I used the Amazfit Active 2, a $100 Apple Watch competitor, and I’m impressed

Amazfit is shortly turning into one of many extra intriguing gamers within the smartwatch sport. After impressing us in September with its Apple Watch Extremely competitor, the Amazfit T-Rex 3, the corporate has now introduced the Amazfit Lively 2 at CES 2025.

The Lively 2 is among the extra inexpensive choices in Amazfit’s lineup, but it surely positive doesn’t give off that impression. I’ve had an opportunity to make use of the Lively 2 forward of its launch, and thus far, I’m impressed with what I’m seeing.

A smooth design and high quality show

In contrast to the T-Rex 3, which is a giant and ponderous watch designed for out of doors fans, the Lively 2 is marketed as a “way of life smartwatch” with a a lot smaller and extra approachable design. In comparison with the first Amazfit Active, which had a sq. Apple Watch-like show, the Lively 2 has a spherical design that appears extra like a wristwatch than a health wearable. The matte aluminum body appears to be like good, as do the notches and numbers on the bezel across the display screen. There’s no rotating crown such as you get on the Apple Watch, however you do get two bodily buttons, each of which may be mapped to customized shortcuts/apps of your selecting.

The show is a 1.32-inch AMOLED panel that may attain a peak brightness of two,000 nits — the identical brightness degree because the Apple Watch Series 10. There’s additionally an ambient mild sensor for automated brightness changes, one thing that wasn’t accessible on the Lively 1.

The usual model of the Lively 2 makes use of common glass, although choosing the premium model of the watch upgrades it to sapphire glass. I’ve been utilizing the premium mannequin for a few days, and whereas I don’t have the usual model to match it to, the sapphire glass feels incredible. It’s barely domed within the center and feels very nice to maneuver your finger throughout. The display screen high quality is superb, too — displaying easy-to-read textual content, vibrant colours, and an always-on show mode.

A lot improved well being/health options

On the well being and health entrance, the Lively 2 has a extremely sturdy providing. It may well observe 160+ completely different exercise modes and auto-detect 25 exercise sorts. There’s a brand new HYROX Race Mode plus a “sensible” Energy Coaching mode that may routinely observe units, reps, and relaxation time — excellent for doing power exercises on the gymnasium. The runner in me is especially curious about offline map assist, permitting you to obtain maps with route information for turn-by-turn navigation whenever you’re out working and with out your cellphone.

Amazfit says the guts charge sensor within the Lively 2 is far improved in comparison with the Lively 1. The Lively 2 has upgraded coronary heart charge and sleep algorithms, matching the accuracy of the dearer T-Rex 3. Additionally new is a barometer, enabling you to trace sports activities like snowboarding.

What else do you get? Amazfit’s Zepp Coach characteristic is current for “personalised coaching and working plans,” as is a every day Readiness rating. There’s additionally sleep monitoring, blood-oxygen monitoring, cycle monitoring, and a skin-temperature sensor.

Making all of this higher is the battery life. Amazfit guarantees as much as 10 days of battery life with “typical use.” Whether or not it delivers on that 10-day promise stays to be seen, however even when it solely will get midway there, it’ll nonetheless be higher than any fashionable Apple Watch and Put on OS smartwatch.

Amazfit Lively 2 worth and availability

The Amazfit Lively 2 is offered for preorder now and might be broadly accessible in February. The usual model prices $100 and, along with the common glass over the show, comes with one silicone band within the field. Go for the premium model, and also you’ll get a vegan leather-based band and a silicone band within the field, plus the sapphire glass show — all for simply $130.

The Amazfit Lively 2 syncs with the Zepp companion app, which is offered for each iOS and Android. In different phrases, whether or not you have got an iPhone 16 or Google Pixel 9, you should use the Lively 2 simply high quality.

I’ve not had sufficient time to completely overview the Amazfit Lively 2, however my first impressions of the watch are constructive. The {hardware} may be very good, and the watch is extremely comfy. The show appears to be like nice, the interface is responsive, and the quantity of on-board well being options is legitimately spectacular. How the watch fares all through every day use nonetheless must be examined, but when Amazfit can ship on what the Lively 2 guarantees on paper, we might be in for one thing particular.