The smartwatch market is dominated by Apple and increasingly challenged by Huawei. We pit the Huawei Watch D2, a strong contender focused on health monitoring, against the Apple Watch Series 9, the established leader in smartwatch functionality and ecosystem integration. This comparison will dissect their core capabilities to determine which device delivers the most value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch Series 9 is the clear winner due to its superior processing power and seamless integration. However, users prioritizing potentially more comprehensive health tracking and a lower price point may find the Huawei Watch D2 a compelling alternative.
| 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 | 2024, September 19 | 2023, September 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September 19 | Available. Released 2023, September 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 48 x 38 x 13.3 mm (1.89 x 1.50 x 0.52 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 40 g (1.41 oz) | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 480 x 408 pixels (~347 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.82 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | Retina LTPO OLED, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core |
| Chipset | - | Apple S9 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR |
| OS | HarmonyOS 5.0 | watchOS 10, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | Unspecified | 64GB |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | 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, thermometer (skin temperature), differential pressure sensor, barometer | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 5W wireless | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 524 mAh | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold | Graphite, Silver, Gold, Red |
| Models | LCA-B11 | A2982, A2984, A2983, A2985, Watch7,3, Watch7,4 |
| Price | About 370 EUR | About 630 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.02 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) |
Huawei Watch D2
- Potentially more affordable price point
- Focus on comprehensive health tracking features
- HarmonyOS ecosystem integration
- Limited app ecosystem compared to watchOS
- Slower charging speed (5W wireless)
- Performance likely lags behind Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 9
- Powerful Apple S9 chipset for smooth performance
- Bright and efficient LTPO display
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem
- Higher price point
- Battery life may be shorter with heavy usage
- Limited compatibility with Android devices
Display Comparison
While specific display details for the Huawei Watch D2 are unavailable, it's reasonable to assume a high-resolution AMOLED panel given Huawei's history. The Apple Watch Series 9 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching up to 2000 nits, making it far more legible outdoors. The Series 9 also benefits from Apple’s LTPO technology, enabling a variable refresh rate down to 1Hz for improved battery efficiency. The absence of detailed display specs for the D2 makes a direct comparison difficult, but the Series 9’s brightness and LTPO tech provide a clear advantage for users in bright environments or those prioritizing battery life.
Camera Comparison
Neither device features a camera, a trend increasingly common in modern smartwatches. This omission simplifies design and focuses on core smartwatch functionality.
Performance
The Apple Watch Series 9’s dual-core Apple S9 chipset represents a substantial performance leap over any likely processor within the Huawei Watch D2. The S9’s architecture allows for faster app loading, smoother animations, and more complex background processing. While the Huawei Watch D2 likely utilizes a capable processor for basic smartwatch functions, it won’t match the responsiveness and capabilities of the S9, particularly for demanding tasks or future software updates. The S9’s efficiency also contributes to the Series 9’s overall user experience.
Battery Life
The Huawei Watch D2 utilizes 5W wireless charging, suggesting a slower charging speed. The Apple Watch Series 9, while also employing wireless charging, achieves 0-80% charge in just 45 minutes. This faster charging is crucial for users who need to quickly top up their watch before a workout or event. While the actual battery capacity of both devices is unknown, the Series 9’s faster charging mitigates concerns about battery life, offering greater convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei Watch D2 if you need a smartwatch with a strong emphasis on health monitoring features and are comfortable with the HarmonyOS ecosystem. It’s ideal for users seeking detailed health data without the premium Apple price tag. Buy the Apple Watch Series 9 if you prioritize performance, app availability, and tight integration with other Apple devices. It’s the best choice for iPhone users who want a fully-featured smartwatch experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How does the health tracking on the Huawei Watch D2 compare to the Apple Watch Series 9, specifically regarding ECG and blood oxygen monitoring?
While both watches offer ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, the Huawei Watch D2 may provide more detailed health metrics and analysis within its HarmonyOS ecosystem. However, the Apple Watch Series 9 benefits from FDA clearance for its ECG app and integrates seamlessly with Apple Health, offering a more established and validated health data platform.
❓ Is the Apple Watch Series 9’s S9 chip upgrade significant enough to justify upgrading from an older Apple Watch model?
The Apple S9 chip in the Series 9 delivers a noticeable performance improvement over previous generations, particularly in app loading times and Siri responsiveness. The new Double Tap gesture also adds a convenient new interaction method. If you frequently use demanding apps or value a fluid user experience, the upgrade is worthwhile. However, users with older models in good condition may not see a dramatic difference for basic smartwatch functions.
❓ What are the limitations of using the Huawei Watch D2 with an iPhone?
The Huawei Watch D2’s functionality is significantly limited when paired with an iPhone. You’ll lose access to many of the advanced features, including notifications, call handling, and app integration. The watch is primarily designed for use with Android devices.
