Amazfit Active 2 review: A compact smartwatch with premium features
Unveiled in early January at CES in Las Vegas, the Amazfit Active 2 marks Zepp Health’s latest addition to its smartwatch lineup. With a focus on blending style and everyday functionality, it aims to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
The company has been steadily improving its offerings in recent years. Instead of releasing numerous devices, it appears to have struck a better balance between introducing new hardware and improving software features.
Active 2 is the new arrival and it is radically different from the first device in the series. The timepiece has shifted from a square to a circular design, and there’s a plethora of other upgrades. This is actually the third iteration in the line. There was also the Active Edge, a more rugged version of the original.
With its unisex look, this device arrives as part of a growing trend toward wearables that prioritize both aesthetics and usability. Its lightweight design and modern materials suggest a focus on comfort. With plenty of competition in the same price range, the question is whether it can truly deliver on its promises—let’s take a closer look.
Check Amazfit Active 2 price & availability on Zepp Health, Amazon.
Amazfit Active 2 review: Design, hardware
Look & feel
For me, the Amazfit Active 2 is the best look Amazfit watch yet. It nails the balance between sporty and sophisticated. The design has taken a big step up from the original. Gone is the boxy rectangular look; now you’ve got a sleek round face framed in stainless steel that feels way more premium. It’s lighter, slimmer, and just more polished overall.

There is only one (44mm case) size option so if you are in the market for big masculine watches, I suggest checking out the T-Rex 3. Alternatively, the Balance is another option worth looking into. It sits somewhere between the others in terms of size.
As far as Active 2, Its 1.32-inch AMOLED display steals the show. It packs sharp visuals, vibrant colours, and a peak brightness of 2,000 nits. This makes it very readable in bright outdoor conditions, although sometimes the display tends to be reflective with a bit of glare. Honestly, the minimalist design reminds me a bit of the Google Pixel Watch—but with a more fitness-focused vibe. Choose to have an always-on display with a streamlined watch-face, or disable it for maximum battery longevity.
There are two versions of the Active 2: the standard and the premium. I tested the premium version, and it’s easy to see why it costs $30 more. The premium model comes with a sapphire glass display, a sleek black vegan leather strap for everyday wear, and an extra red silicone strap for workouts. It also includes NFC for contactless payments (though it’s currently limited to Europe).
The standard version has tempered glass, a sporty black silicone strap, and skips the NFC. Both look great, but the premium version definitely feels more versatile if you want something that works for both workouts and a night out.

The two-button interface complements the touchscreen nicely, offering intuitive navigation through the Zepp OS 4.0 operating system. The build feels sturdy and well-crafted, with thoughtful details like the seamless integration of the buttons into the watch’s frame.
Compared to the original Amazfit Active, the Active 2 is like a total reinvention. It feels better, looks better, and handles better. In a way it feels like it should be a part of the Balance range. Whether I’m at my desk or out for a run, the premium version’s lightweight design and smooth edges make it comfortable to wear all day. And that display? It’s an absolute standout—it’s the kind of screen that makes you want to keep glancing at your wrist just to admire it.
Under the hood

The positioning hardware supports five satellite systems, so its not dual-band which can be found on T-Rex 3 and Balance. Connectivity is supported through Bluetooth 5.2, with a built-in speaker and microphone adding functional versatility to the device’s hardware. So no WiFi abilities.
You could say that the Active 2 isn’t pushing boundaries with its sensors and internals. But it doesn’t need to. It’s a capable setup that prioritizes reliability and usability at a budget friendly price. The result is hardware that feels balanced and functional rather than over-engineered.
Battery life
Battery life is another positive. With typical use, the watch lasts up to 10 days on a single charge. Topping it once a week for half an hour or so is probably enough to keep it going indefinitely. Even with more frequent use of GPS or health tracking features, the battery life holds steady. It’s reassuring to have a watch that doesn’t demand constant charging.
The watch also offers a battery saver mode, which can extend its life to up to 19 days. This mode reduces some of the more power-hungry features but keeps the essentials running. For those using GPS extensively, the watch promises up to 21 hours of continuous tracking.
Amazfit Active 2 vs T-Rex 3 vs Balance: Technical specs comparison
Let’s see how the Amazfit Active 2 stacks up against some other recent Amazfit arrivals.
Comparing it to the T-Rex 3 shows these are pretty different beasts. The T-Rex 3 packs everything Zepp Health has on offer. But it is all about being military-grade tough, with its 10 ATM water resistance and a massive battery that can last up to 27 days. That thing is built for the outdoors, so it’s big and heavy compared to the slim and lightweight Active 2. Which means it has a very masculine design, which might not appeal to everyone. If you’re not planning to dive or hike for days, the Active 2 might feel more practical.
Balance is a middle ground between the two. That one goes hard on health features like the BIA sensor for body composition – something for fitness fans who want detailed data. Instead of up/down buttons, Balance features a rotating crown for navigation, though it has slightly weaker water resistance and battery than the T-Rex 3.
Active 2 keeps things simple and wearable, with a smaller size and a bright AMOLED display that’s perfect for everyday use. It’s less about extra features and more about getting the essentials right without overcomplicating things. You get most things apart from built-in storage for music, single instead of dual-band GPS and no WiFi connectivity – only Bluetooth. In a sense – you could call it a Balance Mini.
Feature | Amazfit Active 2 | Amazfit T-Rex 3 | Amazfit Balance |
---|---|---|---|
Release date | Jan-25 | Sep-24 | Aug-23 |
Case material | Stainless steel frame, fiber-reinforced polymer case | High-strength polymer middle frame, stainless steel bezel | Aluminum alloy middle frame, fiber-reinforced polymer |
Number of buttons | 2 | 4 | 2 |
Shape | Round | Round | Round |
Size | 43.9 x 43.9 x 9.9 mm | 48.5 x 48.5 x 13.75 mm | 46 x 46 x 10.6 mm |
Display type | AMOLED | AMOLED | AMOLED |
Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels, 2000 nits brightness | 480 x 480 pixels, 2000 nits brightness | 480 x 480 pixels, 1500 nits brightness |
Screen size | 1.32 inches | 1.5 inches | 1.5 inches |
Weight | 31.65 g (Premium), 29.5 g (Standard) | 68.3 g | 35 g |
Sensors | BioTracker PPG 6.0, acceleration, geomagnetic, temp, ambient light, barometric altimeter | BioTracker PPG (5PD + 2LED), 3-axis accel., gyroscope, geomagnetic, air pressure, temp, ambient light | BioTracker 5.0 PPG (8PD + 2LED), BIA, 3-axis accel., gyroscope, geomagnetic, air pressure, temp, ambient light |
Water-resistance | 5 ATM | 10 ATM (freediving certified) | 5 ATM |
Positioning | 5 satellite positioning systems | Dual-band & 6 satellite positioning systems | Dual-band & 6 satellite positioning systems |
Built-in speaker | Yes | No | Yes |
Microphone | Yes | Yes | Yes |
NFC | Yes (Premium only) | Yes | Yes |
Music storage | No | Yes (26 GB) | Yes (2.3 GB) |
Connection | Bluetooth 5.2 | WLAN 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.2 & BLE | WLAN 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.0 & BLE |
Cellular connectivity | No | No | No |
Battery type | 270 mAh | 700 mAh | 475 mAh |
Battery life | Up to 10 days normal use, up to 19 days battery saver mode, up to 21 Hours continuous GPS usage | 27 days typical, 40 days saver, 42 hrs GPS | 14 days normal, 24 days saver, 26 hrs GPS |
Operating system | Zepp OS 4.0 | Zepp OS 4.0 | Zepp OS 4.0 |
Colors | Grey case; straps in black leather, red silicone, black silicone | Onyx, Lava | Midnight, Sunset Grey |
Typical RRP | $129 (Premium), $99 (Standard) | $279.99 | $229.99 |
Amazfit Active 2 review: Health & fitness tracking
Zepp Health has clearly been refining its software over the past year, and the changes are evident in both the watch and the smartphone app. The app, in particular, has undergone a major overhaul, now resembling the layout and organization you’d find in platforms like Whoop. While user opinions on these updates seem divided, I personally think the redesign is a big step forward. The new structure makes it easier to access and interpret health data, presenting it in a way that feels more cohesive and insightful.

When you dive into the Home tab of the app, it’s clear this is where everything comes together. You can toggle between four sections: Overview, Readiness, Sleep, and Exertion. Each offers a focused view of your health metrics, with the Readiness Score being the star of the show. This score aggregates data from various sources, including physical and mental recovery, resting heart rate, HRV, sleep quality, skin temperature, and more. It even includes a Sleep Apnea Risk assessment, which is a useful addition.
I find most of the data to be reasonably accurate. That said, I think the Readiness Score could use some tweaking. There were times when it didn’t align with how I actually felt, which makes me question how well its metrics are balanced. Additionally, I find the separation of physical and mental exertion scores unnecessary—it feels overly complicated and could easily be streamlined into a single score. Simplifying this would make the data more digestible, especially for those new to fitness tracking.






Beyond the Readiness Score, the usual health metrics are present and accounted for. You get stress statistics and a PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence) score, which simplifies your activity data into a clear and actionable number. And there are health reminders for abnormally high and low heart rate, low blood-oxygen, along with high stress level alerts. These are optional and customisable.
All things considered, while the updates aren’t perfect, Zepp Health’s focus on improving usability and delivering meaningful insights is evident. It’s a step in the right direction.
Sports tracking
The Amazfit Active 2 tracks over 160 different sports. Thanks to its excellent water-resistance, swimming and other water-based activities are on this list.

I was most interested in testing out its run-tracking accuracy. I find that this is a good gauge of a watch’s overall sports tracking capability.
What I found is that Active 2 handles GPS tracking surprisingly well, even in tricky spots. To remind, although the device has support for multiple satellite systems, it is not a dual-band connection as you would find on the T-Rex 3.
For the purposes of this review I tested the watch on several runs through central London, surrounded by tall buildings where GPS signals sometimes struggle. The last run is a good example. The timepiece locked onto a signal in just 10 seconds, matching the Garmin Forerunner 955 on my other wrist. That’s pretty impressive for a budget-friendly watch. Over a 7.7 km run, as per the Garmin device, the Amazfit was only off by 100 meters, recording 7.6 km. For this price, you can’t really ask for much better.









Heart rate tracking on the Amazfit Active 2 also holds its own. To test it, I went one step further – pairing the Garmin with a Scosche Rhythm band for accurate readings. The Garmin showed an average heart rate of 140 bpm and a max of 162 bpm, while the Amazfit came in super close at 139 bpm and 160 bpm. I tested both watches over three separate runs, and every time the Amazfit was almost spot-on with Garmin. For a $100 watch, that’s pretty solid.
I do wish, though, the display was a bit bigger. Although the AMOLED is very high-res, the 1.32 inch screen area makes it a bit difficult to read stats mid-run. In that sense, the 1.5 inch screen that can be found on T-Rex 3 and Balance is better.
When it comes to the performance-type data you get, Garmin does have the edge. Its app is packed with advanced metrics which serious runners might love. The Amazfit doesn’t go that deep, but it still offers more than enough for most runners. You get stuff like cadence, VO2 max, heart rate zones, fatigue level, fitness level, training status, heart rate recovery and more. The app keeps things simple, which might be a bonus if you don’t want to dive into overly detailed stats.
Like with most of the recent crop of Amazfit watches, you can also connect Active 2 to peripheral workout devices. This includes heart rate chest straps, running and cycling power meters, cycling speedometers and cadence meters. Beyond that, worth checking out is its AI guided Zepp Coach.





Overall, the Amazfit Active 2 punches well above its weight as far as sports tracking. It’s not quite on Garmin’s level yet, but Amazfit watches are getting closer. Zepp Health has been making big strides, and at this rate, it’s easy to imagine Amazfit and Garmin being much more evenly matched in the future. For now, if you’re looking for a reliable sports watch without breaking the bank, the Amazfit Active 2 is a solid pick.
Maps
The Amazfit Active 2’s offline maps are a handy addition, providing reliable navigation right from your wrist, no phone required. The high-quality display ensures that the maps are clear and easy to read, even at a glance.
I have written a detailed guide on how to install maps on Amazfit watches. Open the Zepp app on your phone, select your watch, and scroll to “Map Management.” From there, search for the area you need, pick the map type (like base or ski maps), and add it to your download list.

Once your watch is connected to your phone, it will automatically download the map. Because the Active 2 does not have a WiFi connection, the transfer is done via Bluetooth. So its a process that takes at least 5-6 minutes. After that, the map is ready for use whenever you need it.
What makes this feature especially useful is how well it integrates into the watch’s functionality. Whether you’re hiking, running, or exploring new areas, the maps are easy to access through the “All Apps” menu or directly during an activity. They show your real-time location with GPS accuracy, and you can zoom in or out for more detail. Plus you can tap into turn directions to keep you firmly on your path. You can even receive directions via the built-in speaker.
Light and dark modes make it adaptable to different lighting conditions, and the maps’ compact dimensions ensure a clear and practical view of your surroundings. It’s a feature that’s not just there for show—it’s genuinely useful.
Amazfit Active 2 review: Smart features
Rounding off this review are the smart features. The Amazfit Active 2 offers a solid selection of those, running on ZeppOS 4.0, the latest version of the company’s proprietary operating system.
With a built-in microphone and speaker, the watch supports hands-free interactions with the Zepp Flow AI assistant, letting you check your schedule, set reminders, or even control smart home devices. For example, you can ask it – “what will the weather be like tomorrow?”. And it will use the speaker to answer you. So no need for bluetooth headphones. This works well.
Zepp Pay, the company’s NFC payment system, is also available, though it’s currently limited to select banks and regions in Europe. You’ll also find essentials like events reminders, to-do lists, and more, which make it easy to stay on top of your day without reaching for your phone.

Other smart features include notifications for calls, SMS with speech to text replies, and apps, along with controls for phone music and cameras via Bluetooth. Worth mentioning is that there’s no offline music storage.
One nifty addition for me is the voice memo feature, which allows you to quickly record audio notes and play them back later on—a simple but surprisingly useful tool. Combined with the watch’s smooth rotor motor for haptic feedback, these features make the Active 2 a versatile companion for both daily life and active routines.
Amazfit Active 2 review: The bottom line
The Amazfit Active 2 is a steal at $99 for the standard version and $129 for the premium. It looks great, feels great, and does pretty much everything you’d expect from a smartwatch in this price range—and then some. The sleek, lightweight design and bright AMOLED display make it a pleasure to wear, whether you’re out for a workout or just going about your day. It looks modern and premium without the hefty price tag.
Another area where the Active 2 shines is during exercise. The built-in GPS is accurate, even in challenging environments like city streets surrounded by tall buildings, locking onto a signal quickly and tracking routes reliably. Heart rate tracking is equally impressive, staying consistent and close to readings from more expensive devices. For those who like to keep an eye on their fitness without spending a fortune, the Active 2 delivers solid performance across the board. While the Readiness Score is a nice touch, it could use some improvement—simplifying it and refining how it reflects recovery would make it more useful.
The range of smart features deserves a mention, as well. With Zepp Pay (in select regions), voice memos, app notifications, and Bluetooth controls for music and cameras, the watch seamlessly transitions from workouts to daily life. And while it doesn’t include offline music storage, the combination of accurate tracking, great battery life, and practical features makes it a no-brainer at this price point. The Amazfit Active 2 proves you don’t have to spend a lot to get a lot.
Check Amazfit Active 2 price & availability on Zepp Health, Amazon.
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