The Huawei Watch Ultimate is equipped with a dual-band multi-system GNSS, allowing it to receive signals from five different satellite systems (GPS L1/L5, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo E1/E5a, and QZSS L1/L5). This setup enhances its positioning accuracy, making it comparable to other high-end smartwatches like the Garmin Fenix series and the Apple Watch Ultra.
Accuracy and Performance:
- Huawei Watch Ultimate: Generally, the Huawei Watch Ultimate offers excellent GNSS accuracy, with some reviews noting it performs on par with Garmin devices like the Fenix 7X[1]. However, there are instances where it takes longer to acquire a GPS signal, which can be inconsistent[3][7].
- Garmin Watches: Garmin devices, such as the Forerunner series, are known for their high GPS accuracy, often considered among the best in the market. They also use dual-frequency GNSS systems, which can improve performance in challenging environments[8].
- Apple Watch Ultra: The Apple Watch Ultra features dual-frequency GNSS as well, providing strong GPS accuracy. It also includes additional features like satellite communication, which is not available on the Huawei Watch Ultimate outside of certain markets[6].
Environmental Factors:
- GPS accuracy can be affected by environmental conditions such as cloud cover and urban canyons. However, the difference in accuracy between clear skies and overcast conditions is typically minimal[2]. The Huawei Watch Ultimate's ability to use multiple satellite systems helps mitigate these issues.
Expedition Mode:
- The Huawei Watch Ultimate's Expedition mode is designed for outdoor enthusiasts, offering features like waypoint marking and reduced power consumption while maintaining GPS tracking. This mode is beneficial for long hikes or trail runs but may compromise on the best GPS accuracy for extended battery life[6][7].
Overall, the Huawei Watch Ultimate offers strong GNSS accuracy, comparable to other top-tier smartwatches, but may occasionally struggle with signal acquisition. Its features are well-suited for outdoor activities, making it a solid choice for adventurers.
Citations:
[1] https://www.t3.com/reviews/huawei-watch-ultimate-review
[2] http://fellrnr.com/wiki/GPS_Accuracy
[3] https://www.androidauthority.com/huawei-watch-ultimate-review-3335995/
[4] https://www.techradar.com/reviews/huawei-watch-ultimate
[5] https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2024/07/samsung-galaxy-watch-ultra-finally-accurate.html
[6] https://root-nation.com/en/gadgets-en/wearables-en/en-huawei-watch-ultimate-review/
[7] https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/huawei-watch-ultimate
[8] https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2024/02/forerunner-differences-comparison.html
[9] https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/smartwatches/1418577/huawei-watch-ultimate-review