Square-shaped Amazfit Active 2 spotted in filings

We’ve spotted a new variant of the Amazfit Active 2 online, and this one takes on a square form factor. Based on the details tied to model numbers A2434 and A2440, it looks like Zepp Health is preparing to bring back the boxy design.

We’ve seen this strategy before. The original Amazfit Active had a square look, and the follow-up, the Active 2, ditched that completely in favour of a sleek round build. It came in two versions, a regular and a premium, each with its own mix of materials and features.

Now it seems we’re about to get that same core device, just reshaped into a square body again.

A return to square design

There’s no official launch yet, but some of the early signs are there. Regulatory filings show the Active 2 Square name attached to the two new model numbers. No renders yet, but if history is any guide, we can expect a design that echoes the original Amazfit Active, but with upgraded internals and software from the current generation.

Usually when regulatory listings start surfacing, retail release isn’t far behind.

The shift in shape makes sense. Not everyone wants a round face on their watch. The original square model had a certain appeal, especially for people coming from Fitbit or Apple Watch. I wouldn’t be surprised if Zepp Health is trying to scoop up that crowd with a alternative that may not cost as much.

What the round Active 2 got right

In our review of the round Active 2, we called it the best-looking Amazfit watch yet. It combines a premium feel with a bright AMOLED display, surprisingly accurate GPS and heart rate tracking, and a lightweight, comfortable design. While it lacks some advanced performance metrics you’d find on a Garmin, it handles the basics very well for the price. The smart features, like voice memos, offline maps, and speaker-based voice assistant replies, add extra polish to an already well-rounded package.

It’s not confirmed, but I wouldn’t be shocked if there ends up being both a standard and premium version of the square model—just like the circular Active 2. The premium version of the round model came with sapphire glass, a leather strap, and NFC. The standard one dropped back to tempered glass and a silicone strap.

This time, though, it’s worth flagging that there’s no mention of NFC support in any of the listings tied to the square version. Which would be a bit of a shame, especially since the circular version’s Zepp Pay works well in Europe. Then again, if this is going to be priced aggressively, that might be the trade-off.

Familiar hardware expected

There’s no mention yet of what’s powering the square Active 2, but I’d bet it will share a lot with the round version. That means the same BioTracker PPG 6.0 sensor, good GPS accuracy, and decent battery life. If Zepp Health follows its usual pattern, it’ll likely use the latest Zepp OS 5.0 platform.

For people who found the round version a bit too small or simply preferred a rectangular screen for reading stats, this could be a solid alternative. And for Amazfit, it’s a low-risk way to broaden the appeal of the Active 2 line without having to reinvent the hardware or software again.

To remind, we are still waiting for Amazfit Balance 2 to make it across the Chinese border. Interstingly, we also spotted a XT variant of that one so it might be a busy period ahead for Zepp Health.

***This article first appeared on Gadgets & Wearables, where the story was originally reported.

Note: Due to past experience with certain media outlets not crediting our work, we have chosen not to include links to the sources we independently surfaced. We always link to official media outlets and public disclosures where appropriate.

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