Why you can trust TechRadar
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro: A New Contender in Running Smartwatches
Three years after launching the Cheetah Pro smartwatch, Amazfit has unveiled its successor, the Cheetah 2 Pro. Specifically geared for dedicated road runners reliant on structured training plans, this smartwatch positions itself as a formidable competitor among the best running watches available. While it may not surpass Garmin’s top models, Amazfit has certainly narrowed the gap.
Pricing and Value
The Cheetah 2 Pro carries a price tag of $499.99 USD / £449.90 UK / $729 AUS. This increase of 50% from its predecessor might deter potential buyers, especially given that Amazfit is seen as a budget brand by some. However, the price can be justified upon examination of the features offered, including a sharp 1.32-inch AMOLED display protected by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass.
Design and Build Quality
Encased in a high-grade titanium alloy, the Cheetah 2 Pro exudes a premium feel. Despite this, the watch’s 15.6 mm thickness and prominent sensor bump can lead to discomfort when worn for prolonged periods. The design is visually appealing but somewhat unwieldy on smaller wrists.
Feature Set
Amazfit has packed an impressive array of features into the Cheetah 2 Pro. Key offerings include structured training plans, AI-driven adaptive workouts, and comprehensive health tracking capabilities, including continuous heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and skin temperature monitoring. This allows for the generation of a daily “Readiness Score,” providing valuable insights into fatigue levels.
Navigation and Performance
This smartwatch supports offline color maps and navigation tools, such as automatic rerouting and point-to-point route planning. While the feature set is extensive, the execution can feel lacking due to hardware limitations; panning and zooming on maps tends to lag.
Although Amazfit is making strides in the running watch segment, it still has room for improvement, particularly concerning dedicated running tools and map navigation.
Health Monitoring Capabilities
At the core of the Cheetah 2 Pro are its structured training plans and purpose-driven workouts, powered by Zepp Coach AI. The watch provides a range of metrics, such as ground contact time, stride length, and cadence, along with critical health data like heart rate variability and VO2 max. When comparing its heart rate accuracy to a dedicated monitor, the results were remarkably consistent.
Battery Life
The watch impressively maintains a battery life of up to 10 days with heavy use and 20 days under normal conditions. With GPS tracking activated, it can last up to 31 hours—adequate for long-distance runs—making it a reliable companion for athletes.
User Experience
The smartwatch also offers robust day-to-day features, such as the ability to make and receive calls and read texts. The user interface combines a touchscreen with physical buttons, enhancing usability, especially in challenging conditions like rain or while sweaty.
Comparison to Competitors
When placed against competitors like Garmin’s Forerunner 970, the Cheetah 2 Pro falls short in some areas. Garmin’s model boasts advanced features such as a localized popularity routing database and ECG functionality. Nonetheless, for runners seeking high-quality features at a somewhat lower price, the Cheetah 2 Pro presents a compelling option.
Conclusion
The Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro is a robust running smartwatch that effectively caters to serious athletes. It combines premium materials with a feature-rich environment. Although certain aspects like the thickness and map functionality require improvement, the overall offering is admirable for those dedicated to their training regimes.
For further reading on this smartwatch and detailed reviews, you can access the information here.
Image Credit: www.techradar.com
