Introducing the Huawei Watch Buds: A Unique Wearable Experience
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The Huawei Watch Buds is more than just a smartwatch; it’s an innovative solution for those who enjoy the convenience of a smartwatch paired with true wireless earbuds. Instead of rummaging through bags or drawers to find misplaced earbuds, the Huawei Watch Buds aims to keep everything in one easily accessible place—on your wrist.
Design and Specifications
The Watch Buds is among Huawei’s higher-priced smartwatches but offers compelling features in return. It operates on HarmonyOS and houses a pair of compact wireless earbuds within its case.
At a glance, the Huawei Watch Buds gives off the appearance of a classic smartwatch, featuring a sleek stainless steel case available in black or silver and a 22mm removable leather strap. The dimensions of 47 x 47.5 x 15mm and weight of 66.5g (without strap) make it reasonably portable.
Performance and Features
Huawei believes there is a market need for a smartwatch with built-in earbuds, and initial feedback suggests they may be onto something quaintly effective. While the Watch Buds doesn’t top the charts as the best smartwatch or the best wireless earbuds, it serves as a functional hybrid that fulfills both roles adequately.
| Component | Huawei Watch Buds |
|---|---|
| Price | £449 / 499 |
| Dimensions | 47 x 47.5 x 15mm |
| Weight | 66.5g (without strap) |
| Case/bezel | Stainless steel |
| Display | 466 × 466px, 1.43 inches, AMOLED |
| GPS? | Yes, single-band |
| Battery life | 3 days |
| Connection | Bluetooth |
| Water resistant? | No |
The Huawei Watch Buds retails for approximately £449 or €499, making it a more expensive option compared to the standard Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro due to its additional features.
Ergonomics and Durability
Though slightly bulkier than previous models, the Watch Buds remains comfortable to wear. The use of high-quality materials contributes to its classic appeal while accommodating the additional earbuds. However, the water resistance is notably less than other models, with an IPX7 rating instead of the more common 5 ATM. This means the Watch Buds is designed to resist sweat and light rain, but it is not suitable for swimming or showering.
(Image credit: Michael Sawh)
Audio Quality and Controls
The sound quality of the earbuds is commendable, providing a balanced mix with adequate bass and clarity, suitable for both music and calls. The integration of awareness and active noise cancellation features offers flexibility, although the ANC performance can vary depending on the fit of the earbuds.
Control options for the earbuds are efficient, allowing users to manage playback and calls directly through the earbuds or the smartwatch itself. However, the controls may be less responsive during physical activity.
- Watch case thickness isn’t overly chunky
- Uses same AMOLED screen as Huawei Watch GT 3
- Lower waterproof rating due to lid design
Battery Life Considerations
While the battery life of Huawei smartwatches has improved, the Watch Buds presents a trade-off. It offers about three days of use under regular conditions. The earbuds have a battery life of roughly four hours, supported by quick charging capabilities.
It’s essential to note that using both the watch and earbuds frequently will naturally lead to more frequent charging cycles.
- Battery life score: 3.5/5
Final Thoughts
In a competitive market of wearables, the Huawei Watch Buds stands out due to its innovative combination of functionalities. While it may not lead the race as the best smartwatch or earbuds, it is a solid first attempt that effectively integrates two popular device types into one. This approach may appeal to tech enthusiasts looking for a unique gadget.
If you’re interested in the Huawei Watch Buds, you can read a detailed review Here.
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