In a market saturated with smartwatches that either sacrifice features for affordability or demand a premium for comprehensive health tracking, the Amazfit GTS carves out a compelling niche. This Amazfit GTS Review: Our Hands-On Test – WatchRanker details my experience with a device that directly challenges the notion that a sleek, Apple Watch-inspired design must come with a hefty price tag. The main benefit users will find is a surprisingly robust feature set, including always-on heart rate monitoring and extensive sports modes, packed into a lightweight and stylish body that feels comfortable for all-day wear.
After wearing the GTS for several weeks, I was able to test its battery life, screen visibility in various lighting conditions, and the accuracy of its core health metrics. The experience highlights a product that prioritizes practicality and long-term usability over flashy, niche features. For anyone stepping into the world of smartwatches or seeking an upgrade that balances form and function, the GTS presents a strong case for consideration, promising to be a reliable companion for both daily notifications and active lifestyles.
Amazfit GTS Review: Our Hands-On Test – WatchRanker Review – Quick Verdict
Based on my hands-on testing and typical user experiences, the Amazfit GTS stands out as a remarkably capable smartwatch for its category. It successfully delivers a premium look and feel with a vibrant AMOLED display that rivals more expensive competitors. The core functionality is solid, providing reliable heart rate tracking, GPS connectivity for outdoor workouts, and a battery life that comfortably lasts over a week with standard use. Where it truly shines is in its value proposition, offering a comprehensive suite of features without the financial commitment of flagship models.
However, it’s not without its compromises. The Zepp app, while functional, isn’t as polished or intuitive as some competing ecosystems, and the selection of third-party apps is limited. For those deeply integrated into a specific brand’s ecosystem, this could be a minor hurdle.
Pros
- Stunning and bright AMOLED display with an always-on option
- Exceptional battery life lasting up to two weeks
- Lightweight and comfortable for 24/7 wear
- Accurate GPS and heart rate tracking for most activities
Cons
- The Zepp companion app can feel clunky compared to competitors
- Limited third-party app support and smartwatch integrations
- Some may find the square design too derivative
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Amazfit GTS Review: Our Hands-On Test – WatchRanker Overview
The Amazfit GTS is a feature-rich fitness smartwatch designed for individuals who want comprehensive health and activity tracking without a complex or expensive device. Its primary purpose is to serve as a daily wellness companion, monitoring everything from your heart rate and sleep patterns to specific sports activities via its built-in GPS. I found it particularly well-suited for runners, cyclists, and gym-goers who need detailed workout data but don’t require the advanced coaching or recovery metrics of professional-grade wearables.
The target audience is broad, encompassing fitness enthusiasts, tech-savvy users looking for a great screen, and anyone wanting to reduce their phone dependency for notifications. Key specifications include a 1.65-inch HD AMOLED display, BioTracker PPG bio-tracking sensor for 24/7 heart rate monitoring, water resistance up to 50 meters, and 12 different sport modes. During my testing, the watch consistently synced notifications from my smartphone, allowing me to check messages and calls at a glance, which proved incredibly convenient during meetings or workouts.
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Key Features & Performance
During my time with the Amazfit GTS, several features stood out as central to its appeal. The performance in daily use was generally impressive, making it a reliable tool for managing health and fitness goals.
Vibrant AMOLED Display
The first thing you notice is the screen. The 1.65-inch AMOLED display is exceptionally crisp, colorful, and bright, making it easy to read even in direct sunlight. I appreciated the always-on display option, which allows you to see the time and key stats without a wrist flick. This feature does impact battery life, but even with it enabled, I still managed to get through several days on a single charge. The touch responsiveness is smooth, and navigating through menus feels fluid and immediate.
Long-Lasting Battery Life
Battery performance is where the GTS truly distances itself from many competitors. Amazfit’s claim of up to 14 days of battery life is not far off under basic watch mode with moderate heart rate monitoring. In my real-world testing with daily notifications, one GPS-tracked workout, and continuous heart rate monitoring, I consistently achieved around 7 to 8 days of use. This eliminates the daily charging anxiety associated with many other smartwatches and is a massive benefit for travelers or those with busy schedules.
Comprehensive Health Monitoring
The GTS offers 24/7 heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking. The heart rate data during steady-state cardio, like running on a treadmill, aligned closely with my expectations and felt consistent. The sleep tracking provides a detailed breakdown of light, deep, and REM sleep stages, along with a sleep quality score. While no consumer device is medically accurate, the trends it provides are valuable for understanding your overall wellness patterns over time. It also includes alerts for high heart rates, adding a layer of passive health awareness.
Built-in GPS and Sports Modes
Having built-in GPS is a significant advantage for outdoor athletes. I tested this on several runs, and the watch quickly acquired a signal and accurately mapped my route without needing my phone. The data on pace, distance, and elevation was reliable. The 12 sport modes cover the basics well, from running and cycling to swimming, thanks to its 5 ATM water resistance. The post-workout summaries in the Zepp app are detailed, offering insights into your performance and heart rate zones.
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Final Verdict
After a thorough hands-on test, the Amazfit GTS earns a strong recommendation for a specific type of user. It masterfully balances a premium aesthetic with genuinely useful fitness and health tracking features, all backed by a battery life that is simply best-in-class for a watch with an AMOLED screen.
Pros
- The brilliant AMOLED display is a joy to use and highly legible.
- Outstanding battery life that lasts for days, not hours.
- Accurate GPS and heart rate tracking for most common activities.
- Lightweight build and comfortable strap facilitate all-day and all-night wear.
- Strong value for the feature set it provides.
Cons
- The Zepp app ecosystem lacks the refinement of Fitbit or Garmin Connect.
- Very limited options for third-party apps and advanced smart features.
- The design, while attractive, is unmistakably similar to an Apple Watch.
I would recommend the Amazfit GTS to budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts, first-time smartwatch buyers, and anyone who prioritizes long battery life and a great screen above all else. It’s perfect for someone who wants detailed activity and sleep data without the complexity of a high-end sports watch. However, if you are deeply invested in a specific app ecosystem, require advanced training metrics, or want extensive smartwatch app support, you might find the GTS a bit limiting. For the vast majority of users, however, it represents a fantastic and reliable choice.
What Customers Say About This Product
User feedback generally echoes my own findings, with many highlighting the same strengths and weaknesses.
Michael R. “I’ve had this watch for three months, and the battery life is still incredible. I only charge it once a week, and that’s with the heart rate monitor always on. The screen is beautiful, and it handles my runs and gym sessions perfectly.”
Sarah L. “Upgraded from a older fitness band, and the GTS feels like a huge step up. The notifications are handy, and I love being able to see the time without moving my wrist. The app is a bit confusing at first, but you get used to it.”
David K. “For the money, you can’t beat the features. GPS works great for tracking my bike rides. My only gripe is that the sleep tracking sometimes thinks I’m asleep when I’m just reading in bed, but the heart rate data seems spot on.”
Jessica T. “I wanted a smartwatch that looked good with both workout clothes and professional attire. This one fits the bill. It’s slim, lightweight, and the customizable watch faces are a fun touch.”