Everything about the Huawei Watch GT Runner

Design

The Huawei Watch GT Runner is available in two colours: standard black and a grey-yellow variant. This colour combination makes the watch stand out compared to a plain black model. Notably lightweight, it feels comfortable on the wrist, though its plastic case and front may give a less premium impression compared to the Huawei Watch GT 3. This lightweight design is ideal for avid runners seeking minimal bulk.

The watch is water-resistant with a 5ATM rating, suitable for depths up to 50 metres. It withstands heavy rain, sweat, and swimming in calm water. The 46mm case features two buttons on the right: a crown for scrolling through menus (an alternative to the touchscreen) and a second button to turn the screen on or off. The GT Runner shares the same round AMOLED display as the Huawei Watch GT 3, with a 466x466-pixel resolution for sharp, clear visuals. You can opt for an always-on display, though this drains the battery faster.

The included strap is lightweight with ample holes for a custom fit across various wrist sizes. You can easily swap it for a different strap to suit your style.

Software

For seasoned smartwatch users, the GT Runner may feel limited in some areas. It doesn’t support interactive notifications; responses are limited to pre-set quick replies, which can be customised in the app but don’t allow keyboard or voice input. Running on HarmonyOS, the watch supports third-party app downloads via the App Gallery, but limited developer support means few apps are available. This restricts features like offline music playback and contactless payments, as neither the watch nor third-party apps support these.

Navigating apps can be tricky due to unclear menu layouts, but a list view option improves visibility and readability of app icons and names.

Battery

Huawei watches are renowned for their long battery life, and the GT Runner is no exception. Huawei claims it lasts up to two weeks under ideal conditions, but in real-world use, expect seven to ten days, depending on activity levels. Daily runs will deplete the battery faster than occasional workouts.

Choosing the always-on display reduces battery life, but recharging is straightforward with the included wireless magnetic charging disc, which securely holds the watch. Charging is quick, ensuring minimal downtime.

Personal Assistant

The Huawei Watch GT Runner helps you understand your body better with its TruSeen 5.0+ sensor system, which accurately tracks heart rate, even during intense HIIT workouts, unlike some smartwatches that struggle with rapid changes. It monitors heart rate 24/7, including during sleep, and combines this with other data to assess recovery status, readiness for workouts, and overall rest.

Sleep tracking provides insights into sleep quality, offering tips to improve restless nights. The Health Living Shamrock feature promotes wellness by reminding you to drink water, take medication, and maintain healthy habits.

Through the Huawei Health app, you can create detailed running plans to improve performance. An enhanced GPS antenna ensures precise location and route tracking, providing data on pace, cadence, recovery time, and more. Post-run evaluations allow you to adjust training plans for better results.

In Summary

The Huawei Watch GT Runner is a compelling choice for dedicated runners, with a long-lasting battery, detailed health insights, accurate GPS, comfortable fit, and 5ATM water resistance. While its software lags behind competitors, it remains a strong option for runners seeking a reliable, feature-rich smartwatch.