Huawei is pushing boundaries with innovative wearables. The Watch Buds combines a smartwatch with earbuds, while the Watch 4 focuses on traditional smartwatch excellence. But which one is right for you? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei Watch 4 is the clear winner for traditional smartwatch users, boasting a powerful processor and robust features. The Watch Buds is a unique concept, offering convenience, but its smartwatch functionality is secondary to its integrated earbuds. Choose based on your priorities: smartwatch or hybrid audio-wearable.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 / 800 |
| 4G bands | N/A | LTE |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 09 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 09 | Available. Released 2023, June 22 |
| 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 10.9 mm (1.82 x 1.82 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 66.5 g (2.36 oz) | 48 g (1.69 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 (~310 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.5 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| | - | * the display resolution is unconfirmed
Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Quad-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 702 |
| OS | HarmonyOS 3.0 | HarmonyOS 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| 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 | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 410 mAh (watch) | Li-Ion 530 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Khaki | Black |
| Models | - | ARC-AL00 |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 450 EUR |
Huawei Watch Buds
- Unique hybrid design (watch + earbuds)
- Earbuds always on hand
- Wireless charging
- Compact and lightweight
- Limited smartwatch functionality
- Shorter battery life
- Smaller display
- Higher price point for a hybrid device
Huawei Watch 4
- Powerful Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset
- Longer battery life
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Comprehensive health tracking features
- More polished smartwatch experience
- No integrated earbuds
- Can be pricier than some competitors
- Design is less innovative than Watch Buds
Display Comparison
The Huawei Watch 4 features a vibrant AMOLED display, typically around 1.97 inches, offering excellent clarity and color accuracy. The Watch Buds' display is smaller, primarily used for notifications and controls related to the earbuds, and less suited for extensive smartwatch interaction. The Watch 4's larger screen provides a better overall viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Neither device has a dedicated camera. The Watch 4 can remotely control the camera on a paired smartphone, while the Watch Buds does not offer this functionality. This isn't a primary feature for either device.
Performance
The Watch 4's Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset provides significantly faster and smoother performance compared to the Watch Buds. Apps launch quickly, and the user interface is responsive. The Watch Buds' performance is adequate for basic smartwatch functions but doesn't match the Watch 4's power.
Battery Life
The Watch 4 generally offers longer battery life, typically lasting 3-4 days with moderate use. The Watch Buds' battery life is shorter, around 1-2 days, due to the integrated earbuds constantly drawing power. Charging is wireless for both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei Watch Buds if you prioritize convenience and want earbuds always accessible on your wrist. Buy the Huawei Watch 4 if you want a feature-rich smartwatch with strong performance, health tracking, and a more polished smartwatch experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use the Huawei Watch Buds as a standalone smartwatch?
While you can receive notifications and control some basic functions, the Watch Buds is primarily designed as an audio-wearable. Its smartwatch capabilities are limited compared to a dedicated smartwatch like the Watch 4.
❓ How long do the earbuds in the Watch Buds last on a single charge?
The earbuds in the Watch Buds typically offer around 4 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, with the charging case providing additional charges.
