Huawei's new 'premium budget' smartwatch could be the fitness tracker to buy this year — even over the upcoming Fitbit Air
Huawei Band 11 Pro: One minute review
The Huawei Band 11 Pro is a bridge device, sitting right between a simple fitness tracker and a full-blown smartwatch. Released in early 2026, it extends the capabilities of the standard Huawei Band 11 by featuring a more sophisticated build and an upgraded set of sensors. In comparison to many of the best fitness trackers, the Band 11 Pro feels more premium than most cheap ones that I've worn, such as the Amazfit Bip 6, but I'm far from convinced about the 'pro' label.
To give it its due, one feature inclusion that sets it apart from budget counterparts is the onboard GPS for tracking outdoor runs, cycles, and hikes, which is reason enough for the higher price tag compared to the likes of the Xiaomi Smart Band 10, which requires users to "piggyback" on a phone's GPS connection.
Despite its core focus being a simple tracker for exercise and health, the watch also includes basic smartwatch features such as notification handling, quick-reply texts, and even a remote camera control. These are handy features that help people feel connected to the world around them, but they're far from deeply integrated due to the lack of a QWERTY keyboard for the text replies, along with non-existent third-party app integration.
In terms of health tracking, Huawei looks to push the boundaries at this price point with Pulse Wave Arrhythmia Analysis for detecting irregular heart rhythms and Sleep Breathing Awareness to monitor for potential issues like sleep apnea. I wouldn't want to rely on these for perfect accuracy, but they're helpful indicators of potential health problems.
Within the broader market of the best smartwatches, the Huawei Band 11 Pro sits in the premium budget sweet spot, directly challenging rivals like the Fitbit Charge 6. While it is considerably more affordable than flagship smartwatches like the Apple Watch or Huawei's own Watch GT series, it provides nearly all the same core health and tracking features, even if they're not quite as accurate.
Huawei Band 11 Pro: Specifications
Component | Huawei Band 11 Pro |
Price | $97 USD / £69.99 UK / $139 AUS |
Dimensions | 43.5 x 28.2 x 8.99mm |
Weight | 18 g (without strap) |
Case/bezel | Aluminium alloy |
Display | 1.62-inch AMOLED Screen, 286 × 482 pixels, PPI 347 |
GPS | GNSS |
Battery life | Max 14 days, Typical 8 days, AOD 3 days |
Connection | Bluetooth 6.0 |
Water resistance | 5 ATM |
Huawei Band 11 Pro: Price and availability
- $97 USD / £69.99 UK / $139 AUS
- Very reasonably priced considering the onboard GPS feature
- Stiff competition from Fitbit, Garmin, and Amazfit
At this price, the Huawei Band 11 Pro is an absolute steal. Getting onboard GPS, an AMOLED display, and an aluminum case is almost unheard of at this price. Unfortunately, it’s not available in the US.
Comparable options include the Amazfit Bip 6 ($79.99 US / £79.90 UK) and the Fitbit Charge 6 ($159.99 / £139.99). If you’d like a cheaper alternative and are happy “piggybacking” onto your phone’s GPS, then you could go for the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 ($73.99 / £39.99).
The Band 11 Pro ships with a fluoroelastomer strap in either Black or Isle Blue finishes. If you’d prefer a braided nylon strap, you can have this in Field Green. Whichever strap you choose, the spec of the watch remains the same.
- Value score 4.5/5
Huawei Band 11 Pro: Design
- Large and bright AMOLED display
- Aluminum alloy case, which is a step up from polymer alternatives
- 5 ATM water resistance rating
The Huawei Band 11 Pro is a basic band-style design but with a more premium 'pro' aesthetic than most cheaper trackers. This is most noticeable in the upgraded 1.62-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, which is nearly 30% larger than its predecessor.
As impressive as the size is, it's actually the brightness of it which struck me first. Maxing out at 2,000 nits, it falls short of the much more expensive Apple Watch Ultra 3, but at this price the brightness is excellent; it delivered clear graphics, whether inside in a dark room or outside in full sun. The 347 PPI resolution isn't too shabby either, with text appearing sharp and icons vibrant.
From a build quality perspective, Huawei has opted for a CNC-cut aluminum alloy case which looks and feels markedly more premium than the polymer frames typically found on cheap fitness trackers. This metallic finish is complemented by a slim profile, measuring just 8.99 mm in thickness, allowing the device to sit flush against the wrist. In short, it looks the part, whether you're down the gym, out on a run, or at work.
I tested the version with the breathable fluoroelastomer strap and was surprised how comfortable it was. It’s also easily cleaned when exposed to dirt or sweat. All-day wearability, including at night, is possible due to the 25g weight (with strap), as it’s comfortable and you hardly notice it's there.
To ensure durability, the device carries a 5 ATM water resistance rating, meaning it's waterproof and able to withstand showering, swimming and even water sports.
- Design Score: 4/5
Huawei Band 11 Pro: Features
- Onboard GPS and sleep insights
- Pulse wave arrhythmia analysis
- Sleep insights and emotional wellbeing
The ‘Pro’ label is on account of a number of feature decisions that Huawei has made to elevate the user experience beyond other entry-level alternatives. This begins with built-in GPS (GNSS), which means you can leave your phone at home when going out for a run or cycle and still track your route. It can also detect when you have stopped at a traffic light or for a break and will automatically pause the workout tracking, although like other Huawei watches, you can toggle this feature on or off.
Overnight, it tracks your average sleep HRV, along with heart rate and SpO2, and lets you know when something’s outside your usual range. It also includes Sleep Breathing Awareness, which monitors breathing disruptions during sleep for insights into your nighttime breathing. A basic presentation of your sleep data is provided on the watch, but a more in-depth set of graphs, reports, and advice are viewable in the Huawei Health app.
Next up is 'Pulse Wave Arrhythmia Analysis', which identifies atrial fibrillation (AFib). It utilizes the same optical sensor technology that measures your heart rate, but applies a much higher level of data processing. The best Apple Watches also have an AFib feature, useful for determining whether your heart rate is irregular and whether you need to see a medical professional. If this is an important measurement to you, then I would go with this Huawei rather than a cheaper model.
For users who want help with monitoring their mental health, there's the Emotional Wellbeing Assistant. This provides real-time insights through its comprehensive mood and stress management system. Rather than just showing a "stress score", it uses physiological data to categorize your mood into visual states. These act as quick identifiers of what is going on inside your body.
- Features Score: 4/5
Huawei Band 11 Pro: Performance
- A very easy and enjoyable watch to use
- Sub-par GPS accuracy not surprising at this price point
- Excellent battery performance
As is the case with all Huawei watches, the user experience is a positive one. The Huawei OS interface is clearly laid out with easy-to-understand icons. Moving between features and settings is quick and responsive with little room for confusion about how to navigate around the menus. You can also choose between a list or grid view depending on your preference. The lack of a microphone means there are no voice commands, but that would be a lot to ask at this price.
There are over 100 workouts to choose from with the entire set pre-loaded onto the watch. The order of these, and whether they appear in the quick list, is easily customized. The watch can auto-detect workouts like running, which I made use of a few times when I had forgotten to set things up prior to exercising. As soon as you choose your workout, the watch searches for a GPS signal and alerts you when it’s found. You can begin the workout prior to a GPS lock, but accuracy will be compromised.
I was impressed by how quickly and easily the Band 11 Pro was able to find a GPS signal, even when I was indoors. In terms of GPS accuracy, I ran side-by-side comparisons with the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2, which performed as well as our gold standard, the Apple Watch Ultra series. Unfortunately the Band 11 Pro was left wanting with up to a 10% discrepancy on a range of tracked activities, including runs, walks, and bike rides.
As for health tracking, heart rate and SpO2 were in close range compared to the Watch Ultimate 2. Both watches also reported no abnormalities in relation to the Pulse Wave Arrhythmia Analysis, which was not only great to see from an accuracy point of view but also from a personal health perspective!
When I wore the watch at night, it successfully picked up most of my waking, but not all instances. No surprises there given the low cost of the device and limited complexity of the sensors. Despite its claims to be able to track REM, deep, and light sleep; HRV (Heart Rate Variability), and more, I would take its reports with a pinch of salt. It can give indications and provide general trends, but this isn't medical quality data. The Oura Ring 4, one of the best smart rings, is a wearable sleep-tracking gold standard (or as close as it gets) and is considerably more expensive than this slender band.
The Band 11 Pro excels when it comes to battery performance and is in fact one of its strongest selling points. Despite having a significantly brighter and larger screen than its predecessor, it manages to achieve a maximum of two weeks' use when Always-On Display (AOD) is disabled and GPS tracking is kept to a minimum, worthy of one of the best Garmin watches.
When I turned on continuous heart rate monitoring, performed sleep tracking, and carried out a few workouts per week, the battery stayed alive nearly a week, which is reasonable given that you're not going to be using this type of tracker for long-distance off-grid excursions. I found recharging to be very quick, with 0-100% achieved in a little over an hour.
- Performance score: 4/5
Huawei Band 11 Pro: Scorecard
Category | Comment | Score |
Value | A great price for a budget smartwatch with some advanced features. | 4.5/5 |
Design | A simple design with a metal case and AMOLED display sets it apart. | 4/5 |
Features | Onboard GPS and excellent sleep tracking help elevate this smartwatch beyond super-budget alternatives. | 4/5 |
Performance | Intuitive user experience and excellent battery life but lacks GPS accuracy. | 4/5 |
Huawei Band 11 Pro: Should I buy?
Buy it if...
You want a simple fitness tracker that just keeps on going
With a low-power HarmonyOS, the Band 11 Pro can stretch to up to 14 days. That means it won't be a problem if you forget to pack the charger when going on holiday.
You need to sort out your sleep and need some accurate metrics
Through the use of medical-grade algorithms, the watch is capable of detecting sleep apnea risks and breathing interruptions.
You want a great-looking smartwatch without the premium price tag
With an aluminum alloy case and an AMOLED display, it moves beyond super-budget trackers without entering into flagship or ultra territory.
Don't buy it if...
You're an avid fan of the Google or Apple ecosystem
If you're reliant on Google Fit, Apple Health, Maps, or YouTube Music, then you'll find it difficult to make full use of the Band 11 Pro experience.
You love having third-party apps on your wrist
With zero support for WhatsApp, Spotify, or even Uber, you'll have a very limited smartwatch experience.
You buy a smartwatch for its pro features
Despite the name, it's hard to justify that this is a pro tracker. The lack of advanced health diagnostics and NFC capabilities limits its use beyond exercise tracking.
Also consider
Fitbit Charge 6
A very similarly specced smartwatch to the Huawei Band 11 Pro but with a slightly higher price tag. If you want a more recognisable budget smartwatch brand, then this Fitbit will do the job nicely.
Read our Fitbit Charge 6 reviewView Deal
Amazfit Bip 6
A square-shaped alternative with onboard GPS. Very similarly priced, so if you want a larger display, this is a great option.
Read our Amazfit Bip 6 reviewView Deal
Xiaomi Smart Band 10
A super cute and very affordable fitness tracker, but it lacks onboard GPS. We’d recommend this one if you’re on a seriously tight budget and don’t mind taking your phone with you for GPS connectivity when exercising.
Read our Xiaomi Smart Band 10 reviewView Deal
How I tested
I wore the Huawei Band 11 Pro almost non-stop for three weeks. I used it while running, cycling, walking, showering, working out, sleeping, playing with my children, texting, photographing, and daily life. I tested its GPS against the reliable Huawei Watch Ultimate and compared its specs to contemporaries in its price category.
First reviewed: May 2026
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