Huawei Watch 2 Review

The Watch 2 received the third highest score in our test, earning it an Editors' Choice award for being the best smartwatch for Android users. This watch improves on its predecessor substantially, packing in a GPS unit and NFC for improved navigation and fitness tracking abilities, as well as adding Android Pay functionality. While it does sacrifice some of the sleeker looks and style of the Watch 1, it makes up for it in functionality and is definitely the watch to choose if you want the most full-featured smartwatch out there for Android users.

Ease of Use

The Watch 2 has a reasonably responsive screen — both in using the touchscreen to navigate between menus and waking from sleep mode — similar to the LG Watch Sport and its predecessor, the Huawei Watch 1. It would take about one second for the display to illuminate when you raised your wrist — a noticeable display but not too irritating. This model lacks a crown scroll or rotating bezel, relying solely on the touchscreen as an input method. This can be a little trying, as this screen is the smallest out of the entire group and easily obscured by a finger.

The charging setup on this model was about average, requiring a little bit of fiddling to line the pins up correctly. However, the charger also featured a plastic clip that would securely attach it to the watch, with no amount of shaking knocking it free.

It was also relatively easy to swap wristbands, though this model is limited to bands made specifically for the Watch 2 due to its curved design. This model is decently water resistant, complying with the IP68 submersion standard. This means that you can use your watch in water with a depth up to 1.5m for 30 minutes. However, Huawei states: “ You can wear your watch when you are washing your hands or in the rain. Do not wear it when washing cars, swimming, diving, scuba diving, or showering.” These somewhat contradictory statements in the manual lead us to err on the side of caution when submerging your watch.

Smart Functions

The Watch 2 by Huawei scored very well for its set of smart functions. To test app compatibility, we took a sample set of 10 popular apps (Uber, Facebook Messenger, Spotify, Strava, IFTTT, Evernote, WhatsApp, Shazam, Instagram, and Twitter) and attempted to install them on each watch. The Huawei Watch 2 scored above average, proving to be compatible with Uber, Messenger, Spotify, Strava, IFTTT, and Shazam.

This model has a built-in microphone and speaker, allowing you to answer a voice call right from your wrist, as well as use the Google Assistant to streamline your use of this piece of wearable tech. The sound quality of the call was average, but the voice audio was clear enough to understand the conversation well enough.

This model has similar music controls to the other Android Wear watches, with the necessary buttons popping up automatically to play/pause, skip, and adjust the volume. This watch also scored extra points by having a built-in GPS and an NFC chip. The NFC chip allows you to use Android Pay and use the Watch 2 as a payment method.

Display

Our panel of judges found the display on the Watch 2 to be subpar, rating it the second-worst of the test group. This model has the smallest screen of the group at 1.2" and is a fully circular, 390 x 390 AMOLED display.

We liked that this model has the ability to automatically adjust the brightness based on ambient light conditions or can be set to always be on with the screen illuminated. However, it was a little difficult to read the display in bright lighting conditions

Fitness Impact

We tested the accuracy of the step counter on the Watch 2 against a manual count over a mile-long walk and found that there was only a discrepancy of about 1.8% or 39 steps.

This made it one of the more accurate counters of the group. In addition to the Google Fit app, the Watch 2 has its own heart rate app that you can use to check your current heart rate reading, and it will record your pulse continuously while using the “Workout” app, refreshing about every 5 seconds.

It was in tracking different workouts and activities that truly set the Watch 2 apart. In addition to the standard Google Fit app that the other Android Wear watches have, this model comes complete with the “Runtastic” and “Workout” apps. This allows you to track a ton of different profiles, such as running, walking, cycling, hiking, Nordic walking, strength training, elliptical, ergometer, treadmill, and indoor cycling.

The Watch 2 tracks a variety of relevant stats for each activity, such as distance, duration, average heart rate, steps, pace, speed, and route, just to name a few. Finally, the daily tracking screen will show you how many feet you have climbed each day.

Battery Life

The Watch 2 lasted for 36.5 hours of normal use, after which it entered “Watch Mode”, where it only showed the basic data on the home screen. We simulated normal use by sending a prescribed schedule of calls, texts, emails, and other notifications to each model. The Watch 2 charged rapidly, reaching 50% after 31 minutes and completely charging after 90 minutes.

Value

The Watch 2 is a bit pricey to be a bargain pick, but it is a top performer.

Conclusion