Huawei Watch Ultimate smartwatch review – High-end deep-dive

The Watch Ultimate supports the tracking of more than 100 types of sports. A goal can be set for any sport such as a specific distance that should be reached. In addition, the smartwatch can display intermediate statuses after certain times or distances such as the current heart rate, average speed during the previous kilometer or the current training load. On the one hand, this interim report is a pop-up notification on the display and also a voice announcement via the speaker or paired headphones. 

It’s not only possible to set goals on the smartwatch but courses and training plans can also be compiled. A total of 13 running workouts are stored on the watch itself. Additional customized training plans can be created and completed.

However, the Watch Ultimate has two special sports functions: diving and expedition mode. The Watch Ultimate is intended and approved for diving at greater depths. According to Huawei, it can survive for 24 hours, undamaged,  at a depth of 100 meters and complies with the ISO 22810 standard for diving equipment. The watch supports various modes such as scuba diving, technical diving and free diving.

The Watch Ultimate can indicate the Gradient Factor (GF value), apply the Bühlmann decompression algorithm and also set 20 reminders for dive monitoring. After a dive, the smartwatch makes suggestions for no-fly times. Due to a lack of diving experience and equipment, we were unable to test this area. However, the Watch Ultimate survived extensive bathing in seawater without complaints. The manufacturer recommends rinsing the watch with freshwater after coming into contact with seawater. 

Another special feature is the expedition mode. The smartwatch records the user’s activity and, in addition to pure training data, provides further information regarding the watch’s position and status, such as battery level. Additionally, using the user interface, simple markers can be set in various colors. These markers can be controlled later, for example, the starting point for a hike. A special dark mode is said to improve legibility under poor lighting conditions and save battery. 

The smartwatch can also automatically recognize and record training sessions, at least when walking, jogging, rowing and on a cross-trainer. Unfortunately, cycling is not supported. Unlike previous Huawei smartwatches, the Watch Ultimate’s automatic recording is unreliable.

The Huawei health app can be linked to accounts such as Strava, Adidas Running and Komoot.