TL;DR: Huawei is reportedly launching a “professional-grade” sports watch codenamed Chitu, expected to debut as the Huawei Racing Legend. With 22 strap options and a rumored focus on track-specific metrics, it targets the high-end Garmin Fenix and Forerunner segments.
The Chitu Leak: What We Know So Far
According to the latest 2026 leaks from Weibo’s @DigitalChatStation, Huawei is abandoning its “lifestyle-first” approach for a rugged, performance-heavy wearable.
Confirmed Leaked Specs & Colors
- Market Positioning: Professional Sports (Elite Training)
- Internal Codename: Chitu (Chinese for “Red Hare”)
- Colorways: * Racing Legend Special Edition (Rumored Titanium/Carbon build)
- Shadow Black
- Dawn Orange
- Light Blue
- The Customization Factor: A massive 22 strap variants (16mm and 22mm), suggesting Huawei is finally addressing the “fit gap” for ultra-marathoners and cyclists.
Huawei Racing Legend vs. Garmin: The 2026 Showdown
| Feature | Huawei Racing Legend (Chitu) | Garmin Fenix 8 / Forerunner 970 |
| Display | LTPO AMOLED (Sunlight Readable) | AMOLED / Solar MIP |
| GPS | Dual-Band Floating Antenna | Multi-Band GNSS (SatIQ) |
| Battery (GPS Mode) | ~40-60 Hours (Rumored) | 48-90 Hours |
| Coaching | AI TruSport 2.0 (Predictive) | Training Readiness (Static) |
The “Secret Weapon”: DSM Firmenich Partnership
Reliable sources indicate Huawei’s recent collaboration with the DSM Firmenich professional running team was specifically to refine the “Racing Legend.”
This suggests the watch will feature Real-Time Pacing AI and Muscle Oxygen Tracking—features typically found in high-end performance labs and elite training environments.
Can Huawei Finally Convert Garmin Loyalists?
To outrank Garmin, Huawei must clear three hurdles:
- Strava & TrainingPeaks Integration: 2026 rumors suggest HarmonyOS 6.0 will finally offer full, two-way API sync with Western pro-apps.
- Mapping Reliability: While Garmin’s TOPO maps are legendary, Huawei’s “Chitu” is rumored to feature Offline Vector Maps with 3D terrain rendering.
- Trust: Garmin is a tool; Huawei is a gadget. The “Racing Legend” naming is an attempt to shift that brand perception.
Verdict: Should You Wait?
If you are tired of Garmin’s aging UI and want a professional tool that looks like a 2026 flagship, the Huawei Racing Legend (Chitu) is worth the wait.
However, if you rely on the Garmin Connect social community, the “Legend” still has a long road to travel.
