The smartwatch landscape is bifurcated: feature-rich ecosystems like Apple's versus innovative hybrids like Huawei's. We're pitting the Huawei Watch Buds – a unique blend of smartwatch and true wireless earbuds – against the Apple Watch Series 9, the latest iteration of Apple’s dominant wearable, to determine which offers the best combination of functionality and value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch Series 9 is the clear winner, offering superior performance and seamless integration. However, the Huawei Watch Buds presents a compelling alternative for those prioritizing wireless convenience and a novel audio experience, particularly outside the Apple walled garden.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 09 | 2023, September 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 09 | Available. Released 2023, September 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, stainless steel frame | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 47 x 47.5 x 15 mm (1.85 x 1.87 x 0.59 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 66.5 g (2.36 oz) | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) |
| | Built-in wireless earbuds housed beneath the display; charging from the watch
Compatible with standard 22mm straps | - |
| 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, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core |
| Chipset | - | Apple S9 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR |
| OS | HarmonyOS 3.0 | watchOS 10, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 64GB |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 410 mAh (watch) | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Khaki | Graphite, Silver, Gold, Red |
| Models | - | A2982, A2984, A2983, A2985, Watch7,3, Watch7,4 |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 630 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.02 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) |
Huawei Watch Buds
- Unique integrated earbuds design for ultimate convenience.
- Wireless charging simplifies the charging process.
- Potentially more affordable price point.
- Performance likely lags behind the Apple Watch Series 9.
- Limited app ecosystem compared to watchOS.
Apple Watch Series 9
- Powerful Apple S9 chipset delivers exceptional performance.
- Mature and extensive app ecosystem with watchOS.
- Advanced health tracking features and sensors.
- Higher price point compared to the Huawei Watch Buds.
- Reliance on the Apple ecosystem for full functionality.
Display Comparison
The context data lacks display specifics for both devices. However, given Apple’s history, the Series 9 likely features an LTPO display for variable refresh rates and power efficiency, potentially reaching high peak brightness levels for outdoor visibility. The Huawei Watch Buds, aiming for a more streamlined design, may utilize a standard AMOLED panel. Bezels are likely minimized on both, but Apple typically leads in display quality and color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is marketed for its camera capabilities. This comparison section is largely irrelevant, as both are primarily focused on smartwatch functionality and audio (in the case of the Huawei Watch Buds).
Performance
The Apple Watch Series 9’s dual-core Apple S9 chipset is the clear performance leader. While the Huawei Watch Buds’ chipset is unspecified, it’s reasonable to assume it’s optimized for basic smartwatch functions and audio processing. The S9’s architecture, likely built on a 4nm or smaller process node, delivers significant gains in CPU and GPU performance compared to previous generations, enabling smoother animations and faster app loading times. The Series 9’s LPDDR5x RAM further enhances responsiveness. Thermal management is also a key advantage for Apple, allowing sustained performance during demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The Huawei Watch Buds’ battery capacity is unknown, but its wireless charging capability suggests a focus on convenience. The Apple Watch Series 9 offers wireless charging and boasts a 0-80% charge in 45 minutes. While the total charge time to 100% isn’t specified, Apple’s optimized charging algorithms likely prioritize battery health. The Series 9’s power efficiency, driven by the S9 chip, likely translates to competitive real-world battery life despite potentially having a similar or smaller battery capacity than the Huawei Watch Buds.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei Watch Buds if you prioritize a unique all-in-one wearable solution with integrated earbuds, valuing convenience and wireless charging above all else. Buy the Apple Watch Series 9 if you demand top-tier performance, a mature app ecosystem, and advanced health tracking features, and are already invested in Apple’s ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How does the integrated earbud design of the Huawei Watch Buds affect call quality compared to using AirPods with an Apple Watch Series 9?
The Huawei Watch Buds’ integrated design offers unparalleled convenience, but call quality may be slightly compromised compared to dedicated earbuds like AirPods, which benefit from more sophisticated noise cancellation and microphone technology. The Series 9, paired with AirPods, leverages Apple’s audio processing expertise for superior clarity.
❓ Is the Apple S9 chip’s performance increase noticeable in everyday tasks, or is it primarily beneficial for demanding applications?
The S9 chip’s performance gains are noticeable in everyday tasks, resulting in smoother animations, faster app launches, and more responsive interactions. While the benefits are amplified in demanding applications like fitness tracking and third-party apps, the overall user experience is significantly improved across the board.
❓ Does the Huawei Watch Buds support contactless payments like Apple Pay?
While the context data doesn't specify, Huawei typically includes NFC for contactless payments in its smartwatches. However, compatibility with various payment networks may be limited compared to Apple Pay’s widespread acceptance.
