Can two different smartwatches produce similar results during the same 5 KM run? I took the Samsung Watch 7 and Huawei Watch GT 3 out for a practical comparison to see how they handled distance, heart rate, pace, workout duration and calories. This was not a laboratory test or a professional race. It was a real run designed to answer a simple question: do you need an expensive specialist running watch to track your progress?
What was the purpose of running with two watches?
Q: Why compare the Samsung Watch 7 with the Huawei Watch GT 3?
A: The main reason was to see whether two popular smartwatches would record noticeably different results during an ordinary 5 KM run. Both watches can track common running metrics, including distance, heart rate, pace, duration and calories.
It is easy to assume that a more expensive or more advanced watch will automatically produce better data. In practice, many runners do not need a huge number of training features. They mainly want to know how far they ran, how long it took, how hard their heart was working and whether their performance is improving over time.
Using two watches at once also provides a useful real world comparison. The watches were not started at precisely the same moment, so the results should not be treated as a perfectly controlled scientific experiment. Even so, the readings were close enough to show how capable both devices are for everyday running.
The test focused on practical usability rather than advanced coaching features. I wanted to know whether the watches could provide reliable information without making the run complicated. A watch that is comfortable, easy to read and consistent may be more useful than one with a long list of features that a runner never uses.
How different did the watches feel while running?
Q: Was there a noticeable difference in weight?
A: Yes. The Huawei watch felt heavier, even though the difference was relatively small on paper.
The 42 mm Samsung Watch 7 weighs approximately 28.8 grams, while the Huawei watch used in this comparison weighs around 35 grams. That is a difference of about 7 grams. Seven grams does not sound significant when looking at the numbers, but small differences can become more noticeable when a watch is moving with your arm thousands of times during a run.
The extra weight was not a major problem, but it did affect the feeling of the watch on my wrist. When the strap was not tight enough, the Huawei watch moved slightly as I ran. That movement can be distracting, and it may also affect the consistency of readings if the sensor is no longer sitting firmly against the skin.
This does not mean that the lighter watch is automatically better for every runner. Comfort depends on more than weight. The strap material, case shape, wrist size and how tightly the watch is worn all matter. Some people may prefer a larger watch because the display is easier to read. Others may notice even a small amount of movement and prefer a lighter design.
Q: How should a running watch fit?
A: A running watch should be secure enough to stay in place without feeling uncomfortable or restricting movement.
- Wear the watch slightly above the wrist bone rather than directly on the joint.
- Make sure the back of the watch remains in steady contact with your skin.
- Use a snug fit during a run, but do not tighten the strap so much that your hand feels numb.
- Check the fit before starting rather than adjusting it repeatedly while running.
- Keep the sensor area clean so sweat and dust do not interfere with contact.
A loose watch can bounce around, particularly when running downhill, changing pace or moving your arms more actively. A secure fit helps the optical heart rate sensor maintain contact and makes the overall experience more comfortable.
For a short 5 KM run, the weight difference was manageable. However, comfort becomes more important as the distance increases. A watch that feels fine for half an hour may become irritating during a long training session.
Did both watches record similar running results?
Q: Were the heart rate and distance readings close?
A: Yes. The heart rate and distance results were very similar between the two watches.
The watches did not begin recording at exactly the same time, which means the comparison is not perfectly aligned. One device may have started a few seconds earlier or stopped a little later. That can create small differences in distance, duration and calories, particularly when the run is relatively short.
Despite this limitation, the broad pattern was consistent. Both watches recorded a distance close to 5 KM, and both showed a similar heart rate. This is important for recreational runners because consistency is usually more valuable than a tiny difference in the final number.
If one watch reports 5.01 KM and another reports 5.05 KM, that difference is unlikely to change how you evaluate your training. The more useful question is whether the same watch gives you comparable data from one run to the next.
The average heart rate results were particularly close. The Samsung watch recorded an average of 141 beats per minute, while the Huawei watch recorded 140 beats per minute. A one beat difference is unlikely to have any meaningful effect on how a recreational runner understands the session.
Q: What does a similar heart rate result tell us?
A: It suggests that both watches were able to provide a broadly consistent estimate of exercise intensity during this run.
Optical heart rate sensors are not perfect. Readings can be influenced by movement, skin contact, temperature, sweat, watch position and the way the individual runs. A chest strap can provide a more responsive reading for serious training, especially during intervals or rapid changes of pace.
For a steady 5 KM effort, however, the two watches produced almost identical average results. That makes either device useful for checking whether your usual running effort is becoming easier or whether your average heart rate is changing at a similar pace.
Key insight: For everyday running, consistent data from the same device is often more useful than chasing a theoretically perfect number from a much more expensive watch.
Why were the calorie estimates so different?
Q: Why did Samsung report 417 calories while Huawei reported 250?
A: Calories are estimated rather than directly measured, and different brands use different algorithms.
The Samsung Watch 7 reported 417 workout calories, while the Huawei app reported 250. This was by far the biggest difference in the comparison. Distance, heart rate, pace and duration were all close, but the calorie estimates were separated by a considerable amount.
A smartwatch may use information such as body weight, age, sex, heart rate, movement patterns, speed and exercise type to estimate energy expenditure. The manufacturer then applies its own calculation method. Even if two devices receive similar heart rate data, they may still produce different calorie results.
There are also several details that can affect the result:
- Your personal information may not be entered identically in both apps.
- One watch may display active workout calories while another includes a different type of energy estimate.
- The watches may have recorded slightly different start and finish times.
- GPS accuracy and pace changes can affect the estimated workload.
- Algorithms may interpret the same heart rate differently.
For these reasons, calorie figures should be treated as a rough guide rather than a precise measurement. They can be useful for observing broad trends inside one app, but comparing calorie totals across different brands can be misleading.
Q: Should runners use smartwatch calories to decide how much to eat?
A: It is better not to rely on the number as an exact record of food energy used.
If one watch says you burned 417 calories and another says 250, the difference demonstrates how uncertain the estimate can be. A runner who eats back every calorie shown on a watch may unintentionally overestimate the energy used during training.
For general fitness, it is more useful to focus on your overall routine, appetite, body composition, recovery and performance. If your goal is weight management, consider calorie data as one small reference point rather than a precise instruction.
How close were the pace and duration results?
Q: Did both watches agree on running pace?
A: The average pace was close, although not identical.
The Samsung watch recorded an average pace of 6 minutes and 4 seconds per kilometre. The Huawei watch recorded an average pace of 6 minutes and 10 seconds per kilometre. A six second difference per kilometre is relatively small for a casual run, especially when the devices were not started at precisely the same time.
Average pace is calculated from distance and elapsed time. If the distance measurement differs slightly, or if one watch includes a few extra seconds while waiting for GPS to settle, the final pace can change. Pausing the run, running under trees or passing between tall buildings can also influence GPS performance.
For a recreational runner, the most valuable use of pace is comparison against your own previous sessions. If you usually run at 6 minutes and 30 seconds per kilometre and gradually move towards 6 minutes and 10 seconds while maintaining a similar heart rate, that is a useful sign of progress.
Q: How important is the exact pace number?
A: It depends on your goal.
If you are training for a specific race time, small pace differences may matter more. You may want to use a dedicated training plan, check your route carefully and consider a chest strap or foot pod for more detailed data.
If you are running for health, consistency or enjoyment, a small variation between two watches is not a reason to worry. Your pace naturally changes with heat, wind, hills, sleep, stress, footwear and how you feel that day.
The duration readings were also very close. This supports the idea that both devices tracked the main outline of the workout effectively. The watches were not identical, but they told a similar story about the run.
Which watch is easier to use?
Q: Is the Samsung interface better than the Huawei interface?
A: Neither interface is automatically better for everyone. They are simply different, and each requires some familiarisation.
The Samsung watch uses a rotating dial style interaction alongside its touchscreen controls. The Huawei watch relies on a different combination of screen controls and physical buttons. The layout, terminology, menus and way of starting a workout vary between the two ecosystems.
When you change from one brand to another, it is normal to spend a little time learning where the workout mode is located, how to pause the session, how to end the run and where to find the results afterwards. This learning period can make one watch feel less convenient at first, even if the hardware is capable.
Before your next run, it is worth practising the basic controls at home:
- Open the workout application.
- Select outdoor running.
- Wait for the GPS signal if required.
- Start the session.
- Pause and resume the workout.
- End the session and confirm the save option.
- Find the completed workout in the companion app.
Knowing these steps reduces the chance of accidentally ending a workout or recording a session without GPS. It also lets you focus on running rather than looking down at the watch repeatedly.
Q: Does the watch need a large display?
A: A larger display can make live statistics easier to read, but it is not essential.
During a run, most people only need a few key fields. Distance, elapsed time, current pace and heart rate are usually enough. Showing too many numbers can make the display harder to understand at a glance.
A simple data screen can be more useful than a crowded one. If you are running in bright sunlight, display brightness and contrast matter. If you run in the early morning or evening, automatic brightness and a clear backlight can be more important.
It is also worth considering how often you need to interact with the screen. A runner who prefers to start the watch and leave it alone may value reliable automatic recording. Someone who performs intervals may prefer easy access to physical controls.
Are these watches suitable for a non professional runner?
Q: Do I need a specialist running watch to track my progress?
A: No. For many recreational runners, either of these watches can provide the essential information needed to monitor progress.
You do not need to spend thousands of dollars on a high tech sports watch simply to record a 5 KM run. A capable smartwatch can measure the basics and give you a useful record of your activity.
The important part is not owning the most advanced device. The important part is using the device regularly and understanding what the numbers mean. A simple record of distance, time and average heart rate can reveal meaningful changes over several weeks or months.
For example, you could record the following after every run:
- Total distance
- Workout duration
- Average pace
- Average heart rate
- How difficult the run felt
- Any unusual conditions, such as heat or hills
The final item is easy to overlook. A slower run on a hot day does not necessarily mean that your fitness has declined. Adding a short note about the conditions gives you useful context when you review your history later.
How can you use a smartwatch as a running benchmark?
Q: What is the best way to track improvement?
A: Use the same watch and similar route often enough to create a consistent point of comparison.
Switching between devices can introduce differences in GPS recording, calorie estimates and pace calculations. If you want to identify a trend, using the same watch for most sessions makes the information easier to compare.
You do not need to run at maximum effort every time. In fact, many runners make better progress by alternating comfortable runs with occasional faster efforts. A smartwatch can help you see whether your easy pace is improving without requiring every session to become a race.
A practical monthly check could look like this:
- Run the same route once or twice each week.
- Start the watch in the same way each time.
- Try to maintain a similar effort rather than forcing a particular pace.
- Record the distance, duration and average heart rate.
- Write down how the run felt and note the weather.
- Review the pattern after four weeks rather than judging one session.
Over time, you may notice that you can run the same distance at a faster pace with a similar heart rate. You may also find that your heart rate is lower at your usual pace. Both can indicate improved running efficiency, although recovery and environmental conditions should always be considered.
Q: What should I do when the numbers look unusual?
A: Check the recording conditions before assuming the watch is faulty.
A sudden change in distance may be caused by GPS signal quality. A strange heart rate reading may occur when the strap is loose or when the sensor has not settled. A large calorie difference may simply reflect the way the brand calculates energy expenditure.
Look for repeated patterns. One unusual reading is usually less important than several unusual readings in a row. If the watch repeatedly records an implausible heart rate, test the fit, clean the sensor and compare it with how you feel. For serious medical or training decisions, use equipment designed for that purpose and consult an appropriate professional.
My practical advice for choosing a running watch
If you are deciding between the Samsung Watch 7 and Huawei Watch GT 3, begin with the features you will actually use. Consider how the watch feels on your wrist, whether it stays secure, how easily you can start a workout and whether the companion app is convenient.
The results from this 5 KM run suggest that both watches can handle the fundamentals well. Heart rate, distance, duration and pace were close enough for ordinary fitness tracking. The main warning is that calorie estimates were very different, so that metric should not be used as the deciding factor.
For a non professional runner, the best device is often the one that you will wear consistently. Use it to establish a baseline, repeat similar runs, pay attention to how your body feels and review the trend instead of reacting to one isolated workout.
Start with the watch you already own if it can track the basics. Learn its controls, wear it securely and give yourself several weeks of data before deciding that you need an upgrade. Consistent training and honest tracking will usually contribute more to your progress than paying for features that remain unused.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Samsung Watch 7 and Huawei Watch GT 3 provide similar results during a 5 KM run?
Yes. Both watches recorded very similar distance, heart rate and workout duration results. Although they were not started and stopped at precisely the same time, the data was close enough to show that both devices are suitable for tracking an everyday 5 KM run.
Which watch recorded the more accurate calorie total?
The calorie estimates differed considerably. The Samsung Watch 7 recorded approximately 417 workout calories, while the Huawei Watch GT 3 recorded around 250 calories. This shows that calorie readings can vary between devices and should be treated as estimates rather than exact measurements.
Was there a noticeable difference in comfort between the two watches?
Yes. The Huawei watch felt slightly heavier, weighing about 35 grams compared with approximately 28.8 grams for the 42 mm Samsung Watch 7. The difference was manageable during a short run, but a lighter watch may feel more comfortable over longer distances.
How should a smartwatch be worn while running?
- Wear it slightly above the wrist bone.
- Ensure the sensor remains in steady contact with your skin.
- Use a snug fit without tightening the strap excessively.
- Check the fit before starting your run.
- Keep the sensor clean and free from sweat and dust where possible.
Do you need an expensive specialist running watch to track your progress?
Not necessarily. For a recreational 5 KM run, both smartwatches provided useful information about distance, pace, heart rate and duration. A specialist running watch may offer more advanced training and coaching features, but many runners can monitor their progress effectively with a capable everyday smartwatch.
