The smartwatch market has two distinct poles: those prioritizing refined aesthetics and those focusing on extreme durability and performance. The Huawei Watch Ultimate Design and Apple Watch Ultra 2 represent the pinnacle of these approaches, respectively. This comparison dissects their features to determine which smartwatch delivers the best overall experience for discerning users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a blend of luxury design and capable smartwatch features, the Huawei Watch Ultimate Design offers a compelling package. However, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 wins for users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and demanding the fastest performance and most comprehensive health tracking, thanks to the Apple S9 chipset.
| 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, September 25 | 2023, September 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, October 04 | Available. Released 2023, September 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, 18k gold bezzel and crown, zircon-based amorphous alloy case, ceramic back | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frame |
| Dimensions | 49.4 x 49.4 x 13 mm (1.94 x 1.94 x 0.51 in) | 49 x 44 x 14.4 mm (1.93 x 1.73 x 0.57 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 78 g (2.75 oz) | 61.4 g or 61.8 g (black) (2.15 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~311 ppi density) | 502 x 410 pixels (~338 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.5 inches | 1.92 inches |
| Type | LTPO AMOLED | Retina LTPO2 OLED, 3000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core |
| Chipset | - | Apple S9 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR |
| OS | HarmonyOS 4.0 | watchOS 10, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB | 64GB |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers (86-decibel) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS (L1+L5) | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, 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, thermometer (body temperature) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter (-500m to 9000m), compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body), temperature (water) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless, 0-80% in 60 min |
| Type | Li-Po 530 mAh | Li-Ion 564 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gold | Titanium, Black |
| Models | CLB-B19 | A2986, A2987, Watch7,5 |
| Price | About 4360 EUR | $ 469.99 / € 584.49 |
| SAR | - | 0.88 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.22 W/kg (head) |
Huawei Watch Ultimate Design
- Potentially superior aesthetic design and build quality.
- Wireless charging offers convenience.
- Likely focuses on a refined user experience.
- Lack of detailed specifications hinders a comprehensive comparison.
- Performance likely lags behind the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Powerful Apple S9 chipset delivers fast performance.
- Robust durability and water resistance.
- Comprehensive health and fitness tracking features.
- Higher price point compared to some competitors.
- Design may not appeal to those seeking a more traditional watch aesthetic.
Display Comparison
While specific display details for the Huawei Watch Ultimate Design are currently unavailable, its 'Design' moniker suggests a focus on visual appeal. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 boasts a bright display, crucial for outdoor visibility. The Ultra 2’s LTPO technology dynamically adjusts the refresh rate, conserving battery life. The absence of detailed display specs for the Huawei watch makes a direct comparison difficult, but the Ultra 2’s established brightness and LTPO capabilities give it an edge for users prioritizing readability in all conditions.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch is primarily marketed for its camera capabilities. Both are expected to have minimal camera functionality, likely focused on remote control features. Without specific details on the Huawei Watch Ultimate Design’s camera, it’s difficult to draw conclusions. The Apple Watch Ultra 2’s camera is primarily used for emergency features and remote control, and isn’t a key selling point.
Performance
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 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 Ultimate Design lacks publicly available processor details; however, Huawei typically prioritizes efficiency over raw power in its wearables. The S9’s neural engine also accelerates on-device machine learning tasks, enhancing features like fall detection and ECG analysis, areas where the Huawei watch’s capabilities remain unknown. The Apple S9’s architecture provides a clear performance advantage for demanding users.
Battery Life
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers up to 36 hours of battery life with typical use and supports 0-80% charging in 60 minutes via wireless charging. The Huawei Watch Ultimate Design also supports wireless charging, but its battery capacity and charging speed are currently unspecified. The Ultra 2’s faster charging capability is a practical benefit for users who frequently need to top up their device. Without knowing the Huawei watch’s battery size and charging rate, the Ultra 2’s established performance provides a tangible advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei Watch Ultimate Design if you value a sophisticated, visually striking design and appreciate a more traditional watch aesthetic with wireless charging convenience. Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if you are an athlete or outdoor enthusiast needing advanced health metrics, robust durability, and seamless integration with other Apple devices, and benefit from the dual-core Apple S9 processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How does the Apple S9 chip impact real-world usage on the Ultra 2 compared to older Apple Watch models?
The Apple S9’s dual-core architecture and enhanced Neural Engine translate to significantly faster app launch times, smoother Siri interactions, and improved performance for on-device machine learning tasks like fall detection and ECG analysis. Users will notice a more responsive and fluid experience overall.
❓ Given the lack of detailed specs for the Huawei Watch Ultimate Design, what can we infer about its target audience?
The 'Design' moniker strongly suggests Huawei is targeting users who prioritize aesthetics and a premium feel. The watch likely emphasizes a sophisticated look and a refined user experience, appealing to those who want a stylish wearable rather than a rugged performance machine.
❓ Is the wireless charging on either watch as convenient as traditional charging docks?
Wireless charging offers greater flexibility, allowing you to charge on any Qi-compatible charging pad. However, it's generally slower than dedicated charging docks. The Apple Watch Ultra 2’s 0-80% in 60 minutes mitigates this somewhat, but a dedicated dock will always be faster.
