Huawei’s smartwatches have conquered the global market, climbing positions thanks to progressive innovation work that has included (sometimes) unique functions. Even in the case of the two latest models released, the innovations were important: we tried them both with a test on land and in water, and here is what Huawei’s Watch Ultimate 2 and GT 6 really are like.
Huawei Watch Ultimate 2: a diver’s paradise
Those who love diving in the most beautiful seabeds in the world know that the most delicate thing is knowing how to communicate. Coded gestures support conversations between divers, but certainly what the new Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 brings is a radical evolution in the world of premium smartwatches. We tested it in the Y-40 pool in Montegrotto Terme, and while avoiding actually touching the bottom, our excursion down to minus 17 meters served to appreciate the sonar-based underwater communication, a function that increases safety and interaction during dives up to 150 meters deep. In fact, users can send pre-set messages and emoticons to other Huawei smartwatches within a radius of 30 meters, making underwater explorations safer and more interactive. Furthermore, the SOS mode is capable of covering up to 60 meters and immediately reporting a request for help in the event of an emergency.
It was clear, going down the various platforms of the system, that this is a functionality that will become increasingly essential. And the explanation also came from Cristian Pellegrini, Marketing and Communication Manager of DAN Europe, the international non-profit medical and research organization active since 1983 for the health and safety of divers: “The balance between training, experience and adequate tools is what makes diving safer – explained Pellegrini -. Modern wrist computers, with clear and adaptable parameters, can represent an ally valuable for reducing the risks associated with decompression. The introduction of functions such as underwater SOS and rapid messaging does not alter the fundamental procedures for emergency management, but adds a useful operational level to the safety of the group. Being able to send an alarm signal or a critical indication such as ascent to all team members simultaneously, with a range of up to 60 meters, makes the response more coordinated and timely in scenarios potentially critical”.
The test also took place thanks to the presence of the world freediving champion Alessia Zecchini, therefore certainly more expert than those who – like us – hold their breath only to take a dive to the shore (she descended to 123 meters in constant weight with a monofin and up to 113 in variable weight): “For me this smartwatch is much more than a tech object – she said after re-emerging from the seabed of the Y-40 -: it is a precious ally. Its diving features are exceptional, from data accuracy to underwater communication, from breathing exercises to depth alarms. It gives me the confidence and support to push myself beyond my limits, always in complete safety.”
Design and health functions
Obviously the Huawei smartwatch is not only the above, but is also confirmed as a premium device: made of zirconium-based liquid metal, it combines resistance and refinement. It has a two-tone ceramic nanocrystal bezel and the sapphire glass effectively protects the display, ensuring extended life even in the most extreme conditions.
In this model, Huawei introduces the TruSense system based on highly sensitive sensors and X-TAP technology, capable of monitoring up to 11 vital parameters within the Health Glance function. The device monitors heart rate, blood oxygenation in real time and sleep quality, offering precise and immediate data. Autonomy is also another strong point (even if the previous model lasted a little longer, but obviously the technology requires energy): up to 11 days of use in energy saving mode and 4.5 days in standard mode. Regarding sporting activities, it is equipped with HD maps of golf courses, professional outdoor functions and total compatibility with any smartphone and operating system (including iOS and Android). In practice, in the end, it is a model for explorers above and below sea level, and always with elegance and technology. Available in black and in a white and blue variant (really beautiful) it costs 899 euros in the first case and 999 in the second. Furthermore, with the code ACSULTIMATE there is a discount of 100 euros.
GT 6: long battery
We talked about the GT6 when we came out: designed for athletes, especially in this case for those who love cycling, it has all the advanced functions of a top-level smartwatch and a range of biometric parameters to see the results on heart rate, stress and emotions. Here: let’s say that the recognition of emotional states (up to 12) gave a result corresponding to reality, just as safety is also guaranteed thanks to the integrated fall detection (however in this case we didn’t feel like throwing ourselves like a fish on the floor, but there are testimonies in this regard). In any case, the feeling of lightness and visibility on the Amoled display are top level.
The definitive test, in this case, was that of the battery life. Huawei has announced a product with 21 full days without having to recharge it when in saving mode and 14 in typical mode (that of daily use, so to speak).
In fact, on the thirteenth day there was still 10% of energy missing, but we didn’t feel like letting it shut down completely. So: pain-in-the-ass customer test (like the one by Bruno Barbieri at “4 Hotel”) was absolutely successful. And the price, which reaches up to 499 euros depending on the variants, guarantees a useful and beautiful device.