The smartwatch market presents a clear fork in the road: tightly integrated ecosystems like Apple's, or broader compatibility with a focus on features like extended battery life. This comparison pits the Apple Watch Series 9 Aluminum against the Huawei Watch GT 4, two devices representing these distinct philosophies. While both offer wireless charging, their approaches to processing power, user experience, and target audiences diverge significantly.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For iPhone users deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch Series 9 Aluminum is the clear winner, offering seamless integration and a powerful S9 chip. However, Android users, or those prioritizing battery life above all else, will find the Huawei Watch GT 4 a more compelling option.
| 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 | 2023, September 12 | 2023, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, September 22 | Available. Released 2023, October 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame | Glass front, plastic back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 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 | 31.9 g (41mm), 38.7 g (45mm) (1.13 oz) | 37 g (41mm) / 48 g (46mm) (1.31 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Ion-X strengthened glass | - |
| Resolution | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.9 inches | 1.43 inches |
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED, 2000 nits (peak) | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | - |
| Chipset | Apple S9 | - |
| GPU | PowerVR | - |
| OS | watchOS 10, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 | HarmonyOS 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB | 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, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| 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, temperature (body) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2, thermometer (body temperature) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 308 mAh | Li-Ion 524 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Pink, Red | Black, Steel, Silver, Gold |
| Models | A2982, A2984, A2983, A2985, Watch7,1, Watch7,2, Watch7,3, Watch7,4 | ARA-B19, PNX-B19 |
| Price | About 340 EUR | About 270 EUR |
| SAR | 1.02 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.64 W/kg (head) | - |
Apple Watch Series 9 Aluminum
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem
- Powerful S9 dual-core processor for smooth performance
- Likely superior display quality (LTPO OLED)
- Shorter battery life compared to the GT 4
- Limited compatibility – primarily designed for iPhone users
- Higher price point
Huawei Watch GT 4
- Longer battery life for extended use
- Cross-platform compatibility (iOS and Android)
- Potentially more affordable price
- Less powerful processor compared to the S9
- May lack the polish and app ecosystem of watchOS
- Unspecified display technology may result in lower quality
Display Comparison
Details regarding display technology (LTPO, OLED, brightness) are missing for both devices. However, given Apple's history, the Series 9 likely employs an LTPO OLED panel for variable refresh rates and power efficiency, potentially offering superior color accuracy and viewing angles. The GT 4, while offering wireless charging, may prioritize battery life over display fidelity. Bezels are a key differentiator; Apple typically minimizes these, contributing to a more premium aesthetic. Without specific nit ratings, it's difficult to definitively state which display is brighter, but Apple generally leads in this area.
Camera Comparison
Neither device features a camera, a common trend in modern smartwatches. This is a deliberate design choice prioritizing sleekness and battery life over a rarely-used feature. The absence of a camera simplifies the design and reduces potential privacy concerns.
Performance
The Apple Watch Series 9, powered by the dual-core Apple S9 chipset, boasts a significant performance advantage. While the GT 4’s chipset is unspecified, Huawei typically focuses on efficiency rather than raw processing power. The S9’s architecture allows for faster app loading, smoother animations, and more complex health tracking calculations. This benefits users who frequently use apps, respond to notifications, or engage in intensive workout tracking. The lack of RAM specifications for both devices makes a direct comparison difficult, but Apple’s optimized watchOS likely extracts more performance from available memory.
Battery Life
The context data only specifies wireless charging for both devices. Huawei historically excels in battery life, and the GT 4 likely offers significantly longer runtimes between charges than the Series 9. While the Series 9 charges to 80% in 45 minutes, the GT 4’s charging speed is unknown. The trade-off is clear: the Series 9 prioritizes quick top-ups, while the GT 4 aims for multi-day usage. Users who frequently travel or engage in extended activities without access to power will strongly favor the GT 4’s endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple Watch Series 9 Aluminum if you need tight integration with iOS, utilize Apple Pay frequently, and value the extensive app ecosystem. Its dual-core S9 chipset provides a responsive experience for notifications and quick interactions. Buy the Huawei Watch GT 4 if you prioritize battery life, prefer a more open platform compatible with both iOS and Android, and are less reliant on third-party apps. The GT 4 caters to users who want a stylish, feature-rich smartwatch without the constraints of a walled garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Apple Watch Series 9 require an iPhone for initial setup and full functionality?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 9 is deeply integrated with the Apple ecosystem and requires an iPhone for initial setup, software updates, and access to the full range of features. While some basic functionality may be available without a paired iPhone, the experience is significantly diminished.
❓ Can I use the Huawei Watch GT 4 to make and receive phone calls without my smartphone nearby?
The Huawei Watch GT 4 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 to function as a phone.
❓ How does the health tracking accuracy compare between the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Huawei Watch GT 4?
While both watches offer comprehensive health tracking features, the Apple Watch Series 9 benefits from Apple's advanced sensor technology and algorithms, often resulting in more accurate data, particularly for metrics like heart rate and ECG. However, Huawei has been steadily improving its health tracking capabilities, and the GT 4 provides a robust set of features for fitness enthusiasts.
