Huawei has introduced a few devices in 2023 that tread the line between fitness tracker and smartwatch. These include the Huawei Band 8 and the Huawei Watch FIT SE, launched in April and July 2023 respectively. In case you were wondering, the SE in the name stands for Special Edition. Both devices cater to a broad audience, each offering unique features that align with different user preferences and lifestyles.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
This comparison piece delves into the intricate details of the Huawei Band 8 and Huawei Watch FIT SE, exploring their design, functionality, price, and overall user experience. Hopefully this overview will help you decide if one of these is right for you.
Key takeaways
The Huawei Band 8 and Huawei Watch FIT SE offer contrasting yet compelling choices. The Band 8 stands out for its affordability and lightweight design, suitable for everyday use and basic fitness tracking. The Watch FIT SE, on the other hand, comes with enhanced features such as built-in GPS and larger display. Retailing for a higher price, this device might appeal to those seeking a more comprehensive fitness and health monitoring tool.
View on Huawei; View on Amazon (Watch Fit SE, Band 8).
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Hardware
Technical specs
Features
Bottom line
Huawei Watch Fit SE (Special Edition) vs Band 8: Hardware
Design & display
The Huawei Band 8 and Huawei Watch FIT SE share a common design language. However, they exhibit slightly distinct characteristics in their look and feel, catering to different user preferences.
Both devices adopt a rectangular shape, a design choice that maximizes screen real estate and offers a modern, sleek appearance. The Huawei Band 8, with its dimensions of 44.35 x 26 x 8.99 mm, is notably the slimmer. Weighing just 14 grams without the strap, it is also the lighter option. This design makes it an ideal choice for users seeking an unobtrusive wearable.
In contrast, the Huawei Watch FIT SE is slightly larger and heavier. It measures 46 mm × 30 mm × 10.7 mm and weighs 21 grams without the strap, offering a more substantial presence on the wrist.
Despite being lightweight, both devices are constructed with durability in mind. The Band 8 utilizes skin-friendly TPU material, ensuring comfort during extended wear. Watch FIT SE is made from durable polymer materials, indicating a robust build quality suitable for active lifestyles.
Display, water-resistance, colour options
The display is a standout feature for both models. The Band 8 boasts an AMOLED coloured 2.5D display with a resolution of 194 x 368 pixels, providing clear and vibrant visuals. The Watch FIT SE steps up by offering a higher resolution of 456 × 280 pixels, which translates to crisper and more detailed imagery. The screen sizes are also different. The Band 8 features a 1.47-inch display and the Watch FIT SE a slightly larger 1.64-inch screen.
In terms of color options, the Band 8 offers a variety of choices. These include Emerald Green, Magic Night Black, Cherry Pink, and Vibrant Orange, allowing users to personalize their device to their style. The Watch FIT SE also has a few options. That device is available in Starry Black, Nebula Pink, and Forest Green, providing elegant and versatile options.
Both devices are equipped with a single side button, maintaining a minimalist and functional design. This button provides easy navigation and access to various features of the watches.
Regarding water resistance, both the Huawei Band 8 and the Watch FIT SE are rated at 5 ATM, making them suitable for swimming and other water-related activities. This adds to their versatility and appeal to active users.
Sensor technology
Diving into the sensor technology and connectivity features of the Huawei Band 8 and Huawei Watch FIT SE, we find a sophisticated blend of health monitoring and smart functionalities. Both devices are equipped with advanced sensors that track various health metrics.
The Huawei Band 8 features the Huawei TruSeen 5.0 sensor. It offers enhanced precision in monitoring heart rate and blood oxygen saturation, along with heart rate variability. This sensor represents an improvement over its predecessor, ensuring more accurate health data for users. The Watch FIT SE also includes the Huawei TruSeen 5.0, so has the same accuracy, with the added benefit of alerts for abnormal changes.
GPS connectivity is another highlight, with the Huawei Band 8 supporting Connected GPS, while the Watch FIT SE boasts a built-in GPS for precise movement tracking without the need for a phone. This feature is particularly beneficial for outdoor fitness enthusiasts who require accurate location tracking during their activities. Those with Band 8 will need to carry their smartphone with them when exercising outdoors if they want location data.
NFC capabilities differ between the two, with the Band 8 offering NFC support. The Watch FIT SE, however, does not include NFC functionality. This might be a consideration for users who prioritize contactless transactions.
Regarding music storage, neither the Huawei Band 8 nor the Watch FIT SE offers onboard music storage capabilities. However, they both support music playback control from a connected smartphone. Which adds a layer of convenience for users who like to control their music on the go.
Battery life
The Huawei Band 8 and Huawei Watch FIT SE both showcase impressive battery life. The first can keep going approximately two weeks under normal usage conditions. This endurance is particularly noteworthy considering the device’s array of features and its sleek form factor. In scenarios of heavier usage, the Band 8’s battery life is expected to last around nine days. Which is still excellent.
On the other hand, the Huawei Watch FIT SE, a special edition in Huawei’s wearable range, offers a slightly different battery performance. It provides up to 9 days of battery life with typical use. This falls to 6 days under heavy usage conditions. When the always-on-display feature is activated, the battery life further shortens to about 3 days.
Huawei Watch Fit SE (Special Edition) vs Band 8: Technical specs
Here’s a detailed tech specs comparison table for the Huawei Band 8 and Huawei Watch FIT SE:
|
Specification |
Huawei Band 8 |
Huawei Watch FIT SE |
|---|---|---|
|
Release Date |
April 2023 |
July 2023 |
|
Case Material |
Skin-friendly TPU material |
Durable polymer materials |
|
Number of Physical Buttons |
One side button |
One side button |
|
Shape |
Rectangular |
Rectangular |
|
Size |
44.35 x 26 x 8.99 mm |
46 mm × 30 mm × 10.7 mm |
|
Display Type |
AMOLED 2.5D display |
AMOLED |
|
Resolution |
194 x 368 pixels |
456 × 280 pixels |
|
Screen Size |
1.47 inch |
1.64 inches |
|
Weight (without strap) |
14 grams |
21 grams |
|
Sensors |
Accelerometer, gyroscope, blood oxygen saturation, heart rate |
Accelerometer, gyroscope, blood oxygen saturation, heart rate |
|
Water-Resistance |
5 ATM |
5 ATM |
|
Positioning |
Connected GPS |
Built-in GPS |
|
Built-in Speaker |
No |
No |
|
Microphone |
No |
No |
|
NFC |
China only |
No |
|
Music Storage |
No |
No |
|
Connection |
2.4 GHz, BT5.0, BLE |
2.4 GHz, supports BT5.2 and BR+BLE |
|
Cellular Connectivity |
No |
No |
|
Battery Type |
180mAh Li-po |
180mAh Li-po |
|
Battery Life |
14 days with normal use, 9 days with heavy use |
Up to 6 days with normal usage (9 days max usage, 3 days with OAD) |
|
Operating System |
HarmonyOS 2 |
HarmonyOS |
|
Colors |
Emerald Green, Magic Night Black, Cherry Pink, Vibrant Orange |
Starry Black, Nebula Pink, Forest Green |
|
Typical RRP |
$45 |
$100 |
Huawei Watch Fit SE (Special Edition) vs Band 8: Features
The Huawei Band 8 and Huawei Watch FIT SE are designed to cater to a broad spectrum of users. As mentioned, the Band 8, being lighter and slimmer, is particularly appealing to those who prioritize comfort and a more discreet wearable experience. The Watch FIT SE, with its slightly larger display and robust build, is geared towards users who prefer a more substantial device on their wrist.
Fitness and Health Tracking
Both devices excel in fitness and health tracking but offer some differences in their capabilities. The Huawei Band 8 is equipped with a variety of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, blood oxygen saturation, and heart rate monitor. These sensors enable the Band 8 to track a wide range of activities and provide detailed health insights. The Watch FIT SE gets these same sensors. But it stands out with its built-in GPS, which allows for more accurate tracking of outdoor activities like running and cycling.
Smartwatch Features
As for smartwatch-type features, both the Huawei Band 8 and Watch FIT SE offer connected functionalities such as notifications from a connected smartphone, camera remote control, and music playback control. However, they do not feature built-in speakers or microphones, focusing more on health and fitness tracking than on communication features.
Huawei Watch Fit SE (Special Edition) vs Band 8: Price
When it comes to pricing, the Huawei Band 8 and Huawei Watch FIT SE are positioned at different points in the market, reflecting their varying features and target audiences. The Huawei Band 8, with its more basic yet efficient feature set, is priced at a relatively affordable $45. This price point makes it an attractive option for those seeking a budget-friendly wearable that doesn’t compromise on essential health and fitness tracking capabilities.
In contrast, the Huawei Watch FIT SE, offering a more comprehensive range of features including a larger AMOLED display and built-in GPS, is priced higher at around $100. This price reflects its positioning as a more feature-rich option in Huawei’s wearable lineup, catering to users who are willing to invest more for enhanced functionalities.
Huawei Watch Fit SE (Special Edition) vs Band 8: Final thoughts
The Huawei Band 8 and Huawei Watch FIT SE represent two distinct approaches to wearable technology, each with its unique strengths. The Band 8, with its slim profile, lightweight design, and lower price point, is an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort and simplicity in a wearable device. It offers essential health and fitness tracking features, making it suitable for everyday use and basic fitness routines. The affordability of the Band 8 makes it accessible to a wider audience, including those new to the world of wearables.
On the other hand, the Huawei Watch FIT SE, with its larger display, robust build, and additional features like built-in GPS, caters to a more demanding user base. It’s ideal for those who require more detailed tracking and those who appreciate a more substantial watch on their wrist. The higher price of the Watch FIT SE is justified by its enhanced capabilities, making it a worthy investment for users seeking a more comprehensive wearable experience.
View on Huawei; View on Amazon (Watch Fit SE, Band 8).
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
