Huawei challenges Apple with premium smartwatch

Huawei has released a new premium smartwatch in the United Kingdom. The watch is meant to be a direct rival to the Apple Watch. It arrived in the UK two months after it first appeared in the United States.

Huawei launches its premium smartwatch in the UK

The new device is called the Huawei Watch. It is sold for between £289 and £599, depending on the model. The price range puts it in the same class as the most expensive smartwatches on the market.

Huawei says the watch runs on Google’s Android Wear OS. This means it can use many of the same apps that work on Android phones.

Key features and design of the Huawei Watch

The watch has a 42 mm round case. The case is made from cold‑forged stainless steel, which makes it strong and shiny.

Inside the case is a 1.4‑inch AMOLED touchscreen. The screen is covered with scratch‑proof sapphire crystal. Sapphire is a very hard material that resists scratches.

Other important features include:

• Full‑color display that works well in bright light.
• Support for many health and fitness apps.
• Bluetooth connectivity for pairing with phones.
• Battery life that lasts a full day with typical use.

Huawei hopes the watch will help the company grow its presence outside of China. In the European Union, Huawei is already the second‑largest Android brand in the five biggest markets: the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain.

How the Huawei Watch compares to the Apple Watch

Both watches run on a modern operating system and can install apps. The Apple Watch uses watchOS, while the Huawei Watch uses Android Wear OS.

Design wise, the Huawei Watch uses a stainless‑steel case and sapphire glass, similar to the higher‑end Apple Watch models. The price range of £289‑£599 overlaps with the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra.

Recent market data shows that Apple and Huawei dominated smartwatch sales in 2025. This suggests that Huawei’s new watch is already making an impact.

Some reviewers say the Huawei Watch 6 Series and the newer Huawei Watch GT 7 Pro are strong alternatives for people who want a sporty look without paying Apple’s premium price.

What the market says about smartwatches

Smartwatches are still a new product for many people. A study by Kantar Worldpanel ComTech found that only 3 % of U.S. adults aged 16 and older own a smartwatch or smart band. The study surveyed 11,000 shoppers in late August.

Among those who do not own a smartwatch:

• 20 % were not sure what a smartwatch is.
• 11 % had never heard of a smartwatch.
• 52 % could describe it as a watch that runs apps.

Carolina Milanesi, head of research at Kantar, said the market is still early, but there is a big chance for growth. Manufacturers, ecosystem owners and developers all see “significant opportunities” ahead.

Because awareness is low, companies need to explain what a smartwatch does. Simple benefits include tracking steps, heart rate, sleep, and receiving notifications without pulling out a phone.

FAQ

What is the price range of the Huawei smartwatch?

The watch costs between £289 and £599, depending on the model and features.

Can I use the Huawei smartwatch with an iPhone?

Yes. The watch runs Android Wear OS, which can pair with both Android phones and iPhones, though some features work best with Android.

Is the screen really scratch‑proof?

The display is covered with sapphire crystal. Sapphire is very hard and resists everyday scratches.

How long does the battery last?

Huawei says the battery can last a full day with normal use. Heavy use of GPS or music may reduce the time.

Conclusion

Huawei’s new premium smartwatch brings a strong design, a sapphire screen and Android Wear OS to the UK market. With a price that matches the high‑end Apple Watch, it gives buyers another choice. The smartwatch market is still small, but it is growing fast. Huawei’s push into Europe and the recent sales data suggest the company is ready to compete with Apple and Samsung for the next generation of wrist‑worn devices.