Huawei Watch Buds review – Unusual smartwatch with folding display and integrated headphones

The special feature of the Huawei Watch Buds is the integration of the True-Wireless headphones, which also affects the smartwatch’s haptics. The watch’s center of gravity is unusually high due to the hinged display, to which the in-ear headphones are magnetically attached in two recesses on the bottom. Thus, the Huawei Watch Buds moves more distinctly on the wrist than other smartwatches. The high weight of almost 67 grams (~2.4 oz) also has a negative impact.

Due to the mechanics, the case yields a bit under pressure and wobbles minimally. However, the push button needs quite a bit of force to open the screen and release the headphones. Inadvertently opening it is therefore almost impossible.

The 15 millimeter  (~0.6 in) deep stainless steel case is bulky even on large wrists, but looks well-made and of high quality – with the exception of the crown. The knurled button-like control element does not have any resistance when turned and the pressure point could also be tighter, which makes the crown look quite cheap overall. The Huawei Watch Buds also has a Clous de Paris bezel around the OLED display, but it turns out to be very difficult to read in everyday use.

The included full-grain leather strap has a width of 22 millimeters (~0.9 in) and is suitable for wrists with a circumference of 140 to 210 millimeters (~5.5 to 8.3 in). The strap feels pleasant, but could be a bit softer and less stiff. However, both should still improve over the service life.

Due to the hinged lid design, the Huawei Watch Buds is not waterproof – at least not officially. We asked Huawei Germany and got the answer that both the headphones and the watch itself comply with the IP54 standard. If water enters the opened smartwatch, it should not cause any problems, just like rain or sweat.