Comprehensive Review of the Huawei Watch D2: A Smartwatch with Blood Pressure Monitoring-News-SeeMyPhone-Search for smartphones and cell phones

The Huawei Watch D2 is the latest addition to Huawei's lineup of smartwatches, and it boasts a wealth of features aimed at health and fitness enthusiasts. Compatible with both Android and iOS devices, this smartwatch includes functionalities like heart rate and SpO₂ monitoring, sleep tracking, skin temperature assessment, ECG capabilities, and the ability to track various types of physical activities. Additionally, it provides users with app notifications and the convenience of making calls directly from the watch, albeit while connected via Bluetooth to a smartphone.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the Watch D2 may seem familiar, but its aesthetic remains attractive. Our review unit featured a white composite leather strap paired with a subtle golden body, presenting a stylish appearance. Inside the box, users will find a magnetic charging puck that comes with a built-in USB-A cable (charger not included) and straps in two sizes.

The strap offers excellent comfort and adjustability, and the watch itself is lightweight, making it easy to wear throughout the day and night. The aluminum body is complemented by a 1.82-inch OLED screen with a pixel density of 347 ppi, ensuring outstanding visibility even in direct sunlight thanks to its impressive peak brightness of 1500 nits.

While the watch is rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, caution is advised against exposing it to hot water, such as in a hot shower, or submerging it in water while swimming—differentiating it from other smartwatches within Huawei's array. Still, the removal of wrist straps is tool-free and user-friendly, though they cannot be replaced with third-party options, as they are not standard sizes.

Software Features

The Huawei Watch D2 operates on HarmonyOS 5.0, which offers a smooth experience with daily nudges to meet activity goals, access to sleep breathing assessments, and various first-party apps, including a Calculator. The watch allows the installation of third-party applications, though their compatibility may vary, especially for iPhone users. The on-screen QWERTY keyboard is handy for typing short replies to messages, and taking screenshots is a simple task.

Despite its fluid performance and good optimization for battery life, HarmonyOS 5.0 does have limitations, including some unreliable automatic exercise detection and regionally limited features. However, achieving a GPS lock for outdoor activities is both fast and efficient, enhancing the overall experience.

Battery Life

Equipped with a 524 mAh battery, the Watch D2 delivers impressive longevity. Users can expect up to six days of battery life with the Always-On Display (AOD) activated and an incredible ten days with AOD disabled. This performance was consistent even when utilizing all onboard health and tracking features extensively.

Charging Speed

The Watch D2 takes approximately 98 minutes for a full charge when using the bundled magnetic charging puck paired with a 40W Huawei charger. The charging speed may be slower than desired, but its performance remains adequate overall.

Blood Pressure Measurement

A standout feature of the Huawei Watch D2 is its blood pressure monitoring using an inflatable cuff system. While this implementation offers convenience, accuracy can vary. The overall experience suggests that maintaining consistent measurement conditions and proper body posture during readings is essential for reliable results.

In our tests, when proper form was followed, the average readings from the Watch D2 aligned closely with traditional wrist and arm cuff monitors. However, occasional deviations necessitated taking multiple consecutive measurements and averaging the results to maintain reliability.

Verdict

With a price point of £350/€400, the Watch D2 offers a unique proposition with its integrated blood pressure measurement capabilities. Compared to its predecessor, the Watch D, the D2 showcases a more refined design, enhanced battery life, and updated software. While the Huawei Watch Fit 3 provides a cost-effective alternative for those primarily seeking smartwatch functionalities, the D2 may be well worth the investment for users committed to regular blood pressure monitoring.

In conclusion, while the Huawei Watch D2 presents a sophisticated blend of health tracking and smartwatch features, prospective buyers should consider their specific needs against its price point and unique functionalities.