Its battery life is to be lauded and definitely holds up to Amazfit’s claims.
Nitfy features including an on-board AI assistant add to the experience.
The base model reviewed here costs $99/99, with Australia pricing and availability to be confirmed.
Upgrading to the premium version also gets you more durable sapphire glass and NFC for contactless payments.
That puts the Amazfit Active 2 nicely in the price bracket of thebest cheap smartwatcheson the market.
However, both are excellent value.
Amazfit Active 2: Design
When it comes to smartwatches, I’m definitely team squircle.
However, this one puts out 2,000 nits of peak brightness rather than Nothing’s 600 nits.
On the back you get your usual array of heart rate tracking paraphernalia and LED sensors.
The Active 2 is extremely light; our model tested here weighs less than 30 grams.
However, this is a very minor issue and doesn’t detract from the overall experience.
The sport strap, while comfortable, is also a little finicky to apply at first.
These are very small gripes though.
Other impressive features include anti-fingerprint coating glass on the standard version.
There’s workout tracking for 164 sport modes, with a couple of unique advanced features.
(I’ll address the efficacy of this more in the performance section).
Runners will find a Track Run mode, smart trajectory correction, and even a virtual pacer.
There’s also Zepp Coach, an AI-powered workout companion that can generate customized training plans.
It also, rather essentially for a watch, tells the time.
Honestly, I can’t believe how much smartwatch you get from the Active 2 for $99.
Starting off with everyday use, the Active 2 is very snappy to use in day-to-day tasks.
It also features some very sharp-looking faces including the Vital face pictured here.
The Active 2 nailed the GPS route map and the exact distance within two decimal places.
Apple Watch gave my average heart rate as 135 bpm, while the Active 2 said 136.
For all we know, the Active 2 could well be the more accurate reading.
The Active 2 delivered similar competitive measurements versus the Ultra 2 during a strength workout test I did.
It was here that I was first exposed to the Active 2’s unique Strength Training features.
The watch features a built-in rep counter and system for logging weight, timing rest, and more.
There’s also a gym routine planner in the app, however, this is less intuitive.
Furthermore, rest isn’t added automatically between sets, but has to be put in manually.
With practice I’m sure it’s helpful but it is definitely not easy to do.
This was my only wrinkle in an otherwise flawless performance.
In my opinion, the coup de grace is battery life.
24 hours later I had used barely 15% battery.
As it stands, though, the Active 2 is certainly good for its promised longevity.
The Active 2 also has an AI assistant party piece dubbed Zepp Flow.
“, and even reply to messages on Android with the feature.
5/5
Design and screen
Premium, classic look that’s light and comfortable, with a vibrant display.
4.5/5
Features
Packed full of features for a watch of this price, with NFC the only notable omission.
Performance
Goes toe-to-toe with Apple Watch for health tracking, incredible battery life, and a brilliant AI assistant.
Total
A brilliant overall package at the price with very few flaws.
Amazfit Active 2: Should I buy?
I tested it during running and strength workouts, as well as overnight for sleep tracking.
Apple’s version is more polished and the perfect iPhone option, but is much more expensive.
