Huawei Watch 3 vs Apple Watch Series 8: A Deep Dive into Performance and Ecosystems
| Phones Images | |||||
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch Series 8 is the clear winner, thanks to its superior performance driven by the S8 chip and seamless integration with iPhones. However, the Huawei Watch 3 provides a viable, and potentially more affordable, option for Android users or those seeking independence from Apple's walled garden.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Huawei Watch 3 | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 / 800 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 18, 19, 20, 26, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 02 | 2022, September 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 11 | Available. Released 2022, September 16 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, ceramic back, stainless steel frame | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 46.2 x 46.2 x 12.2 mm (1.82 x 1.82 x 0.48 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 54 g (1.90 oz) | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) |
| 50m water resistant 5 ATM Compatible with standard 22mm straps | IP6X certified 50m water resistant ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core |
| Chipset | - | Apple S8 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR |
| OS | HarmonyOS 2.0, upgradable to 3.0 | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (market/region dependent) | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2, thermometer (body temperature) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body) |
| - | Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy) Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wireless | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver | Graphite, Silver, Gold |
| Models | - | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, watch6,16, watch6,17 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 330 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
Huawei Watch 3
- Potentially more affordable price point
- Greater ecosystem flexibility (Android compatibility)
- 10W Wireless Charging
- Likely less powerful processor than Apple S8
- Less comprehensive health tracking features compared to Apple
- Limited app ecosystem compared to watchOS
Apple Watch Series 8
- Superior performance with Apple S8 chip
- Tight integration with the Apple ecosystem
- Comprehensive health and fitness tracking features
- Ecosystem lock-in (requires an iPhone)
- Potentially higher price point
- Charging to 80% takes 45 minutes
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, but based on market positioning, the Apple Watch Series 8 likely benefits from a higher peak brightness and potentially a more color-accurate display. Apple consistently prioritizes display quality, and the Series 8's LTPO display technology allows for an always-on display with minimal battery impact. The Huawei Watch 3, while offering a quality display, likely targets a balance between visual fidelity and power efficiency, potentially sacrificing peak brightness for longer battery life. Bezels are likely comparable, with both aiming for a modern, edge-to-edge aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is known for its camera capabilities, and detailed camera specs are absent. Smartwatches are not primarily camera-focused devices. Any camera functionality on either watch is likely limited to basic features like quick snapshots or remote camera control for a paired smartphone.
Performance
The Apple Watch Series 8's Apple S8 dual-core chipset represents a significant performance advantage over the Huawei Watch 3. While the Huawei Watch 3's chipset isn't specified, it's reasonable to assume it utilizes a less powerful processor. The S8's dual-core architecture allows for faster app loading times, smoother animations, and more responsive interactions. The Apple Watch Series 8 also benefits from optimized software (watchOS) designed to maximize the chip's efficiency. This translates to a more fluid user experience, especially when running demanding applications or tracking complex workouts. The lack of RAM specification for either device makes a direct comparison difficult, but Apple's silicon is generally paired with faster LPDDR memory.
Battery Life
The Huawei Watch 3 utilizes 10W wireless charging, while the Apple Watch Series 8 offers wireless charging reaching 0-80% in 45 minutes. While the Huawei Watch 3's charging wattage is higher, the Apple Watch Series 8's faster 0-80% charge time suggests optimized charging algorithms and potentially a more efficient power management system. The actual battery life will depend on usage patterns, but the Apple Watch Series 8's S8 chip, despite its power, is designed for efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity differences. Without mAh specifications, a definitive battery life comparison is impossible.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei Watch 3 if you prioritize a more open smartwatch experience, are already invested in the Huawei ecosystem (for seamless connectivity and health data syncing), and value a potentially lower price point. Buy the Apple Watch Series 8 if you own an iPhone, demand the fastest performance and most comprehensive health tracking features, and prioritize tight integration with the Apple ecosystem, including features like Family Setup and Apple Pay.