The smartwatch market is increasingly competitive, with Huawei and Google offering compelling options. The Huawei Watch GT 5 emphasizes extended battery life and wireless convenience, while the Google Pixel Watch 2 leverages the Qualcomm 5100 platform and tight integration with the Google ecosystem. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right wearable.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing battery longevity and wireless charging, the Huawei Watch GT 5 is the clear winner. However, the Google Pixel Watch 2, powered by the Qualcomm 5100, delivers a smoother, more responsive experience and deeper integration with Google services, making it ideal for Android power users.
| 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, stainless steel frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 45.8 x 45.8 x 10.7 mm (1.80 x 1.80 x 0.42 in) | 41 x 41 x 12.3 mm (1.61 x 1.61 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 35 g or 48 g (1.23 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 | 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 | Black, Blue, Brown, White, Gold | Polished Silver, Matte Black, Champagne Gold |
| Models | VLI-B19 | G4TSL, GC3G8, GD2WG |
| Price | € 128.10 / $ 169.00 | About 160 EUR |
Huawei Watch GT 5
- Potentially superior battery life based on Huawei's history.
- Convenience of wireless charging.
- HarmonyOS optimization may deliver smooth performance despite unknown chipset.
- Chipset specifications are unknown, hindering performance assessment.
- Limited integration with the Google ecosystem.
Google Pixel Watch 2
- Qualcomm 5100 chipset delivers a responsive user experience.
- Fast charging (80% in 45 minutes).
- Seamless integration with Google services and Wear OS.
- Shorter battery life compared to the Huawei Watch GT 5 (likely).
- Requires wired charging.
Display Comparison
While specific display details (resolution, panel type) are absent for the GT 5, Huawei typically employs AMOLED panels. The Pixel Watch 2 features a 1.2-inch AMOLED display. The Pixel Watch 2’s smaller size may appeal to those with smaller wrists, but the lack of detailed specs on the GT 5 makes a direct comparison difficult. The Pixel Watch 2’s integration with Wear OS suggests potential for features like Always-On Display, impacting battery life. The GT 5’s focus on battery suggests a potentially less aggressive AOD implementation.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch is designed for photography, and neither is expected to have a camera. This section is therefore not applicable.
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 snappier app launches and smoother animations. The Huawei Watch GT 5’s processor is not specified, but Huawei’s HarmonyOS is known for its optimization, potentially mitigating the impact of a less powerful chipset. However, the Qualcomm 5100’s architecture provides a clear advantage in demanding tasks and future software updates. The Pixel Watch 2’s LPDDR4 RAM complements the chipset, ensuring efficient multitasking.
Battery Life
The Huawei Watch GT 5’s emphasis on battery life is a core selling point, though specific mAh capacity is not provided. Its wireless charging capability adds convenience, albeit potentially at a slower charging rate. The Google Pixel Watch 2 offers a wired charging solution, achieving 80% charge in 45 minutes. This faster charging speed is a significant advantage for users who frequently forget to charge their devices. The trade-off is a potentially shorter overall battery life compared to the GT 5, requiring more frequent top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei Watch GT 5 if you need a smartwatch that can consistently last for days on a single charge and appreciate the convenience of wireless charging. It’s perfect for travelers or those who dislike the hassle of daily charging. Buy the Google Pixel Watch 2 if you prefer a seamless experience within the Google ecosystem, value faster performance for apps and health tracking, and don’t mind a more frequent charging schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Qualcomm 5100 in the Pixel Watch 2 experience thermal throttling during extended use?
While the Qualcomm 5100 is a capable chipset, sustained heavy use (e.g., prolonged GPS tracking or demanding apps) could potentially lead to some thermal throttling. However, the Pixel Watch 2’s relatively small form factor and Google’s software optimizations aim to mitigate this issue. Real-world testing suggests throttling is minimal for typical smartwatch usage.
❓ Is wireless charging on the Huawei Watch GT 5 significantly slower than the Pixel Watch 2's wired charging?
Wireless charging is generally slower than wired charging. While the Huawei Watch GT 5 doesn't specify a charging time, it's likely to take longer than the Pixel Watch 2's 45 minutes to reach 80%. However, the convenience of simply placing the watch on a charging pad may outweigh the slower charging speed for many users.
❓ How does HarmonyOS on the Huawei Watch GT 5 compare to Wear OS on the Pixel Watch 2 in terms of app availability?
Wear OS boasts a significantly larger app ecosystem than HarmonyOS. While Huawei is expanding its app library, the Pixel Watch 2 offers access to a wider range of third-party applications directly on the watch. However, HarmonyOS excels in power efficiency and system optimization.
