There are smartwatches that promise to do it all track your fitness, keep you connected, help you sleep better, and even double as a mini fashion statement. But when you actually wear them day after day, reality sometimes sets in that glorious 10 day battery claim turns into recharging every other night, and those “premium” designs feel a little less special once fingerprints and scratches start to show.
Then, there’s the Huawei Watch GT 5.
This isn’t just another incremental update in Huawei’s smartwatch lineup. It’s a carefully polished blend of long lasting battery, refined design, and advanced wellness tracking and it comes with a personality. From the first time you strap it on, it’s clear Huawei designed this with real people in mind, not just spec sheets and marketing buzzwords.
In this in depth review, I’m going to walk you through what it’s actually like to live with the Huawei Watch GT 5. Not just the specs you can read on a product page, but the small moments like waking up to find your watch still at 70% battery after a week, or realizing it’s been quietly nudging you toward healthier habits without being overbearing.
Let’s dive in.
First Impressions: More Than Just Another Smartwatch
Unboxing the Huawei Watch GT 5 feels a little like unwrapping a premium wristwatch. The box is solid, the presentation minimal yet classy, and the watch itself immediately gives off a stainless steel meets luxury sport vibe. Even before powering it on, the weight distribution and smooth finish make it feel reassuringly well built.Huawei offers the GT 5 in two sizes 46 mm for those who want a larger screen and battery, and 41 mm for a sleeker, more understated fit. Both come in a variety of strap options: fluoroelastomer for active lifestyles, leather for a dressier look, and metal for that boardroom presence.
The AMOLED display is where you get your first "wow" moment. It’s sharp, vibrant, and visible even under direct sunlight. The 466×466 resolution gives watch faces a crispness that makes digital displays look almost analog at times. Whether you go for a classic chronograph face or a playful animated panda (yes, more on that later), it feels alive on your wrist.
Battery Life: The True Star of the Show
Here’s where Huawei has set itself apart from the Apple Watches and Wear OS devices of the world. While many flagship smartwatches struggle to last more than two days on a charge, the Huawei Watch GT 5 can comfortably stretch to a week or more and that’s with active health tracking, notifications, and workouts.Huawei claims:
- 46 mm model: Up to 14 days on light use, around 9 days typical use, and about 5 days with Always On Display (AOD) enabled.
- 41 mm model: Around 7 days light use, 5 days typical, and 3 days with AOD.
Charging is equally painless. The included fast wireless charger tops it up from empty to full in about an hour. That means you can easily give it a quick boost while showering and getting ready in the morning, and you’re set for days.
Design & Build: Premium Without Being Flashy
On the right side, you have a rotating crown (smooth, tactile, and satisfying to use) and a secondary button for customizable shortcuts whether that’s launching your favorite workout mode or quickly accessing your call log.
The watch is 5 ATM water resistant, meaning you can take it swimming or wear it in the shower without worry. While it’s not meant for deep sea diving (leave that to the GT 5 Pro variant), it’s robust enough for everyday adventures.
Display: AMOLED Brilliance
One underrated feature? The Always On Display customization. You can choose from a variety of AOD designs, from minimalist digital readouts to miniature versions of your main watch face. And unlike some competitors, enabling AOD here doesn’t feel like a battery death sentence.
Health Tracking: Huawei’s TruSense Advantage
This is where the GT 5 moves beyond being “just a nice looking watch” and into territory usually reserved for serious fitness devices.Huawei’s TruSense system combines multiple sensors with improved algorithms to deliver highly accurate readings for:
- Heart rate (even during high intensity workouts)
- SpO₂ (blood oxygen levels)
- Respiratory rate
- Skin temperature
- Stress levels
- Sleep stages and breathing quality
Then there’s the charming panda mood assistant. It’s a playful animation that reflects your stress or energy levels based on collected data. It’s gimmicky in the best possible way a small, fun reminder to take a breather when you need it.
Fitness Features: For Casual Joggers to Serious Athletes
With over 100 workout modes, the Huawei Watch GT 5 isn’t short on exercise tracking options. Running, cycling, swimming, yoga, HIIT it’s all here, and each mode offers tailored metrics.GPS tracking is accurate, locking onto satellites quickly and holding signal even in urban environments. That means your pace and route data will actually match reality, not some zigzag through buildings.
If you’re a runner, you’ll appreciate the post run analytics, cadence, stride length, VO₂ max estimates, and recovery suggestions. For casual users, these may seem like overkill, but for anyone training toward a goal, they’re invaluable.
Smartwatch Features: Where HarmonyOS Shines (Mostly)
The Watch GT 5 runs on HarmonyOS, Huawei’s own operating system. The UI is fluid, animations are smooth, and navigating between apps and widgets feels snappy. The rotating crown makes scrolling through notifications or lists intuitive.You get Bluetooth calling, so you can answer calls directly from your wrist, and there’s onboard music storage for phone free workouts. There’s also access to Huawei’s AppGallery, though the app selection is more limited compared to Apple’s App Store or Google Play.
One notable omission (for now) is NFC payments in many regions, though Huawei has confirmed they’re working on broader availability.
41 mm vs. 46 mm: Choosing the Right Fit
This is more than just a size decision. The 46 mm model offers longer battery life and a larger display, which is great for reading messages or tracking workouts. The 41 mm version is lighter, more discreet, and better suited for smaller wrists or those who prefer a classic, dress watch look.The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
It’s often the small touches that make a device a joy to use:- Customizable workout screens so you see the data that matters to you.
- Automatic workout detection for activities like walking or running.
- Quick replies to messages (Android only for now).
- Find My Phone feature that’s saved me from many mini heart attacks.
- Multiple watch faces that actually look great and not like rushed afterthoughts.
Drawbacks: No Device is Perfect
While the Huawei Watch GT 5 impresses in most areas, there are a few limitations worth noting:- Limited third party apps compared to Wear OS or Apple Watch.
- No ECG feature on the standard model (only on the GT 5 Pro).
- No LTE option, meaning it still depends on your phone for data connections.
- No contactless payments in some markets, which can be a dealbreaker for those used to tapping their wrist at checkout.
Final Verdict: A Smartwatch That Works With Your Life, Not Against It
The Huawei Watch GT 5 isn’t trying to be a mini smartphone on your wrist. Instead, it focuses on doing a handful of things exceptionally well, battery life, health tracking, premium design, and ease of use. In a market crowded with devices that overpromise and underdeliver, that’s refreshing.If you want a smartwatch that complements your lifestyle instead of dictating it and you don’t mind the smaller app ecosystem the GT 5 is one of the most well rounded choices you can make in 2025.