Huawei Watch D3 hands-on: Huawei’s strangest smartwatch might be its smartest

The Huawei Watch D3 is a smartwatch that stands out from the competition due to its focus on cardiovascular health. Unlike other smartwatches that primarily track steps, sleep, and heart rate, the Watch D3 includes an inflatable cuff built into the strap to provide pressure-based blood pressure measurements. This unique feature sets it apart from other smartwatches like the Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch.

The Watch D3 has a smaller and more comfortable design, with a reduced thickness of 11.4mm compared to its predecessor. This makes it easier to wear overnight, which is essential for continuous health monitoring. The larger 1.92-inch display enhances readability of various health metrics, including blood-pressure readings.

A notable advantage of the Watch D3 is its ability to record blood pressure before and after exercise, as well as during specific situations like sudden temperature changes or high altitude. This provides a more comprehensive view of an individual's cardiovascular health compared to other smartwatches that rely on heart rate, heart-rate variability, and sleep data.

However, the Watch D3 has some limitations. It carries an IP68 rating, but it is not designed for prolonged water exposure, diving, or hot showers. Additionally, it offers fewer sports modes and faces significant water restrictions compared to other smartwatches. Despite these compromises, the Watch D3 is targeted towards individuals who prioritize cardiovascular health, such as those managing hypertension or adults aged 40 and above.

During a preview at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress in Munich, the D3 received positive interest from cardiology professionals. Huawei's CE-MDR certification in the EU covers single blood-pressure measurements, ambulatory blood-pressure monitoring, and measurements before and after exercise, making the D3 a more specialized and potentially valuable smartwatch for its target audience.

The author's initial impressions are positive, but further evaluation is needed to assess the device's long-term usefulness in terms of accuracy, battery life, and habit formation.