The Huawei Watch GT 5 is one of the most anticipated smartwatches from Huawei, combining elegant design, robust health tracking, and long battery life into a premium package. It caters to both fitness enthusiasts and everyday users who desire a smartwatch that bridges the gap between functionality and style. With features such as a vivid AMOLED display, advanced GPS tracking, and Huawei’s HarmonyOS, the Watch GT 5 positions itself as a strong contender in the smartwatch market.
However, like any device, it is not without its flaws. Despite its glowing reviews, users have reported several common issues, bugs, and limitations that can affect its overall performance and reliability. In this detailed article, we’ll explore these problems, analyze their impact, and assess whether the Huawei Watch GT 5 is a worthy investment compared to other options in the market.
1. Design and Build Quality: Premium Aesthetics, Subtle Compromises
At first glance, the Huawei Watch GT 5 impresses with its sleek and premium design. The combination of stainless steel, ceramic, and sapphire glass exudes a sense of luxury. However, some users have pointed out issues related to its build quality and durability.
a) Fragility of the Sapphire Glass
- Problem: Despite using sapphire glass, which is marketed as one of the most scratch-resistant materials, users have reported minor scratches and chipping after regular use.
- Cause: Sapphire glass, while resistant to scratches from softer materials, can still chip or crack upon impact, especially if dropped or struck against hard surfaces.
- Impact: This compromises the premium look and can be frustrating for users who expect long-term durability.
- User Experience:
“I bought the GT 5 for its durability, but after a month of careful use, I noticed small scratches around the edges. I expected more from a premium watch.” – Feedback from a customer on a Huawei forum.
b) Weakness in the Strap Mechanism
- Problem: The strap attachment mechanism has been criticized for being less secure than expected, with some users experiencing accidental detachment.
- Impact: A loose strap can result in the watch falling off during physical activities, leading to potential damage or loss.
- User Experience:
“The strap came off during a run, and the watch hit the pavement. I had to replace the strap and repair the screen.” – User review on Reddit.
2. Display Issues: Bright and Colorful, Yet Problematic
The 1.43-inch AMOLED display of the Huawei Watch GT 5 offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it a pleasure to use in most lighting conditions. However, it is not without its issues.
a) Screen Burn-In and Ghosting
- Problem: A small but notable number of users have reported screen burn-in and ghosting, where remnants of static images linger on the display even after switching screens.
- Cause: AMOLED displays are prone to burn-in, especially when static images such as watch faces or notification icons remain on the screen for extended periods.
- Impact: This can reduce the display’s visual clarity and detract from the overall user experience.
- User Experience:
“I use an always-on display, and now I can see the outline of my watch face even when I switch to another screen. It’s disappointing for a device at this price point.” – Review from a tech blog.
b) Inconsistent Auto-Brightness
- Problem: The auto-brightness feature is often criticized for being inconsistent, with sudden shifts in brightness that can be jarring, especially in low-light conditions.
- Impact: This affects readability and can strain the eyes during prolonged use.
- User Experience:
“The screen randomly dims or brightens, even when I’m in a stable lighting environment. It’s quite annoying during workouts.” – Comment on a smartwatch review site.
3. Battery Life: Long-Lasting but Not Always Reliable
One of the standout features of the Huawei Watch GT 5 is its battery life, which is advertised to last up to 14 days on a single charge. While many users appreciate its longevity, there are discrepancies in real-world performance.
a) Inconsistent Battery Drain
- Problem: Some users report inconsistent battery life, with the watch lasting significantly less than the advertised duration, sometimes only 5-7 days under normal use.
- Cause: This could be due to background apps, GPS usage, or poor power management in HarmonyOS.
- Impact: Reduced battery life undermines one of the watch’s key selling points.
- User Experience:
“I was excited about the two-week battery life, but I barely get a week with regular use. GPS and notifications seem to drain it quickly.” – User feedback from Trustpilot.
b) Slow Charging Speed
- Problem: Despite its large battery, the charging speed is relatively slow, taking around 2-3 hours to reach a full charge.
- Impact: This can be inconvenient for users who need a quick top-up before heading out.
- User Experience:
“It takes too long to charge, especially compared to other smartwatches in this price range.” – Comment from a user on a Huawei support forum.
4. Fitness and Health Tracking: Accurate but Limited
The Huawei Watch GT 5 offers a range of health-tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, SpO2 measurement, and sleep tracking. While generally accurate, there are limitations and inconsistencies.
a) Heart Rate Monitoring Inaccuracy During High-Intensity Workouts
- Problem: The heart rate sensor tends to be less accurate during high-intensity exercises, often lagging behind or providing incorrect readings.
- Cause: This may be due to limitations in the optical heart rate sensor, which struggles to keep up with rapid changes in heart rate.
- Impact: Inaccurate data can affect workout tracking and fitness goals.
- User Experience:
“The heart rate monitor works fine for walking or light exercises, but it’s way off during intense cardio sessions.” – Review on a fitness enthusiast forum.
b) Sleep Tracking Inaccuracies
- Problem: Some users have reported inaccuracies in sleep tracking, particularly in detecting wake times and light sleep phases.
- Impact: This can lead to misleading insights about sleep quality and overall health.
- User Experience:
“It often thinks I’m asleep when I’m just lying in bed reading. The sleep data isn’t as reliable as I hoped.” – Comment on a tech blog.
5. Software and Connectivity: Smooth But Buggy
The Huawei Watch GT 5 runs on HarmonyOS, offering a smooth and intuitive user interface. However, it faces its own set of challenges related to software stability and connectivity.
a) Bluetooth Connectivity Issues
- Problem: Users frequently report Bluetooth connection drops, especially when paired with non-Huawei smartphones.
- Impact: This affects notifications, call handling, and syncing with the companion app.
- User Experience:
“The Bluetooth connection is unreliable. It disconnects from my phone randomly, and I miss important notifications.” – Feedback from a tech forum.
b) Limited Third-Party App Support
- Problem: HarmonyOS has limited support for third-party apps, which restricts the functionality compared to competitors like Wear OS and Apple Watch.
- Impact: This reduces the versatility of the smartwatch, especially for users who rely on a wide range of apps.
- User Experience:
“The app ecosystem is pretty limited. I miss having access to my favorite fitness apps.” – User review on a smartwatch comparison site.
Conclusion: Is the Huawei Watch GT 5 Worth Buying?
The Huawei Watch GT 5 offers a premium design, long battery life, and decent health tracking features, making it an appealing option for many users. However, its build quality concerns, display issues, and software limitations may be deal-breakers for some.
Pros:
- Sleek and premium design.
- Excellent battery life.
- Accurate health and fitness tracking for casual users.
- Smooth and intuitive interface.
Cons:
- Fragile build and prone to scratches.
- Inconsistent battery performance.
- Limited third-party app support.
- Bluetooth connectivity issues with non-Huawei devices.
Better Alternatives:
- Apple Watch Series 9: Superior app support, build quality, and ecosystem integration.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Offers better durability, more accurate health tracking, and a robust app ecosystem.
- Garmin Venu 2: Ideal for fitness enthusiasts with superior tracking and rugged design.
Verdict: If you’re already in the Huawei ecosystem and prioritize design and battery life, the Huawei Watch GT 5 is a solid choice. However, for those seeking a more versatile and reliable smartwatch, exploring alternatives may be a wiser decision.