Introduction
The HUAWEI WATCH D2 is the first smartwatch that can do ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and is also certified under both EU MDR and China’s NMPA regulations. It’s designed for those health-conscious individuals who require regular blood pressure monitoring while maintaining an active lifestyle.
Its ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (APBM) capability offers a more scientific approach to detecting conditions like white-coat hypertension and masked hypertension, addressing a crucial need in monitoring one of the world’s most prevalent chronic conditions.
Design and Build Quality
The HUAWEI WATCH D2 balances its health-focused functions with an aesthetic appeal, boasting a robust aluminum case with a distinctive dual-finish design – glossy metallic on top and matte on the bottom. While slightly heavier than standard smartwatches due to its blood pressure monitoring capabilities, it maintains a relatively lightweight profile.
It has a 1.82-inch AMOLED display that delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent sunlight visibility. The square design, though potentially polarizing, serves its functional purpose well.
Navigation is handled through a crown and a customizable button on the right side, with the latter’s default function being blood pressure monitoring activation. The device also has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, ensuring durability in various conditions. One notable limitation is the non-interchangeable strap design, necessitated by the integrated airbag for blood pressure monitoring.
Performance
The HUAWEI WATCH D2 offers an array of health monitoring features. Beyond standard functionalities like SPO2, heart rate, sleep, and stress monitoring, it offers advanced capabilities such as ECG, Arterial Stiffness Detection, and Pulse Wave Arrhythmia Analysis. However, Huawei says that the WATCH D2 is not a medical device and data from these features should not be used for self-diagnosis.
The blood pressure monitoring system, when certain pre-requisites are met, seems accurate, at least when compared to a dedicated BP monitoring device. It requires specific positioning and proper cuff sizing for accurate readings. The process mimics traditional BP measurement devices, utilizing an inflatable airbag that completes readings within seconds.
In case the strap is loose, or there was some unnecessary movement during the measurement, you will see a corresponding icon on the results.
HUAWEI backs the accuracy of its device with more than 200 patents in BP monitoring technology, tons of research, trials, and feedback, it even partnered with global experts in Hypertension.
The watch also includes Health Glance, a comprehensive health assessment feature, and supports over 80 exercise modes with automatic detection for six common activities.
Software
The watch demonstrates strong software integration, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms. Its interface offers standard smartwatch functionalities including notification management, quick replies, music control, weather updates, and call handling capabilities. It runs HarmonyOS 5.
Navigating menus is done using the crown, which can also adjust icon size and label visibility. The Huawei Health app extends the watch’s functionality, allowing users to remotely manage the HUAWEI WATCH D2’s various settings and providing access to an extensive collection of watch faces.
Battery Life
Battery performance is particularly impressive, with Huawei claiming up to 5 days of regular use and 6 days with light usage.
Real-world testing supports these claims, with the device having 72% charge after four days of continuous use, including regular health measurements, notification reception, and constant Bluetooth connectivity.
For topping up the battery, the HUAWEI WATCH D2 utilizes a convenient magnetic charging dock, which you can connect to a power source via USB.
Verdict
The HUAWEI WATCH D2 combines comprehensive health monitoring with traditional smartwatch features. Its standout feature – blood pressure monitoring – sets it apart in the wearable market, while a robust build quality and impressive battery life make it a practical daily companion.
Though the non-interchangeable strap and square design might not appeal to all users, these compromises seem reasonable given the device’s specialized health monitoring capabilities.
The HUAWEI WATCH D2 is priced at PHP 19,999, which is a fair amount to pay for what everything it brings to the table. It even comes with up to 2 years of warranty, which is a nice icing on the cake.
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
