The Huawei Watch 6 offers a compelling mix of premium design and comprehensive health-tracking features, striking a balance between high-end specifications and an accessible price point. Rather than chasing extended battery life, the watch concentrates on a wide range of health-monitoring and fitness technologies, headlined by the company's upgraded X-TAP sensor.
Design and Display
Available in 42mm and 46mm versions, which come in aluminium and stainless steel respectively, the Watch 6 features sapphire crystal protection, giving it a premium feel. The 46mm model weighs around 60g without the strap and looks more like a conventional timepiece than a piece of fitness equipment.
The 46mm version sports a 1.5-inch LTPO 2.0 AMOLED panel with peak brightness of 3,000 nits, making it easy to read outdoors. The screen is bright, colourful and responsive, with slim bezels that give it a luxurious appearance compared to many fitness-focused rivals.
Health and Fitness Features
Health monitoring is where the Watch 6 excels. The upgraded X-TAP sensor combines optical sensing with pressure-based measurements and is said to be twice as responsive as the one in the Watch 5, enabling an expanded range of health measurements. The watch monitors heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep, stress and other metrics, while ECG functionality and Pulse Wave Arrhythmia Analysis provide detailed cardiovascular information.
Huawei is also introducing opt-in research studies on the risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. These should be regarded as health-monitoring tools rather than substitutes for medical diagnosis. Fitness tracking is equally comprehensive, with more than 100 workout modes and dual-band GNSS for positioning, suitable for running, cycling, swimming and gym sessions.
Software and Battery Life
The watch offers eSIM connectivity, allowing it to operate independently from a smartphone where supported. Huawei's HarmonyOS software is slick and visually appealing, though its app selection can't compete with Android or iOS. NFC contactless payments are available through Curve Pay.
Battery life is quoted at up to 4.5 days of typical use for the 46mm model and up to three days with the always-on display enabled. Charging is very quick, with wireless charging supporting up to 20W.
Value and Verdict
At £379.99, the Watch 6 sits in premium smartwatch territory. Its health technology, excellent display, elegant design and broad compatibility make a strong case for the price, but the loss of titanium and ceramic options previously available on the Watch 5's equivalent tier is notable. Those materials have moved into the £599.99 Watch 6 Pro range.
The standard Watch 6 feels more like a sophisticated health-focused smartwatch than a luxury watch replacement. For users who value the new X-TAP capabilities, ECG, cellular connectivity and extensive health tracking, that is likely a worthwhile trade-off. Those primarily interested in notifications, exercise tracking and long battery life may find Huawei's own GT range more to their liking.
Meanwhile, Huawei has launched the FreeClip 2 S Signature Edition, a premium evolution of its open-ear earbuds. The new model introduces a redesigned charging case inspired by fine jewellery, alongside two new colourways, Deepsea Blue and Space Silver, and expanded compatibility with custom clip-on accessories from French jewellery house Les Néréides. The earbuds deliver 9 hours of playback and 38 hours with the charging case, and are currently available from Selfridges for £179.99.
