Huawei continues to innovate, blending technology in surprising ways. The Watch Buds combines a smartwatch with true wireless earbuds, while the Watch GT 3 is a refined, established smartwatch. But which one offers the best experience? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Watch GT 3 is the more traditional and polished smartwatch, excelling in fitness tracking and battery life. The Watch Buds is a unique, albeit bulky, hybrid offering convenience for those who always want earbuds nearby. For fitness enthusiasts, the GT 3 wins; for on-the-go audio lovers, the Buds are intriguing.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Speed | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 09 | 2021, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 09 | Available. Released 2021, November 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, stainless steel frame | Glass front, plastic back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 47 x 47.5 x 15 mm (1.85 x 1.87 x 0.59 in) | 45.9 x 45.9 x 11 mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 66.5 g (2.36 oz) | 35 g (42mm) / 42.6 g (46mm) (1.23 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 (46mm model), 20mm straps (42mm model) |
| 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 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 4GB 32MB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, LE, EDR |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | No |
| 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-Po 455 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Khaki | Black, Steel, Gold |
| Models | - | MIL-B19 |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Huawei Watch Buds
- Unique 2-in-1 design (smartwatch + earbuds)
- Convenient for always-having earbuds
- Decent audio quality from earbuds
- Wireless charging
- Bulky and less comfortable than traditional smartwatches
- Shorter battery life
- Smaller, less vibrant display
- Potentially higher price point
Huawei Watch GT 3
- Excellent battery life (7-10 days)
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Comprehensive fitness tracking features
- Sleek and comfortable design
- Wireless charging
- Limited app ecosystem compared to Wear OS
- No built-in speaker for calls
- Can be expensive
Display Comparison
The Watch GT 3 boasts a vibrant AMOLED display with excellent visibility, even in direct sunlight. The Watch Buds' display is smaller and less bright, primarily serving as a smartwatch interface and notification hub. The GT 3's larger screen offers a more comfortable and detailed viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Neither device has a primary camera. The Watch GT 3 can remotely control the camera on a paired smartphone. The Watch Buds does not offer this functionality.
Performance
Both devices offer smooth performance for their intended tasks. The Watch GT 3's HarmonyOS provides a fluid user interface for smartwatch functions. The Watch Buds' performance is tied to the earbuds' functionality; call quality and audio playback are generally good, but the combined device can feel slightly sluggish at times.
Battery Life
The Watch GT 3 consistently delivers exceptional battery life, often lasting 7-10 days on a single charge. The Watch Buds' battery life is significantly shorter, typically lasting 2-3 days with moderate use, factoring in both smartwatch and earbuds usage. The GT 3 is the clear winner here.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei Watch Buds if you prioritize having earbuds readily available and appreciate a novel design. Buy the Huawei Watch GT 3 if you want a reliable, feature-rich smartwatch with excellent battery life and established fitness tracking capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use the Watch Buds' earbuds independently?
Yes, the earbuds can be used separately like any other true wireless earbuds, but you lose the smartwatch functionality.
❓ Is the Watch Buds waterproof?
The Watch Buds has a 5ATM water resistance rating, meaning it's suitable for swimming and showering, but not deep diving.
❓ Does the Watch GT 3 support third-party apps?
The Watch GT 3's app ecosystem is more limited than Wear OS devices, but it does offer some essential apps.
