Huawei's Spring Wearable and Audio Lineup Expands with Band 11 Series and Global FreeBuds Pro 5 Launch

Huawei has expanded its wearable and audio portfolio with the debut of the Band 11 series and the global launch of its FreeBuds Pro 5 wireless earbuds. The announcements, made alongside the Watch GT Runner 2, showcase Huawei's continued investment in the health and fitness tracking segment while bringing its premium audio technology to international markets.

Band 11 Series: Two Models, One Vision

The Band 11 series introduces two distinct models that share core specifications but differ in design and features. Both versions feature a 1.62-inch AMOLED display with 286 × 482px resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate, supporting Always on Display functionality for quick time checks without waking the device.

Band 11 vs Band 11 Pro: Key Differences

The standard Band 11 offers a 1,500-nit peak brightness, while the Pro variant steps up to 2,000 nits for improved outdoor visibility. The Pro model also features a slightly curved display and a more rugged casing design, appealing to users who prioritize durability and premium aesthetics.

Both models are constructed with aluminum alloy casings and carry a 5 ATM waterproof rating, making them suitable for swimming and other water activities. The weight difference is minimal, with the standard Band 11 weighing 17 grams and the Pro version at 18 grams without the strap.

Health and Fitness Tracking

Huawei has equipped both Band 11 models with comprehensive health monitoring capabilities. Users can track over 100 sports modes, making the devices suitable for everything from casual walking to specialized athletic training. The health sensors monitor heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, heart rate variability (HRV), sleep patterns, and stress levels.

The Pro variant includes on-device GNSS positioning, allowing users to track their runs and outdoor activities without needing to carry a smartphone. This feature is particularly valuable for runners and outdoor enthusiasts who prefer to travel light during their workouts.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Battery performance is a standout feature, with both models promising up to 14 days of battery life with light usage or 8 days with normal use. The devices pair over Bluetooth 6.0 and include built-in speakers for hands-free calls, adding convenience for users who want to stay connected without reaching for their phones.

FreeBuds Pro 5: Premium Audio Goes Global

Following their initial announcement in China last November, the FreeBuds Pro 5 are now making their way to international markets. These flagship wireless earbuds represent Huawei's most advanced audio offering to date.

Audio Technology and Performance

The FreeBuds Pro 5 feature a sophisticated dual-driver setup, pairing an 11mm dynamic driver with a micro-planar tweeter. This configuration aims to deliver both powerful bass response and crisp high-frequency detail. The earbuds are powered by Huawei's custom Kirin A3 chip, which handles audio processing and enables advanced features like adaptive noise cancellation.

Audio codec support is comprehensive, including AAC and SBC for universal compatibility, plus LDAC and L2HC for high-resolution audio transmission. The L2HC codec, in particular, supports up to 2.3Mbps transmission when paired with compatible Huawei devices, enabling near-lossless wireless audio quality.

Connectivity and Features

The earbuds support Bluetooth 6.0 and offer dual-device pairing, allowing users to connect to two devices simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful for users who want to switch seamlessly between their phone and laptop, for example. Touch controls provide intuitive playback and call management without needing to access the connected device.

Durability ratings are solid, with the earbuds carrying an IP57 rating for water and dust resistance, while the charging case features an IP54 rating. This makes the FreeBuds Pro 5 suitable for workouts and outdoor use, though they're not designed for swimming.

Battery Life and Pricing

Battery performance is rated at 8 hours of usage with ANC disabled, or up to 33 hours when using the charging case. This positions the FreeBuds Pro 5 competitively in the premium true wireless earbud segment.

The FreeBuds Pro 5 are available in Sand Gold, Black, White, and Dark Blue color options, priced at €199/£180. Customers ordering through Huawei's official online store before April 4 can take advantage of a €30/£30 discount and receive one year of Huawei Loss Care, which provides protection against loss or damage.

Watch Ultimate Green Edition

Completing the spring lineup announcement, Huawei is introducing a new Green color option for its Watch Ultimate 2. This premium smartwatch variant will retail for €900/£900 and become available later in March, targeting users who want a distinctive and luxurious wearable option.

The simultaneous release of multiple product categories demonstrates Huawei's strategy to provide a comprehensive ecosystem of connected devices, from budget-friendly fitness bands to premium smartwatches and flagship audio products. This approach allows the company to address different market segments while maintaining consistent design language and feature integration across its product lines.

The Band 11 series and FreeBuds Pro 5 global launch represent Huawei's continued push in the competitive wearable and audio markets, where it faces strong competition from established players like Apple, Samsung, and emerging Chinese brands. The combination of competitive pricing, feature-rich specifications, and ecosystem integration positions these new products as compelling options for consumers looking to upgrade their wearable technology in 2026.

For consumers interested in the new products, the Band 11 series will be available from March 6, while the FreeBuds Pro 5 are available for purchase starting today. The Watch Ultimate 2 Green Edition will follow later in March, completing Huawei's spring product rollout.