The smartwatch market is booming, and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Huawei Watch GT Runner, known for its fitness focus, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch5, a feature-rich all-rounder. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which wearable deserves a spot on your wrist.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 offers a more polished overall experience with its robust app ecosystem, advanced health tracking, and seamless integration with Android. However, the Huawei Watch GT Runner excels in battery life and offers a compelling fitness-centric experience for dedicated runners, making it a strong choice for that specific niche.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 18 | 2022, August 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 26 | Available. Released 2022, August 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 46.4 x 46.4 x 11 mm (1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in) | 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm (1.75 x 1.70 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 38.5 g (1.38 oz) | 33.5 g (44mm), 28.7 g (40mm) (1.02 oz) |
| | 50m water resistant
5 ATM
IP68
Compatible with standard 22mm straps | MIL-STD-810H compliant*
50m water resistant (IP68)
Compatible with standard 20mm straps
ECG certified
Blood pressure monitor
Armor aluminum frame with tougher drop and scratch resistance (advertised)
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 450 x 450 pixels (~321 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core 1.18 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | - | Exynos W920 (5 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G68 |
| OS | HarmonyOS 2.0 | Android Wear OS 4, One UI Watch 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 4GB | 16GB 1.5GB RAM |
| 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, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature) |
| | - | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | 10W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 455 mAh | Li-Ion 410 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gray | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold, Sapphire |
| Models | - | SM-R915F, SM-R905F |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Huawei Watch GT Runner
- Exceptional battery life (7-14 days)
- Accurate GPS tracking
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Fitness-focused features
- Competitive price
- Limited app ecosystem
- Less polished user interface
- Slower performance compared to Galaxy Watch5
- Less integration with iOS
Samsung Galaxy Watch5
- Smooth performance with Exynos W920
- Extensive app ecosystem (Wear OS)
- Advanced health tracking features (ECG, BIA)
- Seamless Android integration
- Bright and vibrant display
- Short battery life (1-2 days)
- Can be expensive
- Some features require a Samsung phone for full functionality
- Design can feel bulky to some
Display Comparison
Both watches feature vibrant AMOLED displays, but the Galaxy Watch5 generally offers slightly better brightness and color accuracy. The GT Runner's display is perfectly adequate, but the Watch5's is a touch more premium. The Watch5 also has a more customizable watch face selection.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5, powered by the Exynos W920 chipset, generally delivers smoother performance and faster app loading times compared to the GT Runner. The GT Runner's performance is acceptable for fitness tracking, but it may feel slightly less responsive when navigating menus or using third-party apps.
Battery Life
This is where the Huawei Watch GT Runner truly shines. It boasts significantly longer battery life, often lasting 7-14 days on a single charge, compared to the Galaxy Watch5's 1-2 days. The Watch5's battery life is a common complaint, despite improvements over previous models.
Buying Guide
The Huawei Watch GT Runner is ideal for serious runners and fitness enthusiasts who prioritize long battery life and accurate GPS tracking. The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 is a better choice for users seeking a versatile smartwatch with a wide range of apps, advanced health features, and seamless integration with the Android ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which watch is better for running?
The Huawei Watch GT Runner is specifically designed for runners with its accurate GPS and fitness tracking features. However, the Galaxy Watch5 also offers good running tracking capabilities.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 compatible with iOS?
Yes, the Galaxy Watch5 is compatible with iOS, but functionality is limited compared to Android. You'll miss out on features like replying to messages and making calls.
❓ How does the battery life of the Watch GT Runner compare to other smartwatches?
The Watch GT Runner's battery life is exceptional, significantly outperforming most other smartwatches on the market.
❓ Does the Galaxy Watch5 have ECG and blood pressure monitoring?
Yes, the Galaxy Watch5 offers ECG and blood pressure monitoring, but availability may vary by region and require calibration with a compatible smartphone.
