How do the two newest Huawei smartwatches compare?
The Huawei Watch GT 2 is one of the better fitness-focused smartwatches you can buy right now.
But the Chinese tech giant made the decision to purchase one all the more challenging by offering it in three different versions.
There’s the standard Watch GT 2, the sportier-looking Watch GT 2e and the newer Watch GT 2 Pro (and we’ve not even mentioned the GT 2 Porsche Edition nor the China-only ECG variant of the GT 2 Pro).
- Compare our reviews: Huawei Watch GT2e review | Huawei Watch GT2 Pro review
All of these smartwatches run on Huawei’s own operating system, after it took the decision to step away from Google’s Wear OS. It seems to be for the better too, as our reviews on the whole of the trio have been largely positive.
With the recent arrival of the Pro edition, there might be some prospective owners wondering whether they go Pro or opt for the cheaper Watch GT 2e. We’ve lived with both and share our experiences as well as compare spec sheets to help you decide between the two.
Here’s our breakdown of how the Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro compares to the Watch GT 2e.
Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro v Huawei Watch GT 2e: Price
Before we talk design and features, we should get into price as these two watches do come in at vastly different price points.
The Watch GT 2 Pro sits at the top of the GT family and comes in at £299. The Watch GT 2e launched at £199.99, but you’re more likely to find it available as low as £110 or around £140. Due to ongoing trade issues in the US, these aren’t ones that are relatively straightforward to get hold of Stateside.
The GT 2 Pro is significantly more expensive than the GT 2e. Going on the usual £140 price we tend to find the 2e at, it is £160 cheaper. So what are you actually getting for that extra money or losing out on by paying less? That’s what we’ll get into next.
Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro v Huawei Watch GT 2e: Design
Huawei Watch GT 2e
The way these watches look is the most immediate and glaring difference between these two watches. One looks like it’s built for hitting the gym with and the other one not so much.
Let’s start with the GT 2 Pro, which is really styled to be more of a looker and one you’d partner up with smart shirt as opposed to strapping it on when you’re about to go for a run. It’s a watch with a 47mm titanium case, ceramic back and sapphire glass display.
These are the kind of materials you’d associate with high end watches and they give the Pro a more luxurious look.
The GT 2e in comparison also features a 47mm case that’s wrapped in stainless steel and matched up with a plastic case back.
That gives you the impression that these watches should feel and look very similar and they do when you put material choices to one side.
Though there are some finer touches on the Pro, like the crown-style buttons compared to the flatter ones used on the 2e.
Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro
There are other differences too. Like the more polished look of the bezel ring on the Pro compared to the one on the GT 2e. Then you factor in the bands that hold them in place.
The Pro has the option of both leather and silicone bands included in the box. The GT 2e offers a perforated silicone strap that’s clearly designed with exercise in mind. Like the Pro, you can change this strap if you want to switch things up looks-wise.
While you might make compromises in case materials, you certainly don’t in the display department. You’re getting the same 1.39-inch touchscreen AMOLED display with a 454 x 454 resolution display on the 2e and the Pro. That means you’re getting one of the best displays you can find on a smartwatch right now.
Both are suitable for a swim and to shower with too as they come with a water resistant rating that makes them safe to be submerged in water up to 50 metres deep.
Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro v Huawei Watch GT 2e: Sports and fitness tracking
Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro
We’ve praised the sports and fitness tracking abilities of the Watch GT 2 and Huawei has managed to offer features that consistently feature across both these watches.
So you’ll get built-in GPS, a heart rate monitor and sensors like an accelerometer, gyroscope and air pressure sensors. There’s also SpO2 sensors to let you measure blood oxygen levels syncing data to Huawei’s Health app.
You get a rich array of dedicated sports modes, with the GT 2e offering 15 and the Pro offering 17. Those two extra modes are for golf and skiing, offering unique metrics as opposed to just tracking duration and heart rate.
Both includes Huawei’s useful running training guides, though you will only get new animated workout guides on the GT 2 Pro.
If you want to take your fitness more seriously, you’re also getting heart rate-fuelled training insights powered by analytics firm Firstbeat, who are now owned by Garmin.
Huawei Watch GT 2e
You’re getting a similar experience with the 24/7 activity monitoring including rich sleep tracking and all-day stress tracking too.
Another thing you will get on the GT2 Pro that you won’t on the 2e is some basic navigation features. The pricier Huawei allows you to use a simple Back to the Start feature that will let you view your route (very simply) on screen and direct you home or your starting point. You can’t upload routes or view rich, detailed maps on it.
We’ve found sports and fitness tracking features solid overall on both watches. Especially when you swap in that more workout-friendly band on the GT 2 Pro. Features and metrics are well explained and executed.
All of your data will live inside of Huawei’s Health app only. If you’re hoping one of these watches will let you fire data to third party apps and platforms, you’re sadly out of luck.
Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro v Huawei Watch GT 2e: Smartwatch features
Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro
Both Huawei watches work with Android phones and iPhones, though you’re going to get the full smartwatch experience using it with an Android one. With an iPhone you’re going to miss out on features like music support and being able to take calls from the wrist.
In terms of features, you’re getting an identical experience. Notifications, a built-in music player with some of the 4GB of storage up for grabs to store your own music onto them.
You can change up watch faces, use them as remote camera shutters for your phone, set alarms, use it as a flashlight and check weather forecasts.
There’s no payments features or smart assistant support, but Huawei did confirm that its Celia smart assistant would be coming to its smartwatches. Only the Pro has the speaker, so it’s likely only to be compatible with that when it does roll out.
Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro v Huawei Watch GT 2e: Battery life
One of the reasons that Huawei decided to focus on its own operating system for its smartwatches was to deliver better battery life. It’s certainly achieved that and thankfully battery is something you don’t need to worry about on these watches.
Both promise the same 14 days depending on usage. In our testing we found that they’re both capable of going the distance if you’re willing to sacrifice features like continuous heart rate and stress monitoring.
The screen doesn’t seem to drain power in worrying way, while putting GPS use doesn’t hammer the battery either on both of these watches.
Verdict
So, that’s the breakdown of how these two Huawei Watches match up. So, which is the one you should actually buy? Here’s how we see it:
Buy Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro if…You want the Huawei Watch that has more high grade watch materials and you’d appreciate the addition of golf and ski tracking with those simple navigation features.
Buy Huawei Watch GT 2e if…you want something that gives you Huawei’s core sports features for a lot less. You might miss out on sleeker Pro design, but you can still pair it up with a watch band and still get something equally smart and stylish to wear.