The smartwatch market is booming, and two contenders are vying for your wrist: the innovative Huawei Watch Buds and the rugged Apple Watch Ultra. Both offer a blend of fitness tracking, smart features, and stylish design, but cater to different needs and preferences. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one is the perfect fit.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Ultra dominates in performance and ecosystem integration, boasting a powerful processor and seamless iOS connectivity. However, the Huawei Watch Buds offer a unique earbud-integrated design and competitive features at a potentially lower price point. For serious athletes and Apple users, the Ultra wins; for those seeking innovation and value, the Buds are worth considering.
| 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 |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 09 | 2022, September 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 09 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, stainless steel frame | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frame |
| Dimensions | 47 x 47.5 x 15 mm (1.85 x 1.87 x 0.59 in) | 49 x 44 x 14.4 mm (1.93 x 1.73 x 0.57 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 66.5 g (2.36 oz) | 61.3 g (2.15 oz) |
| | Built-in wireless earbuds housed beneath the display; charging from the watch
Compatible with standard 22mm straps | IP6X certified
100m water resistant (WR100)
40m swimproof/diving (EN13319)
MIL-STD 810H certified
ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 502 x 410 pixels (~338 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.92 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | Retina LTPO OLED, 2000 nits (peak) |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core |
| Chipset | - | Apple S8 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR |
| OS | HarmonyOS 3.0 | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 32GB |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes, with dual speakers (86-decibel) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, 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), temperature (water) |
| | - | Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy)
Depth gauge (±1m accuracy)
Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode)
Ultra Wideband (UWB) support |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless, 0-80% in 60 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 410 mAh (watch) | Li-Ion 542 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Khaki | Titanium |
| Models | - | A2684, A2622, A2859, watch6,18 |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 550 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.60 W/kg (body) |
Huawei Watch Buds
- Unique earbud integration
- Competitive price
- Stylish design
- Wireless charging
- Less powerful processor
- Smaller, less vibrant display
- Limited app ecosystem
- Less durable than Ultra
Apple Watch Ultra
- Superior performance
- Larger, brighter display
- Advanced fitness tracking
- Seamless iOS integration
- Durable design
- Higher price
- Limited Android compatibility
- Battery life could be better for intensive use
Display Comparison
The Apple Watch Ultra features a larger, brighter, and more durable display with excellent outdoor visibility. The Huawei Watch Buds have a smaller, less vibrant display, but its integration with the earbuds is a unique design element. The Ultra's always-on display is a significant advantage.
Camera Comparison
Neither device has a dedicated camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches, focusing instead on other functionalities.
Performance
The Apple Watch Ultra, powered by the S8 chip and dual-core processor, delivers significantly faster and smoother performance than the Huawei Watch Buds. App loading times are quicker, and overall responsiveness is superior. The Buds' performance is adequate for basic smartwatch functions but struggles with demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The Apple Watch Ultra offers a respectable battery life, reaching 0-80% in 60 minutes with wireless charging. The Huawei Watch Buds' battery life is estimated to be around 2-3 days, depending on usage, with wireless charging capabilities. The Ultra's charging speed is a clear advantage.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Huawei Watch Buds? Users seeking a unique 2-in-1 device combining a smartwatch and earbuds, those prioritizing design innovation, and individuals looking for a more budget-friendly option. Who should buy the Apple Watch Ultra? Serious athletes needing advanced fitness tracking, Apple ecosystem enthusiasts, and those prioritizing top-tier performance and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can the Huawei Watch Buds be used with an Android phone?
While the Huawei Watch Buds offer some compatibility with Android, the experience is significantly better with iOS due to tighter integration and feature support.
❓ Is the Apple Watch Ultra worth the extra cost?
If you're a serious athlete or deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the Ultra's performance, durability, and advanced features justify the higher price. Otherwise, the standard Apple Watch or the Huawei Watch Buds might be more suitable.
