Seven key differences between Amazfit Balance 2 vs 1

Amazfit Balance 2 brings a tougher shell with sapphire glass, deeper water resistance rated at 10 ATM, and six military-grade certifications. It also features a new Huangshan 3 chip, a refined heart rate sensor, significantly more onboard storage, and extended battery life. On top of that, Zepp has added some software touches like a jet lag manager, a golfing mode, along with a screen magnifier tool.

The device has just launched in China, with a global rollout expected soon. While the design sticks closely to the original Balance, many key internal components have been upgraded. We first learned about the device a few days ago, but now pretty much all of its specs are known.

Here are the main seven differences between this version and the first one.

1. Slightly larger and tougher build

Balance 2 comes in a slightly larger case than before, now measuring 47.4 x 47.4 x 12.3 mm compared to 46 x 46 x 10.6 mm on version 1. So the device has a slightly larger diameter and an additional 1.7mm of thickness. The weight also rises from 35g to 42g without the strap.

The build itself hasn’t changed. You still get an aluminum alloy frame coupled with a fiber-reinforced polymer bottom shell.

The overall look still leans sleek, but there’s now a more masculine feel to it. The first Balance worked well for slimmer wrists, but that space is now arguably better filled by the Active 2. Balance 2 sits somewhere between that model and the T-Rex 3 in terms of footprint and presence on the wrist.

Water resistance gets a notable upgrade. The new model is rated at 10 ATM and comes with a professional scuba diving mode. It also carries six military-grade certifications for durability, which gives it more outdoor credibility than its predecessor.

The physical controls haven’t changed location. You still get a crown and a flat secondary button, but both have been refined. They are firmer now and include a textured contact area that offers better grip during use.

2. Updated display protection and brightness

The screen itself hasn’t changed in size or resolution. It’s still a 1.5-inch AMOLED with 480 x 480 pixels. But brightness has been pushed from 1500 nits to a peak of 2000 nits. Visibility in direct sunlight should be noticeably better.

An important upgrade is the sapphire glass which does more than resist scratches. It contributes to the tougher build, likely playing a role in achieving that 10 ATM rating. Balance 1 already held up well with its tempered glass, but the sequel is better prepared for rough use.

3. Improved battery performance

A welcome upgrade is battery life. The cell inside Balance 2 has been bumped up to 658mAh, from 475mAh on the original. So it’s nearly right up there with the T-Rex 3.

That takes typical usage time from 14 days to 21 days. Power-saving GPS mode also stretches to 67 hours, up from 52 hours. This gives Balance 2 a bit more flexibility for users who run long sessions or spend time on trails.

4. Heart rate and sensor changes

The updated BioTracker 6.0 sensor brings a refreshed layout. It uses a 6th gen setup with 2 LEDs and 5 photodiodes, the same configuration found on the T-Rex 3 and Active 2. Despite having fewer photodiodes than the original Balance, the new sensor should deliver better heart rate accuracy during workouts thanks to an improved optoelectronic design.

On the flip side, the original’s BIA sensor is no longer present. While it did offer body composition analysis, it wasn’t widely used by most users and may have made water protection more difficult to guarantee. With the emphasis shifting more toward ruggedness, its removal makes sense.

The other sensors are the same, so no change there.

5. Chipset and performance

There’s also a new chipsets on-board. Amazfit Balance 2 swaps out the NXP chip for Zepp Health’s in-house Huangshan 3 processor. This is the same silicon found in the T-Rex 3, and is expected to bring smoother performance. That likely also contributes to improved battery stats.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

The dual-band, 6 GNSS system is still there. But this has received some tweaks that should help with accuracy.

You also get a memory boost. Internal storage jumps from 4GB to 32GB. That leaves plenty of room for offline maps and music, both of which are still supported.

6. Audio and controls

Audio has been reworked. Balance 2 now includes dual speakers and a mic, promising better sound for phone calls, voice prompts and media. The single speaker setup on Balance 1 felt a bit thin at times, so this is a worthwhile refinement.

Another tweak is the haptic motor. While both watches include vibration alerts, the Balance 2 motor has been improved for stronger and more precise feedback.

7. New software tools

There are some small UI changes and optimisations under the hood, but also a couple of useful additions.

Balance 2 adds a dedicated scuba mode, which ties in with the upgraded 10 ATM water resistance. Golf tracking also makes its debut, along with extra running dynamics like land contact time and vertical amplitude for those who want more insight into their form.

Two other additions stand out for day-to-day use. The Time Difference Manager app helps with jet lag and adjusting to new time zones, while a new Zoom-in function lets you double tap the lower button to bring up a magnifier on screen. You can then move it around with your finger to enlarge small text or data fields, which can be handy in bright light or on the move.

Our takeaway

The Balance 2 feels like a solid upgrade. It’s the most advanced Amazfit watch to date. Compared to the Active 2, it brings a larger case, more onboard memory and greater toughness. It also edges out the T-Rex 3 in a few areas, offering a more business-friendly design, improved audio with dual speakers, and a handful of extra software features.

The core design and user experience remain familiar if you’ve used the first Balance. But durability, battery life, and sensor performance all take a step forward. It probably isn’t worth upgrading if you’re still happy with the original, but if you’re shopping for a new Amazfit, this one’s easy to recommend.

For now, Balance 2 is only available in China at a price of around $250. Recent FCC certifications suggest a global release is on the way, likely landing sometime in June.

Amazfit Balance 2 vs 1: Tech specs comparison

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