Honor Watch 4 Review: A Stylish Evolution with Some Trade-offs
The Honor Watch 4 emerges as a commendable step forward in terms of design and finish. Its lightweight, comfortable build and vibrant AMOLED display make it an attractive option for users seeking a balance between style and function.
Priced affordably at $157, it competes in a crowded market dominated by heavyweights like Apple and Google. This review delves into its various aspects, highlighting its strengths and pointing out areas where it falls short of expectations.
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Design & Build:
The Watch 4 boasts a radical departure from its predecessors, featuring an eye-catching rectangular dial with rounded edges. Crafted from robust aluminium alloy, it strikes a balance between durability and lightweight comfort, weighing in at a mere 32g. The 11.2mm thickness ensures it’s conducive for all-day wear.
The single side button, coupled with a responsive touchscreen, facilitates intuitive navigation. The absence of accidental button presses is a testament to its thoughtful design. The 5 ATM resistance rating adds an extra layer of versatility, making it suitable for various environments, even underwater up to 50 meters.
Screen & Speaker:
The AMOLED panel is a standout feature, offering a vibrant display with a resolution of 390 x 450 pixels and a pixel density of 340ppi. While it excels in most scenarios, direct sunlight can pose a visibility challenge.
The ease with which watch faces can be changed is a commendable touch. However, the absence of an always-on display is a letdown. On the audio front, the speaker proves adequate for Bluetooth calls, albeit not ideal for extended conversations.
Specs & Performance:
The Watch 4 doesn’t disappoint when it comes to health tracking, with an array of sensors covering stress levels, blood oxygen, heart rate, respiration, and sleep quality. However, the lack of on-demand ECG readings and limited interactivity with stress tracking may leave some users wanting more. The interface, running on Magic OS 7.2, is snappy and responsive, mirroring a notable improvement over previous iterations.
The Honor Health app, while functional, does have room for improvement. Language discrepancies in the ‘Watch face shop’ section may lead to some confusion. Furthermore, the inability to make payments or access voice assistants due to the absence of an NFC chip is a notable drawback.
NETWORK | Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
---|---|---|
2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | |
3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | |
4G bands | LTE | |
Speed | HSPA, LTE |
LAUNCH | Announced | 2023, July 12 |
---|---|---|
Status | Available. Released 2023, July 12 |
BODY | Dimensions | 45.3 x 39.1 x 11.2 mm (1.78 x 1.54 x 0.44 in) |
---|---|---|
Weight | 32 g (1.13 oz) | |
Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | |
SIM | eSIM | |
5ATM water resistant (50m waterproof) |
DISPLAY | Type | AMOLED |
---|---|---|
Size | 1.75 inches | |
Resolution | 390 x 450 pixels (~340 ppi density) |
PLATFORM | OS | MagicOS 7.2 |
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MEMORY | Card slot | × |
---|---|---|
Internal | 4GB 32MB RAM |
CAMERA | × |
---|
SOUND | Loudspeaker | √ |
---|---|---|
3.5mm jack | × |
COMMS | WLAN | × |
---|---|---|
Bluetooth | 5.2, LE | |
Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | |
NFC | √ | |
Radio | × | |
USB | × |
FEATURES | Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, SpO2 |
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BATTERY | Type | Li-Ion 451 mAh, non-removable |
---|
MISC | Colors | Black, Gold |
---|---|---|
Models | TMA-L19 | |
Price | About $157 |
Battery Life & Charging:
While Honor claims a remarkable 14-day battery life, real-world usage yielded around 6 days, which is still respectable for a device of this kind. Charging, however, is a swift affair, with the 451mAh battery reaching full capacity in just an hour.
Pros:
- New Lightweight and Comfortable Design: The Watch 4 boasts a sleek and lightweight profile, making it comfortable for all-day wear. The use of aluminium alloy materials ensures both durability and comfort.
- Agile and Fast Touch Experience: The responsive touchscreen and well-integrated button provide an intuitive navigation experience, enhancing overall usability.
- Good AMOLED Display: The AMOLED panel offers vibrant colors and sharp resolution, providing an enjoyable viewing experience for various functions.
- Affordable: Priced at $157, the Watch 4 offers a budget-friendly option in the smartwatch market, providing a balance of style and functionality.
Cons:
- Honor Health Mobile App: The Honor Health app, while functional, could benefit from some refinements, particularly in terms of language clarity and user interface.
- No Always-On Display Option: Despite claims, the Watch 4 lacks the always-on display functionality, which might be a disappointment for users who prefer quick glances at their watch.
- Cannot Install Third-Party Apps: The absence of support for third-party apps limits the customization and additional functionalities that users can access.
- No Support for Mobile Payments: The lack of an NFC chip means that the Watch 4 cannot be used for mobile payments, which might be a drawback for users seeking this functionality.
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Reasons to Buy:
Stylish Design: The Watch 4’s design overhaul with rounded edges and premium materials offers a stylish alternative in the smartwatch market.
Comfortable for Everyday Use: Its lightweight build and comfortable silicone strap make it suitable for extended wear, including overnight use.
Health Tracking Capabilities: The array of sensors for stress, blood oxygen, heart rate, and sleep quality monitoring make it a valuable tool for health-conscious users.
Competitive Pricing: At $157, the Watch 4 offers a budget-friendly option for users seeking a balance of style and functionality, without breaking the bank.
IP68 and 5 ATM Resistant: The watch’s water resistance rating of IP68 and 5 ATM makes it versatile and suitable for various environments, including underwater activities up to 50 meters.
Fast Charging: The Watch 4’s battery can be fully charged in just an hour, ensuring minimal downtime and maximizing usability.
Price & Availability:
Priced at $157, the Watch 4 presents a compelling option in the mid-range smartwatch market. It competes favorably against the likes of Fitbit and Huawei, offering a balanced blend of style and functionality. However, it falls short in comparison to higher-end offerings from Apple and Google.
Verdict:
In summary, the Honor Watch 4 presents a compelling option for users seeking a stylish and comfortable smartwatch with robust health tracking capabilities at an affordable price point. However, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations, particularly in terms of app support and certain advanced functionalities.
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