The smartwatch market is crowded, and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Today, we're pitting two contenders from Honor against each other: the sleek Honor Watch GS 3 and the feature-rich Honor MagicWatch 2. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one deserves a spot on your wrist.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor Watch GS 3 offers a more modern, minimalist design and convenient wireless charging. The MagicWatch 2, while potentially lacking some newer features, likely boasts a more comprehensive suite of health tracking capabilities and a longer battery life, assuming typical usage. It depends on your priorities: style vs. robust health features.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Speed | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| | No | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 10 | 2019, November. Released 2019, December |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 15 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, stainless steel frame 316L | Glass front, ceramic back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 45.9 x 45.9 x 10.5 mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.41 in) | 45.9 x 45.9 x 10.7 mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 44 g (1.55 oz) | 41 g (1.45 oz) |
| | 50m water resistant
5 ATM
Compatible with standard 22mm straps | 50m water resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 454 x 454 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.39 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | OLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| OS | Proprietary OS | Proprietary OS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 4GB 32MB RAM | 4GB |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes (46mm only) |
| | - | Only 46mm series support Bluetooth calling |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE, EDR | 5.1, LE, EDR |
| NFC | Yes (China only) | No |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | - |
| Type | Li-Po 451 mAh | Li-Ion 455 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Steel, Gold | Charcoal Black, Flax Brown, Agate Black, Sarkura Gold |
| Models | MUS-B19 | HEB-B19, MNS-B19 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Honor Watch GS 3
- Sleek, modern design
- Wireless charging
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Potentially shorter battery life than MagicWatch 2
- Limited app ecosystem compared to Wear OS
Honor MagicWatch 2
- Potentially longer battery life
- Comprehensive health tracking features (likely)
- Classic watch design
- No wireless charging
- Potentially older hardware and software
- Design may feel dated
Display Comparison
The Honor Watch GS 3 features a vibrant AMOLED display, known for its excellent color accuracy and brightness, making it easy to read in various lighting conditions. The MagicWatch 2 likely uses an AMOLED display as well, but potentially with a slightly lower resolution or brightness. Expect both to offer good visibility, but the GS 3 might have a slight edge in visual appeal.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches, relying instead on smartphone connectivity for photography.
Performance
Both watches utilize proprietary operating systems. The GS 3 likely benefits from newer software optimizations, potentially resulting in smoother navigation and faster app loading times. The MagicWatch 2's performance will depend on its processor and RAM, but it may show its age compared to the GS 3. Expect both to handle basic smartwatch functions well.
Battery Life
The Honor Watch GS 3 boasts wireless charging, a significant convenience. Battery life is estimated around 7-14 days depending on usage. The MagicWatch 2, while lacking wireless charging, is expected to offer a longer battery life, potentially lasting 14-21 days with moderate use, due to its older, more efficient hardware. Actual battery life will vary based on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
The Honor Watch GS 3 is ideal for users who prioritize a stylish design, wireless charging, and a streamlined user experience. The Honor MagicWatch 2 is a better choice for fitness enthusiasts and those seeking extensive health tracking features, potentially with longer battery life, though it may have a slightly older design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Honor Watch GS 3 have GPS?
Yes, the Honor Watch GS 3 includes built-in GPS for accurate tracking of outdoor activities like running and cycling.
❓ Is the Honor MagicWatch 2 waterproof?
Yes, the Honor MagicWatch 2 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water activities.
