Huawei Watch GT6 Pro tested: new bike data and extremely long battery life
19/9/2025
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Jan Johannsen
The Huawei Watch GT6 Pro is a smartwatch with a battery life of almost three weeks that offers new functions for bicycles.
Inclines as a new level of data collection, a virtual power meter for pedalling power, fall detection and accessories that can be connected via Bluetooth: The Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro offers numerous new functions, especially for cyclists. Although I don't have a racing bike, I still pedal several kilometres every week and take a look at the new features.
GT6 vs. GT6 Pro
At an event at the Velodrome in Paris, Huawei presented the Watch GT6 Pro as well as the Watch GT6. Both smartwatches feature the new cycling functions. The Pro version uses higher-quality materials with a titanium alloy for the case - IP68/69 and 5 ATM - and sapphire glass above the display. The GT6 has to make do with stainless steel and conventional glass. It also lacks the ECG function and does not support freediving, golf or trail running for advanced athletes. However, the new cycling functions are available and the Watch GT6 is also available in a smaller version with a diameter of 41 mm.
I find the 46 mm Watch GT6 Pro comfortable to wear. The straps can be changed without tools. It is operated via the touchscreen, the rotating crown and a second button on the right-hand side of the frame.
More data for cyclists
The fact that the Sunflower GPS of the Watch GT6 Pro has become even more accurate and faster is almost irrelevant. In any case, the smartwatch finds its location quickly and also provides precise history. What's more exciting is that the watch now also recognises inclines. This means I can see what the current incline or gradient is when I'm out and about and don't just have altitude metres at the end of the tour. Huawei also uses the data to create 3D maps. There is no new sensor for the gradient data. Huawei calculates it with a formula from the data of the existing sensors.
Another new feature is the measurement of virtual power. How hard you pedal is measured in watts. This previously required special pedals. These alone are generally more expensive than the Watch GT6 Pro and are also not the pedals that you actually want on your bike. On the 1.47-inch AMOLED display of the smartwatch, I can see a watt value for the virtual power output while riding - even in sunshine thanks to 3000 nits. This is calculated from measurement data from the watch and other information such as my age and weight as well as the type and weight of my bike.
The measuring devices in the pedals are more accurate. Huawei speaks of a maximum deviation of five to ten per cent. That may not be enough for professionals, but it's good enough for me. Spot checks during the ride also show that the Watch GT6 Pro reliably recognises when I stop pedalling - even if I'm rolling down a slope at the same speed, for example.
One disadvantage: I have to look at the clock to see the value of the virtual power and take my hand off the handlebars. This isn't helpful, especially if I want to keep a constant eye on the value. A bike computer on the handlebars makes more sense. But Huawei has thought of that too. During the ride, the manufacturer's health app acts as a display for the current data. All you need is a decent mount for your smartphone.
For more precise data, the Huawei Watch can be connected to other measuring devices such as heart rate belts or power meter pedals via Bluetooth. I was unable to try this out due to a lack of such devices. However, I did see the Bluetooth pairing option in the settings.
Whether using virtual data or data from the measuring device, the Huawei Watch GT6 Pro can calculate the «Functional Threshold Power» or FTP for short. The «functional threshold power» is an important value during cycling training. It helps to record the current training status and changes. To measure FTP, simply put, you ride as powerfully as possible for 60 minutes.
The Watch GT6 Pro also features fall detection. This is primarily intended for falls on a bike. However, a smartphone is still required for emergency calls, as the smartwatch is not available with an eSIM.
Routes from Komoot can be imported to the Watch GT6 Pro via Huawei's Health app. Together with the downloadable maps for offline use, the smartwatch becomes a guide when you're on the move. Again, with the disadvantage that I have to take my hand off the handlebars and turn my wrist to see the display.
The Watch GT6 Pro also has an auto-recognition function that offers to track my activity after a few minutes of cycling. This works reliably, but is not helpful for me. If I want to track a ride, I want to do it right from the start and not just after a few minutes. This makes little sense for short everyday rides of two or three kilometres. I have therefore deactivated automatic detection.
Weeks of battery life
I am very impressed with the battery life of the Huawei Watch GT6 Pro. I have activated all sensors and functions. If I use it without GPS, it consumes between four and five per cent of its battery charge per day. This means I achieve pretty much the 21 days specified by Huawei with moderate use. If I use GPS to track occasional activities, the battery still lasts for one to two weeks. For outdoor sports with active GPS, Huawei claims a battery life of an impressive 40 hours. That's over three days. With the smaller version of the Watch GT6, it is still 14 days with moderate use, seven days with typical use and 25 hours for outdoor sports.
In the past, the battery life of Huawei smartwatches has been noticeably longer than that of the competition. There are probably several reasons for this, such as the harmonisation of hardware and software. According to the manufacturer, the battery in the Watch GT6 Pro has been customised to fit the watch perfectly, resulting in 26 per cent more volume compared to the Watch GT5 Pro. The density of the silicon battery is said to have increased by 37 per cent. Overall, the Watch GT6 Pro has a battery capacity of 867 mAh. That is 65 per cent more than its predecessor.
Since the last firmware update, however, the Watch GT6 Pro has not lasted as long for me. The next update is due to be released at the end of October and I hope that it will then have the same battery life as before.
Ski and wheelchair: more functions in October
With the update at the end of October, the Watch GT6 Pro is set to receive two more new functions. Among other things, Huawei will use the detection of inclines and declines for a ski mode including lift detection. A wheelchair mode is intended to turn the smartwatch into a sports watch for people on wheels.
More fitness and health functions
The Huawei Watch GT6 Pro offers an extensive range of well-known fitness and health functions. With its Trusense sensor, it can track over 100 sports and monitor sleep. It also provides information on pulse and heart rate variability, which is an indicator of health. The watch also recognises signs of stress and emotions and lets you record your own assessment of these.
As a smartwatch, it is connected to the smartphone - Android and iOS are possible - and displays notifications, appointments and the weather. I can control music playback and use apps. However, the selection with Huawei is significantly smaller than with Wear OS from Google.
In a nutshell
Long battery life for everyone and more data for the bike
The Huawei Watch GT6 Pro impresses me above all with its very long battery life. Another plus point is that it provides data that no other wearable has been able to deliver so far, even for leisure cyclists. In winter, people on the ski slopes should also benefit from the new incline detection.
The Watch GT6 Pro also has a robust housing and a bright display. It is comfortable to wear, easy to operate and provides all the usual health and fitness data.
The shortcoming of Huawei's smartwatches remains the small selection of apps.
Pro
- Very long battery life
- added value on the bike
- Bright display
Contra
- Current update has shortened the battery life
- Small app selection
- less practical on the bike than a bike computer
Header image: Jan Johannsen
Jan Johannsen
Senior Editor
Jan.Johannsen@galaxus.deAs a primary school pupil, I used to sit in a friend's living room with many of my classmates to play the Super NES. Now I get my hands on the latest technology and test it for you. In recent years at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, now at Digitec and Galaxus.
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