The Huawei Watch D3 is a health-focused smartwatch that measures blood pressure from the wrist using an inflatable cuff built into the strap. In a review published on 15 September 2026 by Silvio Werner, with contributions from Daniel Schmidt, the watch is presented as an iterative refinement of the Watch D2 rather than a radical departure. It was released on 2 September 2026 at a price of €449 directly from Huawei.
The central question for anyone considering this device is whether wrist-based blood pressure measurement can be accurate enough to be useful. The review suggests that, for many users, the answer is yes — with important limitations around water exposure, app compatibility and price.
Blood pressure measurement: accurate and comfortable
The Watch D3’s headline feature is its blood pressure monitoring, which relies on an inflatable air cushion inside the strap. Measurements are taken with the watch on the wrist, and the reviewer found the process both accurate and comfortable. The micropump that inflates the cuff operates almost silently, which matters for overnight readings.
In testing, the Watch D3 was compared against the Braun ExactFit 5 Connect and the Omron RS4. Against the Braun device, the Watch D3 showed a systolic deviation of +3.7 percent and a diastolic deviation of -2.86 percent. The average absolute systolic deviation was 4.6 mmHg. For context, the Braun ExactFit 5 Connect has a stated tolerance of ±3 mmHg. The reviewer noted that the Watch D2 showed slightly higher blood pressure deviations in testing, making the D3 the more accurate of the two.
The watch can measure blood pressure before and after exercise, and it supports automated overnight tracking. If the watch is wet, it must be dried before a reading can be taken. The cuff integrated into the strap is the key hardware difference between this line and conventional smartwatches.
ECG: functional but not innovative
The Watch D3 records single-channel ECG readings with automatic analysis, and results can be exported as a PDF. Each measurement takes 30 seconds. In testing with two people, the reviewer observed no false-positive ECG alerts.
However, the ECG implementation lacks a clip-on electrode and does not offer continuous monitoring. The reviewer described the ECG as lacking innovation. For users who need ongoing heart rhythm surveillance, this watch is not a substitute for a dedicated medical device or a smartwatch with continuous ECG capabilities.
Display, design and build
The Watch D3 has a 1.92-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 480 x 408 pixels and a pixel density of 328 PPI. Peak brightness reaches 3150 cd/m² in auto mode, while manual brightness tops out at 582 cd/m². Minimum brightness is 5.34 cd/m². The review notes 60 Hz PWM flicker.
The case is thinner than the predecessor at 11.3 mm. The watch weighs 76 g with the strap and 40 g without it. The reviewer points out that the bezel is relatively wide, and there is no button on the left side. A rotating crown makes scrolling smooth, and a second customizable button can be assigned to single or double presses. Touch navigation is also supported.
The box includes two strap sizes and a paper measuring strip. Strap adjustment uses a metal peg.
Battery life and charging
Huawei rates the 540 mAh battery for up to six days. In the review’s heavy-use testing, the Watch D3 lasted four days with 15 percent remaining. Charging is relatively quick: the watch reaches 50 percent in 16 minutes, and a full charge from 15 percent takes under one hour.
Water resistance: IP68 but not for swimming
This is one of the most significant caveats. Although the Watch D3 carries an IP68 rating, Huawei warns against water exposure and includes an insert advising users not to swim or shower with the watch. The reviewer states plainly that the device is not waterproof. Anyone hoping for a swim-proof health watch will need to look elsewhere.
Software, app compatibility and smart features
The Watch D3 runs HarmonyOS and supports Bluetooth 6.0, Wi-Fi 4 and GNSS. NFC payments are available via Curve. A speaker and microphone enable Bluetooth calls, and contacts can be synced. There is a built-in dial pad. The Celia voice assistant is accessible via the lower button and handles weather and system functions, though the reviewer describes it as basic.
Notifications can be muted when the phone is in use, and users can send quick replies or use an on-screen keyboard. However, there is no voice-to-text dictation for messages. Google Health integration is possible through third-party apps.
The Huawei Health app is not available on the Google Play Store. Android setup requires sideloading an APK or using AppGallery. The setup process involves scanning a QR code that downloads the APK, and users must grant permission for unknown sources. Pairing is automatic after the app is installed. Notification management is deep on Android. Petal Maps navigation only works on Huawei smartphones, and iOS functionality is more limited overall.
Health and fitness tracking
Sleep tracking captures bedtimes, wake times and awakenings, though the sleep stage breakdown is not clinically verified. Huawei claims the watch monitors nighttime respiratory patterns. Guided relaxation tracks require a VIP subscription.
GNSS performance was compared with the Garmin Venu 2, showing a distance discrepancy of 60 m, or 0.6 percent. The reviewer notes that the watch handles corners and curves smoothly, with no signal drops or aggressive smoothing.
Heart rate was compared with a Polar H10 chest strap. Resting heart rate matched perfectly. During cycling, the Watch D3 averaged 107 bpm against a reference average of 105 bpm, with a peak of 155 bpm against a reference peak of 158 bpm. The heart rate curve showed occasional plateaus and jumps.
SpO2 measurements showed an average deviation of 1.02 percentage points compared with a Braun oximeter, which the reviewer considers within the consumer margin of error.
Workout screens are customizable with running form metrics, and pre-built training plans are available for beginners.
Sustainability and repairability
The packaging uses cardboard, coated liners, foam and partially compostable bags. The watch is not designed for user repair or battery replacement.
Price, alternatives and verdict
The Huawei Watch D3 costs €449 direct from Huawei and comes with a choice of free gifts: FreeBuds SE 4 ANC or a Huawei Scale 3. It carries a 24-month warranty.
The Watch D2 is available for €80 less, at €399, and the original Watch D also launched at €399. The reviewer notes that the Watch D2 remains a cheaper alternative, though the D3 offers improved blood pressure accuracy and a thinner case.
Competitors include the Samsung Galaxy Watch9, Apple Watch Series 11 and Huawei Watch GT 7. However, none of those offer the same wrist-based blood pressure cuff mechanism.
For users whose primary interest is blood pressure monitoring from the wrist, the Watch D3 delivers accurate and comfortable measurements, a bright AMOLED display, solid battery life and a range of smart features. The main drawbacks are the lack of water resistance for swimming or showering, the limited iOS compatibility, the absence of voice-to-text dictation and the fact that the ECG lacks continuous monitoring or a clip-on electrode.
The Watch D3 is a meaningful refinement over the Watch D2, but it is not a device for everyone. Those who need a swim-proof smartwatch or deep iPhone integration should look elsewhere. For Android users focused on blood pressure and general health tracking, it is a compelling option — provided they can accept the €449 price and the app ecosystem compromises.
