The smartwatch market is brimming with options, but the Huawei Watch Ultimate and Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro represent the pinnacle of premium wearable technology. Both boast impressive features and rugged designs, but which one truly deserves a spot on your wrist? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro offers a more polished and feature-rich experience, particularly for Android users, thanks to its seamless integration and robust app ecosystem. The Huawei Watch Ultimate excels in diving capabilities and premium materials, but its software and app selection lag behind. Overall, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro provides better value.
| 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 | 2023, March 23 | 2022, August 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 31 | Available. Released 2022, August 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, cerramic bezzel, zirconium front case, ceramic back | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), titanium frame |
| Dimensions | 48.5 x 48.5 x 13 mm (1.91 x 1.91 x 0.51 in) | 45.4 x 45.4 x 10.5 mm (1.79 x 1.79 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 76 g (2.68 oz) | 46.5 g (1.66 oz) |
| | Swimproof/diving (EN13319, ISO 22810:2010)
100m water resistant
10 ATM
IP68
ECG certified | MIL-STD-810H compliant*
50m water resistant (IP68)
Compatible with standard 20mm straps
ECG certified
Blood pressure monitor
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~311 ppi density) | 450 x 450 pixels (~321 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.5 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Type | LTPO 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 3.0 | Android Wear OS 4, One UI Watch 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB | 16GB 1.5GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Yes (only for Bluetooth transmission acceleration) | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2, thermometer (body temperature) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, thermometer (body temperature) |
| | BDS Satellite Message | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | 10W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 530 mAh | Li-Ion 590 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Expedition Black, Voyage Blue, Green | Black Titanium, Gray Titanium |
| Models | CLB-B19 | SM-R925F |
| Price | About 740 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Huawei Watch Ultimate
- Exceptional diving capabilities (10 ATM water resistance)
- Premium materials and luxurious design
- Long-lasting battery (for its class)
- Unique aesthetic
- Limited app ecosystem compared to Wear OS
- HarmonyOS can feel less polished
- Higher price point for fewer features than competitors
- GPS accuracy can be inconsistent
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro
- Seamless integration with Android devices
- Robust app ecosystem via Wear OS
- Excellent fitness tracking features
- Durable design with sapphire crystal
- Faster performance with Exynos W920
- Design can be considered less premium than the Huawei
- Battery life could be better (though still good)
- Pricey
Display Comparison
Both watches feature excellent displays. The Huawei Watch Ultimate utilizes a sapphire crystal display, known for its scratch resistance, while the Galaxy Watch5 Pro has a durable sapphire crystal glass as well. Brightness and clarity are comparable, though the Galaxy Watch5 Pro's AMOLED display might offer slightly more vibrant colors.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera, a common omission in premium smartwatches. This is a deliberate design choice to maintain a sleek profile and extend battery life.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro's Exynos W920 chipset provides a noticeably smoother and faster experience compared to what's generally expected from Huawei's watches. App loading times are quicker, and overall responsiveness is superior. Huawei's HarmonyOS, while improving, still doesn't match the breadth of apps available on Wear OS.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro generally offers slightly better battery life in typical usage scenarios, often lasting 2-3 days on a single charge. The Huawei Watch Ultimate's battery performance is respectable, but it may require more frequent charging, especially with heavy use of GPS and other power-intensive features.
Buying Guide
The Huawei Watch Ultimate is ideal for serious divers and those prioritizing a luxurious, unique design and exceptional water resistance. The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro is best suited for Android users seeking a comprehensive fitness tracker, reliable performance, and a vast app ecosystem with strong health monitoring features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Huawei Watch Ultimate good for swimming?
Yes, the Huawei Watch Ultimate is exceptionally good for swimming and diving, boasting a 10 ATM water resistance rating, making it suitable for recreational diving.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro work with iPhones?
While the Galaxy Watch5 Pro connects via Bluetooth, its functionality is significantly limited when paired with an iPhone. You'll miss out on key features like notifications, calls, and access to the full Wear OS app ecosystem.
