The new HUAWEI Watch GT Runner 2 is here to fix your spotty trail GPS tracking

Source: Android Authority

TL;DR

• After a five‑year hiatus, HUAWEI returns to the professional fitness market with a major hardware launch in Madrid.
• The Watch GT Runner 2 is the headline product, featuring upgraded GPS accuracy via a new 3D floating antenna and improved antenna gasket.
• HUAWEI also unveiled the Mate 80 Pro, FreeBuds Pro 5, WATCH Ultimate 2 Green Edition, and the Band 11 series.

Huawei Watch GT Runner 2

Wearable tech often sees small, incremental updates, but HUAWEI made a big splash at its “Now is Your Run” event in Madrid. The company announced a lineup of new devices, marking its return to professional running watches after five years.

The WATCH GT Runner 2 features a new 3D floating antenna and an improved antenna gasket, delivering markedly better GPS tracking—even in tunnels or shaded paths. It also includes a Smart Marathon Mode that acts as a real‑time coach, helping runners monitor pace and performance throughout a race.

Convenience is addressed with Curve Pay built in, allowing contactless payments during a run without a phone or wallet. The starting price is £350, with an early promotion reducing it to £320 and bundling extra perks and training‑app subscriptions.

FreeBuds Pro 5 aims to redefine ANC expectations

While the running products stole most of the spotlight, the FreeBuds Pro 5 introduced what HUAWEI calls the world’s first dual‑engine AI noise‑cancelling earbuds. A dual‑driver acoustic system—combining a dynamic driver with a micro‑planar diaphragm—delivers deep bass down to 10 Hz and high‑frequency reach up to 48 kHz, while reducing distortion and creating a layered soundstage.

Lossless playback is supported via the L2HC 4.0 codec when paired with compatible HUAWEI devices, offering 48 kHz/24‑bit audio at up to 2.3 Mbps, placing the earbuds firmly in the premium wireless earbuds category.

The dual‑engine AI system uses a MIMO perception model and is claimed to be 220 % better than the previous version. Calls benefit from a triple‑mic array with bone‑conduction support for clear voice transmission even in noisy environments.

Designed for comfort, the earbuds were modeled on data from over 10,000 ear samples, resulting in a smaller, lighter form factor while retaining IP57 durability for workouts and everyday use. The FreeBuds Pro 5 launched at £180, with a temporary discount to £150 plus added device protection.

Other announcements

• WATCH Ultimate 2 Green Edition – enhanced outdoor and golf tracking features.
• Band 11 series – brighter display and compact health‑tracking capabilities.