Amazfit Active 2 review: Finds the right fit and function

Time of India

4 days ago

Rating: 3.5/5
Smartwatches today are not just fancy gadgets; they offer real value and fit different people's needs. The "smart" part is not just one thing; it's a whole range of features and prices.
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Think about someone who always wants the newest and best technology. For them, a top-of-the-line smartwatch is worth the money. These premium models come equipped with highly sensitive sensors and advanced programs that deliver precise health and fitness tracking.
On the other hand, many people want something more affordable but still very useful. For them, cheaper smartwatches that do the important things well, without costing a fortune, are perfect.
'Basics' can mean different things here.
For some, it's reliable step counting, simple heart rate checks, and notifications so they don't have to constantly check their phone. For others, it might include simple workout tracking, sleep analysis, and maybe even stress monitoring. No matter if a smartwatch is packed with features or is a simple, affordable device, one thing everyone expects is accuracy.
Our quest for something that balances everything -- from premium design to accurate results at an affordable price led us to the
Amazfit Active 2
.
While it caught our eye with its super bright display, lightweight construction and appealing starting price point of Rs 9,999, any seasoned smartwatch user knows aesthetics are just one piece of the puzzle. This pushed us to discover if the Active 2 could finally strike the balance that some are actually looking for.
Amazfit Active 2: Design and display
Amazfit Active 2 is premium. The stainless steel body and glossy glass face combine to create an almost timeless aesthetic that reminded us of a classic timepiece but imbued with all the modern smarts.
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What we liked about it is that it's like a feather on the wrist that helped us wear it all day and even to bed without it ever feeling like it was choking my wrist or getting in the way. The box has two straps: Black leather strap for those who like to keep things minimalistic and a bright orange for those who love to stand out.
The watch's glass is shiny and glossy, and the wearable offers loads of watch faces to choose from. The 1.32-inch AMOLED display is definitely a standout feature with an impressive up to 2,000 nits of brightness.
It is easy to read, even under the brightest Delhi-NCR sunlight in peak summers. The frame has two buttons and a mic on the right side of the straps, and a speaker on the left. Both worked decently but can't be relied on in a noisy environment.
The sensors are on the back, flanked by two magnets that stick to a puck-shaped charger that is independent of any wire. We specifically loved this because for use, there's one less 'wire' to carry in our pouch.
Amazfit Active 2: Performance
Expect the
Amazfit
Active 2 to work like any other smartwatch but with more accuracy and thoughtful features that can push you to make lifestyle changes. During our review, we had a lot going on with an influx of news, rendering us completely out-of-juice for most of the days. The watch constantly buzzed with movement and heart rate alerts to push us to take breaks.
Another thing we'd like to highlight is the body battery reading capabilities -- how charged up are we for the next day.
It worked only if we wore the watch regularly (minimum 7 days) as it takes into account the exertion, fatigue, sleep and other matrices into account to provide data that helped us bring some changes to our schedules, helping us wake up charged up for the next day.
Coming to workout tracking, Amazfit has been exceptional in adding support for a vast array of popular workout types and activities. With over 160 modes to choose from, the brand is one of the leaders in this regard.
We tracked multiple workouts with the Active 2, including walks, runs and tested its accuracy directly against other popular, premium wearables. The Active 2 delivered results pretty much in line with flagship versions.
For example, both the wearables provided us with 5,000 step count and similar heart rate data. Beyond workouts, the Active 2 includes Amazfit's latest health monitoring tech. Onboard blood oxygen saturation measurements take about 30 seconds and seem accurate enough.
Users can also measure body temperature, heart rate, and stress levels with a few taps.
However, this is not a medical device, hence, if something is not what it's supposed to be, consulting a doctor is the best option. The AI feature is not something we ended up using a lot and it's kind of choppy. For example, we didn't need to have everything with AI -- not for weather updates, messages, or other basic functions.
Though a standout feature in the Amazfit Active 2 is Maps.
We have mixed feelings about this because sometimes, it feels unnecessary. For example, when driving a car back to my home or a place that needs constant checking of Maps, constant buzzing on the wrist feels a bit too intruding because we can see the route on the car's screen.
However, when riding a bike and having a phone tucked in pocket, directions on the bright, wrist-mounted screen were helpful. We did notice some inconsistency on turns but overall, it proved a worthy inclusion with some tweaks needed for accuracy.
Amazfit Active 2: Battery and app
Freedom from the charger. The Amazfit Active 2 alleviated this concern by offering almost a week's use on a single charge with typical usage patterns. On our 5-day working week, it held up -- only needing to be recharged once or twice a week. When it does need a boost, it can reach a full charge in under two hours.
The accompanying
Zepp App
provides detailed insights into sleep, including its quality and various stages, and alerts when stress levels are high.
It also sends thoughtful notifications to engage in calming exercises or listen to soothing music, which actively helps me manage stress.
Amazfit Active 2: Verdict
The Amazfit Active 2 is a smartwatch that fits both: features and price. It is comfortable, intuitive, and packed with features that can help wearers to stay on top of their health and lifestyle. The bright, glossy display and premium construction make it a pleasure to wear daily.
Currently priced at Rs 9,999 on the Amazfit website, it makes a compelling option for those seeking a stylish, feature-rich and comfortably sized smartwatch, at a relatively low cost.