The smartwatch market in Spain is highly competitive, offering a wide range of devices to suit all budgets. However, few are like the Huawei Watch 4 Pro, which starts at €549 and provides a unique experience that sets it apart from the rest. This strategy seems to be successful for Huawei, just like their smartphones, such as the Huawei P60 Pro, which focus on a premium finish and cutting-edge features. In the smartwatch market, they do the same, even though the price may be out of reach for the average consumer. And that’s okay because not all products launched in the market have to be targeted at everyone. In order for a market to be considered healthy and growing, there need to be more exclusive products or products targeted at a more demanding niche of users. Only then can an industry progress, as it tends to stagnate without a catalyst that motivates it to move forward. The Huawei Watch 4 Pro is such a product. El Androide Libre has had the opportunity to test this device, which may not make sense for many users but will greatly please those with higher standards. Here’s what the Huawei Watch 4 Pro has to offer.
The Huawei Watch 4 Pro is a high-end smartwatch, both in terms of features and price. The easiest way to distinguish it from other models, whether from the same brand or other manufacturers, is in its design, specifically the materials used, where no expense has been spared. For example, the case is made of aerospace-grade titanium, something not everyone can boast about. It is a large and heavy case, making this a watch that stands out, both for the user and those around them. The case may be larger than what the internal hardware actually needs, as the use of such an exotic material is more about appearance, resilience, and status. However, as a result, this is a heavy watch that may take some getting used to, especially if you have been wearing a smaller watch made of lighter materials for years.
The “Pro” model differs from the basic model in the strap, or rather, the straps, as the Watch 4 Pro can be obtained with two different types, both with a premium finish, but which affect the final price of the device. The dark brown leather strap will likely be the favorite for many people and is also the cheapest option at €549. However, the unit we have tested takes it a step further with a titanium strap, just like the case. This is the most luxurious finish available for this watch and comes with a higher price tag of €649. Whether it’s worth paying €100 more for a strap will depend on the buyer, but we can say without a doubt that the titanium strap is exceptional. It exudes a sense of luxury and complements the style of the case, truly making it a watch to show off. The link system is also easy to use, allowing us to adjust the strap to the perfect length for our wrist. If there is any criticism of the strap, it would be that the watch tends to move more, and in my case, I have to readjust it from time to time. However, this is a characteristic of these types of metal straps in general, not specifically related to Huawei.
The finishes on the Huawei Watch 4 Pro are top-notch; it is a well-built watch that feels durable for any task. The cherry on top is the spherical sapphire glass used to protect the display, which adds the final touch of design and luxury. The touchscreen is responsive and does not attract any smudges or dirt. In terms of control methods, the Huawei Watch 4 Pro has two buttons: a conventional button and a crown-shaped button. Both buttons have an appropriate tactile feel. The button provides just the right amount of resistance when pressed, while the crown moves freely and can be pressed correctly. When we rotate the crown in the watch’s interface, we will feel a small vibration, simulating the effect of moving a physical component that simply doesn’t exist.
The key to the smooth operation of this interface lies in the operating system. Unlike other smartwatches released in the past year, the Watch 4 Pro does not rely on Google’s Wear OS, for obvious reasons. Instead, the company has opted for its own system, HarmonyOS, which has finally reached the level of maturity necessary to compete with the big players. HarmonyOS on a smartwatch offers a fast and complete experience, although what immediately catches the eye are the unique features that Huawei has included. The default watch faces are some of the most interesting and original ones we have seen, going beyond just displaying the time or exercise data (although there are watch faces that only do that). A default watch face, for example, shows our real-time location on Earth in a three-dimensional representation that we can move with our finger on the screen to see which areas are in daylight and which are in darkness. By rotating the crown, we can move forward in time and see how the shadow moves across the Earth. In addition to Earth, we can display other planets in the Solar System, such as Mars or Saturn, as well as the Moon. It’s a gimmick that you will probably use once and never again, but it’s curious and something you would show to your friends. Other advanced watch faces include a kaleidoscope, a star compass, or a floating “pet” on the screen next to the time; we can even play videos. Of course, using these watch faces consumes more energy, but the menu itself will indicate which watch faces are more power-hungry and which are more frugal. The excellent LTPO display will showcase these watch faces with great quality, regardless of the brightness of the environment we are in.
The overall experience of HarmonyOS on the watch is similar to Wear OS and Apple’s WatchOS. For example, if we press the crown, we will have access to a view of the available apps, but the menus are more akin to those of a watch with the Google system. It’s a curious blend that is still finding its own identity, but it is gradually getting there. One advantage for Huawei in going their own way is that they can do things their own way, including including one of their best apps, Petal Maps. It is a mapping app in the style of Google Maps, but honestly, the experience is on par with or even surpasses it in some aspects. It is a fast app, which quickly found our location and created routes with minimal waiting time. It is also easy to control with the screen and crown. An AI assistant called Celia is also included, which allows us to control certain functions such as making calls or setting alarms without touching the screen. In conclusion, although we won’t find anything related to Google here, that doesn’t mean the experience is compromised, unless using Wear OS is an absolute priority for us.
Petal Maps is one of the best apps on the Watch 4 Pro, providing accurate and fast mapping
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