Huawei Band 8 : Scientific Review

🟡 Twitter: @QuantifiedRob
* Affiliate (paid) links support the channel by earning me a commission on any sale, and it doesn't cost you any more! My opinions are completely my own, and this content is not sponsored.
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
👇 $30 off any new WHOOP membership, affiliate* (paid) link, supports the channel!👇
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
👇Amazon Affiliate* (paid) links. Supports the channel, doesn't cost you any more!👇
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬BEST WATCHES▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
($30 off any new WHOOP membership)

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
📸My Gear* (paid links, supports the channel and doesn’t cost you any more)📸
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:38 Heart Rate Test 1 : Indoor Cycling
05:40 Heart Rate Test 2 : Outdoor Cycling
09:15 Heart Rate Test 3 : Weight Lifting
12:18 Sleep Test 1 : Performance
17:24 Sleep Test 2 : Comparison To Other Watches
19:15 Sleep Test 3 : Consistency
20:39 Conclusions
21:43 Limitations

I have a feeling that based on this review, many of you are going to want to buy the Huawei Band 8, and there are definitely some good reasons to do that. However, I will also show you that the Band 8 has a number of limitations, so make sure that these are not deal-breakers for you, before pulling the trigger. As always, I will present systematic analyses of the raw data collected with the Huawei Band 8, so you can objectively evaluate if the Huawei Band 8 meets your needs! Let’s get started!

This is the single most requested review of the last months, and it has been a challenge to get it out. However, I finally managed to get my hands on two Huawei Band 8’s, and I’ve been testing them for about 3 weeks. And, after all this testing, the Huawei Band 8 appears to be the best performer in its price class, in certain areas at least, likely making it a very attractive option for many of you. Optically, the Huawei Band 8 looks similar to the Huawei Band 7 and Band 6, with some slight modifications, and the major changes are performance when it comes to heart rate and sleep stage tracking. The Huawei Band 8 launches with a new generation of the heart rate tracking algorithm and a new generation of the sleep tracking algorithm, compared to the older Band 7. So, this will be my focus in this review, and I will systematically test the Huawei Band 8. As you know, I generally do not list specs of watches, since you can find those on Huawei’s website, but I did want to note two things: first of all, I was impressed with the fast charging of the Band 8, which is supposed to charge to capacity in 45 minutes. I didn’t time it, but this seems to be about right compared to my experience. Second, in the advertisements I saw online, I somehow got the feeling that the screen was a bit bigger than it appears in reality. Maybe this is just me, but I found it important to share that impression.

I am really impressed with the heart rate tracking, and I expect that many of you will end up getting a Band 8, because heart rate tracking is likely the most important feature for many of my viewers. Still, when it comes to the overall package, it’s not complete as the sleep stage tracking is just bad. Considering all of this, overall, I’d give the Huawei Band 8, 3.5 out of 5 stars. There are a few important other factors to consider before getting this device. First of all, Huawei has been facing restrictions in America, meaning they don’t have access to Google services, and you might need to install their own app store to get all functionalities.

[TheQuantifiedScientist]

🔵 Newsletter: www.robterhorst.com
🟡 Twitter: @QuantifiedRob
* Affiliate (paid) links support the channel by earning me a commission on any sale, and it doesn't cost you any more! My opinions are completely my own, and this content is not sponsored.
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
👇 $30 off any new WHOOP membership, affiliate* (paid) link, supports the channel!👇
($30 off any new WHOOP membership)
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
👇Amazon Affiliate* (paid) links. Supports the channel, doesn't cost you any more!👇
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬BEST WATCHES▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
($30 off any new WHOOP membership)

[kabatengtengostendere]

Every time I saw a new smartwatch from Huawei, I always went to go to this Channel. Waiting for the Huwawei Band 9 review.

[oOcitizenOo]

Rob is the only reviewer i trust when it comes to testing new smart bands ans watches. Thanks for what you're doing!

[MaxPenguine]

Reviews on this channel did make a huge difference for me. I'm not even near exercises for now so accurate resting heart rate was very important for me. No money for apple wach (not even SE) so needed the most accurate band for the lowest price. I used Honor Band 6 and now using Huawei watch fit 2. As they use same mobile app I can only recommend it as great. I also think this band, with this score is 'best buy' as long as heart rate maters... Omg! I'm so glad to found this channel that helped me a lot over year! Thank you Rob!!

[achillespower]

Out of all the watch review channels this channel is one of the very best out there, especially because he gives objective results and tests them properly and not just based on how he feels. A true content creator.

[haraesh]

I bought the band 8 today based on your band 7 review since the sensors are identical and the only slight difference is on the design. I didn't bother about sleep tracking as my focus was on accurate heart rate and fitness tracking (with a decent clock interface and timer/stopwatch). I am surprised to see the review published today and it is extremely reassuring that I made a good purchase. Your reviews are excellent and have definitely saved me some good amount of money!

[Mateusz-nezg]

I managed to get Huawei band 8, so I did some tests myself and compared with my band 7. The exercise was walking outdoors, according to GPS the distance was 3 km, according to band 7 - 2, 74 km, and band 8 - 2, 63 km. The pulse was almost exactly the same on both devices, 122 medium and 146 max on band 7, 124 medium and 146 max on band 8. The second device picked up 46 more steps, with average length 4 cm shorter. I did couple other measurements on different distances and conclusions were the same - band 8 lowers the distance comparing to reality, while pulse measurement is basically the same with band 7.

I can't say anything yet about other activities nor I haven't compared these two when they co-op with GPS from phone. But it someone only needs a daily tracker for steps and burned calories, then no need to upgrade from 7 to 8.

[yodanvranx]

I was waiting for this since I bought it last week and I knew (guessed) what your results would be like. So, thanks again for the effort you put in those reviews! I think it's fantastic. I am using it for crosstrainer and health tracking, especially for sleep. Though you can't select heart rate tracking frequency by settings, because its either off or auto, and in auto when you're not moving the intervals spread up to 10 mins, there is a workaround. Just record your night as a training (I'm using yoga) and recording 6 or 7 oder even 12 hours of training is no problem. Also, contrary to the manual, the band will do SPo2, Stress and even sleep tracking simultaneously, and this is exactly what I wanted. The Band 8 sells offcially for have the price of the watch fit 2 which is unbeatable.

Compared to that the mi bands are disappointing. Even the newest one shows no substantial improvment to its predecessor. The 7 can't even track a simple crosstrainer session correctly, so I am done with xiaomi and wrist bands and particularly the mi fitness app.

[flameHashira]

I saw your video on Mi Band 8 first when i was about to buy it, and was enough to not purchase and instead went for the Huawei band 8 based on your review on the Band 7. I'm glad it was the right purchase and your video made a HUGE DIFFERENCE! KEEP UP THE GREAT CONTENT!

[katy_mus]

Have been using this Huawei Band 8 for almost two months now. I don't really mind about the sleep tracking because I use it for running and monitoring my heart rate. Really like the quick reply function and it works well with my Samsung S22+. Always on display watch faces are quite nice too. For the price I paid, I think this band is awesome 😁

[yotub]

I love how these reviews differ from other ones. You can clearly see he is clearly involved in the testing process (he is a PhD in Bio testing)

[enricohagn]

Mein 👍 und Kommentar für Deine unermüdliche Mühe und Arbeit schon mal vor dem Guggn Deines neuesten VDOs 🙏

[david.grever]

I bought mine two days ago based on your general recommendation for Huawei watches!
Glad to hear that the heart rate tracking really is as good as I had assumed :)

[HanifYahaya]

Thank you, sir. I eagerly anticipate your forthcoming evaluation of the Huawei Watch 4 / Huawei Watch 4 Pro

[itmamurmahi]

Thank you for reviewing band 8 . I already bought this before your review and this is better than the many expensive watches. ❤

[JJ-yexj]

I just found your channel and wow!!! this content should be out there more!! I love reviews like this not sponsord just absolute user experience and a thorough review!

[Shintikibob]

I didn't know this channel existed. Glad i stumbled upon it. Thank you Rob for what you do!

[KasKade]

Interestingly, a new Huawei Watch fit just came out! Watch fit Special Edition. You can only order it in Germany and Brazil for some reason. But it seems to have improved tracking, screen and programs. Maybe something you can test?

[williamsurya]

hi! thank you for the video, I decided to get the band 8 after watching your GW6 video, saves me money 😂👌.

I also wanted to share my experience with the band 8, I used Galaxy Watch Active 1 since 2019, last year the screen pops out and i glued it again, my main issue with the watch after 4 years of use mainly is the heart rate tracking, some days it detects my RHR fine, but some days it won't even detects RHR at all. GW6 was my main choice, but after your review, I decided to better save money and get a cheap one instead.

So far with the band, the good:
- battery life, it felt so good not to charge the watch once every 2-3 days
- heart rate detection is decent and fast
- it's light and doesn't protrude that much from your wrist
- step count is decent, it quickly detects when i walk (the GWA has some delays registering the steps, I don't know if this is an aging device issue or is it because i'm not using a samsung phones)
- has SPO2 tracking

Now, the not so good, as I come from the galaxy watch active:
- screen aren't so bright for sunny outdoor (at least for me)
- for some reason i cannot find the option to automatically pause walk / running when stationary (the GWA has this)
- exercise options are limited, in GWA you can chose bench press exercise, I can only find strength in the band 8. It also detects less calories when weightlifting compared to the GWA.

Another, the nitpicks:
- vibration feels cheap, it gets annoying when you set any chat notifications and the chat is active (it's a different price point than the GWA though, so it's kinda okay, minor annoyances)
- there's so many permissions for the app, so if you're conscious with privacy, maybe try other devices?
- it takes time o adjust to the huawei health app, while it's better than installing the samsung health and galaxy wearable, the experience is totally cluttered, experience wise, S Health feels better to navigate (this might be my bias too as I've used the S Health for 4 years now)
- the not so robust exercise options

While i can't say much about the accuracy, i'd say for the price, you get a really decent heart rate tracker!

[adityaudayanagolfvlogs]

Based on your findings, Band 8 is a super alternative to any smartwatch and superior in terms of price to quality. In Indonesia, its one of the most popular watch for that reasons even though huawei is not so popular in the smartphone industry, buyers are well informed of its quality when compared to more popular indonesian market brands such as Xiaomi, Fitbit, Apple and even Samsung watches.