The smartwatch market is heating up, with Xiaomi and Huawei offering compelling options. The Xiaomi Watch 2 arrives with Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chipset, promising a significant performance boost. Conversely, the Huawei Watch GT 4 focuses on refined design and the convenience of wireless charging. This comparison dissects these key differences to determine which smartwatch best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and a smoother app experience, the Xiaomi Watch 2 is the clear winner thanks to the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1. However, the Huawei Watch GT 4 appeals to those who value wireless charging convenience and a potentially longer battery life, despite lacking the raw processing power.
| 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 |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, February 12 | 2023, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, February 22 | Available. Released 2023, October 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Aluminum frame | Glass front, plastic back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 47.5 x 45.9 x 11.8 mm (1.87 x 1.81 x 0.46 in) | 46 x 46 x 10.9 mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 36.8 g (1.31 oz) | 37 g (41mm) / 48 g (46mm) (1.31 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.43 inches |
| Type | AMOLED, 600 nits | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | - |
| OS | Android Wear OS | HarmonyOS 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | Unspecified |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2, thermometer (body temperature) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 495 mAh | Li-Ion 524 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver | Black, Steel, Silver, Gold |
| Models | M2320W1 | ARA-B19, PNX-B19 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 270 EUR |
Xiaomi Watch 2
- Powerful Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chipset for smooth performance
- Potential for a wider range of third-party app support
- Improved power efficiency with the 4nm process node
- Lacks wireless charging convenience
- Detailed display specifications currently unknown
Huawei Watch GT 4
- Convenient wireless charging capability
- Potentially longer battery life due to software optimization
- Streamlined user experience with HarmonyOS
- Less powerful chipset compared to the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1
- Limited app ecosystem compared to Wear OS
Display Comparison
Detailed display specifications are currently unavailable for either device. However, given the market positioning, we anticipate both watches will feature AMOLED panels. The Xiaomi Watch 2, benefiting from the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1’s processing power, may be capable of higher refresh rates for smoother animations. The Huawei Watch GT 4, historically, has focused on power efficiency, potentially resulting in a display tuned for longer battery life rather than peak brightness or refresh rate. Bezels will be a key differentiator, impacting the perceived screen real estate.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is marketed for camera capabilities, and detailed camera specifications are unavailable. Smartwatches generally feature limited camera functionality, and this comparison will not focus on this aspect.
Performance
The Xiaomi Watch 2’s Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 (4nm) chipset is the defining feature. This 4nm process node translates to significantly improved power efficiency and thermal performance compared to older smartwatch chipsets. This means sustained performance during demanding tasks like GPS tracking and app usage. The Huawei Watch GT 4, while likely utilizing a proprietary chipset, historically prioritizes power efficiency over raw processing power. Users seeking a fluid experience with third-party apps and complex watch faces will find the Xiaomi Watch 2 superior. The Snapdragon’s architecture allows for faster app loading times and smoother multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Huawei Watch GT 4’s inclusion of wireless charging offers a convenience factor that the Xiaomi Watch 2 lacks. While the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 is power-efficient, the GT 4’s optimized software and potentially larger battery (based on Huawei’s historical trends) could result in longer overall battery life. Wireless charging, while slower than wired charging, provides a hassle-free top-up option for GT 4 users. The Xiaomi Watch 2 will likely require a wired connection for faster charging speeds.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Watch 2 if you need a responsive smartwatch experience for running third-party apps, frequent fitness tracking with detailed data analysis, and appreciate the benefits of a modern, powerful chipset. Buy the Huawei Watch GT 4 if you prefer the simplicity of a streamlined OS, prioritize wireless charging for ease of use, and are less concerned with running a wide range of applications directly on your wrist.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 in the Xiaomi Watch 2 significantly improve app loading times compared to older smartwatches?
Yes, the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1’s architecture and 4nm process node are designed for faster processing speeds and improved efficiency. This translates to noticeably quicker app loading times and a more responsive user experience, especially when running third-party applications.
❓ How does the wireless charging on the Huawei Watch GT 4 compare to the convenience of wired charging?
Wireless charging offers a more convenient charging experience as it eliminates the need to plug in a cable. However, it is generally slower than wired charging. The Huawei Watch GT 4’s wireless charging is ideal for overnight or occasional top-ups, while the Xiaomi Watch 2 will likely require a wired connection for faster charging when needed.
❓ Is the Huawei Watch GT 4 compatible with Android and iOS devices?
Huawei watches, including the GT 4, generally offer compatibility with both Android and iOS, but functionality may be limited on iOS. Expect features like notifications and basic fitness tracking to work, but advanced features and app integration may be restricted compared to Android compatibility.
