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4W Review: Huawei Watch-Elegant

Huawei Elegant smartwatch review.
Huawei Elegant smartwatch review.

Specs

Display: 1.4-inch full circle AMOLED display 400×400 screen resolution, 286 ppi | OS: Android Wear | Processor: 1.2 GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon 400 | Memory: 4GB ROM; 512MB | Dimensions: Body: 44mm diameter x 12.45mm thin
Band: 180mm x 18mm | Weight: 61.5 g | Compatibility: Android 4.3+ / iOS 8.2+ | Battery: 300 maH; Up to 2 days (results may vary based on usage) | Sensors: Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Barometer, Heart Rate, Microphone, Speaker | Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.1; WIFi | Materials: Cold-Forged 316L Stainless Steel, Italian Leather, Sapphire Crystal | In The Box: AC adapter; Magnetic Charging Cradle; User Manual; Health and Safety

What is it?

The newest version of the Huawei Watch is the company’s second entry in the smartwatch market, but this time around they had the regular watch wearer in mind.

We reviewed the Women’s Elegant Rose Gold watch. This version has a Rose Gold plated Stainless Steel Case with Knurled Pattern Top Ring paired together with the thin 18mm White Italian Leather Strap.

What does it do?

Once again powered by Android Wear, this newest version of the Huawei Watch gives you all the functionalities you would expect from a smart watch: check your emails and appointments, read text messages, see the weather, track your fitness and heart rate, etc. without looking at your phone. This version features iOS and Android compatibility, Google Now voice command and built-in WiFi.

What’s wrong with it?

My main user gripe with this watch was the iOS connectivity. I felt that I needed to reconnect the watch a few times each day, and sometimes it did not work on the first try. Also, at times the deletion of emails did not work on the first try either. While I am not sure whether this was a watch thing or an iOS thing, still irritating nonetheless.

Also, while this watch boasts a 1.4-inch full circle AMOLED display with 400×400 screen resolution, at times in direct sunlight it was definitely hard to read the screen, which was bothersome. In regular lighting conditions, however, the brightness was not an issue at all, as the display was crisp and clean.

Battery life is touted as up to 2 days, and I got about a day to a day and a half with normal use before having to charge. I am sure if you get an ample amount of notifications this may lessen. You also have to make sure that the watch fully connects with the magnetic charge cradle to ensure it will juice up.

Why do you/don’t you need it?

Who even knew I was using a smart watch? I received quite a few compliments while testing the Elegant, with many thinking it was a regular watch. Huawei definitely upped their ante with the second version of their watch. The circle face design, along with the premium bands offered in Italian leather, link and mesh styles, make this Huawei watch more appealing to traditional everyday watch wearers who may be skeptical over entering into the smart watch market. Also, the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal face will definitely hold up to extended wear, which makes the price tag of $349.99 and up* more bearable. While there were some minor hiccups, I do not feel they were any reason not to give this device a whirl. These watches look pretty and professional, and that was their goal. Modeled after luxury watches, Huawei is hoping to corner a part of the market that other smart watch offerings don’t touch. Some people don’t want wearable tech that looks like wearable tech, and if you fit that mold, then this watch is for you.

Photos

Unboxing Video

Review unit provided by Huawei.
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