Huawei Watch 4 Review
As someone who has Type 2 diabetes, keeping tabs on my health is a top priority. After struggling with consistency exercising or eating right (yup, guilty as charged), I realized I needed help staying motivated. So when the latest Huawei Watch piqued my interest, I wondered if this new wearable could provide the push I require.
I reviewed the Huawei Watch GT4 previously, and realized that while it’s an impressive smartwatch for the price it asks, it does not exactly have two major important features that only the Huawei Watch 4 inherently posses.
Build
Priced at PHP 22,999, the Huawei Watch 4 promises detailed activity and health tracking features beyond the usual step counts and heart rate monitoring. As an attractive accessory, the sleek metal frame with circular display looks fashionable for both casual and business attire. Though with my focus primarily on its health capabilities, simply looking great on my wrist is just a bonus.
During workouts, the Huawei Watch 4 certainly delivers robust bio-data, monitoring heart health, oxygen saturation, skin temperature and more vitals. With built-in GPS and eSIM compatibility, which I will explain in a bit, I don’t even need to bring my smartphone as it accurately tracks running routes and additional activity metrics most diabetics should keep an eye on. The only feature that is missing in its lists of features is a built-in CGM.
Hardware and Software Features
TruSeen 5.0+ technology which can alert me to potential illness before obvious symptoms arise returns on the Huawei Watch 4. We’ve seen this on the Huawei Watch GT4 before. By continuously checking body temperature, especially at night, any early fluctuations outside the baseline can serve as warning signs to take preventive action. As diabetics face higher infection risks, having this extra layer of protection provides invaluable peace of mind.
Moreover, the TruRelax feature has been a surprising advantage by providing personalized breathing exercises when tensions run high. As stress contributes negatively to blood sugar levels, having a convenient way to decompress right from my wrist after a long day cannot be overstated. Topped with 96 workout modes to track and customized health coaching plans, the Watch 4 seems tailor-made to help users get fit safely.
I am also impressed by how seamlessly the watch syncs health data to the Huawei Health app on my phone – regardless of platform (Android, iOS, Harmony). For diabetics like myself, having easy access to review vitals history at anytime often means better nutrition and medication management. Though even iPhone users can utilize the health app, peak performance inevitably needs pairing with a Huawei/Android smartphone for stability.
eSIM and Communication
Of course, a smartwatch should also handle notifications and calls smoothly as well for maximum convenience. Here is where the Watch 4’s much-touted cellular connectivity powered by eSIM technology comes in. With mobile network access independent of your smartphone, Huawei promises non-stop connections while on the go.
Admittedly, I thought that using an eSIM on this device smartwatch would require high technical know. I was wrong. It was rather easy, except for some modes inherent or exclusive to Huawei’s very own platform. Sharing my phone number with the watch using Huawei’s One Number is locked to a single telco – as of this writing, and would only work with a Huawei smartphone running on its very own platform. Battery life also drains rapidly with constant cellular connectivity, understandably. So learning which settings to toggle based on my usage was key to optimize runtime.
Despite this, having this feature proved to be essential especially to someone who wouldn’t want to lug along a smartphone while – for instance – working out and going out for a quick jog.
Data and Customization
There is also a shallow learning curve customizing the health app to sync properly with Google Fit or Apple Health meant digging into dense menus not ideal for non-techie users unfamiliar with wearables. Setting up prescribed fitness routines tracking was also less automated than I hoped for, but I am utterly thankful for its proprietary app’s ability to give me a rundown of my health activities. This is made possible by Huawei’s robust and feature-packed sensors, including a true-ECG module (unlike the one on my Huawei Watch GT4). Again, the only thing that I really hoped for this watch to have is a CGM, which would allow me to monitor my sugar level.
Regardless of its lack of features, once properly setup, the Watch 4 has been a revelation in keeping me motivated with my health goals. The idle alerts to get moving when I’ve been stationary too long give me a much-needed nudge to squeeze in short walks even during busy workdays. The activity goals set digitally force me to commit to regular exercise for the first time in years. And seeing my blood oxygen and temperature data gives me visibility to make better lifestyle choices.
Verdict
While the Huawei Watch 4 has its fair share of software quirks and setup challenges, I believe the health incentives it unlocked for me as a someone who is diabetic outweighs those frustrations. The actionable insights, urgent health alerts and motivation to exercise make the Watch 4 a worthy investment. For Huawei users deeply invested in their digital health ecosystem like myself, the Watch 4 delivers ample value. It offers the kick I need to take control of my diabetes.
Huawei Watch 4
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
