Amazfit Helio Strap Special Edition appears in early hands-on
Zepp Health is preparing a Special Edition of its Amazfit Helio Strap, and an early unit has already made its way to a Youtuber that goes by the name Quantified Scientist. While the internal hardware remains unchanged, this version introduces a redesigned outer shell and a new, stretchier strap material aimed at improving comfort and fit.
We reported back in June that Zepp Health was planning additional Helio Strap variants. At the time, documentation hinted at a higher-end version and new colourways. This Special Edition fits into that picture, offering a refined design without changing the feature set.
Design tweaks improve comfort and wearability
Now make no mistake – this is not a total revamp of the original Helio Strap. What’s different is how it fits and feels on the body.
The band that holds the core unit in place is now made from a stretchier material. Compared to the original, which used a firmer, more rigid band, this one has more give and feels softer on the skin. It passes through a new shell structure that allows for better movement and a snugger fit during activity.
Instead of fixed anchor points, the strap now threads through both sides of the outer shell. The pod still locks in place, but removal is quicker and more direct. Adjusting the strap length requires pulling it through the shell manually. It appears to be a bit fiddly but holds well once set.
The unit seen in the video also shows a lighter colour strap, marking a visual departure from the standard black version. This could signal the start of broader colour customisation.
You can wear the new strap on either your wrist or upper arm without changing anything. Depending on your build, the same band fits both spots, which isn’t really possible with the standard version. The stretchier material adjusts more easily and fits better in both positions.
This should work well during workouts if you want to move the device to your upper arm. For high-intensity training, heart rate tracking is usually more accurate there. So a change-around can be done quickly now. That is one of the big benefits.
Nothing changes on the inside
The underlying technology inside the sensor appears to be the same. The app experience is the same. And the charger remains unchanged. This isn’t a new product, it’s a comfort-focused refresh.
It’s worth noting that the device shown in the hands-on may still be a prototype. Final retail versions might bring minor changes in material or finish, depending on feedback and testing. But overall, the Helio Strap Special Edition looks like a nice step forward for those who found the original less comfortable over longer wear sessions.
It continues to sit in the same space as Whoop, aiming for low-profile tracking without a screen. The hardware compares well, even if the Zepp Health app still lags behind Whoop’s polished software. Where it pulls ahead is price. You get solid data, good battery life, and no subscription. If BioCharge keeps getting smarter, Helio could end up as a strong option for those looking to avoid recurring fees.
The Special Edition ships with the core unit in the box. Whether Zepp Health plans to offer the new strap on its own is still unknown. If you already own a Helio Strap, you’ll probably be hoping for that.
No word yet on a release date, but a launch before the holiday season seems likely.
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