The smartwatch market is booming, and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Today, we're pitting two heavyweights against each other: the Huawei Watch GT Cyber and the Apple Watch Series 8. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which wearable deserves a spot on your wrist.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 8 takes the lead for iOS users due to its seamless integration and robust app ecosystem. However, the Huawei Watch GT Cyber offers exceptional battery life and a stylish design at a potentially lower price point, making it a strong contender for Android users prioritizing longevity.
| 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 |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, November 02 | 2022, September 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 12 | Available. Released 2022, September 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Nanocrystalline ceramic + 316L stainless steelReinforced composite fiber | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 47.4 x 44.4 x 10.2 mm45.6 x 45.6 x 10.2 mm | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 58 / 59 / 77 g (2.05 oz) | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) |
| | 50m water resistant
5 ATM
Swapable cases
Rotating bezel | IP6X certified
50m water resistant
ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~352 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.32 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core |
| Chipset | - | Apple S8 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR |
| OS | HarmonyOS 2.0 | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Yes (only for Bluetooth transmission acceleration) | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body) |
| | - | Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy)
Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode)
Ultra Wideband (UWB) support |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Po 292 mAh | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gray, White, Blue | Graphite, Silver, Gold |
| Models | AND-B19 | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, watch6,16, watch6,17 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 330 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
Huawei Watch GT Cyber
- Exceptional battery life (7-10 days)
- Stylish and modern design
- Comprehensive fitness tracking
- Competitive price
- Limited app ecosystem compared to Apple
- Performance not as snappy as Apple Watch
- Android-centric (less seamless with iOS)
Apple Watch Series 8
- Seamless iOS integration
- Vibrant and bright display
- Advanced health features (ECG, blood oxygen)
- Extensive app ecosystem
- Fast performance
- Shorter battery life (around 18 hours)
- Higher price point
- Primarily for iOS users
Display Comparison
The Apple Watch Series 8 boasts a brighter and more vibrant Always-On Retina display, offering excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. The GT Cyber's AMOLED display is also sharp and colorful, but may not reach the same peak brightness. Apple's edge-to-edge design also contributes to a more immersive experience.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Huawei Watch GT Cyber nor the Apple Watch Series 8 have a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches, relying instead on smartphone integration for photography.
Performance
The Apple Watch Series 8, powered by the S8 SiP, delivers noticeably faster performance and smoother animations compared to the GT Cyber. The dual-core CPU ensures quick app loading and responsive interactions. The GT Cyber's performance is adequate for basic smartwatch functions, but may struggle with more demanding tasks.
Battery Life
This is where the Huawei Watch GT Cyber truly shines. It offers significantly longer battery life, often lasting 7-10 days on a single charge. The Apple Watch Series 8, while offering wireless charging, typically requires daily charging, with around 18 hours of typical use.
Buying Guide
The Huawei Watch GT Cyber is ideal for Android users seeking long battery life, a sleek design, and fitness tracking capabilities without breaking the bank. The Apple Watch Series 8 is the clear choice for iPhone users who want the best app integration, advanced health features (like ECG and blood oxygen), and a premium smartwatch experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Huawei Watch GT Cyber compatible with iPhones?
While it can pair with iPhones, the experience is limited compared to Apple's native integration. You'll miss out on features like iMessage and seamless notifications.
❓ Does the Apple Watch Series 8 have cellular connectivity?
Yes, certain models of the Apple Watch Series 8 offer cellular connectivity, allowing you to make calls and use data without your iPhone nearby. This is an additional cost.
