The smartwatch market is dominated by two key players: Apple and Huawei. While the Apple Watch Series 9 represents the pinnacle of smartwatch integration within the Apple ecosystem, the Huawei Watch GT 5 prioritizes extended battery life and broader compatibility. This comparison dissects the core differences, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing seamless ecosystem integration and advanced health features, the Apple Watch Series 9 is the superior choice. However, users seeking exceptional battery life and platform independence will find the Huawei Watch GT 5 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 | - | 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, stainless steel frame | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 45.8 x 45.8 x 10.7 mm (1.80 x 1.80 x 0.42 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 35 g or 48 g (1.23 oz) | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 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, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), GLONASS | 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, barometer, compass, SpO2, thermometer (body temperature) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 524 mAh | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Brown, White, Gold | Graphite, Silver, Gold, Red |
| Models | VLI-B19 | A2982, A2984, A2983, A2985, Watch7,3, Watch7,4 |
| Price | € 128.10 / $ 169.00 | About 630 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.02 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) |
Huawei Watch GT 5
- Exceptional battery life (potentially exceeding 10 days)
- Wireless charging convenience
- Platform independence (works with Android and iOS)
- Potentially lower price point
- Less powerful processor compared to Apple S9
- Limited app ecosystem compared to watchOS
- Health feature set may be less comprehensive
Apple Watch Series 9
- Powerful Apple S9 SiP for smooth performance
- Comprehensive health features (ECG, blood oxygen)
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem
- Bright and efficient LTPO OLED display
- Shorter battery life (up to 18 hours)
- Requires an iPhone for full functionality
- Higher price point
Display Comparison
While specific display details for the Huawei Watch GT 5 are absent, Huawei typically employs AMOLED panels. The Apple Watch Series 9 boasts a Retina LTPO OLED display, enabling an always-on display with variable refresh rates down to 1Hz for power efficiency. This LTPO technology is a key advantage, dynamically adjusting the refresh rate based on content to conserve battery. The Series 9’s display is also significantly brighter, reaching up to 2000 nits peak brightness, making it more visible outdoors compared to what is typical for Huawei’s offerings. Bezels are also notably smaller on the Apple Watch Series 9, maximizing screen real estate.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is primarily marketed for its camera capabilities. Both are smartwatches, not camera-focused wearables. Therefore, a detailed camera comparison is not applicable given the lack of information on the Huawei Watch GT 5's camera (if any).
Performance
The Apple Watch Series 9 is powered by the dual-core Apple S9 SiP, a significant upgrade over previous generations. This chipset delivers noticeably faster performance for app loading and Siri interactions. The Huawei Watch GT 5’s processor details are not provided, but historically, Huawei has focused on efficiency rather than raw processing power. The S9’s architecture allows for on-device processing of Siri requests, enhancing privacy and speed. While the GT 5 likely handles basic smartwatch functions adequately, the Series 9 offers a smoother, more responsive experience, particularly when utilizing third-party apps.
Battery Life
This is where the Huawei Watch GT 5 shines. While the Apple Watch Series 9 offers up to 18 hours of typical use, the GT 5 is known for its multi-day battery life, often exceeding 10 days with moderate usage. Both support wireless charging, but the Apple Watch Series 9 achieves 0-80% charge in 45 minutes. The GT 5’s wireless charging speed is not specified, but its larger battery capacity necessitates a longer full charge time. The trade-off is clear: the Series 9 offers faster charging, while the GT 5 provides significantly longer runtimes between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei Watch GT 5 if you need a smartwatch that can last for days on a single charge and aren't heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem. Its wireless charging and focus on fitness tracking make it ideal for active users. Buy the Apple Watch Series 9 if you prioritize a fluid user experience, advanced health monitoring capabilities like ECG and blood oxygen, and tight integration with your iPhone and other Apple devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How does the Apple Watch Series 9’s on-device Siri processing impact privacy compared to cloud-based assistants?
The Apple S9 chip enables on-device processing of Siri requests for many common tasks. This means your voice data doesn't need to be sent to Apple's servers, enhancing privacy and reducing latency. While some Siri features still require cloud connectivity, the shift towards on-device processing is a significant privacy improvement.
❓ Is the Huawei Watch GT 5 compatible with Apple iPhones, and what features are limited?
Yes, the Huawei Watch GT 5 is compatible with iPhones via the Huawei Health app. However, functionality is limited compared to pairing with an Android device. Features like replying to iMessage notifications directly from the watch are typically unavailable, and the overall integration isn't as seamless as with an Apple Watch.
❓ What type of wireless charging does the Huawei Watch GT 5 use, and is it compatible with Apple’s MagSafe charger?
The Huawei Watch GT 5 utilizes standard Qi wireless charging. While it *can* technically charge on an Apple MagSafe charger, it won't benefit from the magnetic alignment and may charge at a slower rate than with a dedicated Qi charger. It's best to use a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad for optimal performance.
