At the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, one of the most interesting announcements for runners was not a robot or a foldable phone, but a new chip platform for wearables. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear Elite promises to make the devices on our wrists smarter, faster and more efficient by running artificial intelligence models directly on the watch. For runners, that means more personalised coaching, more accurate measurements and training features that were once reserved for elite athletes and high-end coaching platforms.
This article explains what the new platform offers, how it could shape the next generation of running wearables and what to expect from the first watches to adopt it. We also look at Huawei’s return to the running-watch market with the Watch GT Runner 2, a device that hints at where the industry is heading, and we explore how these innovations could work alongside the SnapRace app.
What is Snapdragon Wear Elite and why should runners care?
Qualcomm has redesigned its wearable chip architecture with a move to a 3 nm manufacturing process. The new Snapdragon Wear Elite combines one high-performance core, four power-efficient cores and a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU). This design allows complex machine-learning algorithms to run directly on the watch without relying on your phone or the cloud, while also improving responsiveness and power efficiency.
For runners, the implications are significant:
- More accurate measurements. The NPU can combine GPS, accelerometer and heart-rate data to deliver more reliable metrics in real time, even when satellite coverage is inconsistent. Better power management also means GPS can stay active for longer without draining the battery too quickly.
- On-device AI assistance. Because the models run on the watch itself, you can receive personalised recommendations instantly — for example, adjusting your pace if fatigue is detected, getting reminders to fuel or hydrate, or refining your marathon strategy on the fly.
- Longer battery life. An optimised architecture and fast charging make it possible to top up the watch to 50% in around ten minutes and still rely on it during long training sessions.
- Flexible connectivity. In addition to Bluetooth, the chip supports 5G RedCap, low-power Wi-Fi and ultra-wideband, making it easier to connect your watch to earbuds, sensors and other accessories with minimal latency.
The platform is also designed for multiple form factors, including watches, bands, pendants and smart pins. Qualcomm describes this as an “Ecosystem of You,” where each device contributes data and context to build a broader picture of your health, habits and performance.
On-device AI: a virtual coach on your wrist
Until now, many advanced smartwatch features depended on sending data to your phone and waiting for a response. With the new chip, those algorithms can run locally. During a media roundtable at MWC, Qualcomm executives explained that the NPU and a second low-power processing unit allow watches to handle larger models on the device itself, analyse running patterns and generate feedback instantly.
This opens the door to new kinds of experiences:
- Context-aware responses. A watch could suggest replies to messages or calls, adapting the tone to the person you are communicating with.
- Gesture and voice recognition. Prototype devices include cameras and microphones capable of recognising faces and directing audio toward the speaker. For runners, that could eventually mean gesture controls when your hands are busy or when you are moving through crowded environments.
- Dynamic training sessions. Based on your pace history, heart rate and perceived effort, the watch could adapt a fartlek session in real time to better match your condition and goals.
The SnapRace app already offers pace analysis and race tracking. As the first Snapdragon Wear Elite watches reach the market, integration with platforms like SnapRace could lead to even more personalised training plans and real-time AI feedback during runs.
Huawei Watch GT Runner 2: progress and challenges for a running-focused watch
Huawei’s return to the dedicated running-watch market is one of the most notable developments of the season. Presented in Madrid and later shown at MWC, the Huawei Watch GT Runner 2 features a titanium-alloy case weighing just 38 grams, a 3,000-nit display for excellent visibility in bright light and a floating antenna designed to address GPS issues seen in the previous generation. Its standout feature is Marathon Mode, developed with input from elite runners to provide real-time pacing guidance, hydration reminders and fuelling strategies in a single interface.
However, early testing suggests that despite its sleek design and battery life of more than a week, the watch still does not fully match the reliability of Garmin or Coros devices when it comes to data accuracy and software stability. Even so, it clearly signals where the industry is heading: more powerful devices, brighter screens and more specialised training modes.
Is the GT Runner 2 for you?
If you prioritise lightweight design, an extremely bright screen and a built-in marathon mode, Huawei’s watch is worth considering. Its official price is around €350, placing it firmly in the premium segment. However, if your top priorities are data consistency and a strong third-party app ecosystem, you may prefer to wait until more brands adopt Snapdragon Wear Elite and compare how their products evolve.
Tips for preparing your training with the new generation of wearables
More powerful chips and smarter algorithms do not replace good training structure. Here are some ways to get the most out of the technology on your runs:
- Set up your sensors properly. Calibrate GPS and pair your heart-rate strap or power sensor before key sessions. Accurate hardware is the basis of any useful AI recommendation.
- Combine objective and subjective data. AI can estimate an ideal pace, but your perceived effort still matters. Record your feelings in the SnapRace app so the algorithm can learn from your real experience.
- Keep firmware up to date. Manufacturers often improve processing and accuracy through software updates. Staying current helps ensure you benefit from the latest optimisations.
- Add mental training. Performance is not only physical. Practising mindfulness running can help you manage effort more effectively and complement the data your wearable provides.
The future of running watches: what comes next?
According to Qualcomm and its partners, devices powered by Snapdragon Wear Elite will reach consumers in the second half of the year. Samsung has already confirmed that its next Galaxy Watch will use the platform, and other brands such as Google and Motorola are also developing compatible devices. Competition will likely accelerate innovation in AI capabilities and in the integration of wearables with training services.
For runners, this represents a major step forward. Soon we may have watches that not only measure distance and pace, but also interpret gestures, understand goals and behave more like virtual coaches. The SnapRace app, with its focus on pace analysis and community features, is well positioned to benefit from these advances and deliver training plans with real-time feedback.
Are you ready for the new era of running wearables? Stay tuned to our blog for updates on the first devices and their practical uses. In the meantime, keep enjoying your runs and make the most of the tools already available in SnapRace to move closer to your goals.