NGXP Tech

Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro Review (Late 2025): HarmonyOS 6 Update, NFC Status, Battery Life & Real-World Performance

by Prakash Dhanasekaran

Quick Glance

  • Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro is still one of the best long-battery premium smartwatches in late 2025.
  • HarmonyOS 6 beta brings new watch faces, smoother UI, and Alipay tap-to-pay—but only China has full NFC support right now.
  • Europe has partial support through Quicko Wallet; most other regions (India, US, UK, Canada) still can’t use bank cards.

This blog breaks down the exact status of NFC payments worldwide, HarmonyOS 6 features, and who should buy this watch today.

Click here  to buy on Amazon

1. Introduction

Most people buying a premium smartwatch care about two things: battery life and whether NFC tap-to-pay actually works in their country. The Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro hits the first one out of the park with its long-battery endurance—but the second? That’s where things get complicated, especially with the ongoing HarmonyOS 6 beta rollout.

The Watch GT 5 Pro arrived in late 2024 with a titanium-ceramic build, strong sports tracking, and battery life that easily leaves Apple and Samsung watches behind. And even a year later, it still feels fresh thanks to consistent software support. HarmonyOS 6 now adds new personalization options like fun sticker watch faces, the flexible Module 2025 watch face, better shortcuts, and the much-requested tap-to-pay feature—at least in regions that support it.

As technology experts with over 20 years of experience in hardware and application research and development, we look at what actually matters: real-world performance, durability, long- term usability, and value for money. Our recommendations are shaped by deep testing, industry insight, and practical experience—so readers get a clear picture before spending their money.

If you’re in India, the 46mm titanium model is available on Amazon India. And if you’re trying to enable tap-to-pay or install the HarmonyOS 6 beta for the GT 5 series, you’ll find straightforward, current answers here.

If you’re outside India, you can browse all global variants and specifications on Huawei’s official site.

1.2  Why This Blog Matters

Smartwatches from Apple and Samsung might offer great apps, but the constant charging wears people down. The Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro solves that with real multi-day endurance, premium materials, and reliable sports tracking. With HarmonyOS 6 (beta builds around 6.0.0.20) appearing for the Watch GT 5 series, users get meaningful upgrades in style, shortcuts, and daily usability.

But the biggest question everyone keeps asking—Does HarmonyOS 6 finally add global tap-to- pay on Huawei watches?—still doesn’t have a simple yes/no answer. And misinformation online makes it easy for buyers to assume features that may not exist in their region.

This review matters because it gives you verified, up-to-date information. If tap-to-pay, NFC payments, bank card compatibility, or long battery life are part of your buying decision, you’ll know exactly what to expect before spending money.

Our target audience includes:

  • New buyers comparing Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro vs Samsung/Apple watches
  • Existing Huawei users waiting for the HarmonyOS 6 update
  • Fitness-focused users who want long battery life and sports tracking
  • Travelers and professionals who want NFC payments on their wrist
  • Tech-curious readers searching for Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro Alipay NFC setup, HarmonyOS 6 global rollout, and smartwatch NFC worldwide

1.3 What You Will Learn from This Blog

By the end, you’ll clearly understand:

  • The current tap-to-pay status on HarmonyOS 6 and how smartwatch NFC works across regions
  • The full HarmonyOS 6 features list based on current beta builds
  • Updated long-term battery life results after months of daily use
  • How it stacks up against the Apple Watch Ultra 2
  • How to customize the Module 2025 and the new fun sticker watch faces
  • Whether this watch is still worth buying in late 2025
  • Answers to common questions like Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro NFC, Alipay setup, and installing HarmonyOS 6 on Watch GT 5

For full hardware details, you can also check the official Huawei wearable page.

1.4  The Current State of Tap-to-Pay and NFC Payments on HarmonyOS 6

The HarmonyOS 6 beta finally introduces proper Alipay tap-to-pay—but only inside China. Payments become frictionless with quick shortcuts: raise your wrist, swipe down to the control center, or swipe left from the watch face. For security, the watch asks for a one-time password every time you wear it, and then you can tap without interruptions.

Here’s the real situation, region by region:

• China

Full Alipay integration works perfectly—Alipay on Huawei Watch runs exactly the way it should in China. This is the only region where the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro’s tap-to-pay performs exactly as advertised.

• Europe

Support is slow but improving through Quicko Wallet, and this is where Huawei tap-to-pay in Europe is finally starting to take shape.

  • Poland went live in late 2024
  • Germany added support (Android in Dec 2024, iOS in early 2025)
  • Czechia and Slovakia followed
    More countries are expected through 2025, but availability depends on supported banks. Some users need an Android phone nearby during setup.

• Rest of the World

(US, Canada, India, UK, Southeast Asia)
There’s no native bank card support, so Huawei smartwatch NFC support is still mostly unavailable in these regions.
The Huawei Wallet app appears, but regular debit/credit cards can’t be added. A few European users still manage payments through Curve, though results vary widely.

And if you’re looking for HarmonyOS 6 beta for Watch GT 5, keep in mind that the beta is China- only and the global stable update is expected sometime in 2026. Always check Wallet app compatibility before expecting NFC payments.
At the moment, the Huawei Wallet app appears globally, but it does not permit adding standard bank cards outside China and limited Quicko EU regions.

2. Full HarmonyOS 6 Features List – Everything New in the Beta

The HarmonyOS 6 update refreshes the entire experience for the Watch GT 5 series.

Here’s the complete HarmonyOS 6 changelog from the recent beta builds

  • System-wide visual overhaul: Refined interface with light/shadow effects, gradient backgrounds, smoother animations, and enhanced operation feedback for a premium feel.
  • Touch screen light function: New quick-toggle (Settings > Display & Brightness) to illuminate the screen on demand without raising the wrist—perfect for dark environments.
  • Alipay tap-to-pay (China-only in beta): Quick shortcuts and secure wrist-raise payment integration.
  • The new Fun Sticker Huawei watch faces, along with the flexible Sticker Layouts: Three flexible layouts, upload custom images, display up to five stickers simultaneously for truly personal, customizable watch faces.
  • Module 2025 Watch Face with advanced Widget Combinations: Free drag-and-drop of variable-sized widgets (weather, heart rate, calendar, etc.) plus one-tap theme color switching—arguably the most versatile face on any smartwatch.
  • Plateau Care enhancements: Smarter high-altitude monitoring with proactive blood oxygen and heart rate alerts.
  • Improved iOS music transfer via Wi-Fi in the Huawei Health app.
  • Upgraded Contacts and Phone apps: Full dial pad for easier Bluetooth calling.
  • Precise Huawei/FreeBuds control: Individual bud + case battery readout, direct noise- cancellation toggles.
  • General optimizations: Better stability, gesture refinements, and deeper Huawei ecosystem integration.

These additions make HarmonyOS 6 feel like a substantial leap, especially in customizable watch faces and daily convenience.

3. Battery Life Reality Check After a Full Year of Updates

Even with HarmonyOS 6 beta features active (AOD on, continuous monitoring, sticker/module faces):

  • Typical usage yields 9–12 days, which puts it firmly in the top tier for smartwatch long battery life in 2025.
  • Raise-to-wake only and smart heart rate pushes toward the full 14-day claim.

This long battery life dwarfs competitors and holds strong despite new background processes from the enhanced Huawei ecosystem syncing.

Click here  to buy on Amazon

4. Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Expanded Side- by-Side

Category Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro (HarmonyOS 6) Apple Watch Ultra 2 (watchOS 12) Winner for Endurance Users
Battery Life 9–14 days realistic 36–48 hours max Huawei
 

Build & Weight

Titanium + ceramic, 46g, highly scratch-

resistant

Titanium, 61g, rugged Ocean Band  

Tie

 

 

 

Health/Fitness Accuracy

TruSeen 5.5+ shines in running dynamics and overall Huawei sports tracking accuracy, especially during long workouts, VO2 max, and swimming stroke

detection

 

 

Excellent ECG, but occasional HR drift in intense sessions

 

 

 

Huawei

GPS & Offline Maps Dual-band precision, Petal Maps

downloadable routes

Seamless Apple Maps integration  

Tie

 

Payments

Full in China; Quicko- limited in parts of

Europe

 

Universal Apple Pay

 

Apple

 

Customization

New fun sticker watch faces, Module 2025

watch face freedom

Complications are solid but less free-

form

 

Huawei

 

Ecosystem & Third-Party Apps

Growing HarmonyOS depth, superb cross- platform (Android +

iOS)

 

Unmatched App Store, Siri, iOS-only

 

Apple

Swimming/Golf Tracking Pro-level metrics refined throughout

2025

Strong, but Huawei edges in depth  

Huawei

The Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro pulls ahead for athletes prioritizing battery and cross-platform flexibility, while Apple dominates pure smart features. Information is current as of November 2025.

5. Additional Insights from Extended Daily Use

The watch excels in mixed ecosystems—switching between Android and iOS causes zero hiccups in notifications or controls. Golf and swimming modes have matured impressively through 2025 updates, rivaling dedicated sports brands. Gesture controls (like double-tap for music) feel natural, and the Huawei ecosystem “Super Device” handoff between phone, buds, and tablet remains smoother than most competitors.

In India, the 46mm titanium model is listed on Amazon India, while global buyers can explore the full Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro specifications on the official Huawei website.

6. Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro + HarmonyOS 6 FAQs

If you’re trying to understand how the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro behaves in real life—especially with the HarmonyOS 6 update, NFC payments, Alipay support, and new watch faces—this FAQ gives you clear, verified answers. It’s written to match real user search intent, so whether you’re researching tap-to-pay availability, comparing smartwatch NFC features, or planning an upgrade from HarmonyOS 5.x, you’ll find quick, reliable info here.

Does the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro have tap-to-pay / NFC payments outside China right now?

No, not for regular bank cards in most regions. In China, Alipay and WeChat Pay work flawlessly. In parts of Europe—mainly Poland, Germany, Czechia, and Slovakia—limited NFC payments exist through the Quicko Wallet partnership. Everywhere else (the US, Canada, the UK, India, Southeast Asia), you still cannot add standard Visa, Mastercard, or UPI cards to the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro in 2025.

When will global tap-to-pay come to the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro?

Huawei hasn’t confirmed any launch dates. HarmonyOS 6 beta currently enables full Alipay tap- to-pay only in China. Global NFC rollout depends on bank agreements, and historically, these happen country-by-country over 6–18 months after the China release. For now, global tap-to- pay remains uncertain.

How do I install HarmonyOS 6 on my Watch GT 5 Pro?

Open the Huawei Health app → Devices → Your Watch → Firmware update. If HarmonyOS 6 is available for your account and region, you’ll see it there. The HarmonyOS 6 beta started in China in October/November 2025, and global stability is expected around Q1–Q2 2026.

What is the exact build number for HarmonyOS 6 with tap-to-pay?

The first beta builds that support Alipay tap-to-pay are 6.0.0.115 and above (China only). The Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro global version is still running HarmonyOS 5.x, while tap-to-pay builds remain China-only.

Can I use the sticker watch faces and the Module 2025 watch face right now?

Yes. The fun sticker watch faces (upload your own photos) and the Module 2025 watch face with drag-and-drop widgets are already rolling out globally through regular firmware updates. These features are not tied to HarmonyOS 6.

Does HarmonyOS 6 reduce the watch’s 14-day battery life?

No. Even with Always-On Display, continuous heart-rate tracking, and the new watch faces active, real-world endurance remains around 9–12 days. Turning off AOD gets you close to the full 14-day Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro battery life.

Does the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro work well with an iPhone?

Yes. Notifications, calls, health syncing, and even iOS music transfer all work smoothly in 2025. It’s one of the few non-Apple smartwatches that stays reliable with iPhone + Huawei Watch pairing.

Is the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro worth buying in late 2025 if I need payments everywhere?

If universal NFC payments are essential and you’re outside China or the limited Quicko countries, then no, an Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Galaxy Watch Ultra will serve you better.

If you care more about long battery life, premium materials, strong GPS and sports tracking, and better value for money, then the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro is absolutely worth it.

Can I add my Curve card to make payments work in Europe?

Some users in supported European regions have managed to use Curve as a workaround. However, it’s not officially supported, and the success rate varies depending on bank, region, and firmware.

What are the biggest new features in the HarmonyOS 6 features list for the Watch GT 5 Pro?

  • Native Alipay tap-to-pay (China)
  • Fun sticker watch faces with photo uploads
  • Module 2025 watch face (full widget placement control)
  • One-tap theme color switching
  • New touch-to-light gesture
  • Improved iOS music transfer
  • Full Contacts + Dial pad app
  • Individual FreeBuds battery details and controls
  • Smarter high-altitude health alerts

7.  Who Should Buy or Keep the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro Right Now

The Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro is a strong fit for people who want long battery life, accurate fitness tracking, durability, and premium materials without paying top-tier pricing. Based on how HarmonyOS 6 is rolling out and how NFC tap-to-pay works today, here’s who will benefit most from this smartwatch in late 2025:

Endurance athletes who are tired of charging every night

If you run, ride, or train daily and want a smartwatch that lasts 10–14 days, the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro’s long battery life is unmatched. GPS accuracy and sports tracking remain reliable even during multi-hour sessions.

Users already in the Huawei ecosystem

If you’re using Huawei phones, earbuds, or tablets, the Watch GT 5 Pro offers the smoothest pairing, faster syncing, and seamless HarmonyOS integration.

Anyone in China who wants full tap-to-pay support

China remains the only region with complete Alipay and WeChat Pay support. If smartwatch NFC payments and tap-to-pay convenience are important, the Watch GT 5 Pro works perfectly inside this ecosystem.

Cross-platform households needing strong Android + iOS compatibility

If you switch between Android and iPhone, or share devices across platforms, the Watch GT 5 Pro handles notifications, calls, and health data reliably on both. It’s one of the few premium watches that works well across ecosystems.

Buyers who want premium materials without premium pricing will appreciate the GT 5 Pro titanium model, which blends durability with a lighter feel.

Titanium body, ceramic back, sapphire glass, long battery life, and accurate health tracking make the Watch GT 5 Pro a strong value pick. You get flagship build quality at a much lower cost than the Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Galaxy Watch Ultra.

If you need universal NFC payments outside China and select European Quicko Wallet regions…

This smartwatch may not be the right choice right now if global NFC payments, Visa/Mastercard support, or tap-to-pay on Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro are non-negotiable. HarmonyOS 6’s global rollout could fix this eventually, but until then, buyers who depend on smartwatch payments should consider alternatives from Apple or Samsung.

Click here  to buy on Amazon

8. Final Verdict as 2025 Draws to a Close

The Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro ends 2025 in a strong position. HarmonyOS 6 gives the watch a more personal feel with the Module 2025 watch face, fun sticker watch faces, and a smoother, refreshed interface. And even though global tap-to-pay support is still limited, the watch’s real strengths remain rock solid—excellent long battery life, accurate tracking, premium materials, and dependable daily performance.

Readers in India can pick up the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro 46mm titanium model on Amazon India , and anyone outside India can explore full global specs and configurations on the official Huawei website .

If you’ve been dealing with charging anxiety or short-lasting battery life on other smartwatches, this one feels like a relief. As long as universal NFC payments aren’t your top priority, the Watch GT 5 Pro remains one of the easiest recommendations for late 2025—practical, durable, and great value for what it offers.

If you have questions about the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro, HarmonyOS 6, tap-to-pay support, or anything else we covered, feel free to drop a comment or reach out. And if you found this helpful, follow us for more real-world reviews, updates, and buying guidance. We’re always here to help you make the right choice.

***Disclaimer***

This blog post contains unique insights and personal opinions. As such, it should not be interpreted as the official stance of any companies, manufacturers, or other entities we mention or with whom we are affiliated. While we strive for accuracy, information is subject to change. Always verify details independently before making decisions based on our content.

Comments reflect the opinions of their respective authors and not those of our team. We are not liable for any consequences resulting from the use of the information provided. Please seek professional advice where necessary.

Note: All product names, logos, and brands mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Any company, product, or service names used in our articles are for identification and educational purposes only. The use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement.

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