Huawei raises the bar on wearables at Berlin launch
Andreas Zimmer, Huawei head of product. Picture: Noel Campion.
Huawei’s latest product launch in Berlin was themed “Fashion Next”. Huawei says it is blending high-tech with high fashion, revealing a bold new direction for its wearables line-up. I got an early look, and it’s clear: this isn’t just iteration; it’s ambition.
The star of the show was the Huawei Watch 5. On the wrist, it feels every bit as premium as it looks. Offered in two sizes (42mm and 46mm), the watch combines aerospace-grade titanium with 904L stainless steel and sapphire glass. The finish is exceptional, polished, refined, and ready to compete with the best from Apple or Samsung.
But the real innovation is inside. Huawei says the new TruSense System and Multi-sensing X-TAP technology are designed to improve health monitoring. You can now run fingertip-based checks that are faster and reportedly more accurate.
I tested it with a few quick readings, including heart rate, SpO2, and stress levels registered within seconds, without the delay or fluctuation you sometimes get with other smartwatches.
Gesture interactions include “Double Tap” and “Double Slide”, which are surprisingly responsive. I tried skipping tracks and launching apps hands-free, all with consistent accuracy. It’s intuitive and adds real value for users who might be mid-workout or have their hands full.
Huawei claims this watch isn’t just a fitness tracker; it’s a full-spectrum health device. From my early first impressions, that’s not just marketing speak. With improved sensors, a robust build, and seamless software integration, it’s clearly built for users who want more than daily step counts.
Visually, the watch is stylish, but I don’t think the design language will appeal to everyone. Exclusive colour options like purple and sand gold stand out without being loud, and the build materials suggest longevity. This is not a smartwatch you’ll want to hide under a sleeve.
Next up, the Huawei Watch FIT 4 and FIT 4 Pro. If the Watch 5 is about blending style and substance, the FIT 4 series leans further into the sport-driven, active lifestyle segment. These wearables are light, thin (just 9.3mm for the Pro), and designed to be unobtrusive during activity. The aviation-grade aluminium body, titanium alloy bezel, and sapphire glass make it feel surprisingly premium for the price.
Fitness tracking has taken a big leap, including water sports tracking and a new air pressure sensor for outdoor training. New sports modes like pro-level trail running, deep diving (up to 40m), and advanced golfing metrics set this apart from generic fitness bands.
Huawei was keen to highlight that daily recharging is a thing of the past. The watches are clearly aimed at travellers and endurance athletes, where plug access is not always guaranteed.
The TruSense system is also onboard here, ensuring consistency in health and fitness data across the lineup.
The Watch 5 and Watch FIT 4 Series are fully compatible with Android and iOS devices.
Huawei also introduced the FreeBuds 6, its latest open-fit earbuds. I didn’t get to try them during the event, but the specs suggest an open sound stage with hi-fidelity streaming. Huawei's dual-driver set-up should ensure a crystal clear sound. Although the FreeBuds 6 have ANC, the open design means performance will not be as good as buds that have silicone tips. The redesigned “droplet” shape looks cool and should feel comfortable in your ears. These feel tuned for people who want decent audio performance without the isolation of in-ear buds.
Rounding out the launch was a quick look at the MatePad Pro 12.2, Huawei’s latest tablet aimed at creatives and professionals. The headline feature is the new Tandem OLED PaperMatte display. Bright, vivid, but with excellent anti-glare and anti-reflection treatment, it’s a huge step forward for users working in various lighting environments.
I tried it with the Huawei Glide keyboard and stylus during the demo. The stylus slots and charges within the keyboard dock, keeping everything compact. Combined with an upgraded Huawei Notes app, the MatePad Pro feels like a genuine productivity machine, not just a media tablet. Whether sketching, typing, or multi-tasking with split screen, it held up without lag or awkward UI limitations.
Huawei’s approach here is all about ecosystem integration. Pair it with your watch, your buds, and your phone, and everything links smoothly, which makes the hardware more than the sum of its parts.
Huawei Watch 5: from €450, available to pre-order now via the Huawei Store. General release: May 26, 2025.
Watch FIT 4: €170; Watch FIT 4 Pro: €280. Both models are available for pre-order now and ship on May 26.
FreeBuds 6: €160, available to purchase now.
MatePad Pro 12.2: €849 (12GB/256GB with keyboard, €999 PaperMatte Edition, 12GB/512GB with Keyboard). Release date to be announced.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
