Huawei may have accepted its limited present due to the inability to use Google services. And this is detrimental to us, as the competition for better features in mobile phones has been reduced. What benefits us is that the Chinese manufacturer has focused on another area: smart watches. For a few years now, with the GT 3, with the next version or with the luxury version, the Ultimate, the Chinese manufacturer has It has evolved both in design, materials, and with the operating system. And his last example, the GT 5 Pro Titanium.
While in previous versions the strap was made of fluoroelastomer, silicone or some other resistant fabric, in this case we are looking at a strap with titanium links. and a double button closure. Thanks to the pin system, it can be easily adapted to any wrist. Or, If necessary, add more links, included in the box..
The watch’s frame is large with a 1.43-inch AMOLED display (we’ll talk about its features later) but it’s extremely elegant. The titanium used in the frame and strap, plus the choice of colors (red and blue) gives it a a very similar look to the Rolex Submarineronly with a more modern, aerodynamic twist. As I said, it is very elegant and the dial, marked with the hours, makes it comfortable in the most posh environments. And, if we change the strap for a “sportier” one, it will also feel comfortable in sports.
An important detail, returning to the Submariner: it is capable of descending to a depth of 40 metres and will adapt the brightness of the screen to the darkness around it so that the parameters remain visible. This feature is not exclusive to diving: The screen adapts very quickly to our environment so that it is visible and does not bother us.. It is a feature that works very well and there is no need to change any settings.
In addition to its IP69K resistance, the use of aerospace-grade titanium also adds nanocrystalline ceramic. All of this makes the watchIt is very resistant to shocks and scratches. And if you clean them with a cloth, any specks come off quickly. They don’t accumulate fingerprints either.
Let’s start with the first obstacle: HarmonyOS 5, its operating system. It is compatible with iOS and Android and obviously the one with which it works best is with Huawei phones. The “problem” is that with Apple there are certain apps that cannot be downloaded. To solve this, these applications can be downloaded directly from an Android phone and then linked to the iPhone that we select. Problem solved. With Apple it also does not allow you to reply to messages or WhatsApp (it has a keyboard for this on the screen), something that is possible with Android. It also does not allow download maps and use them offline (with Android you can).
The reality is that this is not exclusive to Huawei either: connecting an Android wearable to an Apple mobile and vice versa always reduces some functions. The other problem is that does not allow NFC payments… for now. An update already in development is supposed to make this possible by 2025.
As for the operating system and its virtues, it has what you would expect from this type of device and more. Obviously, it has the basics: weather information, music, calendar, messages, alarm, altimeter, camera control, and then there are the specializations. It allows you to perform electrocardiograms, measure the hardness of the arteries, skin temperature, blood oxygen level, heart rate, sleep patterns and stress. It also allows you to take screenshots and receive and make calls (very good speakers and better microphone).
Another feature that is highly valued is multitasking functionality. Simply double-tap the side crown to bring up all your recently opened apps. This lets you switch between sports and music or change maps, without having to open and close any apps.
As is the fashion lately, it has 100 sports disciplines… Is it necessary? In my personal opinion, no. 99% of people do not use so many options. It is interesting that it distinguishes between swimming in open water or in a pool, between running on a track or on a treadmill. If we practice trail running, It shows us a topographic map and allows us to return to the starting point and also features a golf mode, with tips, over 1,500 registered courses and measurements and distances on them.
Special mention for the GPS that works better than some cell phonesIt is 40% more accurate than the previous generation when it comes to routes and 30% when it comes to measuring distances. Even when we are in an underground passage or the landscape makes it difficult to get a signal. And the battery is another unavoidable point for a watch of this type. Huawei promises 14 days of autonomy. With all the functions active (except the Always on Display that does not give the screen a rest), the official and real figures go hand in hand. And the charge lasts approximately one hour, although 20 minutes is already enough for at least a couple of days.
Verdict:
There are two reasons why you shouldn’t buy the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro Titanium. The first is unquestionable: it’s a matter of taste. The second is if you’re not willing to spend €379 on it. Otherwise, it could be the watch of the year.