After the presentation a few days ago, the time has come for our test of the new Huawei Watch D3: the latest model in the D series capable of measuring blood pressure directly from the wrist. Device with truly complete features, refined design, compatible with over 100 sports activities and usable with iPhone and Android smartphones.
Let us therefore analyze in detail all the features and performances of the new Huawei Watch D3.
Design and packaging
The Watch D3 presents itself with an elegant and refined design. Watch with rectangular aluminum alloy case, available in three colours: sand (tested), white and black. The new D3 features thinner and more ergonomic shapes than the previous model, with a slightly larger display. Smartwatch with dimensions of 46.5 x 41 x 11.3 mm and weight of approximately 75 g with strap included.
At the top right we find the clickable crown, useful for power and navigation within the user interface. A physical button customizable by the user has been inserted at the bottom right.
The 25.5 mm strap, with proprietary attachment, is available in two variants. The brown and white versions are made of Hnbr rubber and have an external finish that resembles leather, with visible stitching. The black variant is made of fluoroelastomer with a sportier design.
The smartwatch is resistant to dirt and splashes of water, with IP68 certification. Unfortunately, due to the pressure sensing system, it cannot be used for swimming and showering.
Finally, the package includes two straps: the L size version, already installed on the watch, for wrists with a circumference of 161 to 210 mm, and the S variant for wrists from 130 to 160 mm. Also included are a useful meter for measuring the circumference of the wrist (necessary to adjust and choose the strap), a wireless charger and various manuals.
Blood pressure measurement
A double-layer sleeve has been integrated into the lower part of the strap, which is inflated by a micropump during measurement. The mechanical airbag inflates around the wrist and a sensor detects the systolic and diastolic pressure values through the oscillometric method, the same as arm devices. Smartwatch certified as a medical device according to the European MDR regulation, such as sphygmomanometers for home use. For reliable measurements, you need to be seated, at rest, with your pulse at heart level and without speaking.
Measurements can also be carried out over a 24-hour period: ABPM (Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring), also known as Holter pressure. Regular intervals can be set during the day, while at night the measurements take place automatically every half hour. Furthermore, with the D3 measurements can be taken before and immediately after training. Obviously, there is no shortage of traditional programmable reminders to take single or repeated measurements.
The measurement takes about 30 seconds, is silent, with the cuff obviously exerting strong pressure around the wrist. At the end, the two pressure values, systolic and diastolic, plus the heart rate appear on the dial.
The various measurements are collected in the Huawei Health app which we will analyze later and can be easily shared with our doctor (via email or in pdf) and with a relative/caregiver. Thanks to the Health Community function, family members and loved ones can receive real-time alerts on Huawei apps and smartwatches and check the blood pressure, various health indicators, heart rate, daily step count and sleep quality of the user wearing the D3.
Technical characteristics
Below are the complete technical specifications of the Huawei Watch D3:
- Display: 1.92-inch Amoled, 408 × 480 pixels, 328 ppi, 3,000 nits, Always On
- Sensors: acceleration, gyroscopic, magnetometric, optical heart rate, single lead ECG, ambient light, barometric, temperature, differential pressure, Hall
- Connectivity: NFC (Curve Pay digital payments), Bluetooth 5.0 BR and BLE, GPS
- Audio: Microphone and speaker for hands-free and notifications
- Autonomy: up to 6 days
- Operating system: HarmonyOs 7.0
- Compatibility: Android 9.0 or later, iOS 13.0 or later
Operating system, user interface and health monitoring
On board the Watch D3 we find the proprietary operating system HarmonyOS in the latest version 7. A swipe from top to bottom allows quick access to the settings with the possibility of accessing functions such as managing the brightness (even automatic) of the display and battery monitoring. A swipe upwards allows access to notifications with the ability on Android to reply to messages, but not to Google emails, with emoji, customizable preset text and touch keyboard. Notifications that unfortunately remain unread on the smartphone even if they were displayed on the watch. A swipe to the right shows the most used apps, while a swipe to the left allows access to numerous user-manageable tabs. Among these we remember the pressure detection, the rings for monitoring physical activity (steps, distance, calories, etc.), a card that contains various information such as heart rate, a card dedicated to weather, agenda, calls, music (also memorized in the smartwatch), training section, sleep monitoring and moon phases.
All apps are, however, accessible by pressing the crown. Among the numerous applications available we remember those for monitoring the cardiovascular system: heartbeat also with HRV and 24/7, Ecg, arrhythmia analysis (risk of atrial fibrillation), detection of arterial stiffness and oxygen level in the blood. We continue with skin temperature and the Health Insights app: it tracks blood pressure trends over time, along with sleep and exercise data to help users understand changes in their physical condition, receive personalized reminders and recommendations, and develop healthier habits. We also mention the Health Glance app which allows you to obtain a quick analysis of your general health status in about a minute.
It also completes the sleep monitoring app with numerous parameters such as REM phase, possible sleep apnea, breathing, heart rate and much more. We also remember the app for calls and contacts and the breathing exercises for stress reduction.
Additional applications can be downloaded via smartphone using the App gallery. It is a small store without famous apps, but with useful software that allows, for example, the management of Spotify, Google calendar events and more directly from the smartwatch. For navigation functions we recommend the Petal maps app.
Sport
Complete the training section with over 100 supported sports modes. We remember, in particular, the advanced Golf mode with detailed maps of over 17,000 courses. The other sports are also very well looked after with a lot of information provided. For example, in running we find cadence, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, balance and much more.
Huawei Watch D3 also hosts the mini-workout mode, a simple way to stay active, ideal especially for those who have little time available. No tools or dedicated spaces are required. Thanks to a cute interactive panda shown on the dial, you can quickly perform short exercises.
We also mention support for offline maps, training plans, integrated fitness and running courses and fall detection. There is also automatic recognition of running, walking and cycling outdoors.
App for smartphones
The Watch D3 is accompanied by the Huawei Health application for Android and iOS mobile devices, which can be downloaded via the QR displayed when the smartwatch is first started.
Application, in Italian, easy to use and very feature-rich, which allows you to view in detail all the data collected by the smartwatch, also accompanied by useful explanations on the information provided and clear graphs.
There is also the possibility of starting a workout directly from your smartphone, even accompanied by voice messages, and a rich section dedicated to smartwatch settings with the possibility of downloading new free and paid dials.
Finally, the subscription section of the app (59 euros per year) which includes courses with video and audio, training plans and more.
User experience and price
Our opinion on the Watch D3 is decidedly positive. It is, in fact, a refined and complete smartwatch with advanced features. Watch that boasts good battery life: up to 6 days of light use and up to 2 days with Holter active.
Excellent rating on the screen, high definition, bright and with natural colours. Positive opinion also on the performance with a software that is always fast and responsive.
The build quality is very good. The miniaturization work of the various components necessary for measuring pressure is excellent, practically invisible and perfectly integrated within the smartwatch. The evaluation of the blood pressure detection function is truly excellent, with precise measurements and in line with traditional digital devices. Obviously the measurements are much simpler and more comfortable than a traditional bracelet, with a decidedly less invasive experience when compared to a classic blood pressure Holter, which is much more cumbersome and annoying.
The other functions dedicated to monitoring our health are very rich and precise, with a good section dedicated to physical exercise. Similar evaluation on the GPS, with fairly precise tracking of the route. The vibration and speakerphone don’t disappoint.
Too bad for the reduced breathability of the strap, for the limited interaction with notifications and for a store that is not very rich in apps. Furthermore, the watch is not suitable for showering and swimming.
Finally, the price of the Watch D3 can be purchased for 449 euros.
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