The amazfit Balance 2,the latest iteration of the popular smartwatch,is undergoing rigorous testing by tech reviewers. This review from Les Numeriques dives into the specifics of the device’s construction and user experience, assessing improvements over the original Balance model and highlighting key features for potential buyers. The analysis focuses on build quality, durability, and the day-to-day usability of the smartwatch, providing a detailed look for consumers considering a purchase in the competitive wearables market.
ConstructionA Robust Build with No Compromises
The Amazfit Balance 2 largely maintains the aesthetic of its predecessor, though it’s noticeably more substantial. The original Balance measured 4.6 x 4.6 x 1.06 cm and weighed 35g, while the new model comes in at 4.74 x 4.74 x 1.23 cm and 43g (without the strap!). This increased size makes it less discreet and potentially less comfortable for those with smaller wrists. By comparison, most smartwatches in our testing range between 30g and 40g. This added bulk is somewhat surprising, given that the Balance 2 retains the same 1.5-inch display size as the original.
Despite the increased size, Amazfit has focused on durability. The Balance 2’s case features an aluminum alloy frame combined with fiber-reinforced polymer – a robust plastic – providing a solid feel. The original Balance used tempered glass to protect the display, but the new model upgrades to sapphire glass for significantly improved scratch resistance. The case is now water-resistant up to 45 meters (10 ATM), an improvement over the original Balance’s 5 ATM rating. Amazfit also states the watch meets the requirements of the MIL-STD-810 certification (low pressure, high/low temperature, thermal shock, vibration, and impact), a welcome addition.
The display remains at 1.5 inches diagonally, but boasts increased brightness, reaching 2000 cd/m² compared to the original’s 1500 cd/m². This improvement is particularly noticeable during outdoor activities. The display itself is an AMOLED panel, offering excellent readability and responsiveness, and includes an ambient light sensor to prevent glare at night.
The Balance 2 features a rotating crown and a physical button on its right side, offering intuitive navigation. A built-in microphone and speaker allow for clear call quality when paired with a smartphone. While the smartwatch includes numerous sensors, it does not support eSIM connectivity and relies on Bluetooth 5.2.
The watch comes with two silicone straps, one black and one red. While the case quality appears impeccable, the strap material, which tends to discolor quickly, is less impressive. Fortunately, Amazfit has opted for a standard strap attachment system, allowing for easy replacement.
Finally, the watch incorporates a BioTracker 6.0 optical heart rate sensor, a barometric altimeter, motion sensors, and a temperature sensor. A dual-band GNSS provides accurate location tracking.
User ExperienceA Feature-Rich Watch at an Accessible Price
Amazfit has made only incremental changes to the user experience between the Balance and the Balance 2. We focused on the brand’s default settings during testing. Pressing the crown provides direct access to the activity list. More than 170 activities are supported, and users can select those of most interest. The watch includes support for Hyrox, a popular fitness trend, as well as skiing, snowboarding, and even scuba diving. The rotating crown allows users to scroll through the list of activities, and a single click confirms the selected sport.
The button below the crown serves as a back button throughout the interface and provides access to the app list from the home screen. By default, apps are displayed in a list, but users can opt for an icon grid, though it’s less practical.
Swiping down from the home screen reveals quick settings, while swiping up displays notifications. Amazfit is among the most generous in terms of interactions, allowing users to open images received on WhatsApp, respond to messages with a keyboard, or use voice commands when connected to an Android smartphone – iPhone users are limited to pre-defined replies. However, all smartphones share the same limitation: while the NFC supports payments via Zepp Pay, no French banks currently authorize its use.
Users will need to install Zepp, the brand’s companion app compatible with iOS and Android. The app is feature-rich, perhaps to a fault, which may overwhelm novice users. It’s divided into four tabs: the first dedicated to biometric and sports data, the second to sports activities, the third to the brand’s AI (Aura, which requires a premium account for full access), and the fourth to watch settings.
