The Apple Watch dominates the smartwatch market, but its premium price tag isn’t for everyone. Alternatives like the Galaxy Watch or Pixel Watch can also be expensive. For those seeking a budget-friendly yet feature-rich smartwatch, the Amazfit Active 2 presents a compelling option. Boasting AI integration, robust fitness tracking, and a surprisingly premium design, all for just $99, it challenges the notion that affordability compromises quality. But does it live up to its promises? Let’s delve into the Amazfit Active 2 review and uncover its strengths and weaknesses.
Design: Premium Aesthetics on a Budget
The Amazfit Active 2’s round display immediately sets it apart. Available in a standard $99 version and a $129 premium variant, the latter boasts a sapphire crystal lens and an additional leather strap. The premium version, as reviewed here, exudes an unexpected elegance. Its slim profile and lightweight construction prioritize a watch-first aesthetic, a welcome departure from bulkier competitors. It’s comfortable enough for everyday wear and stylish enough to rival even the Apple Watch Series 10.
While not groundbreaking in design, the Amazfit Active 2’s simplicity makes it versatile. The included leather strap, though prone to slight shrinkage after exposure to water, feels remarkably high-quality. Breathability is excellent, addressing a common issue with leather bands. Minor wear marks near the clasp are barely noticeable. Considering the price point, the overall design and build quality are truly impressive.
Fitness Tracking and AI Capabilities
The Amazfit Active 2 effectively tracks essential health metrics. While not as detailed as Garmin or Fitbit, its functionality is adequate for most users. The Zepp companion app provides a user-friendly interface and readily displays key data. Daily Readiness and Daily Sleep Insight scores offer quantifiable insights into sleep quality and overall well-being.
Deeper dives into physical and mental recovery, along with explanations of the metrics, are helpful for those new to smartwatches. The AI-powered Zepp Flow Assistant stands out, offering more comprehensive control than basic voice assistants. However, its reliance on a phone connection limits its practicality.
The Zepp Coach offers personalized workout plans, while the optional Zepp Aura Premium subscription provides additional AI chatbots, white noise monitoring, and sleep assessments. However, the free version of the app provides sufficient sleep data for most users.
Battery Life and Charging: A Mixed Bag
Battery life is often a major concern with smartwatches. The Amazfit Active 2 promises ten days of use, but realistically delivers closer to five with all features enabled. While not matching its advertised longevity, it still outperforms many competitors. However, the proprietary circular charger, attaching via Pogo pins and a USB-C cable, is a significant drawback. Its small size makes it easily misplaced, and the weak magnets don’t securely hold the watch during charging. Replacement chargers are also difficult to find.
Price and Availability
The Amazfit Active 2 is available in two models: a $100 sport model with a silicone band and a $129 premium model with a leather strap and sapphire crystal display protection. The premium model also includes a bonus red silicone band.
Final Verdict: A Compelling Budget Smartwatch
The Amazfit Active 2 offers excellent value for its price. While it lacks the refinement of more expensive smartwatches, it delivers a compelling combination of style, functionality, and affordability. The fitness tracking, though not top-tier, is sufficient for casual users. The AI features are impressive, albeit limited by the phone connection requirement. The battery life is respectable, but the charger is a definite downside.
Some features, like automatic workout detection and notifications, could be improved. However, for $100, the Amazfit Active 2 offers an impressive array of features, a bright and user-friendly display, and a premium design. Its compatibility with both iOS and Android further enhances its appeal. For those seeking a budget-friendly smartwatch without sacrificing key features, the Amazfit Active 2 is a worthy contender.
