Shaking things a bit, Huawei introduced a sportier version of Watch GT 2, called the Watch GT 2e targeting the young and energetic. The GT 2e is a bit more affordable and doesn’t seem to be missing much when compared to the original GT 2 that we quite liked.
So, what all has changed? Is the Huawei watch GT 2e a smartwatch that we can recommend for its Rs. 11,999 price? We have been trying to find answers to all such questions and will share our personal experience in our Huawei Watch GT 2e review.
Huawei Watch GT 2e Specifications
| Model | Huawei Watch GT 2e (46mm) |
| Display | 1.39-inch AMOLED screen, 454 x 454 pixels1000 Nits bright |
| Processor | Kirin A1 |
| Storage | 4GB (2.2GB available to users) |
| Sensors | Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Air Pressure, Heart rate (optical), Ambient light |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1, Built-in GPS |
| Software | LiteOS (No app store) |
| Compatibility | Android 4.4 + ; iOS 9.0 + |
| Battery | 455mAh |
| Price in India | 11,999 INR |
Huawei Watch GT 2e review: Setup and getting started
Only the proprietary pogo pin charger with a Type-C port and documentation come bundled along with the Watch.
Getting started with Huawei GT 2e, or any other Huawei wearable for that matter, can be a bit tricky. Users may download the Huawei Health app and Huawei Mobile Services from Playstore, and grant all necessary permissions to the two apps to get started.
But for seamless connectivity, we’d advise you to download the latest APK file of Huawei Mobile Service or install Huawei AppGallery APK and then download HMS core from App Gallery. If you find that confusing, we have covered step-by-step details in a separate article.
Once you get past the setup the right way connectivity won’t be an issue.
To simplify things, Huawei will be replacing its Health app in Playstore soon and the new app wouldn’t require users to separately install Huawei Mobile Services.
Huawei Watch GT 2e Review: Design and Display
With a single 46mm watch option available, the GT 2e is a big watch. We prefer the large size since it enables the watch face to fit in more information and reading notification gets simpler.
There are subtle design differences when compared with the GT 2. The circular crowns are replaced by flat buttons on the stainless steel side frame. The 22mm strap is perforated and is of very good quality. It deftly resists sweat stains and lint and didn’t cause any discomfort. I don’t prefer wearing my watches to bed, but if you do, the strap won’t bother.
Personally, I’d only go for wearables (watches or bands) with OLED screens and I am glad that Huawei isn’t skimping on this important aspect. The Watch GT 2e has the same 1.39-inch panel as on GT 2. The display is sharp, has high contrast, and gets bright enough for outdoor usage. Most importantly- we could just leave the brightness to auto and forget about it.
There are several free and paid watch face options in the health app. The options are different, sportier than GT 2. Thanks to the efficient Kirin A1 driving the GT 2e and ample battery to spare, we could also avail the ‘Always-on’ option that continuously pushes a secondary less power-consuming watch face
Bezels around the screen are narrow and on our mint green variant has solenoid-like markings. The Red color variant has a zero-to-60 count-up scale.
In our opinion, the design elegance takes top priority while deciding between watches, but design preferences are also subjective. If you ask us, we find the Watch GT 2 slightly more appealing, but the GT 2e has a bit more finesse than the Hono Magic Watch or Amazefit GTR that are other options available at similar prices. Of course, your individual taste may differ.
Huawei Watch GT 2e Review: Fitness and Activity Tracking
All the essential fitness tracking features are there. The watch monitors steps taken, heart rate, SPO2, steps climbed, and more.
There are several elaborate workout modes and watch GT 2e also monitors heart rate zones for different activities. Activity tracking felt quite accurate and the GT 2e has built-in GPS that can map your outdoor routes.
If you go back on forth on the same roads, the route marking merge, and the trail feels very messy. Broad circuits are mapped well.
There is an option for continuous heart rate tracking and heart-rate measurements felt accurate when compared against other wearables.
The watch also has Pulse Oximeter (SPO2) which you probably won’t need to very often. It’s nevertheless good to have in times of pandemic and is also useful to people who engage in adventure sports like mountain climbing and trekking. There was a reading mismatch when we compared the Watch against an oximeter we had lying around, so it is hard to comment on the SPO2 accuracy as of now.
Performance, software and other features
The interface of the Huawei Watch GT 2e is very appealing, even when we can make out that it is a tad inspired from Apple and Samsung overlays. You can swipe from the home screen to check different stats or just press the top button to access the complete menu. The down button can be mapped to different functions.
Notifications can be accessed by swiping up from the bottom. A log of incoming notifications is maintained. The display can accommodate sufficient content – users can read entire messages or subject of mails. You can not interact with messages or mark them as read on your phone.
Find my phone, a feature we use very frequently is there in the quick settings and works very reliably.
There are several other extras like Compas, Alarm, Timer, Barometer, etc. that you won’t need daily but wouldn’t want to miss out on either.
The Kirin A1 chipset is power efficient and quite capable of driving a smooth experience while being extremely battery efficient. The Watch GT 2e can also keep around 500 songs on the watch and won’t necessarily need to lug your phone during workouts.
The health app needs more polishing. All the essentials are there and we could easily navigate to whatever we needed but every now and then we ran into parts of interface in the Chinese language. As we stated earlier, Huawei is will soon replace the GT 2e on Playstore and we will update you on how the new one then.
Huawei Watch GT 2e Review: Battery Life
Battery mileage is awesome, no two ways about it. With Always-On watch face enabled, the GT 2e managed to comfortably last for 5 to 7 days with our usage. Light users can get up to 14 days on a full charge.
To not have to charge your watch daily is a huge convenience and we never really had to be bothered about running out of battery. As for charging time, the battery charges to 50 percent in 30 minutes and around 80 percent in one hour. A full charge takes around 1.5 hours.
Huawei Watch GT 2e Review Verdict
The overall Huawei Watch GT 2e experience is very soothing. Huawei is not skimping on the display or build quality or other basics for that matter. You get a gorgeous OLED panel with high precision touch, and the watch has the finesse we expect of premium smartwatches.
The features that are present work reliably and frustrations are thus kept to a minimum. We didn’t face any connectivity issues and didn’t have to bear any random anomalies. Activity and fitness tracking stats are accurate and quite elaborate. And the battery mileage is awesome.
On the downside, there is no app store, and if you value Bluetooth calling and speaker support, the sports variant of GT 2 retails for an extra 3 to 4K.
Huawei Watch GT 2e FAQ Answered
How is the GT 2e different than GT 2?
Both of these watches have a different design. As for features, the GT 2 has additional Bluetooth calling and speaker.
Does Huawei Watch GT 2e have pulse oximeter?
Yes, the watch takes SPO2 readings but Huawei doesn’t claim the sensor to be medical grade.
How long does the Watch GT 2e battery last?
Battery mileage will depend on your usage. We could consistently manage 6 to 12 days.
Does Huawei Watch GT 2e have SIM connectivity?
No.
Does Huawei Watch GT 2e have Bluetooth calling?
No.
Are Huawei Watch GT 2e straps replaceable?
They are replaceable, but you might not be able to swipe them with standard 22mm options. You will need to order from Huawei for reliable replacements.
Does Huawei Watch GT 2e have built-in GPS?
Yes, it does.
Can you keep music directly on the Watch GT 2e?
Yes, you can keep up to 500 songs and listen to them over wireless headphones.
