Amazfit GTR Mini has been launched in Malaysia with a selling price of RM599 each. This is also the first time that Amazfit uses the Mini branding on a wearable device under the GTR series. As the name suggests, Amazfit Mini is a smart watch that is small and thin, in addition to being universal and loaded with functions that can be used in any situation. But how does it perform in daily use? Is it really smart or vice versa? Find out in our review article below.
SPECIFICATION AND DESIGN
Amazfit GTR Mini
Basic Smart Watch Types
Display 1.28″ AMOLED (416 x 416 pixels), 60Hz, 326PPI
Processor –
RAM –
Internal Load –
280mAh battery + Magnetic Charging
14 days with normal use
7 days with heavy use
SIM / Telephony Calls via bluetooth tethering
Sensor Heart rate sensor, blood oxygen, acceleration, gyroscope,
geomagnetic, atmosphere, ambient light
NFC None
Infrared None
5ATM Resistance Level
Diameter 42.83 x 42.83 x 9.25mm
Color Midnight Black / Misty Pink / Ocean Blue
Selling Price RM699
There is nothing new about the design but admittedly there are still minor differences in terms of manufacturing. It is simple, minimalistic and functional. There is no doubt that some products look beautiful to the eye but are not practical to use.
However, it is different from the Amazfit GTR Mini which combines aesthetic value and functionality in one body that is very comfortable to wear. It weighs only around 24.6g which means it doesn't feel heavy on the wrist at all. In fact, I use it while doing sports, working and sleeping, it feels very comfortable and doesn't bother me at all.
It also comes in a variation with a 42mm stainless steel frame that is perfect for those with small wrists. Even though it is just a normal silicone material, the rope used is of sufficient quality that it can be used without causing the risk of allergies and itching on the skin.
The standard hook system also makes it easy to use, and the strap can also be removed and replaced if desired. Amazfit offers one option for the silver-colored frame, while three color options for the strap include Midnight Black, Misty Pink and Ocean Blue.
The screen used is 1.28-inch AMOLED with a resolution of 416 × 416 pixels and a pixel density of 326PPI. It is flat and colored with touch support which is very useful to facilitate navigation on the watch face. This concept is almost the same as the Amazfit GTR 2 and GTR 3 which also does not come with any special protective equipment around the face of the watch.
According to official specifications, the main glass is only coated with an anti-fingerprint coating. But generally it is still adequately protected by the stainless steel frame that surrounds the glass. It works well and is proven to be durable without scratching the watch glass.
This can be proven when I myself have accidentally hit the corner of the table and doorknob several times. However, fortunately, no traces of damage have been found until today, but still capture quite noticeable fingerprints from time to time.
At the same time, I still need to be careful because damage including cracked or broken glass can still happen in unexpected situations. There is also a single physical button that aims to provide quick access to a number of built-in features and functions.
Next, the back of the watch is made of shiny plastic. This is also paired with a health tracking sensor dubbed BioTracker 3.0 by Amazfit. Through it, it offers various standard features for a modern smart watch such as pulse tracking, sleep pattern tracking, blood oxygen and so on.
There are also various other features that make it an attractive choice for a modern smartwatch. For example, GPS tracking is very useful for outdoor activities. Then music control, smart notifications, weather updates and the ability to control smart home devices.
The same part also includes a magnetic plate for charging purposes but no wireless charging feature is provided. This watch also has a 5ATM water resistance rating to ensure that it can still be used even in water.
It is more interesting when swimming mode is provided with options up to four depth levels. In addition, it can also be set manually according to the user's own needs. I didn't test its abilities because I didn't swim at the beach, but it was used in a rainy situation (not on purpose) showing no damage detected until today.
HARDWARE & APPLICATIONS
Amazfit GTR Mini uses Zepp OS 2.0 which is much better than the previous generation. No drastic changes have been made to the interface, but it can be said to be more mature with a neater and user-friendly concept. This means that it is easy to use and learn without taking a long time making it perfect for those who are using a wearable device from Amazfit for the first time.
If you've used a watch from Amazfit before, you'll know what to expect here. Just like any basic smartwatch, third-party app support is also not a given here. On the other hand, Amazfit provides a dedicated app store for Zepp OS watches for the purpose of installing more apps.
The navigation process of this watch is also simple which requires the user to scroll and fully touch the watch face. Swiping to the right and left allows various main functions to be accessed easily, for example such as heart rate, oxygen in the blood, weather and so on.
Scrolling from top to bottom displays shortcut access to a number of settings on the smartwatch. Then scrolling from the bottom to the top leads to the notification section. A long press on the physical button allows a number of built-in sports modes to be used.
The shared use of Zepp applications is essential for smooth functional and software support. It can be downloaded for free through the application store on AppStore, PlayStore and Huawei AppGallery. But I only had time to test it with an iPhone device through bluetooth function support. The connection process takes a few minutes with simple steps such as making sure the watch is already tethered to the device. Then scan the provided QR code for full connection purposes.
Various information related to fitness and health that can be checked through this application. It includes active heart rate, steps and distance walked, calories burned and more. Users can also click on any activity listed to view the collected information in more detail. At the same time, it is more comprehensive than the watch itself. It is easy to get used to it without taking a long time.
Many factors make the concept this time successfully attract attention and make me like it compared to the experience when reviewing the Amazfit GTR 2 before. For example, the use of colors and icons is more cheerful.
Then the sleep time score column now also includes better data detail along with proper recommendations that aim to help improve a better quality sleep experience. In addition, this accumulated data can also be synchronized with a number of third-party applications such as Google Fit, Strava, Relive and Adidas Running.
USAGE EXPERIENCE
What I like? One of them is the build and the main screen on this watch. I like the finish and the quality of the materials used, the glass finish is not easily scratched on the frame itself and is able to give a premium look.
This is combined with her light, thin and small body which is very suitable for those with small wrists, especially women. The silicone strap used is soft enough and comfortable to wear all the time regardless of activity, be it relaxation, work or exercise.
Furthermore, the screen display is bright and beautiful with vivid color reproduction. Various contents such as numbers and text can be read clearly. It does not matter whether it is used indoors or outdoors. The Always-On-Display feature also works well, which intelligently detects the user's hand and then turns on the screen with the appropriate content.
Likewise with the lack of non-smooth touch support issues. It's just that the bezel is quite thick and feels a little disturbing, so you are advised to use a dark colored watch face so that it is not clearly visible. Furthermore, there is also a built-in light sensor that can automatically adjust the brightness level of the screen according to the environment.
As a basic smartwatch, the performance shown can be considered adequate without the chronic issues that occurred throughout the review. The built-in sensor seems to work quite well with the ability to automatically track and detect a number of activities. This is especially useful for those who often forget to activate sports mode before starting exercise.
Only once did I notice a random error. This happened during a trip to China for a day's work, where I put it in the container during the goods inspection at the immigration counter. But it was quite surprising when this watch detected that I was on the treadmill. This situation, however, only happened once, after which the watch returned to normal operation.
The built-in five-satellite GPS support allows for real-time activity tracking which can then be checked through the application. I also like the automatic reminder feature for some situations like the good morning greeting that will pop up every time I wake up from sleep.
Then the reminder to stand is also very useful especially for an individual like me who likes to sit for eight hours without moving. This is to allow our body to remain active since sitting for too long without activity is actually not good and can even lead to many health problems.
No problem checking text notifications and incoming calls from connected devices. But there is no ability to answer calls directly from him. This is due to the absence of any built-in microphone or speaker found on this watch. But Amazfit still provides quick text reply capabilities that can also be customized through the app.
BATTERY
Amazfit GTR Mini has a 280mAh capacity battery that is advertised to last up to 14 days with normal use. Then reduced to 7 days for heavy use. It's not unreasonable in fact my personal use shows that this watch can last more than a week with casual use.
Meanwhile, the use with bluetooth connection and continuous built-in mode activation provides durability up to 6 days of use. The charging process takes about 1 hour through a magnetic connection that grips the watch firmly. It however needs to be placed in the right direction and otherwise, the charging process cannot be done properly.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX
Here's what you get with every purchase of the Amazfit GTR Mini in Malaysia.
1 X Amazfit GTR Mini.
1 X USB-A to dedicated dock charging cable.
1 X User manual.
1 X Warranty Notice
CONCLUSION
Amazfit GTR Mini has good features and functions for the basic smartwatch segment. The screen is quite good with a bright and vibrant screen display, in addition to not being very complicated to operate due to the thin body. It can also be styled easily for various purposes, whether it's relaxation or sports.
Not only that, various health and fitness monitoring features also give users the freedom to do activities. This is improved when it also includes built-in GPS support that allows users not to rely on smart devices all the time while doing activities.
Disadvantages such as the large bezel size can still be overcome with the use of proper watch face options. Then there is no ability to download third-party applications, which is generally the norm on a basic smart watch. For those who are interested, you can get it at RM699 in the market now.
Pro
Lightweight and comfortable to use all the time.
A beautiful, bright and clear AMOLED screen.
The software is more mature and user-friendly.
Long battery life.
Waterproof.
Cons
Limited ability to reply to texts.
No ability to answer incoming calls.
No ability to download third-party apps.
No wireless charging.