Huawei has finally taken the wraps off the second iteration of the Huawei Watch, and unlike the first time around, the company has actually launched two devices: The Huawei Watch 2 Sport and the Huawei Watch 2 Classic. Given the slew of new sports-focused devices — including the recently-unveiled LG Watch Sport — it can be hard to decide which one is right for you.
That’s why we’ve decided to compare one of Huawei’s latest watches with LG’s latest flagship when it comes to specs, design, and other notable facets.
Specs
Huawei Watch 2 Sport
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LG Watch Sport
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| Size | 48.9 x 45 x 12.6 mm (1.93 x 1.77 x 0.50-inches) | 45.4 x 51.2 x 14.2 mm (1.79 x 2.02 x 0.56-inches) |
| Weight | 57g (2.01oz) | 89.4g (3.15oz) |
| Screen | 1.2-inch AMOLED | 1.38-inch P-OLED |
| Resolution | 390 x 390 pixels | 480 x 480 pixels |
| Operating System | Android Wear 2.0 | Android Wear 2.0 |
| Storage | 4GB | 4GB |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 | Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 |
| RAM | 768MB | 768MB |
| LTE Support | Yes (international version only) | Yes |
| Connectivity | GSM/HSPA/LTE/Wi-Fi b/g/n | GSM/HSPA/LTE/Wi-Fi b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | Yes, version 4.1 | Yes, version 4.2 |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | 420mAh | 430mAh |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyroscope, heart rate, barometer, compass | Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, heart rate, barometer |
| Colors | Orange, Black, Grey | Titanium, Dark Blue |
| DT Review | 3.5/5 Stars | 3/5 Stars |
It seems as though wearable devices are a lot less varied in the specs department than smartphones, and that proves to be true in this case. Both the LG Watch Sport and Huawei Watch 2 Sport feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor, which is Qualcomm’s wearable-specific chip. Not only that, but they also both offer 4GB of storage, 768MB of RAM, LTE support, and Wi-Fi support. In other words, you could certainly argue that these are the same devices in a different case.
There are, however, a few subtle differences. The LG Watch Sport, for example, features Bluetooth 4.2 instead than Bluetooth 4.1, which is slightly faster and adds Bluetooth over Internet Protocol version 6. While there are advantages to Bluetooth 4.2 over Bluetooth 4.1, in reality, you’re unlikely to notice a difference in the connectivity between the two.
When it comes to battery life, the LG Watch Sport offers a 430mAh battery, while the Huawei Watch 2 Sport opts for a 420mAh alternative. It’s possible that the Huawei Watch will eat up battery quicker than LG’s offering, but we’ll have to perform more tests before we can be certain.
When it comes to general performance, there’s basically no difference between these two devices.
Winner: Tie
Design and comfort
While the specs are almost identical between the two smartwatches, the design is not. First up, let’s talk about the dimensions — it’s clear the LG Watch Sport is the bulkier device here. While it’s not as wide as the Huawei Watch 2 Sport, it is both taller and thicker. Not only that, but that extra thickness apparently leads to a heavier watch.
That said, Huawei’s device still looks sportier than the LG Watch Sport. That’s largely due to the dial around the watch’s display, as well as the tapered band. Most images showcase the orange edition of the Huawei Watch 2 Sport, but keep in mind that you can also get it in black, which should mesh better with day-to-day clothing.
Design is largely subjective, but we have noted that the LG Watch Sport’s bulk and rigid strap affects comfort. In our brief time with the Huawei Watch 2, we’ve found it to be fairly lightweight and comfortable — that’s important in a device that’s meant to always stay on your wrist, and we award Huawei the winner here.
Winner: Huawei Watch 2 Sport
Display
The display isn’t as big of a concern on a smartwatch as it is on a smartphone, but it’s still something to consider. Both devices feature OLED screens, though Huawei sticks with an AMOLED while LG’s offering opts for a basic P-OLED panel, which should help conserve battery life.
The Huawei Watch 2 Sport boasts a screen size of 1.2 inches and 390 x 390-pixel resolution, which isn’t bad for a smartwatch. The LG Watch Sport, however, takes things a step further with its 1.38-inch screen and 480 x 480-pixel resolution. In other words, LG’s display is larger and features better resolution, making it the winner in the display department.
Winner: LG Watch Sport
Sensors and tracking
While the two devices are nearly the same in the processor and RAM departments, the story is a little different when it comes to sensors. Both watches come with an accelerometer, gyroscope, heart rate sensor, and barometer, but the Huawei Watch Sport 2 includes a compass, while the LG Watch Sport boasts a proximity sensor.
These sensors will likely only be useful in certain situations. The compass on the Huawei Watch Sport 2, for example, may come in handy on some hikes, while the proximity sensor on the LG Watch Sport helps lock your device (if Android Pay is enabled) when it’s taken off your wrist.
Sadly, there are some situations in which neither of the two will work — such as while you’re swimming. Both devices feature IP68 waterproofing, which means that, theoretically, they should be fine in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. They’re not designed to track your swimming habits, however, and could be damaged if you deliberately submerge them for an extended period of time.
Both of the devices offer in-depth tracking for other activities, however. With the LG Watch Sport, you can track an array of activities and exercises via the Google Fit app, and with the Huawei Watch Sport 2, you can expect features such as real-time guidance coaching. Both watches also allow you to track calorie burn, steps, frequency, speed, and more.
Winner: Tie
Software
Both smartwatches ship with Android Wear 2.0, but each features some proprietary software from their respective brands. As previously mentioned, the Huawei Watch 2 Sport offers fitness software for both guided workouts and real-time fitness feedback. The LG Watch Sport, on the other hand, sticks to Google’s software. Google Fit has been revamped for the release of Android Wear 2.0, and, as such, it can now track your workouts and show you post-workout analysis. Still, if you want a more in-depth view of your workouts, it may be worth buying the Huawei device over the LG Watch Sport. After all, the additional fitness-tracking software is a nice touch.
Android Wear 2.0 also brings a number of great features to both smartwatches. The wearable OS is now easier to control and use, and it doesn’t require you to swipe as much when you’re trying to navigate. In comparison, Android Wear 1.0 feels much clunkier. We like the simplicity of sticking with Google-only software, but if you’re looking for a detailed fitness analysis, the Huawei Watch 2 Sport is the better option.
The killer software addition on the Huawei Watch 2 Sport that makes it the winner is Watch Mode — which is essentially an app used to turn off Android Wear, leaving you with an analog-styled watch face and your current step count. In this mode, Huawei claims the watch will last for 25 days. The downside is that you have to restart the watch every time you want to turn Android Wear functions back on.
Still, battery life is one of the most important features of smartwatches, and allowing users to potentially expand their device’s battery life to well over a day is crucial.
Winner: Huawei Watch 2 Sport
Price and availability
Huawei hasn’t announced pricing for the U.S., but the Sport model will cost 330 euros ($352) and 380 euros ($406) with 4G LTE. The LTE model will not come to the U.S., and the pricing structure will likely be different. The LG Watch Sport costs $350 and is available from the Google Play Store, AT&T, and Verizon.
While we can’t declare a firm winner on price yet, the lack of a Huawei Watch 2 Sport LTE model in the U.S. gives a point to the LG Watch Sport.
Winner: LG Watch Sport
Overall Winner: Huawei Watch 2 Sport
When it comes down to it, you’ll get almost the same software experience on these two watches. Under the hood, you’ll also find the same processor, storage, and RAM. Because of this, the device you choose comes down to largely subjective choices. There are some differences in design, and while the LG Watch Sport offers a better display, the Huawei Watch 2 Sport offers more comprehensive fitness features.
But what gives the Huawei Watch 2 Sport an edge over the LG Watch Sport is the Watch Mode. It’s the best way to conserve your device’s battery life for a long time without needing to carry around a charger, and it’s a great way to keep the watch in use when you’re working at a desk in front of a monitor and your smartphone.
