When Huawei first introduced us to the Watch D (test report) in 2022, we were very surprised: a smartwatch that can measure blood pressure like a cuff – including a 1-channel ECG and other common features of a smartwatch. Although the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (test report) can also provide an approximate determination in conjunction with a Samsung cell phone and a cuff for calibration, Huawei’s solution seemed to us more like a doctor’s visit in the future.
A successor is now available with the Huawei Watch D2. The massive design now looks less bulky, but is suspiciously reminiscent of Cupertino’s smartwatch pioneer. We have the new model 399 euros Tested and shown what the health watch can do.
Design: How big is the Huawei Watch D2?
As great as the Watch D is, you won’t even win a flower pot in a beauty contest. The new Watch D2 is anything but delicate, but its design still looks much more delicate. Like many in the industry, it uses Apple’s standard design: rectangular housing, crown in the upper area and another button. Water protection is IP68. You should not wear the watch for swimming or diving.
The Watch D2 is not delicate, but it looks more attractive and is more comfortable to wear in everyday life. The dimensions are very clear at 48 × 38 × 13.3 mm for a 40 gram dish. The clasp brings with it a special convenience. First, measure the circumference of your wrist with a measuring strip that is included in the scope of delivery. Then you select the appropriate hole. The watch remains surprisingly loose on the wrist, which is necessary when measuring blood pressure. The bracelet then swells up clearly like a cuff.
Display: How bright and sharp is the screen?
The OLED display is once again larger at 1.82 inches compared to its predecessor at 1.64 inches. The display is very sharp with a resolution of 408 × 480 pixels and a pixel density of 347 ppi. It has automatic brightness adjustment, which reaches up to 1500 nits according to Huawei. The watch remains readable outdoors.
Equipment: How does blood pressure measurement work?
In addition to the blood pressure cuff, the Huawei Watch D2 has a GPS module, NFC, Bluetooth and sensors for acceleration, gyroscope, heart rate, ambient light, temperature and differential pressure. ECG can be made and oxygen level in the blood can be measured by placing your finger on the edge of the bottom button. In addition, the watch determines the approximate skin temperature, counts steps, monitors sleep and offers breathing exercises to reduce stress. An accurate, optical sensor is used to record the heart rate.
Like its predecessor, the unique selling point of the Huawei Watch D2 is blood pressure measurement, which is done not using an optical sensor, but with an inflatable cuff. There is no need to store data on height, weight or age, so measurements can be started immediately after putting on the watch. The duration of the measurement is about the same as that of a traditional blood pressure monitor, and Huawei states a maximum deviation of three millimeters of mercury.
The only important thing is that you adjust the bracelet based on your wrist circumference. Our tests showed only minimal deviations when compared with the family doctor’s professional measuring device, which makes the Watch D2 suitable for accurate blood pressure measurement. If the values are abnormal, you should still consult a doctor. However, a certificate from TÜV Rheinland for blood pressure measurement is available.
A coloured scale on the display shows whether the values are in the harmless (green), slightly elevated (orange) or critical (red) range. Measurement results can be logged and analysed in the Huawei Health app, and additional information such as activities can also be added.
The interface of the Harmony OS operating system is similar to that of other smartwatches from Huawei such as the Watch GT 5 (test report). The watch works with Android smartphones and iPhones, but offers hardly any apps. In addition to Petal Maps, there is a stopwatch, timer, alarm clock and flashlight. Incoming notifications can also be read and music can be played from the internal memory. Answers are only possible via pre-written short texts.
Due to US sanctions against the Chinese company, you will need to install the Health app via sideload from other sources. Alternatively, the app is available in Samsung’s Galaxy Store or Honor’s App Market, however, the app can be found in the Apple App Store.
Operation: How intuitive is the Huawei Watch D2?
Like all Huawei watches, the smartwatch is controlled intuitively. In addition to the time and date, the pre-installed watch face also shows the pulse and the last blood pressure measurement. Swiping to the right gives you up to six cards. These are widgets with an overview of the watch’s functions, such as blood pressure measurement, 24-hour heart rate overview, blood oxygen measurement, sleep analysis and weather forecast. Adjustments to the cards are possible, and alternative watch faces are also available.
By default, the bottom button calls up blood pressure measurement, but can also be assigned other functions, while the “Home” button in the crown calls up the app overview or the home screen again. Pressing the crown twice opens all open applications. The Watch D2 responds instantly, the operating system runs smoothly and apps open quickly. The display implements touch input and swiping gestures instantly and without delay.
Huawei Watch D2 – Photo Series
Huawei Watch D2 – Photo Series
Sports and fitness: How accurately does the Huawei Watch D2 measure?
The Huawei Watch D2 offers over 70 sports modes, including walking, cycling, rowing and rope jumping. In the test, the smartwatch impressed with its accurate step recording. Thanks to the integrated GPS, cycling trips and walking routes can be accurately recorded and then displayed cartographically. Automatic training recognition is possible for running, walking, rowing and cross trainers. The Watch D2 will then ask itself if the activity should be recorded.
More than a dozen training courses with different difficulty levels are available for runners. Users can set personal goals, such as a specific number of kilometers or calories burned. During training, the watch displays the most important parameters, while the Huawei Health app provides more detailed analysis, such as body load and recommended recovery time. She also suggests breathing exercises to reduce stress.
The Huawei Watch D2 of course also offers a sleep analysis, which in the Health app roughly divides sleep phases into light, deep and awake. It also monitors your breathing rate while sleeping or, if desired, automatically measures your blood pressure every 30 minutes – but this can wake you up. Along with skin temperature measurements, the watch also offers cycle tracking for women, including prediction of the next ovulation.
Battery: How long does the Huawei Watch D2 last
Huawei claims battery life is around six days. This depends on how often you take blood pressure and ECG measurements, whether you use the always-on display and how often you use GP while training outdoors. The watch should last around five days (without the always-on display), even if you wear it while sleeping.
Price and options: How much does the Huawei Watch D2 cost?
The RRP for the Huawei Watch D2 includes 399 euros. It is available in dark brown with a black fluoroelastomer strap and in gold with a white leather strap. Huawei is offering its FreeBuds 5i in-ears (test report) and 3 months of Huawei Health+ for free until October 25, 2024.
conclusion
The Huawei Watch D2 Cuff offers an impressive combination of blood pressure measurement, ECG and a wide range of fitness and health functions. Particularly accurate blood pressure measurement sets it apart from other smartwatches, even if the bulky design and lack of apps mean some drawbacks. In everyday life, it impresses with its smooth operation, accurate recording of sports activities and useful health features such as sleep and cycle tracking.
With around five to six days of battery life and a sharp OLED display, the Watch D2 also scores high in terms of technology. Despite the high RRP of 399 euros, it’s a sensible choice for health-conscious people who want to monitor their blood pressure regularly. However, if you rely on advanced smartwatch functions, you may have to look for alternatives.
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