Huami’s Amazfit Verge 2 comes with full network eSIM support and ECG
Hot on the heels of the China launch of Amazfit Verge Lite, Huami is preparing to reveal the Amazfit Verge 2. An important upgrade over the original is the inclusion of eSim support and an ECG sensor.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
We reviewed Amazfit Verge last year and found it to be a perfectly capable sports watch. The thing is essentially a less expensive version of Amazfit Stratos. It misses out on the premium build but comes with 24/7 fitness tracking smarts a heart rate monitor capable of identifying health issues, NFC support and built-in GPS/GLONASS.
According to teasers released by Huami, Amazfit Verge 2 will be announced on June 11th in China. Here’s what we learned so far.
Qualcomm has revealed that it is assisting Huami with the mobile platform. The device will be based on the SoC Snapdragon Wear 3100 chip which was introduced in September last year.
This will be Huami’s first watch with full Netcom eSIM support. An eSIM comes in the form of an integrated SIM chip that does not need to be removed from a device. All you need to do is set up a contract with a telecom operator in order for it to function.
This will enable the watch to work totally independently from a smartphone. Users will be able to check for calls or messages and stream music on the go.
Smartwatches with similar functionality are few and far between. For now your choice is pretty much limited to the Apple Watch 3/4, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Samsung Gear S3, LG Watch Sport, LG Watch Urbane, Huawei Watch 2 and Garmin Vívoactive 3 Music Verizon.
All of the pre-launch countdown teasers have the motto “I love you Three Thousand”, and a silhouette of the letter V as a reference to Verge. The first is to do with Snapdragon Wear 3100 chipset that will power the device.
Marketing material from the last couple of days hint Verge 2 will be using ceramic materials as well as support ECG. The vice president of Huami Technology, Qi Fandi confirmed this. He also that ECG monitoring is a life-saving function, but that the watch should not be seen as a medical device.
How exactly the ECG function would work has not been revealed. It’s very possible Verge 2 might emulate the Apple Watch Series 4. To take a measurement on Apple’s device you need to rest your finger against the digital crown while wearing the watch. This creates a closed circuit between the digital crown and the sensor on the back. The use of ceramics on Verge 2 should provide greater strength and durability for the delicate sensors placed below.
Amazfit is owned by Huami, and is the exclusive provider of wearable technology for Xiaomi. Its product range currently includes Pace, Stratos, Verge and a number of activity bands.
The upcoming Verge 2 looks to be a very feature packed device. The eSIM, SoC Qualcomm and ECG monitoring is expected to increase the selling price as compared to other Amazfit devices. According to rumours it should retail for around $289.
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