Unbox Therapy has been testing Huawei’s latest wearable lineup, and Unbox Therapy is genuinely impressed by how they’re approaching health tracking differently than competitors. The new Watch 5, Watch Fit 4 Pro, and FreeBuds 6 each bring something unique to the table, but it’s the fingertip blood oxygen monitoring that has Unbox Therapy most excited.
Let’s be honest – wrist-based health tracking has always had limitations. Thick skin, hair, and varying skin tones can all affect accuracy. Huawei seems to understand this fundamental problem and has engineered a solution that makes perfect sense.
Rethinking Health Monitoring
Huawei’s Watch 5 introduces a feature Unbox Therapy hasn’t seen on other smartwatches – a dedicated fingertip sensor for blood oxygen (SpO₂) measurements. This mirrors how medical professionals take these readings, and the difference is noticeable. When tested, the watch displayed a helpful pressure guide to ensure optimal contact, much like clinical SpO₂ meters.
This approach solves several problems at once. The fingertip has thinner skin and fewer variables that might interfere with readings. Huawei’s watch also provides comprehensive health assessments by combining SpO₂, heart rate, skin temperature, and stress measurements into a single report.
During testing, the watch accurately identified varying stress and heart rate levels among different users. One colleague who appeared calm showed surprisingly elevated stress readings – something that might have gone unnoticed without this technology.
Two Distinct Design Philosophies
The Watch 5 and Watch Fit 4 Pro represent two different approaches to wearable design:
- The Watch 5 feels more premium with its circular titanium design, traditional watch aesthetic, and enhanced health features
- The Watch Fit 4 Pro is noticeably lighter with a rectangular face, making it less noticeable during workouts
The circular design of the Watch 5 isn’t just about aesthetics – it actually improves wrist movement and comfort. There’s a reason traditional watches have used this shape for centuries.
Both watches offer bright, responsive displays, though the Watch 5’s glass gives it slightly more visual pop. The UI is thoughtfully designed – I particularly appreciated how you can hide app names for a cleaner look once you’re familiar with the icons.
Practical Features That Matter
Beyond health tracking, these devices include genuinely useful features. The Watch 5 offers eSIM functionality, allowing standalone use without a phone – perfect for joggers who want to travel light but stay connected.
The remote phone finder feature is surprisingly effective. When activated, your phone announces “I’m here” repeatedly until located. It’s simple but practical.
For fitness enthusiasts, the detailed running metrics are impressive. The watches track not just pace and heart rate but also cadence and ground contact time – data points that serious runners will appreciate.
The FreeBuds 6: Form Meets Function
The FreeBuds 6 earbuds feature an unusual design that positions the microphone closer to the mouth. While Unbox Therapy can’t definitively say this improves call quality, the thoughtful engineering suggests Huawei is considering how people actually use these devices.
The earbuds pair instantly with Huawei devices but work with iOS and Android as well. This cross-platform compatibility is becoming increasingly important as consumers mix and match their tech ecosystems.
A Cohesive Ecosystem
What stands out most is how these devices work together. Pairing is seamless between Huawei products, creating an ecosystem that feels cohesive without being restrictive.
The health tracking innovations here represent a genuine step forward. By acknowledging the limitations of wrist-based monitoring and offering alternatives, Huawei has created wearables that might actually provide more meaningful health insights.
For consumers looking beyond the usual suspects in the wearable market, these devices offer a compelling mix of innovative features, thoughtful design, and practical functionality. The fingertip SpO2 monitoring alone makes the Watch 5 worth considering for anyone serious about health tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the fingertip blood oxygen monitoring work on the Huawei Watch 5?
The Watch 5 has a dedicated sensor where you place your fingertip to measure blood oxygen levels. It guides you to apply the right amount of pressure using a visual indicator, and continues measuring until you remove your finger. This method is similar to clinical pulse oximeters and potentially more accurate than wrist-based measurements.
Q: Can these Huawei wearables work with non-Huawei phones?
Yes, both the Watch 5 and Watch Fit 4 Pro can be used with iOS or Android devices through Huawei’s companion apps. While pairing is most seamless with Huawei phones, the company provides test flight apps for other platforms to ensure compatibility.
Q: What’s the main difference between the Huawei’s Watch 5 and the Watch Fit 4 Pro?
The Watch 5 is a premium circular titanium watch with advanced features like fingertip SpO2 monitoring and eSIM functionality. The Watch Fit 4 Pro has a rectangular design, is significantly lighter, and is more focused on fitness tracking. The Watch 5 looks more like a traditional watch, while the Fit 4 Pro resembles a dedicated fitness tracker.
Q: What health metrics can these watches track?
Both watches can monitor heart rate, blood oxygen levels, skin temperature, and stress levels. They also track sleep quality, physical activity, and for female users, menstrual cycles. The Watch 5 offers more accurate blood oxygen readings through its fingertip sensor, and both devices can provide comprehensive health assessments combining multiple metrics.
Q: What unique features do the FreeBuds 6 earbuds offer?
The FreeBuds 6 feature an unusual design that positions the microphone closer to the user’s mouth, potentially improving call quality. They include active noise cancellation and come with optional ear tips to customize the fit. Like the watches, they pair instantly with Huawei devices but are compatible with other platforms through Bluetooth.
