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The battle of the Huawei smartwatches: Huawei Watch Ultimate vs Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro

Huawei has expanded its range of wearables with the launch of a zirconium alloy watch that boasts greater robustness, water resistance, corrosion resistance, and power than its predecessors. While the new watch shares many features with the Watch GT 3 Pro, how do the two models stack up against each other?

Design and durability

  • Ultimate: 48.5 x 48.5 x 13.0 mm – 76 grams – 10ATM waterproof – ISO 22810 and EN 13319 certified for 110m dives
  • GT 3 Pro: 46.6 x 46.6 x 10.9 mm or 42.9 mm × 42.9 mm × 10.5 mm – 54g or 50g – 5ATM waterproof – EN 13319 certified for 30m dives
  • Ultimate: Liquid metal/amorphous zirconium case – ceramic back and bezel – sapphire glass lens
  • GT 3 Pro: Titanium or ceramic case – sapphire glass lens

The Huawei Watch Ultimate and its predecessor, the Watch GT 3 Pro, have significant differences in design. The older models were released in two distinct materials: the larger 47mm case model was made from titanium, and the smaller 43mm version was all ceramic, including the strap. Both were smaller, slimmer, and lighter than the new Huawei Watch Ultimate.

In contrast, the Watch Ultimate is made from liquid metal or amorphous zirconium alloy, making it more corrosion-resistant and durable. It also has thicker sapphire crystal glass over the display and additional waterproofing layers, making it suitable for diving in seawater. The ceramic bezel around the display also adds to its value. However, the exact price difference compared to the GT 3 Pro is unknown.

Furthermore, the Watch Ultimate has an upgraded waterproofing rating of 10ATM, double that of the GT 3 Pro. It has also been dual-rated as ISO 22810 and EN 13319 certified, allowing it to withstand dives to depths of up to 110m for up to 24 hours. The GT 3 Pro has a strong rating too, certified to survive down to depths of 30 metres.

Huawei has made significant improvements to the strap’s durability in the black version of the watch, replacing Fluoroelastomer with Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber (HNBR) to ensure it’s more resistant to aging, even in extreme conditions. The silver model features a titanium link bracelet and can support all types of 22mm quick-release straps. Moreover, an extra-long strap is included to fit over a diving suit.

On the other hand, the Watch GT 3 Pro titanium version also supports 22mm quick-release straps, while the ceramic model is compatible with smaller 20mm straps.

Display and software

  • Ultimate: 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED – 466 x 466 – 1000 nits peak – Dark light mode
  • GT 3 Pro: 1.43-inch or 1.32-inch AMOLED – 466 x 466 – no peak published
  • All: HarmonyOS 3.0

The Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro versions feature AMOLED panels with high resolutions, and the Watch Ultimate is no different, with a 466 x 466 AMOLED screen. However, the Watch Ultimate differs in screen size and brightness. It has the largest screen of the three models, with a 1.5-inch panel and peak brightness of up to 1000 nits. Huawei has not disclosed official brightness figures for the Watch GT 3 Pro, but it’s expected that the Watch Ultimate is about twice as bright. The Watch Ultimate is designed to be visible in low light conditions and features a Dark Light mode with bright orange text on a black background for easy visibility. All watches support HarmonyOS 3.0, although the Watch GT 3 Pro was initially launched with the previous version of the software.

Fitness and health tracking

  • All: multi-band GPS, all-day HR, SpO2, steps, sleep and stress tracking
  • All: running coaching plans, running ability index, 100+ activity modes
  • Ultimate: Advanced diving mode and expedition mode

For the past few years, Huawei has been using its TruSeen platform for fitness and health tracking on its watches, and the latest version in the Watch Ultimate is almost identical to that in the Watch GT 3 Pro. This means that you can rely on accurate and responsive heart-rate tracking whether you’re working out or just monitoring your heart rate throughout the day. All of this is managed through the Huawei Health app, which is available on Android and iPhone, and offers detailed insights into all your health metrics, with additional analysis for runners. The Running Ability Index, for example, evaluates your running performance, pace, and effort to help you gauge your running fitness. You can also sign up for running coaching plans at varying levels of difficulty, depending on your fitness level and goals.

In addition, all three watches feature multi-band navigation systems that provide accurate location and route tracking for outdoor activities. This is especially useful when using the Watch Ultimate’s Expedition mode, which drops markers as you explore and allows you to track your path back to the starting point if you become lost.

The Watch Ultimate also includes advanced diving tracking software that can monitor your depth and duration, as well as be customized to display the data most relevant to you. Moreover, it provides ascent rates to help you safely return to the water’s surface and features a hover timer for free divers.

Lifestyle and performance

  • All: Smartphone notifications, Bluetooth calling, calendar and weather
  • Ultimate: 14-day battery life – 60-minute full charge
  • Watch GT 3 Pro: 14-day battery life (titanium) – 7-day battery life (ceramic)

The Watch Ultimate and the Watch GT 3 Pro have similar battery life, at least if you compare the Ultimate to the larger 47mm titanium version of the GT 3 Pro. Both can last up to two weeks with typical use on a full charge. However, the ceramic model of the GT 3 Pro has a smaller battery and can only last for up to seven days with typical usage on a full charge. All models can be charged using a magnetic wireless charging disk.

Features are also similar across all models. You can connect the watch to your smartphone, receive notifications, access your calendar, and view the weather on your wrist. The watch is compatible with both Android and iPhone devices.

However, there are some limitations compared to other platforms. The watch does not offer offline music from popular streaming services, and music files must be manually transferred to the device. Contactless NFC payments are also not supported, and you cannot type or dictate message replies.

In conclusion…

…unless you require advanced diving and expedition features, the Watch GT 3 Pro is likely the best choice for most individuals. The liquid metal Ultimate model is anticipated to be pricier than the Watch GT 3 Pro. The Watch GT 3 Pro is a great value, particularly now that it has been discounted and comes in two different sizes and designs. Therefore, if you desire a small and luxurious ceramic watch, that option is also available.




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