Huawei is pushing the envelope even further with its Huawei Ultimate 2 smartwatch. After conquering the market for affordable smartwatches with excellent battery life, the brand is now tackling the ultra-premium segment at €899. On the menu: diving certification up to 150 meters, underwater sonar communication reminiscent of dolphins, a screen capable of rivaling the sun at 3,500 nits, and materials worthy of a luxury watch. On paper, it's impressive. In real life, it's more complicated.
I wore this Ultimate 2 for several weeks. Between my running outings, my freediving sessions at the club, and even during my vacation, I pushed this watch to its limits. And frankly, I'm torn. On the one hand, some of the features blew me away. On the other, I found myself wondering who this watch was really made for. Because at €899, with only 3-4 days of battery life and a meager app ecosystem, the question is worth asking. Especially when Huawei offers watches for €549 that do 90% of the same thing.
Here's my verdict after testing one of the most extreme watches on the market.
Table of Contents
A design that doesn't go unnoticed
First impression: this watch is impressive. Really. When I first put it on, I had that little "wow" moment you get when you see a beautiful object. The Huawei Ultimate 2 is definitely not trying to be discreet. With its 48.5 mm diameter in the black version (47.8 mm for the blue) and its 13 mm thickness, it looks like a luxury adventurer's watch.
The materials immediately justify the premium positioning. The case is made of zirconium-based liquid metal alloy, a material not often found in watches. The bezel and caseback are made of nanocrystalline ceramic. The screen is protected by sapphire crystal. In short, everything you need to resist shocks, scratches, and corrosion over the long term.
Two colors are available: black with discreet red accents, and blue with a dual-material strap made of white silicone and blue nylon. I tested the blue version. I might as well be honest: it really doesn't go unnoticed. The dual-material strap is one of the most distinctive I've seen on a smartwatch. If you like your watch to stand out, you'll love it. If you prefer to keep it discreet, the black version will be more appropriate, even if it remains imposing.
The octagonal design with its 12 segments on the bezel gives it a robust and technical look. Compared to the first Ultimate, the bezel of the black version is now matte, which avoids the "shiny plastic" look that was criticized despite the ceramic. The result: it really feels premium to the touch and visually. The "Huawei Ultimate 2" engravings on the bezel add a sophisticated touch. Small cutouts on the sides reinforce the adventurous look.
But there's a price to pay: the weight. 80 grams on the scale. To give you an idea, if you have a thin wrist like mine, this watch will quickly make itself felt. An hour of running, and it pulls on the arm. Sleeping with it becomes difficult. You can feel it all the time. This isn't a watch you forget you're wearing. You really have to accept this connected watch in all its massiveness. For some, this weight will be reassuring, a guarantee of quality. For others, it will be a prohibitive obstacle.
The water resistance is certified 10 ATM with an EN13319 standard for diving up to 100 meters officially, but Huawei advertises 150 meters. At this depth, the pressure is equivalent to having 35 elephants on your back . That's saying something. An intelligent system detects the pressure and automatically seals the gaps to prevent water from entering. It works with salt water, household chemicals, and even soapy water.
The included strap is particularly long. This is no coincidence: it's designed to be worn over a wetsuit. A good move from Huawei.
A screen that defies all records
Now let's talk about this watch's killer feature: its display. It's a 1.5-inch LTPO 2.0 AMOLED panel with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels. But what's really impressive is the brightness: 3500 nits peak . Yep, 3500. Huawei claims the highest brightness in the industry. In the field, it proves itself.
I tested this screen in direct sunlight, on the beach, by the sea, and even underwater. Readability remains excellent in all cases. Even at noon on a summer beach, I had no problem reading the time or sports data. It's amazing. By comparison, the Apple Watch Ultra tops out well below that, and many watches become unreadable in direct sunlight. Not this one.
The bezels have been reduced by 18% compared to the first Ultimate model. Sure, you can always wish for thinner bezels, but this one is already very good. The screen-to-body ratio is convincing.
The Harmony OS interface is fluid and pleasant. The animations are neat, the transitions natural. Unlike adventure watches like the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro, which sacrifice style for utility, the Huawei Ultimate 2 tries to do both. And frankly, it succeeds. Huawei took the time to optimize its software instead of running a frenetic technological race. It shows.
Navigation is intuitive: swipe up for shortcuts, down for notifications, right for customizable widgets, and left for the smart assistant that displays weather, calendar events, and health summaries. Everything is logical and quick to access.
There are many customizable watch faces: around 70 free ones via the Huawei Health app, and hundreds of paid versions for a few euros each. From classic analog to futuristic animated digital, there's something for everyone. Each watch face has a simplified always-on version that gives the illusion of a mechanical watch even with the screen off. However, it consumes more battery.
Three physical buttons: two on the right as usual, and a third in the top left. The latter is configurable, defaulting to expedition mode, but you can reassign it (dive computer, golf mode, compass, flashlight). The bottom right button is also customizable, and a double press opens the wallet.
The top-right digital crown is a joy to use. It offers haptic feedback that simulates a mechanical gear. When you scroll through a menu, you feel every notch. It's a small detail, but it makes the experience premium.
Gesture controls are also present: double-tap with your thumb and index finger to confirm, slide your thumb along your index finger to navigate. Handy when your hands are busy or for turning off the alarm when you're half asleep.
Diving: The feature that changes everything
This is where the Huawei Ultimate 2 truly stands out. Certified for a depth of 150 meters , it blows away the competition. The Apple Watch Ultra? 40 meters. Other classic smartwatches? Between 30 and 50 meters maximum. Here, we're talking 150 meters. That's serious stuff.
But the real revolution is underwater sonar communication. Completely crazy. A small integrated sonar module allows you to communicate with other divers wearing the same watch. It works like dolphins: sound waves are emitted and received to transmit messages.
Before diving, you add each other and your dive buddies on your respective watches. You create custom messages and emoticons, or use the predefined messages. You do a test above water to check that everything is working. Then once underwater, you can exchange these messages up to 30 meters of effective distance . An SOS function is available with a range of 60 meters .
Even better, each equipped diver acts as a relay, potentially extending the network's reach. Up to 50 dive buddies can be connected simultaneously. It's technically impressive.
The advantages are obvious: communication is much more expressive than traditional hand signals, messages are received even if your buddy isn't looking in your direction, and you can be discreet enough to avoid disturbing marine life. Message history is retained after the dive, along with key data such as depth and time. This is useful for analyzing the dive.
Beyond the sonar, the watch functions as a full-fledged dive computer. Three modes are available: recreational diving, free diving, and technical diving. During the dive, it displays everything you need: safety stop duration, stabilization alerts, depth, time, speed, no-decompression limit, oxygen partial pressure, and much more. For a dive computer, it's far from massive. It's actually quite compact.
I tested the watch while freediving in a club. Honestly, it's super useful and accurate. It even offers workouts out of the water. It's cool to have a watch that can track this kind of activity seriously. The battery life in active diving mode with sonar is announced at 12 hours , which is still more than enough for most outings.
But let's be honest: how many users will actually use this feature? If you scuba dive regularly, this watch is worth every penny. It's a unique proposition. If you never dive or only freedive occasionally, this ultra-specialized feature will never be useful to you. And that's the whole problem with the positioning of this watch.
Health and sport: A very complete arsenal
The X-Tap on the right side of the case is a true innovation. It combines three sensors (ECG, PPG, and pressure) that, along with the module on the back, form Huawei's True Sense system. The principle is simple and effective: you press your finger on this sensor for 3 seconds, and presto, you launch a complete health check-up.
In less than a minute, you'll get a report with 11 indicators : ECG, heart rate, heart rate variability, arterial flexibility, skin temperature, stress level, emotional state, oxygen saturation, and respiration. It's quick and convenient for getting a comprehensive overview of your health.
New to this Huawei Ultimate 2 watch: blood oxygenation measurement at your fingertip . According to Huawei, this is more accurate than traditional wrist sensors. This feature becomes particularly useful at altitude for monitoring your SpO2 and preventing altitude sickness. I had the opportunity to test it while hiking, and indeed, the measurements seem more stable and consistent than on the wrist.
The accuracy of the heart rate, ECG, and SpO2 measurements is excellent. I compared them with a chest heart rate monitor during my runs, and the differences were minimal. The sleep, stress, and temperature data are more indicative, but still relevant for tracking trends and identifying anomalies.
The sleep tracking is solid. It detects different stages (light, deep, REM), micro-awakenings, and gives you an overall score with tips for improving your recovery. Be careful, however: some advanced features like ECG and arterial stiffness measurement are not officially enabled in all markets. Check availability for your country.
On the sports side, the watch takes all the improvements already seen on the Watch GT5 Pro and Watch 5, and pushes them even further.
For golf: Over 1,000 courses available in 19 different countries and regions. You can see the course from a bird's eye view, measure distances from any point, and benefit from an AI Caddie that suggests the optimal club based on your position and the shot you're playing. It's particularly well done. The battery life in golf mode reaches 24 hours , more than enough for several rounds.
For running: Multi-system GPS with the new Sunflower positioning system. Huawei has integrated a new gap antenna combined with an improved positioning algorithm. The result: accuracy is there, whether in the city or in the forest. Route tracking is reliable. Training plans are available based on different distance and time goals. Running battery life climbs to 22 hours with GPS active. Impressive.
For cycling: integration of a virtual power meter and better consideration of elevation gain. If you're serious about road cycling or mountain biking, the watch accurately tracks your efforts.
For skiing and snowboarding: dedicated modes that track your descents, calculate your maximum speeds, and analyze your performance.
Expedition mode is particularly well-rounded. You can import GPX routes, download color offline maps, and track your progress in real time. The watch displays the time, remaining battery, distance to the next waypoint, altitude, atmospheric pressure, and other environmental data. Five-system dual-band ensures accurate tracking even in very remote areas. Expedition mode battery life reaches 40 hours . Enough for multi-day treks.
The watch also supports swimming, triathlon, various indoor workouts, martial arts, and many other activities. The list is long. Really long. Over 100 sport modes in total.
A nice little bonus: fall detection . If the watch detects a violent fall, a notification appears to check that you're okay. If you don't respond within a certain time, it automatically initiates an emergency call to your contacts or the local emergency line. Reassuring when you're heading out alone in the mountains or on a trail.
Connectivity: The recurring weak point
The Huawei Ultimate 2 smartwatch has an integrated eSIM. You can make calls, navigate with online maps, and stay connected without your phone. An AI noise reduction for the microphone ensures call clarity even in noisy environments. I tested it during a windy bike ride, and yes, the person I was talking to could hear me clearly.
Battery saver mode even supports eSIM calls, ensuring you stay reachable even when your battery is low. Convenient.
NFC antenna system facilitates contactless payment on public transportation (metro, bus) in some markets. However, traditional contactless payment (such as a bank card) is not available everywhere. In France, in particular, you won't be able to pay for your purchases with this watch. Too bad.
Cross-platform compatibility ( iOS, Android, Harmony OS) is a unique advantage compared to premium models from Apple and Samsung, which are limited to their ecosystems. With this Huawei Ultimate 2, you can upgrade your smartphone without upgrading your watch. However, with iPhones, some features are limited. In particular, you won't be able to reply to messages directly from the watch.
And now for the big drawback: the app ecosystem . The App Gallery certainly offers more apps than on Huawei's GT watches. There are mini-games, controllers for DJI and Insta 360, aerial tools like Turkish Airlines, and various music and fitness apps. Huawei has made progress with the integration of Strava and a few third-party apps.
But compared to Apple, Google, or even Garmin, the offering remains meager . The pace of evolution is slow. Very slow. If you're planning on turning your watch into a mini-smartphone on your wrist with dozens of apps, you'll quickly feel the lack. And that's particularly frustrating at €899.
From an app store and software perspective, we're very close to the Fit 4, which retails for €150. Let's be clear: this is not normal. At this price, we should have access to a rich and mature ecosystem. This is not the case. This remains Huawei's eternal Achilles heel in the smartwatch world.
If Huawei were offering this watch at €549 like the Watch 5, this compromise would be acceptable. At €899, it's much less so.
Autonomy: The great disappointment
This is probably the most disappointing point of this Huawei Watch Ultimate 2. Huawei has accustomed us to exceptional battery life. Two weeks on a GT5, ten days on a Watch 5. This is one of the brand's major selling points. So when we see such a massive watch with a case that could accommodate a large battery, we expect something heavy.
And there, surprise: 3 to 4 days in standard use . Period.
With the always-on display enabled, the most power-hungry configuration, the watch lasts almost 4 full days. In battery saving mode, it goes up to 11 days , but at the cost of significant functional limitations (no continuous heart rate monitoring, less responsive screen, etc.).
To give some reference points provided by Huawei:
- 40 hours in expedition mode with GPS
- 24 hours in golf mode
- 22 hours running with GPS
- 12 hours diving with active sonar
These numbers are decent, but not exceptional. An Apple Watch Ultra does almost the same. Competitors like Garmin or Suunto last two weeks or more in the adventure watch segment. With comparable features.
At €899, with a case of this size and weight, we legitimately expected better . Much better. Battery life is one of the compromises that Huawei asks us to accept without any real compensation. And it doesn't go down well.
Charging your watch every 3-4 days quickly becomes a hassle. Especially if you're going on a weekend getaway or trekking. You'll need to remember to bring a charging cable. It's less convenient than a watch that lasts two weeks and you only charge it occasionally.
Historically, Huawei has accepted certain compromises (limited connectivity, few apps) in exchange for incredible battery life. But if the price increases and battery life drops drastically, what's left against the competition? The question is worth asking.
✔ Premium design: Noble materials (zirconium, ceramic, sapphire).
✔ Exceptional display: 3500 nits, readable in sunlight and underwater.
✔ Underwater sonar communication unique on the smartwatch market.
✔ 150 meter diving certification: Acts as a complete dive computer.
✔ X-Tap Sensor: Health check-up in 3 seconds (11 indicators).
✔ Ultra-precise GPS with Sunflower system.
✔ Cross-platform compatibility (iOS, Android, Harmony OS).
✔ Built-in eSIM for phone-free calls and data.
✔ Very comprehensive sports tracking (more than 100 modes).
✔ Fall detection with automatic emergency alert.
✔ Smooth and pleasant interface with optimized Harmony OS.
✖ High price: €899-999 with significant compromises.
✖ Disappointing battery life for Huawei: Only 3-4 days.
✖ Limited application ecosystem compared to Apple, Google and Garmin.
✖ Heavy weight and size (80g, 48mm) difficult to wear for small wrists.
✖ Ultra-specialized diving features that are useless for 95% of users.
✖ No contactless payment in many markets including France.
✖ Questionable value for money compared to other, more balanced Huawei models.
✖ Recharging every 3-4 days is a hassle for an “adventure” watch.
Verdict: A technical feat for a very specific audience
is Huawei Ultimate 2 smartwatch €899 ? The answer is complex. If you're a regular scuba diver , this watch is a no-brainer. The sonar communication is revolutionary, the 150-meter certification is impressive, and the integrated dive computer is comprehensive. Compared to dedicated dive computers that often cost more but don't offer smartwatch features, the value for money becomes attractive. Go for it.
If you're simply looking for the best high-end smartwatch without specific criteria, I'm not convinced. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers a much richer app ecosystem, better integration with your iPhone, and comparable battery life Garmin's high-end models offer significantly better battery life (two weeks or more) , very advanced outdoor features, and a mature sports ecosystem. At the same price, these alternatives are more versatile and better balanced .
If you're looking for the best value from Huawei, look to the Watch 5 (€549) , the GT5 Pro, or the Fit 3 Pro . These models offer 90% of the features of the Ultimate 2 in a lighter package, with better battery life , and for a much lower price . You lose the underwater sonar and ultra-premium materials, but gain in everyday comfort and battery life.
The Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 isn't a bad watch. In fact, it's an excellent watch in many ways. The problem is its positioning. It targets an ultra-specialized niche (divers) with a premium price that puts it in direct competition with giants that are better equipped in terms of software. And it cannibalizes its own more balanced products.
Who is it really for? Avid divers who want a dive computer AND a full-featured smartwatch . Lovers of big, chunky watches who embrace style and weight. Android users who want something very high-end with sporty battery life and an exceptional display.
The Huawei Ultimate 2 is an impressive technical feat . But it's also a niche watch that requires significant compromises to enjoy features that few will truly exploit. If this specialty appeals to you, go for it. If not, explore the alternatives.
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