Apple Watch Series 12 vs Galaxy Watch9 vs Huawei GT 7 Pro 2026

The Apple Watch Series 12 has arrived, and while it may not reinvent the wheel, it brings enough refinements to stay near the top of the smartwatch conversation. But with strong contenders like the Samsung Galaxy Watch9 and Huawei Watch GT 7 Pro also launching in 2026, is Apple's latest really the best choice? We put all three side by side to help you decide.

Each watch targets a slightly different audience, and the right pick depends on your priorities—whether that's design, display brightness, battery life, or health tracking. Let's break down the key differences.

Design and Build: Ceramic Returns to Apple

The Apple Watch Series 12 keeps the familiar square case with rounded corners, but reintroduces a ceramic finish—a premium option not offered by its rivals. There's also a more affordable titanium version. Samsung, meanwhile, sticks with a rounder aesthetic, while the Huawei Watch GT 7 Pro is the only one of the trio available in a single 46mm size.

All three use OLED or AMOLED panels with sapphire crystal for scratch resistance, so durability shouldn't be a concern. However, the Apple Watch lags in peak brightness at 2,000 nits, compared to 3,000 nits on the Galaxy Watch9 and Huawei Watch GT 7 Pro. That difference will be noticeable outdoors under direct sunlight.

Display and Size: Brightness vs. Real Estate

While the Apple Watch's display is slightly less bright, it's no slouch. The 2,000-nit panel is still plenty for most situations, and the square form factor offers a different feel on the wrist. The Galaxy Watch9 and Huawei Watch GT 7 Pro both push 3,000 nits, making them easier to read in bright conditions.

Screen size also varies: the Apple Watch comes in 41mm and 45mm sizes, the Galaxy Watch9 in 40mm and 44mm, and the Huawei GT 7 Pro only in 46mm. Those with smaller wrists may find the Huawei too large, while the Apple and Samsung options offer more flexibility.

Battery Life: Huawei Takes the Lead

Battery life is a major differentiator. The Huawei Watch GT 7 Pro claims up to 14 days of typical use, thanks to its larger battery and power-efficient design. Samsung's Galaxy Watch9 lasts around 2 days, and the Apple Watch Series 12 continues the tradition of all-day battery life with roughly 18 hours—meaning daily charging is still the norm.

If you're someone who hates charging another device every night, the Huawei is the clear winner. But Apple and Samsung users may be willing to trade battery longevity for deeper smartphone integration and app ecosystems.

Health and Fitness Features

All three watches offer comprehensive health tracking, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and blood oxygen measurement. The Apple Watch Series 12 introduces new health sensors, though specifics are still emerging. Samsung's Galaxy Watch9 builds on its BioActive sensor with improved accuracy, while the Huawei GT 7 Pro focuses on long-term wellness tracking with TruSeen 5.5+ technology.

For serious athletes, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 remains the better choice, but among these three, the Galaxy Watch9 and Apple Watch Series 12 offer more advanced smart features and third-party app support.

Software and Ecosystem

The Apple Watch Series 12 runs watchOS 10, offering seamless integration with iPhone and a vast App Store. The Galaxy Watch9 uses Wear OS 4 with Samsung's One UI Watch, providing good integration with Galaxy phones and a growing app selection. The Huawei Watch GT 7 Pro runs HarmonyOS, which has a more limited app ecosystem but excels at fitness tracking.

If you're deeply invested in one ecosystem, that will likely dictate your choice. iPhone users will naturally gravitate toward the Apple Watch, while Android users have strong options from both Samsung and Huawei. The background to this story is set out in Huawei Watch GT5 Pro Half Price: Rugged Smartwatch With Stunning Display. A related thread runs through Apple Watch Ultra 4 Review: Longer Battery Life, Same Design.

Price and Value

Pricing varies by model and region, but generally, the Apple Watch Series 12 starts at around $399 for the aluminum model, the Galaxy Watch9 at $299, and the Huawei Watch GT 7 Pro at €379. The Huawei offers the best battery life, while the Apple Watch provides the most polished experience and app support. Earlier coverage in Huawei Watch 6 Pro Review: A Premium Smartwatch With a Rival at Home shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Apple's Whoop Rival: A Screenless Apple Watch for Health Tracking.

Key Takeaways

• Design: Apple brings back ceramic; Huawei offers only 46mm size.
• Display: Galaxy Watch9 and Huawei GT 7 Pro hit 3,000 nits; Apple Watch peaks at 2,000 nits.
• Battery: Huawei lasts up to 14 days; Apple and Samsung require daily charging.
• Ecosystem: Apple and Samsung offer richer app experiences; Huawei focuses on fitness.
• Price: Samsung is the most affordable; Apple and Huawei sit slightly higher.

Spec Comparison

The Apple Watch Series 12 is a solid upgrade, but it faces stiff competition. If battery life is your top concern, the Huawei Watch GT 7 Pro is unmatched. For a balance of features and price, the Galaxy Watch9 is compelling. And if you're an iPhone user who wants the best smartwatch experience, the Apple Watch Series 12 remains the go-to choice.

For a deeper look at Apple's latest wearable, don't miss our Apple Watch Series 12 review, where we explore the new health sensors and design tweaks. If you're a fitness enthusiast, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 review highlights why it's the best Apple Watch for training. And for those considering Huawei, our Huawei Watch 6 Series coverage details its impressive display and health tracking.

When you're not comparing smartwatches, you might be looking for something to watch. Our list of the best summer series to binge-watch is a great place to start. And if you're in the market for a new phone to pair with your watch, stay tuned for more tech reviews and comparisons.