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Amazfit Balance 2: An In-Depth Review
Two years after the original Amazfit Balance was released, Amazfit has launched its follow-up, the Amazfit Balance 2. This new model emphasizes durability, battery life, and enhanced features, making it a noteworthy contender in the smartwatch market.
The Balance 2 is designed primarily as a multi-sport training companion, competing with heavyweights like the Garmin Venu 4 and the Huawei Watch GT 5. With such intense competition, while it may not feature prominently in the best running watches guide, it still earns a respectable four-star rating.
Exceptional Battery Life
One standout feature of the Amazfit Balance 2 is its remarkable multi-week battery life. In a market where many competitors force users to make a trade-off between features and longevity, the Balance 2 delivers a flagship experience with an impressive battery performance. This innovation translates to less anxiety about charging and continuous tracking for extended activities — ideal for multi-day hikes or adventures.
Advanced Software Features
The introduction of Zepp Flow AI marks a significant advancement in user interaction. Unlike traditional voice assistants that require specific commands, Zepp Flow AI can understand and respond to natural, conversational speech. This feature is similar to the latest trends in smartwatches, including those operating on Wear OS.
While the Balance 2 may not compete directly with high-end models like the Apple Watch Ultra 3, it provides a compelling alternative for under $300/£300, making it accessible for a broader audience.
(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)
Design and Build Quality
With a sleek circular design, the Balance 2 uses aluminum alloy combined with fiber-reinforced polymer, giving it a premium feel at a mid-range price point. Its dimensions of 47.4mm in width and 12.3mm in thickness, along with a lightweight of 42g without a strap, ensure it remains comfortable on the wrist.
The vibrant 1.5-inch AMOLED display boasts a peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits, making it easily readable even under direct sunlight. This significant upgrade over standard glass ensures durability during active use.
Ruggedness and Water Resistance
For the adventurous type, the Balance 2 features a water resistance rating of 10 ATM (100 meters), capable of handling not just swimming but also high-speed water sports and shallow scuba diving.
(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)
Performance and Tracking Features
The Balance 2 is powered by the BioTracker 6.0 PPG optical sensor, which aims to enhance accuracy for heart rate and sleep tracking. Coupled with dual-band GPS, users can expect reliable navigation even in challenging environments.
In terms of storage, it offers 32GB, allowing users to download music for workouts without needing a connected phone.
Battery Performance
A standout element of the Amazfit Balance 2 is its exceptional battery life. Many users report achieving the advertised 21 days of battery life under typical usage. Even during more intensive tasks, such as constant GPS tracking, it maintains impressive longevity.
The proprietary charging cradle supports USB-C, taking a little under two hours to fully charge the device.
Limitations
Despite its strengths, the Balance 2 does suffer from a few drawbacks. The mapping feature shows lag and struggles with high-resolution rendering, making it less useful in real-time navigation. Additionally, the absence of LTE options and third-party app integrations limits its functionality compared to competitors like Garmin, which offer more comprehensive features.
(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)
Conclusion
The Amazfit Balance 2 is a commendable smartwatch positioned within the mid-range market. Its impressive battery life, solid tracking capabilities, and sleek design make it an excellent option for casual athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. However, those seeking advanced features or deep application integration may want to consider models that sit higher on the price spectrum.
For more details, you can check the full review here.
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