Huawei Watch 3 Pro vs. Watch GT 2 Pro: is it worth the upgrade?

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The Watch 3 Pro and Watch GT 2 Pro are primarily intended to be watches, and then fitness trackers. In this sense, both Huawei smartwatches use a round case, unlike the Apple Watch series, for example. In his review of the Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro, my colleague Edwin K. highlighted the model as a device with “impeccable build quality.”

Personally, I haven't had the chance to use the GT 2 Pro, but the Watch 3 Pro is a truly premium watch when it comes to build quality. I've been testing the device for the past few days and, although I found the test model to be too big for my wrist, I have no complaints about the quality of the materials and design of the watch (so far).

However, it is worth noting that the Watch 3 Pro has a rotating crown, while the GT 2 Pro only has two buttons. In both cases, whether with the rotating crown or with the push buttons, it is using these mechanisms that we control the devices.

As I said above, these are smartwatches and of course Huawei took the opportunity to add hardware features that make them more resistant for use in physical activities. Therefore, both smartwatches offer high-level water resistance (up to 50 meters and 5 ATM).

Regarding the screen, we have an AMOLED display with vibrant colors and pure blacks. Here, we have no relevant differences, as the pixel density is practically the same, as well as the size of the display, with the Watch 3 Pro being slightly larger. All models have a refresh rate of up to 60 Hz.

The screen brightness is sufficient for daytime use when there is constant sunlight. This is because we have a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits.

As you can see in the comparison table above, the two models are very similar in terms of available sensors, with small exceptions regarding the thermometer and the maximum volume of oxygen in the blood (VO2max). I like the idea of ​​having a body thermometer on my wrist during a pandemic.

According to Huawei, the Watch 3 Pro has a dual GPS mode for accurate tracking during outdoor workouts like running, for example, as it offers accurate distance reading and mapped route. I'll talk more about this in my full review of Huawei's new smartwatch, which will be published in ten days.

The Watch 3 Pro is Huawei's first device to run the brand-new HarmonyOS, so here are some differences between the two models. On the Watch 3 Pro, you can view apps in a grid and you can also download services directly from Huawei's AppGallery.

Additionally, unlike the GT 2 Pro, the Watch 3 Pro lets you set up fall detection to call an emergency contact if it detects an accident. Personally, this is an attractive feature for those who use their bike as their primary means of transportation, which is my case.

Both models can be used in conjunction with Android (version 6 or higher) or iOS (version 9 or higher) devices. To do this, you need to download the Huawei Health companion app.

HarmonyOS will also be available for smartwatches in the Huawei Watch line, but the manufacturer has not confirmed the list of compatible models.

Regarding battery life, both models have a super interesting function that allows you to disable some features and keep the device in use for up to two weeks, depending on your daily use. Which is impressive. Now, of course, the smart features will be limited.

One of the big differences between the models is the possibility of using an eSIM card (support for 4G network), unavailable in the GT 2 Pro. In addition, wireless charging is faster in the latest generation of the wearable.

In addition, we have a generous increase in RAM and internal storage between one model and another.

Huawei Watch 3 Pro vs. Watch GT 2 Pro: is it worth the upgrade?

In Brazil, the Huawei GT 2 Pro is approved by Anatel and can be found in national retail stores starting at R$1,650.00. The Huawei Watch 3 Pro does not yet have a release date. Therefore, it is a little difficult at this time to make any opinion taking the price into consideration.

If your intention here is to have a smartwatch for long-term use, the latest generation is usually more inviting and has a clear hardware upgrade. However, as the models are almost equivalent in terms of embedded sensors, if the intention is to use them together for fitness, without the need for separate use of the cell phone, the GT 2 Pro is a cheaper option, is available for purchase in Brazil and can deliver a good experience.

The Huawei Watch 3 Pro can be found on the global market starting at €449, approximately R$2,800.00 (without taxes or fees).

So, would you go with the Huawei Watch 3 Pro or the Watch GT2 Pro?