Huawei Versus Apple: Battle of the $400 Smartwatches

Millions of people now own smartwatches. Unsurprisingly, other manufacturers have therefore been keen to get in on the action. As a result, today’s smartwatch market is enormous, and Huawei is just one of the numerous brands out to steal a slice of the pie.
One Huawei product, in particular, is an especially notable rival in the industry: the Huawei Watch 3. This watch costs roughly $400, just like the Apple Watch Series 7. However, in a battle for smartwatch supremacy between the Huawei Watch 3 and the Apple Watch Series 7, can Huawei come out on top?

Huawei Watch 3 Versus Apple Watch Series 7

Huawei Watch 3 and Apple Watch Series 7 boast numerous similarities. Despite their outwardly quite different appearances, they pack in much of the same functionality. Furthermore, at odds with the premium often tied to the Apple name, the Huawei option is the same price. Both cost roughly $400 by default.
To compare the pair, it’s necessary to drill down into the two smartwatches on four fronts: looks, functionality, price, and availability.

Looks of Huawei and Apple Smartwatches

Both the Huawei Watch 3 and Apple Watch Series 7 are handsome-looking watches. But, outwardly, little has changed in terms of the appearance of the Apple Watch since it first arrived back in 2015. While most people have come to appreciate the style of the world’s best-selling smartwatch, many still dislike its squared-off and peculiar appearance.
Thankfully, the Huawei Watch 3 is much more conventional-looking, which should appeal to the Apple Watch’s detractors. Circular and with largely traditional watch-like fixings, the Huawei Watch 3 is undoubtedly an attractive proposition as far as its stylish appearance.
It’s larger than Apple’s smallest 41mm model and measures 46mm across. However, this could work against it among those seeking something a little more dainty.
There are various color options, finishes, and strap styles available with the Huawei Watch 3. Yet, it comes nowhere near the Apple Watch Series 7 in terms of customizability. The Apple Watch Series 7 is available in conceivably thousands of different color, finish, strap, and size combinations, particularly via Apple Watch Studio.
The build quality of the Apple Watch Series 7 also feels slightly higher than that of the Huawei Watch 3, although not by much, which stands to reason considering the near-identical pricing. With that, looks-wise, it’s not far off a tie, although the Series 7 probably clinches it based solely on the breadth of choice on offer.

Functionality of Huawei and Apple Smartwatches

Apple’s Watch continues to be among the most feature-packed smartwatches on the market, and the Series 7 is no exception. But, be that as it may, the Huawei alternative impresses, too. It offers features like heart rate monitoring and eSim support.
In fact, the Huawei Watch 3’s list of features is arguably just as extensive as that of the latest Apple Watch. The Huawei option even has a built-in body temperature sensor that the Series 7 Watch from Apple lacks.
However, the Huawei Watch 3 has poor app availability. Very few of the products available on Apple’s massive App Store for its latest Series 7 Watch are available for Huawei Watch 3 owners.
It further lacks something else crucial for many people as well. Since it exists outside of Apple’s ecosystem, it won’t attract die-hard fans of the brand keen to stick to their iPhones and Apple Watches. The same can be said of any non-Apple smartwatch, of course, but it’s as pertinent a point as ever when comparing two models like the Huawei Watch 3 and Apple Watch Series 7 side-by-side.

Price of Huawei and Apple Smartwatches

There’s almost nothing to separate the Huawei Watch 3 and Apple Watch Series 7 when it comes to pricing, at least at first glance. So expect to spend around $400 to get your hands on either model.
The latest Apple smartwatch starts at $399. That said, it’s easy to spend twice as much or more. Opt for an Apple Watch Series 7 with a titanium case and a leather link strap, and the 45mm version will set you back $899. Various Hermes-branded editions are available, too, priced at up to $1,759.
Meanwhile, the Huawei Watch 3’s pricing is a little more restrained. Various options, including so-called Classic, Active, and Elite watch bodies or cases, are available, as are numerous different straps. Still, even some of the fanciest upgrades won’t push the price up by more than $50 or $100.
Expect to pay up to $600 for an Elite edition Huawei Watch 3.

Availability of Huawei and Apple Smartwatches

The Huawei Watch 3 has one major issue above all else. It’s not officially available in the U.S. While it’s freely available to order from overseas, Huawei as a brand simply isn’t represented in the United States.
The Apple Watch Series 7, on the other hand, is readily available online. You can purchase it both directly from Apple and via other retailers, often with free shipping included. Buyers can also walk into any one of Apple’s 270+ retail stores nationwide to pick one up, should they prefer.
On that basis, the Huawei Watch 3 will always struggle when up against the Apple Watch Series 7 and various other options, such as Samsung’s Galaxy Watch4. That is, at least, until the Chinese brand potentially brings its product lineup to U.S. shores in an official capacity. If and when that’s ever likely to happen, though, ultimately remains to be seen.

Protect Your Smartwatch With Upsie

Protecting your new smartwatch with an extended warranty can prevent surprise repair fees and ensure your smartwatch stays in the best condition. Upsie offers affordable, intuitive warranties for smartwatches. However, until the Huawei Watch 3 is sold in the U.S., Upsie cannot warranty it. For other smartwatch options, including the Apple Watch Series 7, Upsie provides the best protection.
Upsie offers a choice of local repair and replacement options to ensure that repairs are as fast and easy as possible. Customers can also make unlimited claims up to the purchase price of their device with an industry-leading low deductible of just $25. Best of all, Upsie costs up to 70 percent less than warranties sold by retailers and manufacturers.
For the best protection on your smartwatch, choose Upsie.

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* This article is over 6 months old and may or may not be updated.