On May 18th, Beijing time, at the Huawei Summer Product Launch Event, the next-generation flagship smartwatch, Huawei WATCH 4 Pro Planet Series, was officially released. It is priced at approximately $385 and above.
This product had already made its debut during the Huawei Germany launch event on May 9th, Beijing time. Now, this “most powerful wrist-worn intelligent health guardian expert in the industry” has officially arrived in the Chinese market.
Building upon the existing health monitoring features and professional health research, the Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series introduces industry-first support for high blood sugar risk assessment studies, as well as new functions like vascular age detection and cardiovascular risk screening. It also introduces the Health Trend Report and “Micro Check-Up” function. In terms of system interaction, the Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series has upgraded to the new HarmonyOS 3.1 system. Furthermore, in addition to its independent communication capability through eSIM, it also enables independent message sending and receiving.
Next, Gizcoupon will provide a detailed review experience focusing on the new Huawei WATCH 4 Pro.
Part 1: Design and Appearance
According to the official description, the Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series draws inspiration from planets in the universe. The universe is vast and infinite, representing our yearning and imagination for the unknown. Behind this, it also reflects humanity’s reverence and exploration of the unknown.
The dome represents the universe, so the Huawei design team adopts a circular dome as the design concept, crafting the Huawei WATCH 4 Pro with a curved sapphire glass lens through more than thirty processes.
Upon seeing the watch for the first time, the author was immediately captivated by the curved surface of the glass, resembling a celestial sphere. Unlike traditional 2.5D glass designs, this is a single curved glass design. When viewed from the side, it resembles a circular ocean seen from an airplane window at a high altitude. It exudes a strong aesthetic appeal.
Furthermore, the mirror of the watch adopts sapphire glass, a remarkably tough material that provides strong protection for the screen. Additionally, under the illumination of light, the sapphire glass exhibits natural light and shadow changes, enhancing the visual experience with its transparency.
Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series exploration-themed watch faces
To better align with the theme of the universe, the Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series also introduces a new collection of exploration-themed watch faces. These include planet-themed, starry sky-themed, and nature-themed faces. Taking the planet exploration theme as an example, it offers seven display themes featuring Earth, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Saturn, and the Moon. They allow users to explore the mysteries of the universe on their wrists.
The Huawei WATCH 4 Pro is equipped with a 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display. Furthermore, it supports AOD (Always-On Display) for constant display and intelligent dynamic switching between 1Hz and 60Hz.
In terms of versions, the Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series offers a total of six options, including Aqua Blue Earth (Pro), Jupiter Brown (Pro), Mars Titanium (Pro), Venus White, Saturn Brown, and Phantom Black. Gizcoupon received the Mars Titanium (Pro) version.
In terms of design details, the crown adopts a trapezoidal design that complements the shape of the case. It features fine grooves and exquisite and sleek lines and is embellished with a red ring. The junction between the case and the mirror incorporates a high-gloss chamfer, adding to its exquisite appearance under the light.
It is worth mentioning that the Huawei WATCH 4 Pro utilizes a lighter and more robust titanium alloy TC4. This material is commonly used in critical components in the aerospace industry. The titanium alloy bracelet of the Huawei WATCH 4 Pro Mars Titanium version adopts an H-shaped design. Each H-shaped bracelet link features facet brushing, showcasing a high-end texture and elegant style with a simple lift of the hand.
Weight of the WATCH 4 Pro
In terms of weight, the official statement mentions that the Huawei WATCH 4 Pro is 11.1% lighter and 10.3% thinner compared to the previous generation. The Huawei WATCH 4 Pro Mars Titanium version tested by Gizcoupon weighs around 110g, which is not particularly light. It may still give a slight sense of “sensation of foreign body presence” when worn. If you are accustomed to wearing it during sleep, the author recommends considering purchasing an additional leather or fabric strap. The Huawei WATCH 4 Pro supports a quick-release strap design, making replacing it convenient.
Of course, weight is not a significant concern for a high-end, all-metal watch. After all, “If you want to wear a crown, you must bear its weight.” Additionally, some traditional high-end, luxurious mechanical watches can weigh even more than 150g. Furthermore, the Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series offers a variety of intelligent features.
Part 2: Health experience
For a long time, Huawei has been committed to innovation and deep cultivation in the field of health. It aims to provide users with more professional health services through smart wearables. In addition, it can help users achieve more professional active health management.
He Gang has repeatedly stated in public that a good smartwatch should not only provide health data but also offer professional health services.
Therefore, while other competitors’ wearable products remain focused on basic functions such as heart rate monitoring, Huawei took the lead in collaborating with medical institutions to initiate research on heart health, helping users manage and understand their daily heart health. Subsequently, Huawei introduced watches with electrocardiograms (ECG) and smartwatches capable of measuring blood pressure. In addition, Huawei has also partnered with authoritative medical institutions to conduct research on vascular health, respiratory health, blood pressure health, and more.
“Technology serving humanity, using technology to safeguard consumer health.” This has always been Huawei’s philosophy in the field of smart wearable health.
High blood glucose risk assessment function
This time, the all-new Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series, building upon its existing health monitoring features and professional health research, pioneered the support for high blood glucose risk assessment research, which was jointly initiated by Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, and China Healthcare International Exchange and Promotion Association.
It is important to emphasize that the significance of this feature is not to replace professional medical devices but rather to timely identify potential high blood glucose risk populations and prevent potential problems. To put it simply, the purpose of this technology is not to monitor specific blood glucose data but rather to emphasize the word “prevention.” Wearing the watch for assessment screens out individuals who currently and in the future are at risk of developing high blood glucose. It helps control the risk of developing high blood glucose before it occurs.
So how does the Huawei WATCH 4 Pro achieve this?
According to official information based on Huawei’s TruSeen TM 5.0+ monitoring technology and high-performance sensors. Huawei has developed a proprietary high blood glucose fractal algorithm. By wearing the watch for at least 2 hours during the day and at least 4 hours during the night and analyzing the data for a continuous period of 7-14 days, high blood glucose risk assessment research is conducted.
The assessment results of the high blood glucose risk evaluation research are divided into three categories. They are high risk, moderate risk, and low risk. For individuals with low risk, it is recommended to maintain regular daily routines. Those with moderate risk are advised to use professional blood glucose meters for numerical testing. For those with high risk, timely medical testing is recommended.
As per the requirements, the author wore the watch continuously for about a week. The final test result showed “moderate risk.” Taking into consideration the author’s overweight condition and long-term dietary habits with heavy oil and salt, this risk does indeed exist. The author is currently wearing the watch for a new round of assessment. If it continues to show moderate risk, a visit to the hospital will be necessary.
Micro Health Check function
Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series introduces a second significant health feature called “Micro Health Check.”
With Micro Health Check, users can quickly monitor and assess 10 health data points. It enables rapid measurements and risk assessment of heart rate, blood oxygen level, stress level, body temperature, electrocardiogram (ECG), vascular elasticity, vascular risk screening, lung function assessment, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk screening, and lung infection risk screening. The watch and the Huawei Health app generate Micro Health Check reports in just about 60 seconds.
If there are any abnormal findings in the Micro Health Check results, users can seek online report interpretation through the Huawei Health app. Professional doctors from JD Health Internet Hospital will provide expert report interpretation services. (this is a third-party paid service).
It is important to note that Micro Health Check is not intended to replace traditional routine physical examination. Its significance lies in making “health check-ups” convenient, simple, and low-cost. It allows individuals to have access to health reports anytime, anywhere. It enables them to stay informed about their health data and detect and treat health issues in a timely manner.
Of course, it’s worth noting that today we have Micro Health Check, but who knows, in the future, we might actually achieve comprehensive health check-ups on a smartwatch. After all, technology progresses step by step.
Health Trend Reports
The third health upgrade of the Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series is the addition of the Health Trend Reports. These reports monitor the trend changes in physiological data based on two timeframes. Short-term (past 30 days) and mid-term (past 180 days).
In the Huawei Health app, users can view trend analysis reports for resting heart rate, blood oxygen level, sleep, and stress. This allows users to understand subtle changes in their body indicators and develop healthy lifestyle habits through continuous data accumulation.
The future health capabilities of the watch include ECG analysis, heart health research, vascular health research, respiratory health research, and more. It is worth mentioning that ECG functionality is now included as a standard feature in the entire Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series, including the standard version of WATCH 4.
Huawei has integrated all the aforementioned health research features into the Huawei Research App. Users no longer need to download separate health research apps. Additionally, Huawei has included a dedicated Research App within the Huawei WATCH 4 Pro system. Users can quickly monitor specific health research studies directly from the smartwatch.
Cardiovascular health services
In terms of cardiovascular health, the Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series supports ECG heart rate analysis. It can detect adult sinus rhythm, atrial fibrillation, ventricular premature beats, and atrial premature beats. Moreover, Huawei’s ECG analysis notification software has obtained Class II Medical Device Registration Certificate from the National Medical Products Administration.
Cardiovascular health services also include heart health research and vascular health research, which are already familiar to Huawei wearable device users.
For example, the heart health research initiated by the 301 Hospital was formally launched in 2018. As of March 1, 2023, approximately 5 million users have participated in this research.
Heart health research supports arrhythmia screening and 24-hour intelligent monitoring. It achieves refined classification and identification of conditions such as atrial fibrillation, premature beats, and no abnormalities. For individuals with a history of atrial fibrillation, real-time prediction of atrial fibrillation occurrence risk is possible.
Vascular health research: jointly initiated by the China Association for the Promotion of International Exchange in Healthcare and Tongji Hospital, Affiliated with Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series supports blood vessel age detection and cardiovascular disease risk screening for the first time.
By measuring blood vessel elasticity and blood flow velocity, blood vessel condition and aging can be screened. Users can monitor their vascular physiological age anytime, anywhere, and accurately screen for the risk of arteriosclerosis.
In terms of respiratory health and sleep monitoring
In terms of respiratory health, Huawei WATCH 4 planet series also supports respiratory health research. Apart from screening for the risk of respiratory infections, it has added features for pulmonary function assessment and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk screening.
In terms of sleep monitoring, the Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series is equipped with HUAWEI TruSleep™ 3.0 sleep monitoring technology. This technology improves the accuracy of sleep tracking and reduces the misidentification rate. Every morning, the watch provides sleep data. They include sleep score, sleep duration, sleep stage graphs indicating deep and light sleep, and other sleep-related information.
The Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series also supports sleep apnea research
Let me share a real case with you. As I had severe snoring issues during sleep, I joined the sleep apnea research study more than two years ago. In March of this year, I received a call from customer service at the 301 Hospital. They informed me that through the watch’s monitoring, they detected a high frequency of breathing pauses during my sleep. They inquired about my health condition, recommended side sleeping, advised me to visit a hospital for further examination, and mentioned that if I didn’t have time to go, I could apply for a free home diagnostic device through the “Heart Care” service in the app.
It’s not just a gimmick when Huawei claims that “wearing a watch means wearing health.” Behind the cold numerical data lies a comprehensive health protection system.
The purpose of the Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series is not to replace professional medical devices. Furthermore, the test results cannot be considered as clinical diagnostic data. It aims to help users continuously understand their physical condition in the most cost-effective and efficient way. Its focus is on prevention, allowing timely detection and treatment.
Additionally, I want to add that the micro-body check feature of the Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series currently supports various smartphone systems, including Apple’s iOS system. Moreover, the aforementioned health research features also support third-party Android smartphones. For Android users with non-Huawei phones, pairing a Huawei WATCH with their device ensures a complete health ecosystem.
Part 3: Smart interaction, sports experience
Different from the GT series, the Huawei WATCH digital series focuses on the “smart” track. Huawei WATCH Planet Series is powered by the new HarmonyOS 3.1 operating system. It enables a truly independent and smart experience separate from the smartphone.
Firstly, there is an upgrade in the eSIM independent communication capability. While the Huawei WATCH 3 series supports eSIM for phone calls, the Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series adds the functionality of independent message sending and receiving. This means you can truly use the smartwatch independently without relying on a smartphone.
In terms of interaction, the Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series introduces new features such as the negative one screen, universal cards, and floating task sphere.
By clicking the crown, you can access the app interface. Rotating the crown up and down allows you to adjust the icon size.
On the planet watch face interface, you can interact with the planets by rotating the crown.
Thanks to the HarmonyOS 3.1 system, the Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series is the first to support the standalone navigation app Petal Maps. With Petal Maps on the watch, you can have independent navigation functionality. By clicking the “Taxi” button in the lower-left corner, you can perform a series of operations on the watch, such as selecting recommended pick-up points, searching for destinations, choosing vehicle types, and receiving trip information reminders.
The Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series also supports independent payment methods. This includes convenient payments using Alipay/WeChat QR codes (Chinese online payment methods) and Huawei Wallet’s Tap & Pay feature, Huawei Pay.
As for the most anticipated WeChat app on the smartwatch (Chinese social platform), the Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series also supports it. This includes features like replying to messages and sending voice messages.
Application ecology
In terms of application ecology, Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series supports over 80 third-party China apps, including NetEase Cloud Music, Kugou Music, Sina News, Lazy Audio Books, Himalaya, Tencent Sports, and Wannianli Calendar. However, it’s important to note that the main purpose of these apps is to extend the content from your smartphone’s larger screen to the smartwatch. Interacting with apps on a small watch screen can be limited.
The emphasis on the “smart” aspect of the Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series lies more in its interconnectivity with other smart devices. It allows for seamless control and communication with various devices. For example, smart home appliances, cars, smartphones, headphones, and fitness equipment. Furthermore, you can remotely control a car through the AITO app.
Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series sports upgrades
In terms of fitness, the Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series introduces the redesigned vitality ring and provides professional sports modes for golf, free diving, and mountaineering. During outdoor adventures like hiking and trekking, the watch can generate maps based on the tracked route. Additionally, even in offline mode, you can navigate back using the map with the recorded trajectory.
Charging-wise, the Huawei WATCH 4 Pro supports wireless charging. The battery life has also been extended to 4.5 days in the all-around mode, and in the ultra-long battery life mode, it can last up to 21 days.
Based on my actual experience, using the Huawei WATCH 4 Pro moderately without eSIM enabled, the battery generally lasts around 3 to 4 days. Although it may not match the battery life of their GT series, considering it’s a true smartwatch, the battery performance is satisfactory.
Huawei’s Innovations in Smart Wearables
According to the research data from Canalys’ China Wearable Market Report for the fourth quarter of 2022, Huawei firmly holds a dominant position with a market share of 26%. The success of Huawei’s smart wearables can be attributed to their innovation in various aspects, including product design, manufacturing techniques, health services, and intelligent interactions.
Over the past period, Huawei has introduced numerous innovative and revolutionary products in the field of smart wearables. For instance, the Huawei WATCH D with blood pressure monitoring, the Huawei WATCH Buds that combine TWS earphones and smartwatches, the interchangeable smart fashion watch Huawei WATCH GT Cyber with its customizable shell design, and a series of products such as the Huawei WATCH GT. These products demonstrate Huawei’s strength in shaping innovative forms and enhancing user experiences in smart wearables.
The all-new Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series is based on the health needs of Huawei users and is driven by technological innovation. It continuously strives to build and improve a healthy ecosystem. Whether it’s the high blood glucose risk assessment study or the “Micro Health Check” function, the WATCH 4 Planet Series truly embodies Huawei’s long-standing belief that wearing a smartwatch means wearing good health.
Therefore, if you are in need of a powerful smartwatch with comprehensive health services, the Huawei WATCH 4 Planet Series is undoubtedly the most suitable choice for you.
Speculating the Future of Huawei’s Wearables
It is quite remarkable to reflect on the past few years when smartwatches and fitness trackers only provided basic functionalities such as sleep tracking and heart rate monitoring. In just a short span of time, we have witnessed an incredible transformation. Now, with a compact smartwatch, we can have access to a wide range of health monitoring and research services.
Technological advancements do not happen overnight. Today, with the Huawei WATCH 4 Pro, we can enjoy features like high blood glucose risk assessment and “Micro Health Check” that were unimaginable in the past. This makes us wonder, what other health services will Huawei’s wearables bring us in the future? Let your imagination run wild because it’s only a matter of time.
Price information:
The Huawei WATCH 4 starts at 2,699 yuan (approximately $385). The Huawei WATCH 4 Pro starts at 3,399 yuan (approximately $485). Pre-orders for both models will commence on May 18 at 21:08 Beijing time. Furthermore, the official sales will begin on May 30 at 10:08 Beijing time. For more details, please refer to Huawei’s official website.
