such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (679 euros on Amazon) with Wear OS or the Amazfit T-Rex 3 (approx. 329 euros on Amazon).

Price and availability

The Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro we tested in the 46 mm Classic Edition with titanium case and strap costs 499 euros according to the recommended retail price. It is available directly from Huawei. For the launch, the manufacturer is offering the FreeBuds 5i worth 99 euros and three months of Health+ free of charge.

Alternatively, the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro 46 mm is available in the Sport Edition for 379 euros or the smaller 42 mm version with a fluoroelastomer strap for 449 euros or with a ceramic strap for 599 euros RRP.

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.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro review - Stylish titanium smartwatch with ECG and much more
Marcus Schwarten, 2024-09-28 (Update: 2024-09-29)