With the Balance model, Amazfit is launching a GPS watch which, in addition to numerous tracking functions (windsurfing and SUP are available), is an extensively equipped smartwatch with many health functions. Amazfit watches are characterised by their comparatively low price - and their own operating system. In this test, we are particularly interested in the options for tracking water sports. The Amazfit Balance costs 249.90 euros >> e.g. at Amazon or Sports cheque available.
Amazfit Balance: wearing comfort and operation
Weighing just 35 grams for the flat and stylish aluminium case with the elastic, thin and very flexible strap, the watch is particularly comfortable to wear and barely noticeable. This is not only pleasant for daily use or during sport, but also for night-time sleep monitoring if you want to use this function. The strap is designed in such a way that it still hangs on the wrist like a wide strap even when the Velcro is open and the watch is not immediately lost. In contrast to other, sometimes very bulky outdoor models, the flat case still fits quite comfortably under a neoprene sleeve. If you are more into such a robust outdoor look, the Amazfit T-Rex 2, which we also tested find a suitable partner with an off-road look.
The large display of the Amazfit Balance presented here is also particularly bright and easy to read even in bright sunlight. It is operated via the touch display and two push buttons, one of which can be rotated for the scroll function. The appearance of the watch is clear, bold and sharp and there should be a suitable motif for every taste among the numerous "watch faces", i.e. the different digital dials. Initially, it takes a little time to find your way around the many display options, which can be shown by swiping the display in all directions, but after a while the layout becomes quite logical.
The Amazfit Balance measures heart rate and sleep, pays and makes calls
The name Balance already indicates that the watch focuses on health and fitness. With numerous sensors, the heart rate, oxygen saturation in the blood and even the body composition (fat, muscle, bone, protein) can be determined. Stress level, HR and oxygen saturation can optionally be measured simultaneously at the touch of a button.
Also on board is a barometric altimeter and a GPS system that can utilise several satellite systems. The watch optionally tracks your sleep patterns, the app analyses them using AI and then actually recognises whether you had two beers before falling asleep based on your heart rate.
Incoming messages, e.g. WhatsApp, can also be displayed and answered with predefined replies. An NFC chip enables contactless payment, albeit restricted to a dedicated payment provider and limited credit cards - which we were unable to test. The watch can also be used to make and receive phone calls in decent quality via Bluetooth using the built-in speaker and microphone. Altimeter, thermometer and compass round off the outdoor qualities.
GPS tracking for SUP, windsurfing and kitesurfing
We tried out the Amazfit Balance while SUP, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Stand-up paddling (paddleboarding) and windsurfing (sailing) have their own sport profiles in the watch. For kitesurfing, we have selected the sport of sailing (windsurfing). The tracked routes appear very precise, for example the average speed and top speed can be read for each recording or each lap, and the heart rate is of course also recorded - with very good reliability in our tests.
The line thickness of the tracks is quite bold in the display, which is not even noticeable on longer bike or SUP tours, but is noticeable when you lay very similar tracks close together for hours, as in windsurfing. The measurement results for top speed in our windsurfing tests were very plausible - we tested in pairs with another watch, and the one with the higher top speed was always actually the faster one. The ratio of the differences of one to five km/h also felt very good. The distance covered in the SUP test also largely matched a reference watch. When comparing windsurfing/kitesurfing at the same spot in the same conditions, the recorded heart rate values corresponded to the perceived exertion - windsurfing is simply more physically demanding :-)
The Amazfit Balance is waterproof up to 50 metres, despite the built-in microphone and speaker. After contact with water (rinse off salt water thoroughly), the openings for the microphone and speaker can be "blown" free of water using an integrated function - the watch generates rather dramatic acoustic alarm signals.
Almost everything is analysed either directly in the watch or very clearly in the ZEPP app. For example, the app can also be used to transfer recorded bike tracks (gpx files) to the watch, which can then be tracked. The watch warns you if you deviate from the route by more than an adjustable amount. There is also an option to navigate back to the start. However, map material cannot be installed.
Test summary of the Amazfit Balance
The Amazfit is great fun in everyday life and for sports (windsurfing, SUP, bike, kite, ski, etc.) and provides lots of useful measurements. A slightly finer line on the tracks would further refine the analysis options. The functions on offer appear to be quite good for a watch in this price range ( 249,90 Euro ) exceptionally versatile. It is very comfortable to wear.
