The smartwatch market offers a spectrum of choices, from deeply integrated ecosystem devices like the Apple Watch SE 2 to feature-rich, independent options like the Huawei Watch GT 4. This comparison dives into the core differences between these two popular smartwatches, focusing on performance, features, and the trade-offs each presents to the user.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users firmly entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch SE 2 offers seamless integration and a robust app library. However, the Huawei Watch GT 4 excels in battery life and provides a compelling alternative for those prioritizing health tracking and independence from a smartphone, making it the winner for the average user.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK | N/A |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK | N/A |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | No |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 07 | 2023, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 16 | Available. Released 2023, October 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame | Glass front, plastic back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) | 46 x 46 x 10.9 mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | No |
| Weight | 33 g (1.16 oz) | 37 g (41mm) / 48 g (46mm) (1.31 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Ion-X strengthened glass | - |
| Resolution | 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.78 inches | 1.43 inches |
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | - |
| Chipset | Apple S8 | - |
| GPU | PowerVR | - |
| OS | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 | HarmonyOS 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | Unspecified |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate (2nd gen), barometer, always-on altimeter, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2, thermometer (body temperature) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 296 mAh | Li-Ion 524 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight, Silver | Black, Steel, Silver, Gold |
| Models | A2722, A2723, A2724, A2727, A2856, A2725, A2726, A2855, watch6,10, watch6,11, watch6,12, watch6,13 | ARA-B19, PNX-B19 |
| Price | € 148.85 | About 270 EUR |
| SAR | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.96 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.96 W/kg (body) | - |
Apple Watch SE 2
- Seamless integration with Apple devices
- Access to a vast app ecosystem (watchOS)
- Smooth and responsive performance with the S8 chip
- Requires daily charging
- Limited compatibility outside the Apple ecosystem
- Fewer advanced health features compared to GT 4
Huawei Watch GT 4
- Exceptional battery life (potentially weeks)
- Comprehensive health and fitness tracking
- Independent operation – less reliance on a smartphone
- HarmonyOS app ecosystem is less mature than watchOS
- Performance may be slower for complex tasks
- Less seamless integration with Apple devices
Display Comparison
While specific display details like brightness and panel type are unavailable for both devices, the Apple Watch SE 2 benefits from Apple’s color calibration expertise, likely offering more accurate colors. The Huawei Watch GT 4, with its focus on aesthetics, may prioritize design over peak brightness. The SE 2’s smaller size may also result in a higher pixel density, contributing to sharper visuals, though this is speculative without concrete data.
Camera Comparison
Neither device features a camera, a common omission in modern smartwatches. This reflects a design choice prioritizing battery life and sleek aesthetics over camera functionality. Both devices rely on the connected smartphone for photography.
Performance
The Apple Watch SE 2 is powered by the Apple S8 dual-core chipset, a system-on-a-chip (SoC) designed for efficient performance within the watchOS environment. While the Huawei Watch GT 4’s chipset is not specified, Huawei typically focuses on power efficiency rather than raw processing power. This means the SE 2 will likely handle complex tasks and app interactions more smoothly, but the GT 4 will excel at sustained performance for core functions like heart rate monitoring and step tracking. The Apple S8’s architecture is optimized for watchOS, providing a fluid user experience, while the GT 4 relies on HarmonyOS, which prioritizes battery conservation.
Battery Life
The Huawei Watch GT 4’s strength lies in its battery life, a hallmark of Huawei’s smartwatch strategy. While the exact mAh capacity is unknown, Huawei consistently delivers longer battery life than Apple. The Apple Watch SE 2, with its wireless charging, requires more frequent charging – typically daily – compared to the GT 4, which can potentially last for weeks on a single charge. This difference is crucial for users who dislike the inconvenience of daily charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple Watch SE 2 if you prioritize seamless integration with iPhones, access to a vast app ecosystem, and features like Family Setup. You'll benefit from tight integration with Apple services and a familiar user interface. Buy the Huawei Watch GT 4 if you value extended battery life, comprehensive health monitoring, and a stylish design without being locked into a specific smartphone ecosystem. It’s ideal for fitness enthusiasts and those seeking a standalone smartwatch experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How does the Apple Watch SE 2's Family Setup feature benefit users without an iPhone?
Family Setup allows users to set up and manage an Apple Watch SE 2 for family members who don't have their own iPhone. This is ideal for children or elderly relatives, providing them with communication and safety features without requiring a dedicated smartphone. However, it requires the primary Apple Watch owner to have an active cellular plan.
❓ Does the Huawei Watch GT 4's health tracking data integrate with Apple Health?
While direct integration is limited, Huawei provides options to export health data from the Huawei Health app. Users can then manually import this data into Apple Health using third-party apps or workarounds, but it's not a seamless, automatic process.
❓ What type of wireless charging do both watches support?
Both the Apple Watch SE 2 and the Huawei Watch GT 4 support wireless charging, but they are not universally compatible with all wireless chargers. They both utilize proprietary wireless charging standards, meaning you'll likely need to use the included charger for optimal charging speeds.
