Huawei Watch Ultimate vs Watch Ultimate 2

With the Huawei Watch Ultimate, Huawei immediately introduced one of the most premium and rugged smartwatches on the market. Designed for adventurers, divers, golfers and anyone looking for a high-end smartwatch with exceptional build quality, it quickly established itself as Huawei's flagship wearable.

Huawei has now launched its successor: the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2.

At first glance, both models look remarkably similar. However, there are several important differences in display technology, sensors, sports features and diving capabilities. In this comparison, we'll take a closer look at the Huawei Watch Ultimate and Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 to help you decide which model is the better choice for your needs.

Specifications overview

Display

The Huawei Watch Ultimate features a 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a resolution of 466 × 466 pixels. Even today, it remains one of the better displays available in the premium smartwatch segment.

The Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 also features a 1.5-inch AMOLED display with the same resolution, but Huawei has significantly improved the screen brightness. It offers an impressive peak brightness of up to 3,500 nits, making the display exceptionally easy to read in bright sunlight, whether you're playing golf, hiking or diving.

The higher brightness gives the Watch Ultimate 2 a clear advantage in everyday use.

Design

In terms of design, both watches are instantly recognisable as part of Huawei's Ultimate series. They feature a large round case, premium materials and a luxurious finish.

The original Watch Ultimate uses a zirconium-based liquid metal case combined with a ceramic rear cover. The Watch Ultimate 2 builds on this with a refined case construction and new colour options, including Black, Blue and Green. Depending on the version, Huawei also includes additional straps, such as premium titanium bracelets.

The differences are subtle, but the Watch Ultimate 2 has a slightly more modern and exclusive appearance.

Battery life

Huawei has built a strong reputation for excellent battery performance, and both of these smartwatches continue that tradition.

According to Huawei, the Watch Ultimate delivers up to 14 days of battery life under typical usage, while heavier use reduces this to around eight days. Thanks to its energy-efficient LTPO AMOLED display, it remains one of the best-performing premium smartwatches available.

The Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 offers virtually identical battery performance, providing up to 14 days of typical use and around eight days with more intensive usage. Despite the addition of new sensors and extra features, Huawei has managed to maintain the same impressive battery life.

Both models also support fast wireless charging, allowing the battery to be recharged in a relatively short amount of time.

When it comes to battery life, there is very little to separate the two.

Sensors

The Huawei Watch Ultimate comes equipped with an extensive range of sensors, including:

• Optical heart rate sensor
• ECG sensor
• SpO₂ sensor
• Temperature sensor
• Accelerometer
• Gyroscope
• Barometer
• Compass
• Ambient light sensor
• Depth sensor for diving
• Dual-band GNSS GPS

The Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 adds several new capabilities. The most significant upgrade is the introduction of Huawei's new X-TAP sensor, which enables certain health measurements to be taken more quickly and with greater accuracy. Huawei has also further refined the GPS performance and motion sensors.

In addition, the Ultimate 2 offers enhanced support for advanced outdoor activities and diving metrics.

Thanks to the addition of the X-TAP sensor and improved measurement accuracy, the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 has a clear advantage in this area.

Health features

When it comes to health tracking, both models offer virtually everything you would expect from a premium smartwatch.

Huawei Watch Ultimate

Features include:

• Continuous heart rate monitoring
• ECG measurements
• Blood oxygen (SpO₂) monitoring
• Stress tracking
• Skin temperature monitoring
• Sleep tracking
• Breathing exercises
• Activity tracking

Huawei Watch Ultimate 2

The Watch Ultimate 2 includes all of the above features but is powered by Huawei's latest TruSense platform. This allows health measurements to be taken more quickly while also improving overall accuracy.

In addition, the new X-TAP sensor enables certain health measurements to be completed with a single touch, making the process faster and more convenient.

For users who place a strong emphasis on health monitoring, the Watch Ultimate 2 offers a slightly more advanced experience.

While the available health features are largely the same, the upgraded measurement technology provides a noticeably improved user experience.

Sports features

The Huawei Watch Ultimate is designed for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.

Supported activities include:

• Running
• Walking
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Golf
• Skiing
• Trail running
• Mountaineering
• Triathlon
• Freediving
• Technical diving

One of the Watch Ultimate's standout features is its support for professional diving to depths of up to 100 metres.

Huawei Watch Ultimate 2

The Ultimate 2 builds on this impressive foundation with several key improvements, including:

• Diving support down to 150 metres
• More diving profiles
• A larger golf course database
• Improved GPS tracking
• More accurate route guidance
• Enhanced outdoor navigation features

For golfers and divers, the Watch Ultimate 2 is clearly the more capable option.

If you're looking for the most comprehensive sports features available, this is the model to choose.

Smartwatch features

Both models run HarmonyOS and deliver a comprehensive smartwatch experience.

Features available on both models

• Bluetooth calling
• Smartphone notifications
• Calendar view
• Music controls
• Offline music storage
• Weather information
• NFC (availability depends on your region)
• Wireless charging
• Quick replies to messages
• Route import and navigation

Advantages of the Watch Ultimate 2

Huawei has further refined the user interface while adding new outdoor-focused features. The watch also benefits from smoother performance and improved integration between its health and fitness tracking functions.

Although the differences are not dramatic, the newer model feels more polished and up to date.

Price

Huawei Watch Ultimate

The Huawei Watch Ultimate currently has an official recommended retail price starting at around €699.

Huawei Watch Ultimate 2

The Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 has an official recommended retail price starting at approximately €899.

The exact price will vary depending on the version and the strap included.

Where is the Huawei Watch Ultimate better?

• Lower purchase price
• Still offers an extensive range of health and sports features
• Professional diving features up to 100 metres
• Excellent battery life
• Premium materials and build quality

For many users, the original Watch Ultimate still offers everything they need.

Where is the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 better?

• Much brighter display (up to 3,500 nits)
• New X-TAP sensor
• Improved health monitoring
• More accurate GPS performance
• Diving support up to 150 metres
• More comprehensive golf features
• Newer hardware and software

For dedicated athletes, golfers and divers, this is the most complete smartwatch of the two.

Conclusion

Both the Huawei Watch Ultimate and the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 rank among the very best premium smartwatches currently available. They combine premium materials, outstanding battery life and an extensive range of health, fitness and outdoor features.

If you're looking for the best value for money, the Huawei Watch Ultimate remains an excellent choice. It delivers almost all of the key features of its successor at a considerably lower price.

However, if you want Huawei's latest technology, a significantly brighter display, more advanced health monitoring and enhanced golf and diving features, the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 is the better long-term investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest difference between the Huawei Watch Ultimate and the Watch Ultimate 2?

The main differences are the brighter display, the new X-TAP sensor, improved GPS performance, and more advanced diving and golf features on the Watch Ultimate 2.

Does the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 have better battery life?

No. According to Huawei, both watches offer up to around 14 days of battery life under typical usage.

Are the watch straps interchangeable?

Yes, both the Watch Ultimate and Ultimate 2 use 22mm wide quick-release straps. So you can use them on both models. You can buy the Huawei Watch Ultimate straps and Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 straps at multiple places.

Can you make phone calls with both models?

Yes. Both the Huawei Watch Ultimate and Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 support Bluetooth calling when connected to a compatible smartphone.

Is the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 suitable for diving?

Yes. The Watch Ultimate 2 supports advanced diving features and is certified for dives to depths of up to 150 metres.

Is the Huawei Watch Ultimate still worth buying?

Absolutely. For most users, the original Watch Ultimate still offers an excellent combination of premium design, comprehensive sports features and outstanding battery life at a more attractive price point.