Huawei Band 10 Review: Is It the Right Fitness Tracker for You?
The Huawei Band 10 aims to stand out in a market dominated by smartwatches. While fitness bands may seem less popular, they still offer a compelling alternative for those prioritizing fitness tracking and battery life.
A Look Back at Fitness Bands
Remember the early days of wearables? Many started with simple fitness bands like the Xiaomi Band 2. These devices were reliable companions for daily activity tracking and exercise. However, the rise of affordable smartwatches led some to abandon fitness bands altogether.
Huawei Band 10: A Second Chance for Fitness Bands?
The Huawei Band 10 seeks to recapture the appeal of fitness bands. It competes with devices like the Galaxy Fit 3, offering a blend of features and affordability. But is it worth choosing over a budget smartwatch?
Pricing and Value
The Huawei Band 10 is priced competitively, with the polymer case version starting at Rs. 6,499 and the aluminum alloy version at Rs. 6,999. Special launch prices offered even greater value. Let’s delve into whether it justifies the investment.
Design and Build Quality
Function Over Form
The Huawei Band 10 sports a functional design, prioritizing practicality over aesthetics. The aluminum alloy case feels robust, and the band’s lightweight (15 grams) and slim profile (8.99mm) make it comfortable for all-day wear. The fluoroelastomer strap is skin-friendly, even in hot weather.
Available Colors:
- Matte Black
- White
- Green
- Blue
- Purple
Durability and Aesthetics
The Matte Black version offers a minimalist look, and the case proves durable, resisting scratches and chips. Chamfered edges add a touch of elegance.
Buttons and Straps
A single button on the right side provides easy navigation. The straps are easily detachable via release buttons, and the back houses charging pins and sensors.
Display and User Experience
AMOLED Display
The Huawei Band 10 features a 1.47-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 256 x 402 pixels. The touchscreen supports smooth swipe and touch gestures. Adjustable brightness ensures visibility in sunlight.
Display Specifications:
- Size: 1.47-inch
- Resolution: 256 x 402 pixels
- Type: AMOLED
Display Quality and Customization
While not the highest resolution, the display offers decent color reproduction. The 60Hz refresh rate could be improved. A wide selection of watch faces is available via the companion app, catering to various preferences.
Always-On Display
The always-on display feature provides constant visibility of time and information but significantly impacts battery life.
Software and App Ecosystem
HarmonyOS 5.0
The Huawei Band 10 runs on HarmonyOS 5.0, offering a simple and intuitive user interface. Swiping up reveals notifications, while swiping down accesses quick settings.
Huawei Health App
The Huawei Health app provides a comprehensive view of your health data. It requires a Huawei account and displays metrics like exercise records, heart rate, sleep, and SpO2. Training plans for various activities are also available.
Device Settings
The app allows you to customize settings and download watch faces. The ‘Find Device’ feature helps locate a misplaced band.
Performance and Battery Life
Accurate Tracking
The Huawei Band 10 delivers accurate health and fitness tracking. Features like step count, SpO2, and heart rate monitoring provide reliable data.
Comparison with Other Devices
Testing against the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic showed similar results in step count, SpO2, and heart rate tracking.
Additional Features
Heart rate variability (HRV) tracking assesses stress levels, and the device offers 100 workout modes. The band also supports receiving and ending calls, media control, and remote photo capture.
Battery Performance
Battery life is excellent, lasting up to 13 days on a single charge with Bluetooth enabled. Quick charging provides two days of usage in just five minutes.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Heart Rate | Continuous monitoring throughout the day |
| Sleep Tracking | Detailed analysis of sleep stages |
| SpO2 | Blood oxygen saturation measurement |
| Step Count | Tracks daily steps and distance |
| Workout Modes | 100+ modes for various activities |
| Battery Life | Up to 14 days on a single charge |
Verdict: Should You Buy the Huawei Band 10?
The Huawei Band 10 is a strong contender in the fitness band market. It excels in core functions like accurate tracking, long battery life, and robust build quality. While it lacks features like Bluetooth calling and has a lower refresh rate screen, it prioritizes reliable fitness metrics. If you seek a dedicated fitness tracker and don’t need Bluetooth calling, the Huawei Band 10 is a worthy choice. However, consider budget smartwatches if calling is a priority.
