Huawei's smartwatch lineup caters to diverse needs, from dedicated runners to those seeking ultimate luxury and performance. The Watch GT Runner focuses on athletic tracking, while the Watch Ultimate aims for the pinnacle of premium smartwatch design and features. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you choose the right one.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Watch Ultimate is the clear winner for those prioritizing premium materials, advanced health tracking (including blood oxygen and heart rate monitoring), and a luxurious design. The GT Runner remains a strong choice for serious runners seeking accurate GPS and dedicated training features at a more accessible price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Speed | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 18 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 26 | Available. Released 2023, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Sapphire crystal front, cerramic bezzel, zirconium front case, ceramic back |
| Dimensions | 46.4 x 46.4 x 11 mm (1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in) | 48.5 x 48.5 x 13 mm (1.91 x 1.91 x 0.51 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 38.5 g (1.38 oz) | 76 g (2.68 oz) |
| | 50m water resistant
5 ATM
IP68
Compatible with standard 22mm straps | Swimproof/diving (EN13319, ISO 22810:2010)
100m water resistant
10 ATM
IP68
ECG certified |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 466 x 466 pixels (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.5 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | LTPO AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| OS | HarmonyOS 2.0 | HarmonyOS 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 4GB | 32GB |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LE, EDR | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Yes (only for Bluetooth transmission acceleration) |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2, thermometer (body temperature) |
| | - | BDS Satellite Message |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 455 mAh | Li-Po 530 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gray | Expedition Black, Voyage Blue, Green |
| Models | - | CLB-B19 |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 740 EUR |
Huawei Watch GT Runner
- Excellent GPS accuracy
- Lightweight and comfortable for running
- Dedicated running features and training modes
- Competitive price
- Less premium materials compared to Ultimate
- Shorter battery life than Ultimate
- Fewer advanced health tracking features
Huawei Watch Ultimate
- Premium titanium and sapphire crystal build
- Longer battery life
- Advanced health tracking (SpO2, heart rate)
- Larger, brighter AMOLED display
- Stylish design for everyday wear
- Higher price point
- Potentially overkill for casual users
- Larger size may not suit all wrists
Display Comparison
Both watches feature AMOLED displays, but the Ultimate boasts a larger, brighter, and more vibrant screen with sapphire crystal glass for enhanced durability. The Runner's display is excellent, but the Ultimate's is noticeably more premium.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches of this type.
Performance
Both watches offer smooth performance thanks to Huawei's HarmonyOS. The Ultimate, with its more powerful processor and potentially more RAM, might handle complex tasks and apps slightly better, but the difference is minimal in typical usage. GPS accuracy is excellent on both.
Battery Life
The Watch Ultimate generally offers longer battery life than the GT Runner, thanks to its larger battery capacity and optimized power management. Expect several days of use with the Ultimate, while the Runner might require charging every 2-3 days with moderate use.
Buying Guide
The Huawei Watch GT Runner is ideal for dedicated runners and fitness enthusiasts who prioritize accurate GPS tracking, training metrics, and a lightweight design. The Huawei Watch Ultimate is perfect for users seeking a premium smartwatch experience with advanced health features, exceptional build quality (titanium, sapphire crystal), and a stylish aesthetic for both workouts and everyday wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference in GPS accuracy between the two watches?
Both watches offer excellent GPS accuracy, suitable for serious runners. However, some user reviews suggest the GT Runner might have a slight edge in challenging environments due to its focus on GPS performance.
❓ Is the Huawei Watch Ultimate worth the extra cost?
That depends on your priorities. If you value premium materials, extended battery life, and advanced health tracking, the Ultimate is a worthwhile investment. If you're primarily a runner and want accurate GPS at a more affordable price, the GT Runner is a great choice.
