The smartwatch landscape is bifurcated: those prioritizing ecosystem integration and app availability, and those seeking extended battery life and robust build quality. This comparison pits the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro, a newcomer focused on premium materials and longevity, against the Apple Watch Ultra 2, the established leader in features and performance within the Apple ecosystem.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and prioritizing app access, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the clear winner. However, the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro offers significantly longer battery life and a comparable premium build, making it ideal for those seeking a stylish, long-lasting smartwatch independent of a smartphone.
| 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 | - | 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, titanium alloy frame, ceramic back (Ceramic White model only) | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frame |
| Dimensions | 46.3 x 46.3 x 10.9 mm (1.82 x 1.82 x 0.43 in) | 49 x 44 x 14.4 mm (1.93 x 1.73 x 0.57 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 44 g or 53 g (1.55 oz) | 61.4 g or 61.8 g (black) (2.15 oz) |
| 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, 1200 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO2 OLED, 3000 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, with dual speakers (86-decibel) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), GLONASS | 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, barometer, compass, SpO2, thermometer (body temperature) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter (-500m to 9000m), compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body), temperature (water) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless, 0-80% in 60 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 524 mAh | Li-Ion 564 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium, Black, Ceramic White, White | Titanium, Black |
| Models | VLI-B29 | A2986, A2987, Watch7,5 |
| Price | $ 250.00 / € 249.00 | $ 469.99 / € 584.49 |
| SAR | - | 0.88 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.22 W/kg (head) |
Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro
- Potentially superior battery life compared to the Ultra 2
- Premium build quality and materials
- Independent of the Apple ecosystem
- Limited app ecosystem compared to watchOS
- Processor specifications are currently unknown
Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Powerful Apple S9 chip for smooth performance
- Bright and clear display with excellent outdoor visibility
- Extensive app ecosystem and seamless iPhone integration
- Shorter battery life compared to the GT 5 Pro
- Higher price point
Display Comparison
While specific display details for the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro are currently unavailable, its 'Pro' designation suggests a high-quality AMOLED panel. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 boasts a significantly brighter display, peaking at 3000 nits, crucial for outdoor visibility during intense activities. The Ultra 2’s larger display size (49mm) also provides more screen real estate. Both support wireless charging, but the Ultra 2’s display benefits from Apple’s always-on technology, optimized by the S9 chip for efficient power consumption.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch is designed as a primary camera device. Both are unlikely to feature significant camera capabilities. The focus is on smartwatch functionality, not photography. Any camera features on the GT 5 Pro would likely be limited in resolution and quality compared to even basic smartphone cameras.
Performance
The Apple Watch Ultra 2’s dual-core Apple S9 chip represents a substantial performance advantage over the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro, which lacks detailed processor specifications. The S9’s 64-bit architecture and Neural Engine enable faster app loading, smoother animations, and advanced features like on-device Siri processing. While Huawei focuses on efficient power management, Apple prioritizes responsiveness and feature richness. The Ultra 2’s chipset also facilitates advanced sensor data processing for accurate health tracking.
Battery Life
This is where the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro aims to excel. While the Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers up to 36 hours of battery life with typical use, and can reach 60% charge in 60 minutes, Huawei’s historical focus on battery optimization suggests the GT 5 Pro will deliver significantly longer runtimes – potentially several days. The lack of detailed charging specifications for the GT 5 Pro doesn’t negate the expectation of competitive wireless charging capabilities, but the Ultra 2’s faster charging speed is a definite advantage for quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro if you need a smartwatch that lasts for days on a single charge, appreciate a classic watch aesthetic, and aren't reliant on a vast app ecosystem. Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if you prioritize seamless integration with iPhones, require advanced health tracking features, and value access to a comprehensive app store, even at the cost of shorter battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How does the Apple S9 chip impact real-world usage on the Ultra 2 compared to a typical smartwatch processor?
The Apple S9 chip’s Neural Engine significantly accelerates machine learning tasks, improving the accuracy of health tracking metrics like heart rate and ECG readings. It also enables faster Siri responses and smoother animations, resulting in a more responsive and fluid user experience.
❓ Is the wireless charging on the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro as convenient as the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s, considering the Ultra 2 can reach 80% charge in 60 minutes?
While both offer wireless charging, the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s faster charging speed provides a significant convenience factor. The GT 5 Pro’s charging speed is currently unknown, but its focus on extended battery life suggests it may prioritize efficiency over rapid charging.
❓ For someone primarily interested in outdoor activities like hiking and trail running, which watch is better suited?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is better suited for serious outdoor enthusiasts. Its brighter display, robust build quality, and advanced GPS capabilities provide a more reliable experience in challenging environments. The Ultra 2 also offers features like emergency SOS via satellite, which the GT 5 Pro currently lacks.
