Huawei hosted its global “Now is Your Run” event in Madrid on February 26, 2026, unveiling a fresh lineup of smartphones, wearables, and audio devices. The theme of the event was clearly centered on performance and personal growth, with a noticeable return to serious running technology.
The spotlight fell on the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2, the company’s first dedicated running watch in five years. At the same event, Huawei introduced the Mate 80 Pro smartphone, the MatePad Mini tablet, and several supporting accessories. Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge also appeared as a global brand ambassador, reinforcing Huawei’s renewed commitment to professional athletics and disciplined training.
It felt like Huawei was not just launching products, but repositioning itself, especially in the sports and premium mobile space.
Key Takeaways from Huawei’s Madrid Event
- WATCH GT Runner 2 features a 3D floating antenna and intelligent GPS tracking algorithm
- Mate 80 Pro debuts with a True-to-Color camera and Dual Space Ring design
- MatePad Mini introduces a compact 8.8-inch form factor for portability
- Eliud Kipchoge partners with Huawei to promote running and healthy living
HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2: Built for Serious Runner
The HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 marks Huawei’s return to the high-performance running category after a five-year gap. That gap, I think, raised expectations. And this device appears designed specifically to meet them.
One of its most notable upgrades is the 3D floating antenna design. This improves satellite connectivity, particularly in areas where GPS signals are weak, such as dense cities or wooded training routes. Combined with an intelligent positioning algorithm, the watch aims to deliver consistent pace and distance tracking, even under challenging conditions.
There is also a marathon mode, which functions almost like a digital coach on your wrist. It manages race data in real time and provides pacing feedback to help runners avoid early burnout. For competitive runners, this kind of data-driven pacing can make a meaningful difference. Even for amateurs, it adds structure to long-distance training sessions.
Huawei seems to be positioning the GT Runner 2 as a serious training tool, not just a fitness tracker with a few extra metrics.
WATCH Ultimate 2 and Band 11 Expand the Wearable Lineup
Alongside the GT Runner 2, Huawei also introduced a refreshed HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate 2 in a new green color option. This model includes dedicated golf software, offering tools for both driving range practice and on-course performance tracking. It continues to support professional-level diving, maintaining water resistance suitable for deep-water use.
The HUAWEI Band 11 was also presented at the event. Designed as a more accessible fitness tracker, it features a brighter display that remains readable in direct sunlight. While it does not aim for elite athlete positioning, it covers essential activity tracking features for daily health monitoring.
Together, these wearables reflect Huawei’s attempt to cover multiple segments, from serious runners and divers to everyday fitness users.
Mate 80 Pro: Flagship Design Returns
The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro signals the return of the Mate series to the global stage. For many long-time Huawei followers, that alone carries some weight.
This flagship smartphone introduces 2nd Gen Kunlun Glass, a material engineered to improve drop resistance and scratch durability. Huawei emphasizes that this new generation of glass enhances overall structural integrity without compromising design.
The camera system focuses heavily on color accuracy through what Huawei calls a True-to-Color camera system. The goal is to ensure that images appear natural across different lighting conditions, whether indoors under artificial lights or outdoors in bright sunlight. Rather than oversaturating colors, the system prioritizes realism, which, in practice, tends to produce more balanced photos.
Visually, the Mate 80 Pro features a Dual Space Ring design around the camera module, giving the back panel a distinctive, symmetrical look. It feels deliberate and premium, almost architectural in its layout.
As with recent Huawei devices, the Mate 80 Pro relies on AppGallery and Huawei Mobile Services instead of the Google Play Store.
MatePad Mini and FreeBuds Pro 5: Compact Productivity and Smart Audio
Huawei also entered the compact tablet category with the MatePad Mini. Featuring an 8.8-inch display, it is noticeably smaller than standard 11-inch or 12-inch tablets. This smaller footprint makes it easier to carry in compact bags and more practical for frequent travelers or business users who need quick access to documents and presentations.
Its lightweight build further supports portability, though performance specifications will likely vary by region upon release. Interestingly, the 8.8-inch size is often preferred by gamers because it balances screen space with comfortable hand grip. Still, real-world gaming performance will depend on the final processor configuration.
For audio, Huawei introduced the FreeBuds Pro 5. These earbuds use dual AI engines to actively cancel background noise while preserving clarity for music playback and voice calls. The emphasis seems to be on maintaining natural sound while reducing environmental distractions, which can be particularly useful during travel or remote work sessions.
Focus on Health and Kipchoge Partnership
A significant part of the event centered on Huawei’s collaboration with Eliud Kipchoge. As a two-time Olympic marathon champion, his involvement strengthens the credibility of the WATCH GT Runner 2. According to Huawei, Kipchoge provided personal feedback during development to refine the watch’s training features.
Through its “Now is Yours” campaign, Huawei aims to connect with younger audiences while reinforcing the idea that its technology supports both elite athletes and everyday users. The message seems straightforward: performance tools should empower everyone, not just professionals.
These products are expected to roll out across various global markets, including Europe and parts of Asia, in the coming months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the battery life of the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2?
A1: While exact battery performance depends on usage patterns, the GT Runner series typically delivers up to 14 days of battery life under standard conditions.
Q2: Does the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro support Google apps?
A2: Huawei smartphones generally rely on AppGallery and Huawei Mobile Services rather than the Google Play Store.
Q3: Is the HUAWEI MatePad Mini suitable for gaming?
A3: The 8.8-inch size is popular for handheld gaming because it is easier to grip for extended sessions. However, final gaming performance will depend on the processor configuration in each market.
