Review and Buying Guide: Huawei Watch Ultimate 2

Introduction

The new watch by Huawei, called the Watch Ultimate 2, is a huge step in the world of smartwatches. Released in September 2025, the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 offers luxurious design, innovative features, such as underwater communications using sonar technology, and advanced health tracking technology all in one product. At its price point of around €899 ($1,175), it becomes one of the most advanced and high-quality watches on the market.
Contrary to ordinary smartwatches made for regular people, the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 is a high-end smartwatch built specifically for professional athletes, diving enthusiasts, adventurers, and other individuals requiring durability along with innovative technology. This detailed review provides insight into the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 to help you understand whether it is the perfect fit for you.

Design and Build Quality: High-Quality Engineering

Materials and Durability

The Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 utilizes a liquid metal made out of zirconium alloy, which is 8.7 times more corrosion-resistant compared to its predecessor. Such an unusual selection of materials makes the device look much better than a standard smartwatch and makes it more like a luxury mechanical watch.
The size of the watch body is 48.5 mm in diameter for the black version and 47.5 mm for the blue one, meaning that both are quite bulky models. Moreover, the Watch Ultimate 2 has a nanocrystalline ceramic bezel and sapphire crystal. These materials are usually utilized by companies manufacturing luxury dive watches or timepieces. For example, the sapphire crystal is rated 9 on the Mohs scale, making it extremely durable (right after diamonds).
The octagonal case design gives the impression of high stability, while the nanocrystalline ceramic bezel and sapphire crystal contribute to the overall sturdy appearance of the product. However, despite the weight of around 80 grams without a band, it looks luxurious when worn.

Display Technology

The 1.5 inches AMOLED screen is able to produce as much as 3,500 nits, which is the highest figure for any smartwatch currently in use. This high brightness makes sure that it does not have issues with being visible in broad daylight where most smartwatches become washed out. The screen uses the LTPO 2.0 technology, which gives it variable refresh rates in order to conserve power.
With the resolution of 466×466 pixels coupled with the curvature of the screen’s glass, the smartwatch looks premium overall. There is more than one watch face option to be selected – both analog and digital variants.

Hardware Specifications

Processor and Performance

The Watch Ultimate 2 uses HarmonyOS 5.1, which is Huawei’s operating system. The device is equipped with 4GB of RAM and ample internal memory space for storing apps, maps, and songs. The AI noise cancellation feature operates effectively when making phone calls, and the performance is consistently great due to all its capabilities.
The physical crown allows you to navigate accurately between menus, alongside two other buttons that enable quick access to frequently used features. The top left button can be programmed to open up dive mode, expedition mode, golf mode, and emergency features, while the bottom right button gives access to three other shortcut features.

Battery and Charging

According to Huawei, users can get up to 4.5 days of battery autonomy on Android OS, 3.5 days on iOS, and up to 11 days under lighter modes of use. The 867mAh battery is rather large for a wearable device, which allows enjoying decent battery life and continuous health monitoring at the same time.
Wireless fast charging is available with this model, allowing getting full charge in around 45 minutes. Such technology allows avoiding proprietary cables when traveling or commuting.

Connectivity

The Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 has a built-in eSIM for independent connectivity without needing a phone in your pocket. The Wi-Fi 6 standard allows fast data transfer, and dual-frequency GNSS with five systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS) gives precise localization under any circumstances.

Unique Attributes

Sonar Underwater Communication Technology

One of the most revolutionary attributes of the Watch Ultimate 2 is the technology of sonar-based underwater communication. Using sonar-style waves, two devices can send out programmed texts at depths of up to 30m, while an SOS function could operate at about 60m. It provides the world-first ability for smartwatches and allows divers to communicate via pre-programmed text messages underwater.
It works based on the integrated sonar units embedded in the watches which make use of sound waves to transfer the text messages. Although the function is only able to send out the text message presets and an SOS signal, the feature serves a real safety purpose.

X-TAP Sensor Technology

By pressing their finger against the device, users have access to accurate measures of heart rate, SpO₂, ECG, HRV, and arterial stiffness. With one simple cough, the user is able to measure respiratory stats. The unique sensor is located between the rotating crown and the right button; it allows for quick measurements by using one motion only.
Using the X-TAP technology, it’s possible to show up to 11 vital measures at once thanks to the connection to Huawei Health. This feature makes wellness checks fast yet reliable due to medical-level precision provided.

Diving and Other Water Activities

Rated to a maximum depth of 150 meters (20 ATM), the watch has ISO 22810 and EN 13319 certifications which were designed originally for professional dive equipment. The high level of protection enables the device to serve not only as a regular water-resistant smartwatch but as a professional dive computer.
The smartwatch supports all dive modes including freedive, recreational, and technical dives. It uses the Bühlmann ZHL-16C algorithm and provides decompression calculations based on the gradient factor. Such important parameters as depth, time, speed, NDL, and PO2 can be seen on the device screen.

Expedition Mode and Navigation Features

In Expedition mode, routes can be imported, maps can be color-coded offline maps downloaded beforehand, and waypoints are possible. The updated design of the antenna, operating on two GNSS frequencies, makes the accuracy of GPS positioning incredibly high in any weather conditions. Battery power of 40 hours makes long hikes possible.
The watch will give altitude alerts above 2,500 meters to help adventure seekers detect potential altitude sickness. Marking waypoints and route back navigation allows retracing steps in case conditions become worse.

Performance Tracking in Golf Mode

In the golf mode, the device uses ball-strike detection capabilities combined with advanced performance tracking of backswing range, swing plane, speed, and tempo. Golfers may change clubs and receive performance tracking for every club used.

Health & Fitness Tracking

In addition to the X-TAP sensor, the smartwatch also features continuous heart rate monitoring, SpO2 level monitoring, sleep monitoring with sleep apnea detection, stress monitoring, and body temperature monitoring. All health data is then analyzed by TruSense and presented in actionable insights via the smartwatch itself.

Performance and Usability

Software Experience

The software itself, called HarmonyOS, runs swiftly and is extremely neatly arranged and surprisingly compatible with iPhones and Android devices. The use of text along with icons made the task of finding a particular function much more efficient.
The design does not get overloaded with menus despite having plenty of functions, which makes using various gestures, voice control, or even the rotating crown available for navigating around. Streaming music from the device will allow listening to tunes without the phone connected.

Comfort for Daily Use

One crucial thing to be considered here is the dimensions of the watch itself. Almost 48mm across the face and weighing 80 grams without the strap means that this piece cannot go unnoticed. This watch is simply too big to be comfortable during all types of sports activities.
It would definitely look odd wearing it running or even swimming, let alone training in the gym. Casual wearers interested in getting a subtle fitness tracker might find it quite unwieldy. But adventure seekers and outdoor professionals will surely appreciate it for its build and high quality.

Straps Choices

There are two types of straps to choose from, fluoroelastomer straps which come standard with the watch and titanium straps which are more aesthetically pleasing but come at an extra cost. Of course, an extra long strap has been provided especially for use when wearing a wetsuit.

Compatibility and Ecosystem

Multi-Platform Support

The device operates independently without a smartphone, allowing users to make calls, listen to music, navigate, and make payments using NFC technology directly from the watch itself. Although the eSIM feature enables independent operation, the watch remains compatible with smartphones running either Android or iOS operating systems.
Despite offering fewer third-party applications than its competitors, the HarmonyOS ecosystem offers applications related to navigation, fitness, and communication, which makes the watch attractive to consumers who prioritize health and fitness management. The device is integrated with AppGallery, where users can download apps directly.

Price Positioning

The launch price of the Ultimate 2 is high, costing £899 ($1,175) for the blue version and £799 ($1,057) for the black model. The titanium strap adds €100 to the cost of the high-end model, resulting in a total cost of about €999.
The Watch Ultimate 2 competes in the ultra-premium smartwatch segment and directly challenges Apple’s Ultra models and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra.

Target Users and Scenarios

The Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 is specifically targeted at certain users rather than being a general device that tries to suit everyone. Potential buyers will include:

• Professional Divers: The sonar communication and dive computer functions meet the real-world requirements of professional divers.
• Mountaineers / Outdoor Sportsmen: The expedition mode, altitude monitoring capabilities, and long battery life cater to mountaineers and outdoor sportspersons.
• Professional Sportsmen/Professional Athletes: The training and advanced activity tracking make sense to professional athletes.
• Watch Collectors: Those interested in luxury watches will like the quality materials used in crafting the watch.
• Golfers: Swing analysis features will be valued by golfers.

Whereas the Watch Ultimate 2 is not suited for those looking for:

• Minimalist or low-key wearables
• A wide variety of apps from third parties
• Small or light devices
• Budget models

Strengths and Weaknesses

Main Strengths

• Cutting-edge Technology: Underwater communication by means of sonar is unique to the smartwatch market
• High-end Construction: The materials used and build quality are genuinely luxurious
• Excellent Display: 3,500 nits of brightness and LTPO 2.0 make for a great display
• Reliable Battery Performance: 4.5 days is sufficient battery life and justifies its high cost
• Robust Health Analysis: An X-TAP sensor provides useful health information
• Professional Applications: Diving computer capabilities and expedition tools for professional use

Notable Drawbacks

• Bulkiness: 47.95mm wide and weighing 80 grams
• App Availability: Lesser selection of apps by third parties than other devices
• Exclusive Features: Most of the advanced features are suitable only for specialized segments
• Consent Pop-ups: Huawei insists on obtaining user consent for each feature individually
• Cost: Priced high; not affordable to all segments of society

Explore More : NoiseFit Pro 6R: AMOLED Round Dial Smartwatch Review (2026)

Conclusion

The Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 can be rightfully considered an innovation in smartwatch technology, as it is equipped with underwater sonar communication, advanced functions of a dive computer, and other features designed specifically for adventurers and professionals. Thanks to the high-quality build, excellent screen resolution, and impressive battery capacity, it can definitely compete against premium smartwatches on the market.
Nevertheless, this device should not be considered a universal gadget since it has certain disadvantages and drawbacks that should be accounted for. For example, the bulky design, specialized functions, and high price tag make it unsuitable for people looking for something else. This smartwatch will definitely prove helpful to those people who spend their time exploring extreme environments, including diving, mountain hiking, and participating in professional sports activities.

Warning: The specifications and functions provided above are correct as of May 2026. Prices differ per geographic location. Please confirm that the product is available in your area before making any purchase decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 daily?

A: Although the watch operates perfectly on an everyday basis with its great health monitoring capabilities and notifications, it is quite chunky to be used during workouts as the big 48mm casing does not sit comfortably on small wrists. If you enjoy minimalistic light smartwatches, this watch will not fit your preference.

Q2: Is there something else to offer other than the diving feature?

A: Indeed, although diving is the main feature of the watch, it offers outstanding benefits for adventurous people. It has great expedition mode, professional-level GPS system, health monitoring, and golfing tracking features that make this watch very useful. With its high-quality construction, brilliant display screen, and long battery life, it meets everyone’s expectations.

Q3: How is X-TAP sensor different from the typical fitness tracking tools?

A: X-TAP sensor works in tandem with Huawei’s TruSense platform to give a one-minute health status summary. Confirmable metrics are accurate in comparison to standard devices, including finger pulse oximeters and heart rate monitor chest straps. This invention is all about convenience and efficiency and not accuracy as such.

Q4: How much battery life does it have in practical terms?

A: Huawei says 4.5 days on Android with average usage and 3.5 days with iOS. I’ve personally tested the watch with these results and saw that it is realistic for a medium level of daily activity and notifications enabled. Battery saver mode can help to get to 11 days with low usage. Fast wireless charge will recharge your battery when you are working and sleeping.

Q5: Will the underwater sonar really work to communicate with the watch?

A: Yes, it works as it supposed to be according to the specifications. Two Watch Ultimate 2 devices can send preset messages to each other down to 30 meters depth with SOS relay working till 60 meters. It works only with two watches worn by two persons, as it can’t recognize other objects under the water and the message will only be one of pre-set messages, not written ones. In practice, it’s a good safety gadget.

Q6: Does it connect with iPhone?

A: The watch can connect with either phone – the battery will last 3.5 days compared with 4.5 days on Android phone. But it requires specific carrier for eSIM features.