Huawei Watch GT 4 vs. Huawei Watch GT 3
The Watch GT 3 may have carried Huawei’s smartwatch line ably over the last couple of years, but the new-gen Watch GT 4 promises a different package on paper.
And by sitting close to each other on the affordable end of the wider Huawei watch lineup – which also includes the pricier Huawei Watch 4 and Huawei Watch Ultimate – they’re in direct competition, too.
Given the newer device doesn’t always result in an improved experience, however, which of these Huawei Watch GT generations is the more suitable pick for you? And what are the key differences?
After wearing both extensively for our in-depth reviews, we’ve compiled a thorough breakdown of everything you need to know if you’re picking between the Watch GT 4 and the Watch GT 3.
Prices, availability, and versions
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As you would expect, the newer Watch GT 4 will set you back more than the Watch GT 3 released in 2021.
This price also varies quite dramatically, as with most smartwatches, based on the case size and band combination you opt for.
For example, the Watch GT 4 is offered by Huawei in two case sizes, 41mm and 46mm, with the latter starting at £229.99 for the standard silicone band and progressing to £249.99 for the brown leather band and maxing out at £299.99 for the stainless steel bracelet.
There’s no silicone option for the 41mm case size, with this starting at £229.99 for the leather band choice, and the alternative Milanese band option setting you back £249.99.
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The Watch GT 3, on the other hand, differs slightly by coming in either a 42mm or 46mm (above) case.
Depending on which version you pick, as well, there are savings to be had. For the base models, you can expect to pay £179.99 for the 42mm case and £159.99 for the 46mm edition.
This naturally progresses in increments for the leather and metal bands (up to £229.99 and £249.99, depending on which you pick), which means your best chance at saving cash is with the standard silicone band options.
We should also point out the obvious here and note that there are no official prices for the US, given that Huawei devices aren’t officially sold there. The same rough theme rings true with third-party sellers, however, so keep this all in mind when weighing up the differences below.
Design and looks
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In terms of the internal specs, these two generations don’t deviate too considerably. The big differences are instead present with the physical look on the wrist.
The most eye-catching change is the 46mm Watch GT 4’s shift to an octagonal case, which gives the design a more classic look – and much less of the sporty feel present on the bigger Watch GT 3.
We think it’s a welcome move, even if this newer model is slightly heavier – weighing 48g without a strap, up from 42g.
The same kind of difference is seen when comparing the smaller case sizes. The Watch GT 4’s 41mm size is much more feminine and fashion-focused than the previous generation, which instead, again, is a bit more sporty.
As we say, though, aside from the look, not much is different. The AMOLED display, resolution, water resistance, and internal sensor array are all effectively unchanged, which means you’re really paying for the different styles on the wrist.
Heart monitoring
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Huawei has updated its heart rate monitoring technology for the Watch GT 4, with its TruSeen 5.5+ system replacing the TruSeen 5.0+ present in the Watch GT 3.
On paper, it’s one of the key differences between the pair, with Huawei noting that heart readings should be more accurate and consistent in all scenarios (like extreme cold weather) thanks to AI machine learning.
Given we didn’t particularly find any real issues with the older generations’s heart monitoring, however, it’s not something we particularly noticed during our testing of the Watch GT 4.
We’re sure there are certain occasions when a side-by-side test would show a slightly different picture, but, with both able to stick close to our baselines from other wearables (and stick close enough to HRM chest straps during exercise), it’s not necessarily a reason to upgrade.
Health features
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One thing that might be a bit more of a dealbreaker, however, is the upgraded menstrual tracking smarts present on the Watch GT 4.
While the Watch GT 3 sticks to a calendar method for cycle tracking, which relies on users entering information manually, the newer generation instead is able to tap into the user’s physiological signs.
Analyzing the user’s sleeping heart rate, body temperature, breathing rate, and more, it’s able to predict cycles automatically.
Generally speaking, though, things aren’t super advanced on either watch when it comes to health tracking.
You’ll get all the basics – sleep monitoring, calorie counting, resting heart rate data – but neither is particularly up to the standard of premium smartwatches. There’s no ECG, no HRV, and some of what is there, such as the stress tracking, just doesn’t really cut through.
Tracking accuracy
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All the devices in this lineup boast dual-band GPS tracking, which ensures the accuracy of those outdoor excursions should be a cut above your average smartwatch.
However, while we didn’t particularly find anything too egregious when testing the Watch GT 3, Huawei has updated the tracking in the Watch GT 4 with something it calls ‘Inew Sunflower GPS’.
This essentially adjusts the signal with different satellite systems to match the movement when in orbit, and, ultimately, improve the accuracy.
We think this slightly improves the tracking accuracy and brings the Watch GT 4 much closer to the likes of Garmin’s dual-band running watches, but, again, like with the heart sensor improvements, it’s probably not a reason to get too excited in itself.
The HarmonyOS experience
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We should throw in a quick note here regarding HarmonyOS 3.0, which is available on both lineups.
This will run the same on both generations, as you would expect, but it’s certainly not a reason to pick either.
We still think the HarmonyOS is a seriously limiting factor of Huawei’s devices, with the AppGallery missing crucial third-party options like Spotify, and the contactless payment support in western territories being pretty non-existent.
There are still integrations with the likes of Strava and Komoot, as well as the company’s Celia smart assistant available on both and notification support, but the smart experience offered through HarmonyOS is pretty barebones compared to the competition from Apple, Google, and Samsung.
Battery life
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Huawei quotes 14 days of battery life for both bigger models of the Watch GT 3 and Watch GT 4, with each smaller case size offering just 7 days.
We’ve not had the opportunity to test out either of the smaller case options of these watches, but we do know that both the Watch GT 3 and Watch GT 4’s 46mm variants fall well short of the two-week estimation.
In both devices, unless you nerf most settings, you’re actually much more likely to get around 4-7 days of use – with this largely depending on the amount of outdoor tracked exercise you perform in a charge cycle.
When compared to the competition, this isn’t too bad. Just don’t expect to get to that 14-day mark too often, or see any difference between the two generations.
Which is best?
Though the differences between these two watch generations are relatively minimal, we do think the Watch GT 4 is the better pick of the pair.
The same issues remain regarding the limitations of HarmonyOS and so-so health features, but the Watch GT 4 does upgrade the GPS accuracy and heart rate sensor while also providing a considerable design overhaul.
With the price difference not too significant, we think most would be better off with the Watch GT 4.
However, with that said, there will no doubt be some who prefer the sportier stylings of the Watch GT 3 – and, when combined with that price cut, it’s still a very solid pickup.
Should you upgrade?
While we rate the Watch GT 4 as the better pick of these two, we don’t believe the differences are substantial enough to warrant an upgrade for those who already own a Watch GT 3.
Instead, we would suggest perhaps stretching your budget to the Huawei Watch 4, which offers more in-depth health features and a more premium design.
Alternatively, there’s also the Apple Watch SE (2022) to consider at this price range, or perhaps a recent generation of the Samsung Galaxy Watch series.
