Huawei has launched the Watch GT Runner 2, a new smartwatch aimed squarely at the running and fitness market. Priced at £349.99 in the UK, the device represents the company’s latest attempt to challenge established players like Garmin, and arrives five years after its predecessor, the Watch GT Runner.
The company is heavily promoting the watch’s improved GPS accuracy, achieved through what it calls a “3D floating antenna architecture.” This design addresses a common challenge in smartwatch development: balancing signal reception with the use of metal casings, which can interfere with GPS signals. Huawei has incorporated a thin, non-metallic bezel layer and a strategically placed cutout in the metal casing to enhance antenna performance.
The Watch GT Runner 2 also features dual-band GPS technology, which, in theory, should further improve location tracking precision. However, initial testing by DC Rainmaker suggests that while promising, the watch’s GPS accuracy doesn’t quite match that of the Garmin Forerunner 970. Huawei has indicated that software updates could potentially address this discrepancy.
Beyond GPS enhancements, the Watch GT Runner 2 incorporates a suite of features geared towards serious runners. “Marathon Mode” provides tailored guidance for long-distance races, including refueling reminders and dynamic pace adjustments. The watch also tracks key metrics such as lactate threshold, VO2 Max, running power, training load, and recovery times.
From a hardware perspective, the Watch GT Runner 2 boasts a 43mm titanium bezel and a 1.32-inch OLED display with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels. While its water resistance is rated at 5ATM, Huawei claims it can withstand dives up to 40 meters, exceeding the capabilities of some 10ATM-rated watches.
Despite its focus on fitness, the Watch GT Runner 2 isn’t positioned as a full-fledged smartwatch in the vein of the Apple Watch. Instead, Huawei emphasizes battery life, offering up to 14 days of use on a single charge. This contrasts sharply with the shorter battery life typically associated with more feature-rich smartwatches.
The watch is available in three finishes: Dusk Blue, Dawn Orange, and Midnight Black. Notably, Huawei has chosen not to launch the Watch GT Runner 2 in the U.S. Market, a pattern consistent with its previous product releases.
Alongside the Watch GT Runner 2, Huawei announced the global launch of the Band 11, a fitness tracker featuring a 1.62-inch OLED screen and a two-week battery life. A more advanced version, the Band 11 Pro, includes GPS functionality, though availability will vary by region.
Huawei’s push into the high-end running watch market with the GT Runner 2 represents a strategic effort to compete with established brands like Garmin. The company’s collaboration with marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge underscores its commitment to the sport. However, the initial reviews suggest that while the GT Runner 2 offers a compelling set of features and improved GPS performance, it still has ground to cover to fully rival the accuracy and established ecosystem of competitors like Garmin’s Forerunner series. The success of the GT Runner 2 will likely hinge on Huawei’s ability to refine its GPS technology through software updates and continue to expand its suite of running-specific features.
The launch of both the Watch GT Runner 2 and the Band 11 signals Huawei’s broader strategy to cater to a wider range of fitness enthusiasts, from casual users to dedicated athletes. The company’s focus on extended battery life and competitive pricing could prove to be key differentiators in a crowded market.
