Huawei has released an updated version of its quite popular Watch Fit fitness watch, but added the prefix SE- Special Edition to the name. Although the Huawei Watch Fit SE looks almost the same as the three-year-old model, it has updated sensors, features, and capabilities. We have been testing this fitness bracelet for several weeks, so now we are ready to share our impressions and experience.
Pluses:
compact and ultra-lightweight body; moisture protection; bright and detailed AMOLED screen; Always-On Display function; adequate step measurement accuracy; 100+ sports modes; a large amount of tracked data; good battery life; fast charging; adequate price/quality/capabilities ratio
Minuses:
some people will find the design too inconspicuous, or, conversely, too bright for a fitness tracker; difficulties with replacing the strap; no speaker and microphone
Content
- 1 Technical specifications of Huawei Watch Fit SE
- 2 Packaging and equipment
- 3 Design and materials
- 4 Huawei Watch Fit SE display
- 5 Features, functionality and interface
- 6 Connecting to your smartphone and software
- 7 Health and sports functions
- 8 Huawei Watch Fit SE battery life
- 9 User experience
- 10 Cost and competitors
Technical specifications of Huawei Watch Fit SE
| Form factor | Fitness bracelet, fitness tracker |
| Display | 1.64 inches, AMOLED, 456 × 280 pixels, 326 ppi, touch screen |
| Operating system | HarmonyOS 2.1 |
| Sports modes | Yes, 100+ pcs |
| Compatibility | Android 6.0 and higher; iOS 9.0 and higher; HarmonyOS |
| Wireless interfaces | Bluetooth 5.0; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, QZSS |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyroscope, geomagnetic sensor, optical heart rate monitor, light sensor |
| Water resistance | 5 ATM |
| Body | Polymeric materials |
| Strap | Silicone |
| Weight (without strap) | 21 grams |
| Dimensions (without strap) | 46 × 30 × 10.7 mm |
Packaging and equipment
We reviewed a test version of the Huawei Watch Fit SE without packaging, but only with a magnetic charging cable. But judging by the information on the Internet, the fitness watch comes in a small square box, where, apart from the watch and the cable, there is only documentation.
Design and materials
Judging by the name, the manufacturer positions Huawei Watch Fit SE as a smartwatch. But the lack of a full-fledged OS with the ability to install apps, ultra-compact dimensions, and ultra-light weight make it a fitness bracelet, a fitness tracker with an enlarged screen, or a fitness watch. Choose one of these for yourself.
The Huawei Watch Fit SE has a rectangular shape, rounded corners, a plastic case and an oleophobic and tempered glass screen.
The strap is of a non-standard size, but it can be removed and replaced if necessary.
The model has only one physical button, which is located on the right side. It is pressed easily and softly.
The back of the fitness bracelet is also plastic. There are hidden grooves for removing the bracelet, contacts for charging, and various sensors.
The fitness watch is thin (10.7 mm) and ultra-light (21 grams), so you literally don’t feel it on your wrist. I want to emphasize that you don’t get used to its weight like you do with other bulkier or heavier watches, but rather don’t perceive it. The aforementioned 20 grams are literally not felt on the wrist, so, on the one hand, it’s a good option for those who need to take measurements, watch the time, and quickly read notifications, but don’t want the device to glow on their wrist or be felt at all.
The screen of the model — is one of the most significant advantages. It’s clear, so no pixels are visible, and even the smallest text is readable without any problems. However, although the display is larger than the screens of other fitness bracelets, it is still smaller than that of other watches, so some messages and notifications are often cut off, so you have to open them on your phone because they are simply unreadable on the device.
I mentioned the oleophobic coating above, so fingerprints remain, but they are almost invisible, especially on such a small area, and they are also very easy to erase.
It is claimed to be a protective glass, because otherwise — the case does not protrude above the screen, so there is no actual protection. So, hope for tempered glass, which will still get scratched over time. It’s a must, and it’s normal for the entire segment of wristwatches.
Features, functionality and interface
Huawei Watch Fit SE is water and dust resistant (5 ATM). This means that you can not only wash your hands with the fitness bracelet, but also take a shower or swim, or dive to a depth of 50 meters. But this applies only to fresh water.
The modules include Bluetooth 5.0; its own GPS module, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, and QZSS. Sensors include an accelerometer, gyroscope, geomagnetic sensor, optical heart rate monitor, and light sensor.
We added the ability to reply to messages in messengers with different emojis or templates. In the latter case, you can create them yourself, which is very convenient. But you can’t make or receive calls, because there is no speaker or microphone.
The fitness watch is controlled via a touch screen and a physical button on the case. Pressing the latter brings up the main menu. Swiping from top to bottom lowers the classic curtain with the main functions. Swiping from bottom to top opens the notification menu, and swiping from left to right or right to left switches between widgets with heart rate, weather, physical activity, music control, and more.
Long pressing the main screen brings up the menu, where you can replace it with another one downloaded from the store or choose from existing watch faces.
Connecting to your smartphone and software
The Huawei Watch Fit SE fitness bracelet has the HarmonyOS 2.1 operating system. It is relatively lightweight, especially since it is not a full-fledged OS with applications, and therefore works quickly and does not freeze.
The fitness watch works in conjunction with the proprietary «Health Huawei» (Huawei Health) application. Do not download it from Google Play, as it contains some spam. The application is available in the AppGallery store or on the Internet.
Huawei Health — is a modern and multifunctional application. It is powered by the latest Huawei Watch GT 4 (our review here), as well as other wrist gadgets of the company. There is detailed tracking of health, sleep, stress, physical activity, etc. We have introduced a bunch of accounts to Strava and Komoot, training courses, etc.
There’s a separate watch store, and there are a lot of them, but most of them are paid. However, there are also a lot of free ones, so don’t worry about the choice. Most of the watch faces can be customized to your liking, you can change widgets, design, etc.
Health and sports functions
The Huawei Watch Fit SE measures sleep quality, physical activity, steps, stress, menstrual cycles, distance traveled, blood oxygen (SpO2), and heart rate. The manufacturer announces the updated TruSeen 5.0 and TruSleep 3.0 sensors. The latter promises not only more accurate measurement but also scientific sleep tracking. There is a lot of information about it, but it’s hard to say how scientific it is.
There are 100+ sports modes, including e-sports. There is no automatic mode detection. You have to select them manually. There is a smart training companion, as well as comprehensive measurement of all key indicators and health reports.
I found the accuracy of Huawei Watch Fit SE step measurement to be the best. At least compared to the Huawei Watch GT 4, which slightly overestimated the indicators. Or with Gelius Tactical Navy (our review here), which, on the contrary, underestimated the distance traveled.
Huawei Watch Fit SE battery life
Officially, the company claims the following battery life indicators: three days with active AOD, six days in normal mode, and nine days of maximum use. In fact, only the first two options worked for me, but the third indicator was not achieved.
With the Always-On Display function active, the charge melts literally before your eyes, and the watch worked for three and a half days. In normal mode with active heart rate and sleep measurement, notifications, etc., the fitness watch lasted 5-6 days. Without measurement, it lasted a week.
Huawei Watch Fit SE has fast charging. The device actually charges from 0 to 100 percent in 45 minutes. You can also quickly recharge it for five minutes and this will be enough for a day of use.
In general, I am satisfied with the battery life of the model, because it reminds me of a compact and lightweight fitness bracelet, so we have good results for its dimensions (46 × 30 × 10.7 mm). Even with active AOD, you don’t have to charge it either every day or every other day, which is good.
User experience
Huawei Watch Fit SE made a pleasant impression on me. Most of all, I liked the bright, detailed screen, the accuracy of step measurements, the lightness and super-compact size at the same time. The bracelet has a soft strap that doesn’t press anywhere and an unassuming design (in black). Of course, you need to keep in mind that this is all relative to its large screen, as for a fitness bracelet.
However, I realize that the model will not suit everyone. This fitness bracelet will probably be chosen more by girls and women, although in black color it is definitely suitable for men who just need a discreet watch with measurement of basic indicators, etc.
As a stylish accessory, the device probably works too, but only among other fitness watches, bracelets, and trackers. Because modern smartwatches usually look more impressive.
Cost and competitors
Huawei Watch Fit SE is sold at a price starting at UAH 2999. Taking into account all the above-mentioned features and nuances, I think this is a good, fair price tag. However, there are many competitors in this segment. Let’s take a look at the most popular ones.
It is worth looking at another model of the manufacturer — Huawei Band 8 (price from 1510 UAH). There are also popular Xiaomi Mi Band 8 Pro with a price tag of UAH 2735 and Redmi Watch 3 Active (price from UAH 1399). Also pay attention to Redmi Watch 4 with a price tag of UAH 3355 and Amazfit Pop 3S (price from UAH 1818).