When comparing the satellite SMS features of the Huawei Watch Ultimate and Apple's offerings, several factors come into play, including reliability, technology used, and user experience.
Huawei Watch Ultimate
The Huawei Watch Ultimate is notable for being the first public smartwatch to support two-way Beidou satellite SMS. This feature allows users to send and receive messages via satellite when cellular networks are unavailable, making it particularly useful in emergency situations or remote areas. The watch uses the Beidou Navigation Satellite System, which is China's second-generation satellite system. Huawei's innovative design includes miniaturized RF modules and a suspended antenna to enhance signal transmission in a compact space[7].
In terms of reliability, the Huawei Watch Ultimate's satellite SMS feature has been praised for its ability to function effectively in low-network areas. However, the reliability can be affected by environmental conditions such as weather and terrain, which is common for satellite communication systems. The watch's design and technology aim to mitigate these challenges by providing a stable and efficient signal transmission[7].
Apple's Satellite SMS
Apple introduced satellite communication with the iPhone 14 series, allowing users to send emergency SOS messages via satellite. This feature uses Globalstar's satellite network and is designed to be fast and reliable under suitable conditions, with messages typically sent within 15 seconds[6]. However, Apple's satellite messaging is currently limited to emergency SOS messages and has not been extended to regular texting on Apple Watches until the upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 3, which will support satellite texting[5].
In terms of reliability, Apple's satellite messaging has shown mixed results. While it is generally effective in open environments, it can be less reliable than systems using Iridium satellites, such as those used by Garmin devices[2]. Additionally, Apple's service is free for two years, which may influence user adoption and reliance on the feature[8].
Comparison
**Reliability and Technology: Huawei's use of the Beidou system allows for two-way communication, which is more comprehensive than Apple's current one-way emergency SOS. However, Apple's system is designed for quick emergency responses and is integrated with intuitive software to facilitate message sending. In terms of overall reliability, both systems face challenges in environments with heavy tree cover or deep canyons, but Huawei's design innovations aim to improve signal stability.
**User Experience: Huawei's feature is more versatile, allowing for both sending and receiving messages, which can be crucial in non-emergency situations. Apple's focus on emergency SOS provides a straightforward and user-friendly experience for critical situations.
**Future Developments: The upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 3 will expand Apple's satellite capabilities to include regular texting, potentially closing the gap with Huawei's more comprehensive satellite messaging feature. Meanwhile, Huawei is developing the Watch Ultimate 2, which will also enhance satellite capabilities, including support for UWB and improved satellite SMS[1].
In summary, while both Huawei and Apple offer reliable satellite communication features, Huawei's two-way messaging capability provides more versatility. However, Apple's integration and user experience for emergency situations are well-regarded. The reliability of both systems can be affected by environmental factors, but Huawei's technological innovations aim to enhance signal stability.
Citations:
[1] https://www.huaweicentral.com/huawei-certifies-watch-ultimate-2-with-uwb-and-satellite-sms-support/
[2] https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/testing-the-iphone-satellite-mesenger/
[3] https://www.techradar.com/reviews/huawei-watch-ultimate
[4] https://www.phonearena.com/reviews/huawei-watch-ultimate-review_id5760
[5] https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-watch-ultra-3-will-support-texting-via-satellite.2445054/
[6] https://www.huaweicentral.com/apple-competes-with-huawei-for-satellite-communication-the-feature-is-free-for-two-years/
[7] https://www.vopmart.com/blog/post/Huawei-Watch-Ultimate-Review
[8] https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/personal-locator-beacon/iphone-satellite-messaging
[9] https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidphelan/2023/05/25/forget-apple-watch-huawei-watch-ultimate-beats-apple-to-game-changing-new-features/