The Huawei Watch Ultimate, despite its premium features and robust build, has several common complaints that users and reviewers have highlighted. Here are some of the key issues:
1. Heart Rate Monitoring Accuracy: One of the significant complaints is the poor accuracy of the heart rate monitor during exercise. Tests have shown that the watch can have a significant deviation from actual heart rates, making it unreliable for serious fitness tracking. Users are often advised to use a third-party Bluetooth chest strap for more accurate readings[4].
2. GPS Performance: While the watch boasts a dual-band, five-satellite GPS system, it occasionally struggles to lock onto a location quickly. This can lead to inconsistent GPS tracking during activities, sometimes failing to record data for parts of a workout[9]. Users are advised to wait for the GPS to lock before starting an activity.
3. Limited Features and No LTE Option: The watch lacks built-in mapping capabilities and does not support LTE connectivity, requiring users to stay connected to their phone for internet access. This limitation is particularly frustrating given the watch's premium price point[6][7]. Additionally, there is no facility for installing third-party apps, which restricts its extensibility compared to competitors like Apple or Garmin[4].
4. Golf Functionality Issues: Some users have reported issues with the golf features, including bezel twisting and navigating through screens unintentionally during play. This has been particularly disappointing for those who purchased the watch specifically for golfing[1].
5. Notification and Voice Guidance: The default loud voice guidance during workouts can be embarrassing and annoying. Users have to manually adjust settings to lower the volume or disable notifications, which can be inconvenient[3][6].
6. Expensive with Limited Value: The Huawei Watch Ultimate is priced similarly to top-tier smartwatches like the Apple Watch Ultra, but some users feel it does not offer enough value for the cost. The lack of features like NFC payment and LTE connectivity makes it less appealing compared to other options available in the market[7].
7. Inconsistent Software Support: There have been reports of inconsistent software updates across different models, with some variants receiving better support than others. This has led to frustration among users who feel they are not getting the full potential out of their device[1].
Citations:
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/Huawei/comments/1ieqprw/very_disappointed_with_the_ultimate_watch/
[2] https://www.t3.com/reviews/huawei-watch-ultimate-review
[3] https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/huawei-watch-ultimate-best-smartwatch-you-have-not-heard-of/
[4] https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/smartwatches/1418577/huawei-watch-ultimate-review
[5] https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_watch_ultimate_review-news-58259.php
[6] https://www.androidheadlines.com/huawei-watch-ultimate-review
[7] https://www.techradar.com/reviews/huawei-watch-ultimate
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o19hz8AfMt0
[9] https://www.androidauthority.com/huawei-watch-ultimate-review-3335995/