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Amazfit’s new $179 smartwatches are here to take on the established players

By Andy Boxall October 27, 2020

Amazfit has launched two new smartwatches, the Amazfit GTR 2 and GTS 2 in the U.S. and the U.K.. The sequels to last year’s GTR and GTS smartwatches, the focus is once again on fitness and design, but the price undercuts many smartwatch competitors as each of them costs just $179.

The Amazfit GTS 2 has an oblong, Apple Watch-style design with an always-on 1.65-inch AMOLED screen on the front, while the GTR 2 has a round 1.39-inch face with the same always-on AMOLED technology. Both designs have been given an update. Take a look at the button guards around the crown on the GTS 2, for example, which gives it a cleaner, more mature look.

Amazfit GTR 2 Image used with permission by copyright holder

The round GTR 2 has a pair of buttons on the case, and an attractive curved case. Amazfit has used aluminum for the cases, and attached either a leather or silicone strap. We reviewed the Amazfit GTS last year, and were impressed with the build quality and the screen, but noted the software wasn’t as polished as it should be. We’re hoping the software has been given an overhaul, too.

On the health side, both have heart rate monitors on the back, and a blood oxygen (SpO2) sensor, too. Amazfit’s SpO2 measurements are taken periodically through the day, but also work with the watch’s sleep tracking, helping to understand any breathing issues at night. In addition, both watches have GPS and water resistance to 50 meters, along with 12 different workout tracking modes. Data is collected and shown in the Amazfit app, which is available for both Android and iOS.

Amazfit GTR 2 Image used with permission by copyright holder

Other features include the ability to receive calls, something that’s new for this series of watches, and 4GB of internal storage space for your music. Just because there’s no Google Assistant onboard — the watches use Amazfit’s own software, not Wear OS — don’t think there isn’t a virtual assistant, as Amazon’s Alexa is built-in instead. Battery life is expected to be between seven and 14 days, depending on your use.

The Amazfit GTR 2 and GTS 2 are already available in China, and this announcement is for the global versions of the two watches. The $179 GTR 2 will be

available on October 30 through Amazon

and Amazfit’s own online store, and the $179 GTS 2 will follow on November 1.

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Senior Mobile Writer

Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…

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