Amazfit Active Edge in my eyes is the affordable version of Amazfit T-Rex. It's a health tracker that tries to be a smartwatch wrapped in leather like a G-Shock watch. It is designed to be light, comfortable in the hand and brings many interesting features and functions. After using this watch for almost a month, I feel that this watch is a G-Shock copy that doesn't shock enough.
SPECIFICATION AND DESIGN
Amazfit Active Edge
Screen 1.32″ TFT touch screen, 360 x 360
Processor Not mentioned
Memory/Storage Not mentioned
Operating System Zepp OS 2.0
10 ATM protection
Biometric Sensor BioTracker PPG, gyroscope,
5-satellite universal determining system
Other Bluetooth 5.0
Four physical buttons
370mAh battery, 24 days
TPU Plastic Construction Material
Two-tone plastic
Price RM599
At first glance this Amazfit Active Edge looks like a G-Shock watch. But in fact, this watch has its own uniqueness. The rugged design of this watch as well as the thick plastic frame have the function of protecting the watch when the user performs strenuous activities. The Midnight Pulse color with its dual-tone plastic construction gives a transparent aesthetic that looks stylish.
The 1.32″ round-shaped screen has thin bezels, there are four physical buttons for up and down controls and select and return. The clock can be used entirely with buttons without relying on the touch screen. The construction of the watch is also light, making it comfortable in the hand and the most interesting thing is the TPU plastic on the watch strap does not make the skin itch.
Clearly here the Amazfit Active Edge design is for G-Shock fans who want health tracking features but don't want to miss out on the rugged design of this famous watch. This watch can be said to have good quality in its own class, but the question is how long-term durability?
USAGE EXPERIENCE
I use this watch for a few weeks. About three weeks with Android devices and two weeks with iPhones. My experience with both platforms is more or less the same. Every recorded data is the same, the notification interval is also the same and the performance is not even remotely different.
Sleep data, walking and light exercise are not as accurate when compared to data on a Wear OS watch or watchOS. In the beginning I made a mistake because I compared a RM600 product with a premium watch that is 2-3 times more expensive. Then I compared it with data from Xiaomi Smart Band 8 and CMF by Nothing Watch Pro, it was at the same level.
The sensor to automatically display the watch face when the hand is raised also operates at a relatively slow rate. The touch has a little lag but it's not a problem because there are physical buttons for navigation controls. The screen is also not bright enough for use under the scorching sunlight. This means that this watch is not suitable for outdoor activities and is suitable for indoor activities such as rock climbing at District 21 or Camp5.
The watch looks thick because it is thick. I bumped into the corners of walls and tables quite often but it still held up without any noticeable damage. Because it is so light it does not disturb if worn while sleeping. I was able to sleep soundly and comfortably throughout the review period. It's just that most of the features and functions in this watch are still at the level of a normal RTOS watch or health tracker. Amazfit is trying to be a real smart watch but not very convincing.
First is that this watch offers an app store like WearOS or watchOS. It's just that most of the apps in it are suspicious like the two-factor authentication code app with the Google Authenticator icon but not the original one. This means, the use of Amazfit and Zepp ecosystem products is not yet widespread enough for popular developers to offer their applications.
BATTERY
Using a watch like this I never care about battery life other than wanting to prove the manufacturer's claims. Amazfit claims it can last up to 24 days with battery saving mode and around 10 days of heavy use. In my not-so-light and not-so-heavy usage, I can get around 14 days.
Charging using the magnetic cable itself is quite slow, reaching two hours for a battery that is only 370mAh. If Amazfit provides fast charging or Qi wireless charging, this watch will have an added value worth having.
APPLICATION
After using CMF by Nothing Watch Pro with their CMF Watch app, it's hard for me to forgive other brands that have years of experience in product development in the same category. Nothing that is only 3 years old can come with the most sensible, simple application, there is a clock face store, there is a mapping application and all the system settings. The Zepp application for Amazfit Active Edge is still more or less the same since before the Zepp name was used. Like no effort to provide innovation to users for so long.
Apps are a bit confusing, settings are disorganized and performance on iOS or Android is about the same with random slow downs. I also don't like that a lot of interesting apps have to be paid for when they should be included once. Not only that, the process of downloading the watch face from the app to the watch also takes a little time. Same thing when trying to update software.
The display of various data such as sleep score, travel site and pulse however is quite excellent. Amazfit presents it in easy-to-understand color charts and graphics and uses standard iconography. The Zepp Coach-like virtual trainer feature on the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic is appreciated, but it's a bit clunky and confusing to use.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
With every purchase of Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, you will receive;
1x Amazfit Active Edge, with built-in watch strap.
1x Magnetic dock charging cable.
1x Set of manual and safety books.
CONCLUSION
After Xiaomi, the basic smartwatch that I like is Amazfit because it tries to bring interesting features and functions at an affordable price. The Amazfit Active Edge is trying to be a real smartwatch with messages that can be replied to, an app store and camera controls and more – the Active Edge deserves to be an alternative to Wear OS and watchOS.
It's just that the G-Shock-like design and construction, which lacks shock, makes it look like a cheap watch. If given time maybe another 2-3 years I would not be surprised if Zepp OS could be a real competitor to Google, Apple and Samsung.
PROS AND ADVANTAGES
An attractive design for a smart watch.
Try to be a real smartwatch with the app store.
Attractive performance and easy to use.
A good sensor to record health data.
CONS AND DISADVANTAGES
The screen is not bright enough for outdoor use.
Many attractive applications are suspicious.
The Zepp app is still finicky and confusing.
Clock resolution is not very clear.