The smartwatch market offers a spectrum of choices, from deeply integrated ecosystem devices like the Apple Watch Series 6 to more platform-agnostic options like the Huawei Watch GT 3 SE. This comparison focuses on the core differences between these two wearables, acknowledging the Series 6’s age but its continued relevance due to software support, and the GT 3 SE’s focus on extended battery life and affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users firmly entrenched in the Apple ecosystem and prioritizing app availability and seamless integration, the Apple Watch Series 6 remains a strong choice. However, the Huawei Watch GT 3 SE delivers significantly longer battery life and broader smartphone compatibility, making it the better option for those seeking a fitness-focused wearable without ecosystem constraints.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - USA, LATAM, Canada | N/A |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | N/A |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | No |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Global | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 15 | 2022, November 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, September 18 | Available. Released 2022, November 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) | 46.4 x 46.4 x 11 mm (1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | No |
| Weight | 47.1 g (1.66 oz) | 35.6 g (1.27 oz) |
| | 50m water resistant
ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) | 50m water resistant
5 ATM
Compatible with standard 22mm straps (46mm model) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal 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 |
| | Always-on display | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | - |
| Chipset | Apple S6 | - |
| GPU | PowerVR | - |
| OS | watchOS 7.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 | HarmonyOS 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 4GB |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2 |
| | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode)
Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 303.8 mAh | 455 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver, Graphite (DLC), Gold (PVD) | Graphite Black, Wilderness Green |
| Models | A2293, A2294, A2375, A2376 | RUNE-B29 |
| Price | About 710 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Apple Watch Series 6
- Superior app ecosystem and availability
- Faster processor and smoother performance with the Apple S6
- Tight integration with other Apple devices
- Requires daily charging
- Limited compatibility with Android smartphones
- Higher price point
Huawei Watch GT 3 SE
- Exceptional battery life (potentially exceeding a week)
- Broad smartphone compatibility (Android and iOS)
- More affordable price
- Less comprehensive app ecosystem
- Potentially slower performance compared to the Apple S6
- May lack advanced health features found on the Series 6
Display Comparison
While specific display details like resolution and brightness are absent for both devices, the Apple Watch Series 6 benefits from Apple’s historically superior display technology, likely offering better color accuracy and outdoor visibility. The Series 6’s display is also likely to have a higher pixel density. The GT 3 SE, while offering a functional display, likely prioritizes power efficiency over peak visual fidelity. Bezels are a key consideration; the Series 6 generally features thinner bezels, maximizing screen real estate.
Camera Comparison
Neither device features a camera, a common omission in modern smartwatches. This comparison point is therefore neutral.
Performance
The Apple Watch Series 6 is powered by the Apple S6 dual-core chipset, a custom silicon designed for wearable performance. This provides a significant advantage in responsiveness and app loading times compared to the Huawei Watch GT 3 SE, which lacks detailed chipset information. While the GT 3 SE is sufficient for basic fitness tracking and notifications, the S6 enables a smoother, more fluid user experience, particularly when running third-party applications. The S6’s architecture is optimized for watchOS, resulting in efficient resource management.
Battery Life
The Huawei Watch GT 3 SE’s primary advantage lies in its battery life. While specific mAh ratings are unavailable, Huawei consistently delivers exceptional battery performance in its GT series, often exceeding a week on a single charge. The Apple Watch Series 6, conversely, requires daily charging, a significant inconvenience for many users. Both devices support wireless charging, but the GT 3 SE’s longer battery life reduces the frequency of needing to utilize this feature.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple Watch Series 6 if you need access to a vast app library, tight integration with other Apple devices, and advanced health tracking features like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring. Buy the Huawei Watch GT 3 SE if you prioritize battery life exceeding a week, compatibility with both Android and iOS, and a more affordable price point, accepting a less comprehensive app ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Apple Watch Series 6 still receive software updates?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 6 continues to receive watchOS updates, ensuring access to the latest features and security patches, though support will eventually end. This is a key advantage over some older smartwatches.
❓ Can I use the Huawei Watch GT 3 SE to make and receive phone calls without my phone nearby?
The Huawei Watch GT 3 SE supports Bluetooth calling, allowing you to make and receive calls when paired with your smartphone. However, it does *not* have cellular connectivity, meaning it requires a Bluetooth connection to your phone for call functionality.
❓ Is the Huawei Watch GT 3 SE compatible with Apple Health?
While the Huawei Watch GT 3 SE can connect to an iPhone, full integration with Apple Health is limited. Data synchronization may require using the Huawei Health app and potentially manual exporting of data.
