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The series was launched in Thailand on 7 May, but we were given a preview by PR manager Sofia Björnerfors and her Nordic colleagues during an event at Oslo Golf Lounge in Grünerløkka.

The biggest design-related news is the screen size, which is now 1.92 inches. This is the largest screen the Fit series has ever had, and the bezel around it has been made as narrow as possible. The watch case is made of aerospace titanium material, while the body itself is in aviation-grade aluminium. The glass is sapphire glass, with rounded edges.

Fluoroelastomer straps

The white Pro version has been given an extra coating intended to provide a ceramic feel, something described as popular in both traditional watches and sports watches. The series is launched in orange, black and white for the Pro variant, while the standard model comes in black, white and purple. The straps are made from a material that breathes, is easy to rinse off and dries quickly.

– The greatest advantage we have as such a large manufacturer is that we can bring very advanced functions from our range that are in a higher price bracket down to lower price brackets, Nordic PR manager Sofia Björnerfors tells the trade magazine Elektronikkbransjen.

LTPO display and long battery life

The series has been given an LTPO display, of the same type as used in mobile phones. This makes it possible to work with better refresh rates, which is also positive for the battery. Despite the larger display and higher refresh rate, the battery life from the predecessor has been retained. The watches offer up to ten days with light use, seven days with typical use, and can last for 24 hours during running.

New sports features

Accurate GPS is described as crucial for outdoor activities such as running, golf and cycling. The cycling features that previously existed in the GT6 series are now available in the Fit 5 series, including fall detection, which is active in all situations when switched on. Running analysis from GT6, including checkpoint running, has also been included.

– How does this series differ from its predecessor, the Watch Fit 4 series?

– I would say it has the same foundation, but very many more advanced features, above all for outdoor sports, but also for health measurements. More premium materials have been used, and the display is larger with a better refresh rate, says Björnerfors.

Golf with flag repositioning

Golf mode now covers 17,000 golf courses globally. A new feature lets the user manually move the flag position on the watch's map when the course has changed the hole location. The series has also been given Competition Mode after input from the golf community, so that the watch display is sufficiently simplified to be permitted for use during tournaments. Auto-rotation, automatic scorecard and driving range mode are also included.

The watches support freediving down to 40 metres, with training features for breath training. It is emphasised that this is not a diving watch for use with an oxygen cylinder.

Panda as motivator

A new feature called mini-workouts introduces 30 different exercises lasting 30 to 60 seconds, spread across 11 body areas. An animated panda appears to remind the user to move. The panda can also be used as a watch face, and clearly shows if the user has been sitting still for too long.

– I was a little sceptical about this at first, but then I realised that, of course, simply moving a little more often can actually make a big difference. I really think this is a feature that is very useful for those of us who work a lot in front of the computer, says Björnerfors.

The panda feature, as well as the Hanhan character and Curve payments, is available in both models in the series, not only in the Pro variant.

Sleep analysis and ECG

The sleep measurements have been improved and synchronised with the AASM industry standard. The watches can distinguish between deep sleep and light sleep, and also include naps in the total sleep measurement. ECG and measurement of stiffness in arteries and veins are reserved for the Pro segment, while detection of a tendency towards atrial fibrillation and sleep apnoea is available in both models.

The weather function has been expanded with more parameters, including the UV index, in addition to temperature. This is brought up with a simple swipe on the screen.

Curve payment and health apps

Payment via Curve is now available in Norway and already works on several Huawei watches, including the Fit 4 and GT6. Users download the Curve app and pay through it. When purchasing the watch, three months of free access to Huawei Health Plus are included, and a free trial period is also offered for a range of training apps without any requirement to provide payment information. The Huawei Health app is free.

Increased interest and Sweden next

– How do you perceive the interest in these watches in the Nordic region?

– It has increased a great deal in recent years. I think many people have realised that this is very good value for money. You get a great deal in a sleek package, says Björnerfors.

Huawei has had Finland as its first focus area in the Nordic region, followed by Norway. Sweden is the next market, with a strategy of starting step by step, establishing a stable sales network and then gradually increasing marketing. Björnerfors describes Sweden as a large and important market for smart sports watches in the Nordic region.

– The target group is not primarily divided by age or gender. Our watches are aimed at users with an active lifestyle and offer many features for popular activities such as trail running, hiking, cycling, golf, swimming and tennis, says Björnerfors.