Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartwatches Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v3.0

Huawei Watch 2 Classic review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£260Screen size:1.20 inchBattery life:2 daysDisplay type:AMOLED

Huawei Watch 2 Classic Review: Compare 127 technical specifications and 10 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Huawei Watch 2 Classic
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

35%

6.7

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

6.7

Reviews score

10%

6.7

Sentiment score

â–¼Worse than 52% of smartwatches
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 62%
6.7

Technical score

Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

24%

4.7

Health

21%

9.8

Fitness

16%

3.8

Battery

14%

7.7

Smart features

12%

7.8

Connectivity

9%

7.0

Display & Design

4%

6.0

Hardware

â–²Better than 57%
6.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10

6.7

Mark 7.7 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.7

Average grade

20%

7.3

Popularity

Grades by review (10)
5 reviews + 5 videos, average 7.6/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 61%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet

What reviewers say about the Huawei Watch 2 Classic

Based on 3 · 6

Reviewers love the straps and mostly like the design and battery, but the fiddly controls draw near-universal complaints.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Huawei Watch 2 Classic

Technical score
Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

24%

4.7

Health

21%

9.8

Fitness

16%

3.8

Battery

14%

7.7

Smart features

12%

7.8

Connectivity

9%

7.0

Display & Design

4%

6.0

Hardware

6.7
Reviews score
6.7
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

7.6
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 9.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 69.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 18.2% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
no
This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
HRV tracking
?
Show more
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.5% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 46.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 28.9% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
yes
This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor. 67.2% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 3.7% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
Battery life
2 days
This smartwatch lasts 2 days on a charge, which is shorter than 81.2% of Smartwatches and the same as 4.4% of Smartwatches.
Up to 7 days in low power.
Battery life in training mode
10 h
This smartwatch records workouts for 10 h on a charge, which is shorter than 69% of Smartwatches and the same as 4% of Smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
10 h
This smartwatch lasts 10 h with GPS on, which is shorter than 76% of Smartwatches and the same as 4.7% of Smartwatches.
Battery power
420 mAh
This smartwatch has a 420 mAh battery, which is larger than 75.4% of Smartwatches and the same as 1.5% of Smartwatches.
Charge time
103 min
This smartwatch charges from empty in 103 min, which is quicker than 62.3% of Smartwatches.
Approximate value from reported charging range: 103 minutes.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Wear OS
This smartwatch runs Wear OS, which is more advanced than the system in 80.1% of Smartwatches and equal to 15.8% of Smartwatches.
OS detail: Wear OS (2).
Software update frequency
occasional
This smartwatch has occasional software update support which is more active than that of 54% of smartwatches and equal to that of 40.2% of smartwatches.
Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
Third-party app support
yes
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 48.5% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 30.8% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 16.7% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
yes
This smartwatch supports GPS. 40.3% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 56.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Dual-frequency GPS
no
This smartwatch does not support dual-frequency GPS. 15.1% of Smartwatches offer this.
Show more
Screen size
1.2 inch
This smartwatch has a 1.2 inch screen, which is smaller than 84.6% of Smartwatches and the same as 8.1% of Smartwatches.
Display type
AMOLED
This smartwatch uses AMOLED, which is more advanced than the screen in 46.9% of Smartwatches and equal to 53.1% of Smartwatches.
Resolution
390x 390
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 390x390 which is higher than that of 56.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
460 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 460 ppi, which is higher than 80.1% of Smartwatches and equal to 4.8% of Smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
4x 1.1 GHz
This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 4x1.1 GHz which is faster than that in 82.6% of smartwatches and equal to that in 2.3% of smartwatches.
Derived from core-count and per-core clock notation
Processor model
Snapdragon Wear 2100
This smartwatch uses the Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor model.
RAM
0.75 GB
This smartwatch has 0.75 GB of RAM, which is less than 67.7% of Smartwatches and equal to 3.6% of Smartwatches.
Internal storage
4 GB
This smartwatch has 4 GB of internal storage, which is more than 39.8% of Smartwatches and equal to 25.5% of Smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Huawei Watch 2 Classic vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Wear OS vs Proprietary OS).
    OS detail: Wear OS (2).
    Wear OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 34.4% of smartwatches support maps.
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • More frequent updates
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
    occasional vs ended
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 46.6% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Cadence tracking
    This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 32.9% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
    Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.5% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 46.6% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Cadence tracking
    This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 32.9% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
    Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
  • 17 min quicker charging
    This smartwatch charges faster than the average smartwatch (103 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch takes 120 min to charge from empty.
    Approximate value from reported charging range: 103 minutes.
    103 min vs 120 min
  • 115 mAh larger battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a larger battery than the average smartwatch (420 mAh vs 305 mAh). The average smartwatch has a 305 mAh battery.
    420 mAh vs 305 mAh
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 34.4% of smartwatches support maps.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.5% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Galileo satellite support
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 43.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass vs mineral glass
  • 134 ppi sharper screen
    This smartwatch has a sharper screen than the average smartwatch (460 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi.
    460 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • Better band material
    This smartwatch uses silicone, leather for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    silicone, leather vs silicone
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel, plastic for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    316L stainless steel case
    stainless steel, plastic vs polycarbonate
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Wear OS vs Proprietary OS).
    OS detail: Wear OS (2).
    Wear OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • More frequent updates
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
    occasional vs ended
  • Faster CPU speed
    This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 4x1.1 GHz, while the average smartwatch uses 1 GHz.
    Derived from core-count and per-core clock notation
    4x1.1 GHz vs 1 GHz
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 69.6% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • 49 m shallower water rating
    This smartwatch is rated for shallower water than the average smartwatch (1 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch is rated to 50 m.
    Based on IP immersion rating (controlled lab conditions, not a swim/diving certification).
    1 m vs 50 m
  • No cycle tracking
    This smartwatch does not support menstrual cycle tracking, the average smartwatch does. 66.8% of smartwatches support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • 11 h shorter GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time with GPS on than the average smartwatch (10 h vs 21 h). The average smartwatch lasts 21 h with GPS on.
    10 h vs 21 h
  • No call answering
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 60% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • 5 days shorter battery life
    This smartwatch runs for less time per charge than the average smartwatch (2 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    Up to 7 days in low power.
    2 days vs 7 days
  • 10 h shorter training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time in training mode than the average smartwatch (10 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h in training mode.
    10 h vs 20 h
  • 2.36x more expensive
    Huawei Watch 2 Classic is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£260 vs £110).
    £260 vs £110
  • 10.7% lower sentiment score
    6.7 vs 7.5
  • 4.3% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    6.7

    Mark 7.7 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.7

    Average grade

    20%

    7.3

    Popularity

    Grades by review (10)
    5 reviews + 5 videos, average 7.6/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.7 vs 7.0
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 69.6% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • No cycle tracking
    This smartwatch does not support menstrual cycle tracking, the average smartwatch does. 66.8% of smartwatches support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • 4 years older
    This smartwatch was released earlier than the average smartwatch (2017 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    May 2017
    2017 vs 2021
  • 82 fewer exercise types
    This smartwatch includes fewer exercise types than the average smartwatch (8 vs 90). The average smartwatch includes 90 exercise types.
    8 vs 90
  • 11 h shorter GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time with GPS on than the average smartwatch (10 h vs 21 h). The average smartwatch lasts 21 h with GPS on.
    10 h vs 21 h
  • 5 days shorter battery life
    This smartwatch runs for less time per charge than the average smartwatch (2 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    Up to 7 days in low power.
    2 days vs 7 days
  • 10 h shorter training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time in training mode than the average smartwatch (10 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h in training mode.
    10 h vs 20 h
  • Less current Bluetooth version
    This smartwatch uses a less current Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4.1 vs 5).
    4.1 vs 5
  • 49 m shallower water rating
    This smartwatch is rated for shallower water than the average smartwatch (1 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch is rated to 50 m.
    Based on IP immersion rating (controlled lab conditions, not a swim/diving certification).
    1 m vs 50 m
  • 0.2 inch smaller display
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen than the average smartwatch (1.2 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    1.2 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • 0.9 mm thicker
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (12.6 mm vs 11.7 mm). The average smartwatch is 11.7 mm thick.
    12.6 mm vs 11.7 mm
  • 3.9 mm taller case
    This smartwatch has a taller case than the average smartwatch (48.9 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch is 45 mm tall.
    48.9 mm vs 45 mm
  • No call answering
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 60% of smartwatches support call answering.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Jabber Tech
≈ estimated
30/01/2018
Long-term test · about a month of daily use
Verdict
Huawei Watch 2 Classic is comfortable and slim with useful health tracking, though its light feel may disappoint some buyers.
8.0
Jabber Tech
≈ estimated
10/01/2018
First impressions · first few days of ownership
Verdict
Huawei Watch 2 Classic is promising for running and style, but plastic branding, a less scratch-resistant bezel and a magnetic charger are letdowns.
9.0
Dr Earbuds
≈ estimated
04/07/2017
Hands-on review · strap, screen, calls and notifications
Verdict
Huawei Watch 2 Classic is a stylish, premium-feeling watch and a clear recommendation, though its built-in watch faces are limited.
8.0
Pocketnow
≈ estimated
03/07/2017
Long-term test · almost a month of daily use
Verdict
Huawei Watch 2 Classic is an elegant everyday smartwatch and one of the best for Android Wear, though it isn't cheap.
5.0
Flossy Carter
≈ estimated
05/06/2017
First impressions · unboxing and first look
Verdict
Huawei Watch 2 Classic did not blow the reviewer away and is hard to recommend at this price; a full week test is promised.
9.0
Dr Earbuds
≈ estimated
21/05/2017
Unboxing · first impressions of design and strap
Verdict
Huawei Watch 2 Classic has an attractive titanium design and comfortable strap, earning a clear recommendation on first impressions.
8.0
BASIC thinking
≈ estimated
27/02/2017
First look · MWC hands-on preview
Verdict
Huawei Watch 2 Classic feels a bit more premium thanks to its solid metal build and bright display.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Brand video
Brand video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
wareable.com
≈ estimated
26/02/2017
Hands-on preview · Stainless steel watch
Verdict
The Huawei Watch 2 Classic is a dressier steel version of the Watch 2 with the same payments and GPS, but it is large and has no 4G.
7.0
lifeswire.de
≈ estimated
05/09/2024
Full test · Classic smartwatch
Verdict
The Huawei Watch 2 Classic is a handsome steel watch with a week-long watch mode, but it does not stand out among Android Wear 2.0 rivals.
7.8
objet-connecte.info
✓ explicit
28/05/2021
Short test · Classic smartwatch
Verdict
The Huawei Watch 2 Classic is an elegant watch with a very bright screen and solid build, but its bezel cannot be turned to navigate.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Huawei Watch 2 Classic

  • Premium design with a stainless steel body and ceramic bezel that looks like a traditional watch
  • Excellent AMOLED display that is bright, sharp, and easy to read even in direct sunlight
  • Comprehensive suite of built-in sensors including GPS, NFC for mobile payments, and a heart rate monitor
  • Comfortable hybrid strap featuring leather on the outside and breathable rubber on the inside
  • Solid battery life that typically lasts 1.5 to 2 days, with an ultra-saving mode for extended use
  • Highly durable construction that resists scratches and accidental bumps

What customers don't like about Huawei Watch 2 Classic

  • Smaller screen size (1.2 inches) compared to the original model, which can make some UI elements feel cramped
  • Occasional software sluggishness or lag, particularly when launching heavy apps like Google Assistant
  • Lack of rotational input (rotating crown or bezel), making navigation through lists more difficult
  • Heart rate monitoring and GPS accuracy can sometimes be inconsistent during high-intensity exercise
  • Bulky and thick design (12.6mm) that may not suit smaller wrists or formal sleeves
  • Limited functionality and connectivity issues when paired with iOS devices

Verdict

The Huawei Watch 2 Classic is a premium Wear OS smartwatch featuring a 1.2-inch circular AMOLED display (390x390 resolution) protected by Gorilla Glass, a stainless steel 316L frame, and a leather-hybrid strap. Powered by the Snapdragon Wear 2100 chipset with 768MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, it includes a 420mAh battery offering up to 2 days of normal use and a 'Watch Mode' that can extend basic timekeeping up to 25 days. Main characteristics include built-in GPS, continuous heart rate monitoring, NFC for mobile payments, and IP68 water and dust resistance. Pros include its elegant traditional design, a comprehensive suite of fitness sensors, and a loud, clear built-in speaker for calls. However, notable cons include a relatively small screen size compared to its predecessor, a lack of LTE connectivity (unlike the Sport model), and occasional performance sluggishness or software lag.

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