Huawei is pushing boundaries with its wearable tech. The Watch Buds combines a smartwatch with true wireless earbuds, while the Watch 3 is a more traditional, feature-rich smartwatch. This comparison dives deep into both devices to help you decide which one best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei Watch Buds offer a unique, space-saving design with integrated earbuds, ideal for those prioritizing convenience. The Watch 3, however, provides a more robust smartwatch experience with a larger display, more comprehensive health tracking, and longer battery life. The Watch 3 is the overall winner for most 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 09 | 2021, June 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 09 | Available. Released 2021, June 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, stainless steel frame | Glass front, ceramic back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 47 x 47.5 x 15 mm (1.85 x 1.87 x 0.59 in) | 46.2 x 46.2 x 12.2 mm (1.82 x 1.82 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 66.5 g (2.36 oz) | 54 g (1.90 oz) |
| | Built-in wireless earbuds housed beneath the display; charging from the watch
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 | HarmonyOS 3.0 | HarmonyOS 2.0, upgradable to 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | 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, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2, thermometer (body temperature) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | 10W wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 410 mAh (watch) | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Khaki | Black, Silver |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Huawei Watch Buds
- Unique 2-in-1 design (smartwatch + earbuds)
- Space-saving and convenient
- Wireless charging
- Decent fitness tracking
- Smaller display
- Shorter battery life
- Less powerful processor
- No dedicated camera
Huawei Watch 3
- Larger, brighter display
- Longer battery life
- More powerful processor
- Comprehensive health tracking (ECG, SpO2)
- App Store access
- Larger size may not suit all wrists
- Camera quality is average
- Wireless charging is slower than some competitors
Display Comparison
The Watch 3 boasts a significantly larger 1.43-inch AMOLED display, offering more screen real estate for apps and notifications. The Watch Buds have a smaller, 1.23-inch AMOLED display, which is adequate but feels cramped compared to the Watch 3. The Watch 3's display is also brighter and easier to read in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
The Watch 3 features a 9MP camera, allowing for quick snapshots. The Watch Buds lacks a dedicated camera, relying on the phone for photography. The Watch 3's camera is convenient for occasional use, but image quality is not exceptional.
Performance
Both devices run HarmonyOS, but the Watch 3 generally feels snappier due to its more powerful processor and larger RAM. The Watch Buds' performance is adequate for basic smartwatch functions, but can occasionally feel sluggish when multitasking or using more demanding apps. The Watch 3's app ecosystem is also more mature.
Battery Life
The Watch 3 offers significantly better battery life, typically lasting 3-4 days on a single charge, even with moderate use. The Watch Buds' battery life is considerably shorter, lasting around 1.5-2 days with the earbuds frequently used. The Watch 3's 10W wireless charging is also faster than the Watch Buds' wireless charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei Watch Buds if you want a truly innovative 2-in-1 device and value the convenience of having earbuds always on hand. Buy the Huawei Watch 3 if you prioritize a larger, more versatile smartwatch with advanced health features, a familiar design, and longer battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use the Huawei Watch Buds as regular earbuds?
Yes, the earbuds in the Watch Buds can be used independently as true wireless earbuds, without the smartwatch component.
❓ Does the Huawei Watch 3 support cellular connectivity?
Yes, certain models of the Huawei Watch 3 support LTE cellular connectivity, allowing you to make calls and use data without a paired smartphone.
❓ Are the earbuds in the Watch Buds waterproof?
The earbuds have an IP54 rating, meaning they are splash-proof but not fully waterproof. Avoid submerging them in water.
❓ What is the battery life like when using the earbuds frequently on the Watch Buds?
Expect around 1.5-2 days of battery life with frequent earbud use. Battery life will be longer if you use the earbuds less often.
