Huawei has finally lifted the curtain on the Band 11 Pro and Band 11

Huawei finally pulled back the curtain on the Band 11 and its capable sibling, the Band 11 Pro. These trackers refine the formula we’ve seen over the years, focusing on better screens and smarter internal sensors.

A classic look with better materials

The new series retains the tall and slim look that defines modern fitness trackers, but the Pro model feels more powerful. It uses an aluminum alloy case that offers a more refined touch compared to the standard model. You can get the Pro in green, blue, or black. Another thing to note is that the Pro version adapts a new look with curved edges. The base version continues the design language of the previous model.

The standard Band 11 offers several other options, including beige, white, and purple, though some of those versions swap metal for a hard polymer.

Both devices have a 1.62 inch AMOLED screen. So there is no difference there. The resolution is sharp at 286 by 482 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 347 PPI. This is high enough that you won’t see individual pixels while checking your heart rate or reading a text notification. Huawei says it has also improved the brightness for outdoor use.

Huawei has managed to keep these devices very light, with the Pro weighing 18 grams and the standard version coming in at 16 or 17 grams depending on the materials.

The main difference is inside

Although they look almost identical on your wrist, the insides are different. The Band 11 Pro features built-in GPS. This is the main reason to spend more money when running or cycling outside. You can leave your phone at home and get an accurate map of your route and speed. The standard Band 11 does not have this hardware, so it must rely on your phone’s GPS to track your location.

Beyond GPS, both trackers share a deep set of sensors. They use a 9 axis IMU that includes an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer. They also include a standard heart rate sensor and an ambient light sensor. You get Huawei’s complete health tracking system, including blood oxygen levels, sleep monitoring, and stress tracking. They even include mood tracking now, which tries to gauge your mood based on lifestyle data throughout the day.

Life and battery life

The 300mAh battery performance is the same in both models. For a light usage profile, you can extend this to 14 days. If you’re using them like a normal person, with notifications turned on and occasional activity, expect about eight days. If you like the constant display and want every sensor to work constantly, that number drops to about three days. Turn on the GPS on the Pro and it will go down continuously.

Charging is still handled by a magnetic cable that goes into the back. It’s a fast and reliable system that has worked well for Huawei in the past. Both bands are rated for 5 ATM water resistance. Pretty standard these days.

Our takeaway

If you’re a runner or someone who spends a lot of time tracking outdoor activities without a phone, the Pro is the obvious choice. The aluminum construction also makes it feel more like a piece of jewelry than a plastic toy. For everyone who just wants a reliable step counter and notification hub, the standard Band 11 does the exact same job at a more affordable price.

Currently the devices are only available in certain regions. The standard Band 11 hits the market for around €50. If you want the Pro model with its GPS and metal housing, you’re looking at around €70. These prices place the Band 11 series in the middle of the budget wearable market, offering high-end display technology without the high price tag of a smartwatch.

View the Band 11 and 11 Pro on Huawei.com.

Technical specifications comparison: Band 11 pro vs Band 11

Sign up for our monthly newsletter! Check out our YouTube channel.

And of course, you can follow Gadgets & Wearables on Google News and add us as a favorite source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinions in your feed.

The post Huawei finally lifts the curtain on Band 11 Pro and Band 11 appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.