Introduction

In a world dominated by high-end smartwatches, Amazfit is making waves with its latest release, the Amazfit Active 2, priced at an astonishingly affordable $99. Set to debut at CES 2025, it's pushing the boundaries of what consumers can expect from budget wearables, and it may just claim the crown for the best budget smartwatch on the market.

Background on Amazfit

Amazfit isn't a name that jumps out to everyone, but this brand has long excelled in the affordable fitness tracker arena. Their previous model, the GTR 4, received accolades for offering significant value at $200 and held the title of our top recommendation for fitness trackers for two consecutive years. Now, the Active 2 not only matches that level of quality but surpasses it with even more features for nearly half the price.

Features of Amazfit Active 2

What can you expect from the Amazfit Active 2? Let’s break down the impressive specs: it boasts a vibrant 2,000 nit OLED display that ensures excellent visibility even in bright conditions. The health features have received a major upgrade with advanced sensors and revamped algorithms for heart rate and sleep monitoring. Additionally, the introduction of the Zepp Flow AI assistant helps users navigate their fitness journeys smarter than ever.

For fitness enthusiasts, the Active 2 comes equipped with a sophisticated strength training mode that can automatically recognize sets, reps, and rest periods. Plus, it has offline maps with turn-by-turn navigation, ensuring you won't get lost during your workouts. And that's not all—women will appreciate the partnership with Wild.AI, offering tailored diet and exercise recommendations according to their hormonal and menstrual cycles.

Payment and Price

The Amazfit Active 2 also supports contactless payments through Zepp Pay, a valuable feature especially for European users that was notably absent in its predecessor, the GTR 4. All these features come at a price point that is nearly unheard of—under $250! How can Amazfit pack so much into a $100 device?

Design Specifications

The design has seen a refreshing makeover as well. Moving away from the original Active’s boxy design, the Active 2 sports a stylish 44mm round face and comes with a durable tempered glass screen, a stainless steel case, and a comfortable 20mm silicone sport band. For those looking to elevate their style, a premium version is available for $129, featuring sapphire glass and an additional leather strap.

Battery Life

While the battery life doesn’t quite match the 14-day expectancy of the original Active, 10 days with typical use is still impressive, especially compared to competitors.

User Experience

So, is there a catch? After several days of testing the premium Active 2, I can confidently report it lives up to its promises. It's lightweight, stylish, and has garnered compliments from my peers. Although the touchscreen could be more responsive, it certainly doesn't detract from the overall experience, especially considering its low price point.

Availability

The Amazfit Active 2 is now available for preorder in the US, with a global launch slated for February. For anyone seeking a budget-friendly smartwatch that doesn’t compromise on features, the Active 2 might just be the perfect choice. Don't miss out on this potential game-changer in the smartwatch market!