The advantages of Amazfit's GPS and activity tracking over the Apple Watch can be understood in several detailed aspects including battery life, navigation features, tracking accuracy, and price-to-performance ratio. Here is a comprehensive exploration of these advantages based on recent reviews, user experiences, and technical comparisons.
Battery Life
One of the core advantages of Amazfit smartwatches over the Apple Watch is their exceptional battery life. Amazfit watches typically offer 7 to 14 days of battery life on a single charge under normal usage conditions. For instance, the Amazfit Active can deliver about 14 days per charge from the spec sheet, with real-world usage yielding around 7 to 9 days even with daily running and GPS use. More recent Amazfit models, like the Amazfit GTS 4 Mini, also highlight battery performance as a key difference, providing 10 to 12 days of use despite frequent GPS and workout tracking, whereas Apple Watch batteries generally last less than 24 hours under similar conditions, often requiring daily charging. This long battery life is a notable advantage for users who want to track activities continuously without the need to charge the device nightly.
In contrast, Apple Watch's GPS usage can significantly drain the battery within a few hours of continuous use. For example, during activity tracking with GPS, the Apple Watch SE's battery is depleted by 20% on a typical 1-hour walk, whereas the Amazfit Active 2 showed no significant battery drain during the same period. This extended battery capability allows Amazfit users to engage in longer outdoor activities like hiking or running without worrying about the device dying mid-activity.
GPS Functionality and Navigation
Amazfit watches come with built-in GPS functionality that supports multi-satellite connectivity. For instance, the Amazfit GTS 4 Mini uses five different satellite systems to improve location accuracy and works well even in areas with poor reception. Users can upload GPX files to the watch for following pre-planned routes, enabling breadcrumb-style navigation that shows the route with zoom and pan features for better control. The Amazfit Active watch allows importing GPS tracks from apps like Strava, which is helpful for runners and hikers who want to navigate specific trails or race courses.
While Amazfit GPS accuracy has some limitationsâsometimes showing tracks that are less precise than higher-end devices, with smoothing algorithms that can round off sharp cornersâthis level of GPS functionality is impressive at Amazfit's price point and is sufficient for most outdoor activities. The watches also have a "Back to Start" navigation feature that helps users return to their starting point if they get lost, a useful safety feature for trail users.
In comparison, Apple Watch offers more seamless GPS experience with automatic workout detection and dynamic route generation, but it lacks the ability to upload custom GPX routes for real-time navigation. Apple's GPS is generally more accurate and integrated tightly with its ecosystem but comes with a significant battery life tradeoff.
Activity and Health Tracking Accuracy
Amazfit smartwatches provide reliable tracking for heart rate, step counting, and distance measurement. For example, in head-to-head tests, Amazfit watches recorded step counts and distances very close to manual counts and reference apps like Strava, with minor variation that is typical for wrist-worn devices. Heart rate monitoring in Amazfit devices is also comparable to Apple Watch, with both devices providing accurate readings reflecting real heart rate monitor results.
However, Amazfit watches sometimes show less accuracy in sleep tracking compared to Apple Watch, and their elevation data can occasionally be overestimated, which reflects some sensors' limitations or algorithmic smoothing. Despite this, Amazfit's tracking capabilities are considered sufficient and reliable for most fitness enthusiasts.
Price-to-Performance Ratio
Amazfit watches are generally priced significantly lower than Apple Watches while offering competitive features. This includes ample GPS functionality, solid health and activity tracking, and standout battery life, providing a high value for cost-conscious users who want fitness-focused features without the premium price of an Apple Watch.
Summary of Advantages
- Longer battery life with Amazfit watches lasting from a week up to two weeks on a single charge, compared to Apple Watch's less than 24-hour battery life especially under GPS use.
- Ability to upload and navigate custom GPX routes with breadcrumb navigation, zoom, and pan functions, alongside a "Back to Start" feature, enhancing usability for outdoor activities.
- Multi-satellite GPS connectivity that works well even in poor reception areas and preserves battery efficiency.
- Reliable and accurate step counting and heart rate monitoring, comparable to Apple Watch performance at a lower price point.
- Higher battery endurance during GPS use, with Amazfit maintaining GPS tracking for many hours without significant drain compared to Apple Watch.
- Affordable cost delivering many of the core features users want from a fitness smartwatch without the high premium of Apple hardware.