In addition to launching the Magic 6 Final smartphone and RSR Porsche Design mannequin, Honor has unveiled two new wearables at its large occasion in China.
Probably the most attention-grabbing is the Watch GS 4, which comes with upgrades that tackle two of our greatest gripes with its predecessor. The agency additionally introduced the Honor Band 9, which we’ll speak about in additional element later.
In our Honor Watch GS 3 overview again in 2022, we have been disillusioned with the dearth of NFC and assist for iOS gadgets, however these are each mounted on the GS 4.
It’s suitable with gadgets working iOS 11 or later (and Android 9 or later) and may be capable of make contactless funds with the addition of the NFC chip. Nevertheless, we’ll have to attend to see if it involves the UK, and which banks assist it, with no signal of Google Pay.
It’s additionally unclear whether or not any third-party can be accessible on the smartwatch, attributable to it utilizing Honor’s proprietary working system somewhat than Put on OS.
Elsewhere, the Watch GS 4 packs some spectacular specs and options, together with a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with 466×466 decision (326ppi), which is housed in a 316L chrome steel case.
There are three colors accessible: Starry Sky Exploration, Galaxy Shuttle, and Jasper Astrolabe (names translated from Chinese language) with the latter having a gold-plated case. They’re all 10.5mm thick with two buttons on the best and a 5ATM waterproof ranking.
You additionally get spectacular battery life claims, with its 14 days seeking to rival the Xiaomi Watch S3 introduced at MWC. Different {hardware} specs embody Bluetooth 5.0, 4GB of storage, built-in microphone and speaker, dual-band antenna and a coronary heart fee monitor.
The watch may also observe your sleep, and stress, measure your blood strain ranges and detect atrial fibrillation. It helps greater than 100 sports activities modes.
Accessible in China now, the Honor Watch GS 4 prices between CNY999 (£110/$140) and CNY1,199 (£130/$165) relying on which mannequin you select. These transformed figures are not often correct with regards to European pricing, thought.
We hope to see it get a world launch, together with the UK, quickly.
Honor Band 9
Satisfying that ever-present want for an possibility within the finances health tracker market is the Honor Band 9, the newest in an extended line of low cost bands.
This 12 months’s mannequin comes with a 1.57-inch rectangular AMOLED touchscreen with a 60Hz refresh fee and 402×256 decision for a 302ppi pixel density.
It’s fitted to a polymer fibre case in purple, black, and blue colors with straps constructed from both silicone or leather-based. Just like the Watch GS 4, it has a 5ATM waterproof ranking and is suitable with gadgets working iOS 11 and Android 9 or later.
You get Bluetooth 5.3 in addition to non-compulsory NFC for funds (with the identical financial institution caveats because the Watch GS 4) and the Band 9 can observe coronary heart fee, sleep, blood oxygen, blood strain in addition to atrial fibrillation detection and menstrual cycle monitoring.
The Honor Band 9 helps 96 completely different indoor and out of doors sports activities modes and may also apparently final for as much as 14 days with typical utilization. Nevertheless, this supposedly drops to 10 days with heavy utilization.
Honor is promoting the Band 9 with NFC for CNY299 (£32/$40) or CNY249 (£27/$35) for the mannequin with out NFC. It’s accessible in China now and we’re hoping for a world launch.
With the Watch GS 4 and Band 9 be among the many finest smartwatches and finest health trackers? Time will inform.