The smartwatch market is bifurcating: premium, long-lasting devices like the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro and those prioritizing ecosystem integration like the Google Pixel Watch 2. This comparison dissects the core differences, focusing on charging methodologies, performance, and the overall user experience to determine which smartwatch best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing battery life and a luxurious design, the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro is the stronger choice. However, the Google Pixel Watch 2’s Qualcomm 5100 chipset and seamless Google ecosystem integration make it ideal for Android users deeply invested in Wear OS and its features.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | LTE |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 19 | 2023, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September 19 | Available. Released 2023, October 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, titanium alloy frame, ceramic back (Ceramic White model only) | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 46.3 x 46.3 x 10.9 mm (1.82 x 1.82 x 0.43 in) | 41 x 41 x 12.3 mm (1.61 x 1.61 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 44 g or 53 g (1.55 oz) | 31 g (1.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 450 x 450 pixels (~320 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.2 inches |
| Type | AMOLED, 1200 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm 5100 |
| OS | HarmonyOS 5.0 | Android Wear OS 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | Unspecified | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2, thermometer (body temperature) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, altimeter, compass, SpO2, thermometer (skin temperature), skin conductance |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wired, 80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 524 mAh | Li-Ion 306 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium, Black, Ceramic White, White | Polished Silver, Matte Black, Champagne Gold |
| Models | VLI-B29 | G4TSL, GC3G8, GD2WG |
| Price | $ 250.00 / € 249.00 | About 160 EUR |
Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro
- Potentially exceptional battery life based on Huawei's history
- Premium build quality and materials (likely sapphire glass)
- Convenience of wireless charging
- Reliance on HarmonyOS, potentially limiting app availability
- Chipset performance unknown, potentially lagging behind the Pixel Watch 2
Google Pixel Watch 2
- Qualcomm 5100 chipset delivers smooth performance
- Seamless integration with Google services and Fitbit
- Faster wired charging (80% in 45 minutes)
- Shorter battery life compared to the GT 5 Pro
- Smaller display size may not appeal to all users
Display Comparison
While specific display specs for the GT 5 Pro are currently unavailable, Huawei typically employs AMOLED panels known for vibrant colors. The Pixel Watch 2 features a 1.2-inch AMOLED display. The key difference lies in charging; the GT 5 Pro opts for wireless charging, suggesting a focus on convenience, while the Pixel Watch 2 utilizes wired charging, achieving 80% charge in 45 minutes. This implies a faster top-up time for the Pixel Watch 2, beneficial for users who frequently need a quick boost. The lack of LTPO information for the GT 5 Pro means we can't assess its adaptive refresh rate capabilities compared to the Pixel Watch 2, potentially impacting battery efficiency.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch is designed for photography, and detailed camera specs are unavailable. Smartwatches primarily utilize cameras for limited features like remote control or potentially video calls. Therefore, this section is less critical in this comparison.
Performance
The Google Pixel Watch 2’s Qualcomm 5100 chipset represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering improved processing power and efficiency. This translates to smoother animations, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience. The Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro’s chipset remains undisclosed, but Huawei’s HarmonyOS is optimized for efficiency, potentially mitigating the need for a top-tier processor. However, the Pixel Watch 2’s dedicated processor provides a clear advantage for complex tasks and future software updates. The Pixel Watch 2’s LPDDR5 RAM further enhances multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
The Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro historically excels in battery life, often exceeding a week on a single charge. This is likely achieved through a combination of efficient HarmonyOS and a larger battery capacity (specific mAh unavailable). The Pixel Watch 2, while improved over the original, typically lasts around 24 hours. The Pixel Watch 2’s 80% charge in 45 minutes mitigates the shorter battery life, offering a quick solution for users who need to recharge frequently. The GT 5 Pro’s wireless charging, while convenient, is generally slower than wired charging, potentially requiring longer charging durations.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro if you need exceptional battery life, appreciate a premium build quality with sapphire glass, and aren’t heavily reliant on the Google ecosystem. Buy the Google Pixel Watch 2 if you prioritize tight integration with Google services like Google Assistant and Fitbit, value faster charging, and prefer a more compact, streamlined smartwatch experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro support Google Assistant or other Google services?
The Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro runs on HarmonyOS, which has limited native support for Google services. While some workarounds may exist, it doesn't offer the seamless integration found on the Pixel Watch 2.
❓ How does the wireless charging of the GT 5 Pro compare to the Pixel Watch 2's wired charging in terms of convenience for daily use?
Wireless charging on the GT 5 Pro offers greater convenience as it eliminates the need for cables. However, the Pixel Watch 2’s faster wired charging (80% in 45 minutes) provides a quicker top-up when time is limited, making it a practical alternative.
❓ Is the Qualcomm 5100 chipset in the Pixel Watch 2 powerful enough for demanding apps or future software updates?
The Qualcomm 5100 is a significant improvement over previous Wear OS chipsets and is capable of handling most smartwatch apps smoothly. It also provides headroom for future software updates and feature additions, ensuring the Pixel Watch 2 remains relevant for longer.