The smartwatch market is booming, and Honor and Huawei are key players. Both the Honor Watch GS 3 and Huawei Watch 3 offer compelling features, but cater to slightly different users. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which smartwatch best fits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei Watch 3 takes the crown with its more robust features, including HarmonyOS, app support, and cellular connectivity options. However, the Honor Watch GS 3 offers a more affordable entry point with a sleek design and excellent fitness tracking capabilities, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 / 800 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 18, 19, 20, 26, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | HSPA / LTE |
| | No | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 10 | 2021, June 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 15 | Available. Released 2021, June 11 |
| 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) | 46.2 x 46.2 x 12.2 mm (1.82 x 1.82 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 44 g (1.55 oz) | 54 g (1.90 oz) |
| | 50m water resistant
5 ATM
Compatible with standard 22mm straps | 50m water resistant
5 ATM
Compatible with standard 22mm straps |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.43 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| OS | Proprietary OS | HarmonyOS 2.0, upgradable to 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 4GB 32MB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE, EDR | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (China only) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (market/region dependent) |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2, thermometer (body temperature) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | 10W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 451 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Steel, Gold | Black, Silver |
| Models | MUS-B19 | - |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Honor Watch GS 3
- Excellent battery life (up to 2 weeks)
- Stylish and lightweight design
- Accurate fitness tracking
- Affordable price
- Limited app support
- Less responsive performance compared to Huawei
- No built-in camera
Huawei Watch 3
- HarmonyOS offers a smoother experience
- App support and cellular connectivity options
- Built-in camera
- Bright and customizable display
- Shorter battery life than Honor
- Higher price point
- Can be less readily available in some markets
Display Comparison
Both watches feature AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and sharp details. The Huawei Watch 3 generally has a slightly brighter display and more customizable watch faces due to its HarmonyOS. The Honor Watch GS 3's display is excellent, but the Huawei's offers a more premium feel.
Camera Comparison
The Huawei Watch 3 boasts a built-in camera, a feature absent in the Honor Watch GS 3. While the camera quality isn't exceptional, it provides convenient snapshots. The Honor Watch GS 3 relies on your phone's camera for photos.
Performance
The Huawei Watch 3, powered by HarmonyOS, generally offers smoother performance and better app compatibility. The Honor Watch GS 3, while capable, can sometimes feel slightly less responsive, especially when navigating menus or using third-party apps (limited support).
Battery Life
The Honor Watch GS 3 typically offers longer battery life, often lasting up to 2 weeks in typical usage. The Huawei Watch 3, with its more powerful processor and features, generally lasts around 3-4 days, though this can vary significantly depending on usage and cellular connectivity.
Buying Guide
The Honor Watch GS 3 is ideal for fitness enthusiasts on a budget who prioritize a stylish design and accurate health tracking. The Huawei Watch 3 is perfect for users seeking a full-fledged smartwatch experience with app support, cellular connectivity, and a more versatile operating system.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Huawei Watch 3 have cellular connectivity?
Yes, the Huawei Watch 3 offers cellular connectivity options (LTE) in certain models, allowing you to make calls and use data without your phone nearby.
❓ Can I install apps on the Honor Watch GS 3?
The Honor Watch GS 3 has limited app support compared to the Huawei Watch 3. It primarily focuses on fitness tracking and basic notifications.
❓ Which watch is better for fitness tracking?
Both offer excellent fitness tracking, but the Honor Watch GS 3 is often praised for its accuracy and comprehensive data. The Huawei Watch 3 also provides detailed fitness metrics.
❓ What operating system do these watches use?
The Huawei Watch 3 runs on HarmonyOS, while the Honor Watch GS 3 uses a proprietary operating system.
