The Huawei Watch Ultimate and the Garmin Forerunner 55 have distinct battery life profiles, especially in GPS mode.
Huawei Watch Ultimate
The Huawei Watch Ultimate is designed for extended use, with a battery that can last up to two weeks in smartwatch mode under normal conditions. However, when using GPS regularly, the battery life is reduced. In Expedition mode, which includes GPS, the watch's battery drains very slowly. For example, during a 4-hour hike with a 4300-foot climb, the battery lost only about 6-7% of its charge[7]. This mode is particularly efficient for long outdoor activities, making it suitable for marathons or long hikes.
In general GPS mode, the watch's battery life is not explicitly stated for continuous GPS use, but it is designed to handle extensive activities like marathons or long-distance cycling, suggesting a robust performance in GPS mode[4].
Garmin Forerunner 55
The Garmin Forerunner 55 offers a GPS mode that lasts approximately 20 hours on a single charge[8]. This is typical for many Garmin watches, which are designed for runners and athletes who need reliable GPS tracking during workouts. The Forerunner 55 is not as focused on long-term battery life as some other Garmin models, such as the Fenix or Enduro series, which can last much longer with GPS enabled[9].
In general use without continuous GPS, the Forerunner 55 can last up to two weeks, similar to other Garmin models. However, some users have reported issues with excessive battery drain, which may be due to hardware or software issues[2][5].
Comparison
In GPS mode, the Garmin Forerunner 55 provides a straightforward 20 hours of continuous use, which is suitable for most running and training sessions. In contrast, the Huawei Watch Ultimate offers a more flexible battery life that can handle extended GPS use efficiently, especially in Expedition mode, though the exact continuous GPS life is not specified. The Huawei Watch Ultimate is designed for longer, more varied outdoor activities, while the Forerunner 55 is optimized for runners and athletes needing precise GPS tracking during workouts.
Citations:
[1] https://www.techradar.com/reviews/huawei-watch-ultimate
[2] https://forums.garmin.com/sports-fitness/running-multisport/f/forerunner-55-series/268535/forerunner-55-battery-drain-issue
[3] https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2023/11/suunto-amoled-review.html
[4] https://root-nation.com/en/gadgets-en/wearables-en/en-huawei-watch-ultimate-design-review/
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/GarminWatches/comments/1cciitr/forerunner_55_battery_life_less_than_24_hours/
[6] https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/gear/tech/a46645527/apple-watch-vs-garmin/
[7] https://www.phonearena.com/reviews/huawei-watch-ultimate-review_id5760
[8] https://www.runningshoesguru.com/gps/garmin-forerunner-55-review/
[9] https://www.androidcentral.com/best-garmin-smartwatch
[10] https://www.reddit.com/r/GarminWatches/comments/1crkljx/why_shouldnt_i_buy_a_forerunner_55_in_2024/