After the presentation a few weeks ago, the time has come for our test of the new Huawei Watch Gt Runner 2. A product designed for running enthusiasts, but which also includes complete monitoring of our health and more than 100 sports modes. A smartwatch also suitable for daily use, light, resistant and with high autonomy.
Let us therefore analyze in detail all the features of the new Huawei Watch Gt Runner 2.
Design and packaging
The Watch GT Runner 2 presents itself with a decidedly modern and refined design. At the top right we find the crown which is clickable and useful for power and navigation within the user interface. A physical button customizable by the user has been inserted at the bottom right.
Smartwatch made with quality materials such as 2nd generation Kunlun glass, thin but resistant that protects the display, a titanium alloy case and composite materials back where we find the sensors for monitoring our health, microphone and speaker for calls and notifications.
In the package we find two straps. Let’s start with the woven version, with AirDry technology which improves breathability with water-repellent anti-sweat properties, and equipped with a Velcro closure that allows it to adapt perfectly to our wrist. Alternatively, you can use the breathable fluoroelastomer strap with traditional closure.
Smartwatch available in three colors:
- Dusk Blue: Dark case with blue inserts, AirDry braided strap in gradient blue and black fluoroelastomer strap with gray holes.
- Dawn Orange (tested): clear case with orange inserts, orange, gradient blue and white AirDry braided strap and white fluoroelastomer strap with orange holes.
- Midnight Black: Dark case with red inserts, black AirDry braided strap and black fluoroelastomer strap with gray holes.
Model with water and dust resistant case (IP69 certification) and immersion up to 5 atm. Product with dimensions of 43.5 mm x 43.5 mm x 10.7 mm, weight of 34.5 g (approximately 43.5 grams with AirDry strap), suitable for wrists from 120 to 190 mm. Finally, the package that includes the magnetic charger with USB-A port.
Technical characteristics
Below are the technical specifications of the Watch GT Runner 2:
- Display: 1.32 inches, Amoled, 466 x 466 pixels, Ppi 352, maximum brightness of 3,000 nits
- Sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, optical heart rate sensor, barometer, temperature sensor, ambient light sensor, ECG sensor, depth sensor, fall detection with automatic SOS
- Connectivity: NFC, Bluetooth 6, enhanced GPS with 3D floating antenna for always precise distance, pace and route data
- Audio: Microphone and speaker for hands-free and notifications
- Battery: capacity not declared
- Operating system: HarmonyOs 6.0
- Compatibility: Android 9.0 or later, iOS 13.0 or later
Operating system, user interface and health monitoring
On board the GT Runner 2 we find the proprietary HarmonyOs operating system in the most recent version 6. Software in Italian, with a classic interface. In fact, a swipe from top to bottom allows quick access to the settings with the possibility of accessing functions such as Do Not Disturb mode, managing the brightness (including automatic) of the display and battery monitoring. A swipe upwards allows access to notifications with the ability on Android to reply to messages, but not to Google emails, with emoji, customizable preset text and touch keyboard.
Notifications that unfortunately remain unread on the smartphone even if they were displayed on the watch. A swipe to the right allows quick access to the most used apps, while a swipe to the left allows quick access to numerous functions divided into various tabs that can be managed by the user: rings for monitoring physical activity (steps, distance, calories, etc.), emotion and stress monitoring, a tab that contains various information such as heart rate, a tab dedicated to weather, agenda, calls, music (also memorized in the smartwatch), training section and moon phases.
All apps are, however, accessible by pressing the crown. Among the numerous applications available we remember those for monitoring the cardiovascular system: heartbeat even 24/7, Ecg, arrhythmia analysis (risk of atrial fibrillation), detection of arterial stiffness and oxygen level in the blood. We continue with skin temperature and the Health Insights app which offers a complete health analysis. This integrates data from various aspects (emotions, training, well-being and sleep quality) and uses advanced algorithms to identify the main trends. The app helps users understand changes in their physical condition, receive personalized reminders and recommendations, and develop healthier habits.
It also completes the sleep monitoring app with numerous parameters such as REM phase, possible sleep apnea, breathing, heart rate and much more.
We also remember the integrated AI Voice vocal assistant, the app for calls and contacts, the breathing exercises for stress reduction and the numerous customizable watchfaces with animations and videos, downloadable via the dedicated app which we will analyze later.
Further applications are available, via smartphone, using the App gallery. It is a small store without famous apps, but with useful software that allows, for example, the management of Spotify, Google calendar events and more directly from the smartwatch. For navigation functions we recommend the Petal maps app.
Running and other sports
The section dedicated to running is truly complete, with many functions available. Let’s start with the innovative Marathon mode (also usable for other distances) developed in collaboration with professional runners: it not only tracks race performances, but offers complete guidance from start to finish. With features like dynamic pace guidance and intelligent recovery reminders, the device provides real-time updates directly to the wrist, helping runners optimize their performance. Function capable of providing numerous key data such as running ability index, estimated arrival time and much more.
Let’s continue with the algorithm for measuring running power. This innovative algorithm allows you to estimate indicators related to lactate threshold, providing users with advanced information on training intensity and muscle strength. By automatically analyzing these parameters, it is possible to optimize training and develop personalized training programs and race strategies.
Lots of information displayed during the race: race time, distance, pace, heart rate, altitude, cadence, aerobic and anaerobic phase, route map and much more.
Obviously, there is no shortage of features dedicated to training analysis, with 13 predefined and customizable modes, management of warm-up and post-run stretching. We also mention the Track Run which allows you to select up to 9 lanes, thanks to the precise integrated GPS, and the possibility of synchronizing the activities recorded with the watch on Strava.
We continue with the 100 supported sports modes, including skiing and yoga. Cycling is particularly well looked after. The Watch GT Runner 2 hosts the virtual power function, estimating Watts without a potentiometer, based on speed, slope, altitude and weight. If you use a real potentiometer, it calculates the Ftp (Functional Threshold Power), the maximum power that a cyclist can maintain in a stable situation without getting tired. We also remember golf with over 17,000 course maps included.
We conclude with the integrated voice assistant for workouts and the customizable interface.
App for smartphones
The Watch GT Runner 2 is accompanied by the Huawei Health application for Android and iOS mobile devices, which can be downloaded via the QR displayed when you first start the smartwatch and is not present in the stores.
Application, in Italian, easy to use and very feature-rich, which allows you to view in detail all the data collected by the smartwatch, also accompanied by useful explanations on the information provided and clear graphs.
The data dedicated to running is truly numerous: such as distance, duration, average pace, estimate of calories consumed, average pace for each km or segment travelled, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, cadence, altitude difference and more.
There is also a rich section dedicated to smartwatch settings with the possibility of downloading new dials (most of them for a fee).
Finally, the subscription section of the app (7.99 euros per month) which includes courses with video and audio, training plans and more.
User experience and price
Our opinion on the Watch GT Runner 2 is decidedly positive. It is, in fact, a versatile product with advanced features. Smartwatch with a complete section dedicated to running, capable of satisfying even advanced users, and also suitable for daily use and for other sports such as cycling.
Watch that boasts high autonomy: up to 14 days of light use and up to 32 hours with active GPS.
Excellent evaluation on the precise sensors and on the screen, high definition, bright and with natural colors. Positive opinion also on the performance with a software that is always fast and responsive. The GPS is very good with precise route tracking even through narrow streets and with tall buildings on the sides. The vibration and speakerphone don’t disappoint.
Excellent ergonomics thanks to the compact dimensions, low weight and comfortable AirDry strap. The functions dedicated to monitoring our health are very rich and precise. Too bad for limited interaction with notifications and for a store that isn’t very rich in apps.
Finally, the price of the Watch GT Runner 2 can be purchased for 399 euros.
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