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The global launch of the Huawei Watch GT Runner has brought new features designed for runners.
The GT Runner launched in China back in December 2021 but quickly went global and is available in Europe and the UK. As is always the case with Huawei, there is no official release or pricing in the US.
Many of the core features are already part of the Huawei Watch GT 3, and the design has been redesigned for runners. It features a new lightweight design, larger lugs, and bodywork details that Huawei says convey the energy of a "supercar".
It boasts a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with built-in Harmony OS, just like the Huawei Watch GT 3 series.
The best running watch for your needs
The ceramic bezel and titanium crown are paired with the resin case for weight reduction and a premium playing feel.
In terms of features, there isn't much that's new here - the Huawei Watch GT 3 offers plenty of running features. And many of Runner's standout features are already in GT 3.
Huawei Watch GT Runner enters the global market
GT Runner puts more emphasis on some existing features such as the Running Ability Index (RAI) and AI training. It uses historical running data to offer recommendations for recovery and training intensity, training plans, possible race finish times, and an overall assessment of your running ability that looks like a VO2 Max estimate.
While it's hidden in the Huawei Watch GT 3, we expect to see it more prominently in the GT Runner.
Huawei Watch 3
But there were a few targeted additions. Huawei has apparently improved GPS performance with additional "floating" antennas in the lugs rather than in the main body, which is new for the GT Runner. This increases the efficiency of dual-frequency GNSS (already featured in the GT 3) to improve acquisition times and improve accuracy.
GT Runner uses all five systems (GPS + Beidou + GLONASS + Galileo + QZSS) for a more reliable connection.
The result of the additional antennas is a 135% improvement in accuracy over standard GT smartwatches.
Huawei Watch GT Runner enters the global market
GT Runner also boasts route exchange and a back track that will direct you to the start of a route if you get lost, which is included with GT 3.
But the company has upgraded its TruSport system, which should improve the accuracy of metrics such as VO2 Max, running ability index, training effect and recovery.
It provides 14 days of battery life (though 7 days of "heavy use") and great smartwatch performance from the standard GT 3 smartwatch. And you can also connect an external heart rate sensor if you need an extra level of accuracy.
The Huawei Watch GT Runner will cost €299 when it goes on sale in April. Pricing in the UK is TBD, but there is no official availability in the US.
This puts it in the same price bracket as devices like the Apple Watch SE and dedicated devices like the Garmin Forerunner 245.
It's certainly an attractive running-focused smartwatch with plenty of perks - although the GT 3 seems to have most of the key features for a much lower price. The standard Huawei Watch GT 3 starts at £209, so you're paying for a faster design.