After more than 4 years of use of connected watches and in -depth tests of several models (Amazfit GTR 3, GTS 2 Mini, Fitbit Versa 3, Inspire 2), I share my full experience to help you choose the ideal watch to start in the Wearable Universe.
First contact and design
Unpacking and first impressions
As soon as the box is opened, the Amazfit impresses with its brilliant OLED screen and its premium finishes. The aluminum case gives a real feeling of quality. In comparison, Fitbit offers neat packaging, but some models like Versa 3 use plastic that may seem less noble at first.
Comfort and daily port
For the daily and nocturnal port, the Fitbit Versa 3 takes the advantage thanks to its lighter weight and its more flexible bracelet. The Amazfit, although very well finished, is slightly more rigid and is more felt on the wrist during the night.
Style and clothing integration
The Amazfit adopts a more elegant look that blends easily in a professional or evening outfit. Fitbit displays a more sporty style, less discreet for formal occasions.
See the Amazfit GTS 3 and the opinions on Amazon
User experience and handling
Initial configuration
The experience differs from the first use: Amazfit offers a quick and fluid installation. Fitbit requires more patience with the creation of a compulsory account and sometimes capricious synchronizations.
Watch interface
For beginners, Fitbit clearly wins the round with clear icons and intuitive navigation. The Amazfit interface requires an adaptation time, the menus being less obvious to grasp for a novice.
Mobile applications
The Fitbit application is designed for beginners: clear, well structured and immediately understandable. Conversely, the ZEPP (Amazfit) application turns out to be dense and sometimes confusing in its organization, despite the richness of its data.
Daily features and monitoring
Precision of activity monitoring
On the counting of the steps, Fitbit is more precise, especially on flat terrain, while Amazfit tends to slightly overestimate the activity. This difference is also found in the estimation of burnt calories, more consistent with Fitbit.
Sleep monitoring
Fitbit excels in sleep analysis with detailed and precise data on the different phases. The information is presented to help the user improve their habits. Amazfit offers a correct but less reliable overview in identifying the sleep phases.
Heart monitoring and other metrics
Fitbit offers more stable heart rate measures throughout the day. Amazfit sometimes has unexplained variations, particularly at rest. For the monitoring of stress and oxygenation, Amazfit displays more raw data, but Fitbit offers a better interpretation of more reliable results.
See the Amazfit GTS 2 Mini New version and opinions on Amazon
Technical performance
Battery life
This is one of Amazfit’s major strengths: GTR 3 easily holds 10 days with normal use, when the Fitbit Versa 3 must be recharged every 4-5 days. For beginners who fear the constraint of frequent recharge, this advantage is significant.
GPS and outdoor activities
During a 6 -hour hike, the Amazfit GTR 3 impressed with its GPS precision and its barely started battery. Fitbit would probably require recharging. In particular in the mountains, the Amazfit retains a better GPS signal, where Fitbit can sometimes drop out.
Resistance and durability
Amazfit is better with shocks and daily wear. Fitbit develops micro-scratches on the screen more quickly. Both support water and perspiration without problem.
Screen and readability
In full sun, the Amazfit GTR 3 AMOLED screen is distinguished by its excellent readability. The Fitbit screen, although correct, offers less light and contrast under these conditions.
See the Fitbit Versa 3 and the opinions on Amazon
Motivation and commitment
Reward system
Fitbit excels in gamification with its medals, challenges and rankings that truly stimulate physical activity. Amazfit remains very basic in this area, offering few motivational elements.
Activity reminders
Fitbit reminders are effective, regular and encouraging. Those of Amazfit are more discreet, sometimes too much, to the point of being easily ignored.
Personalized objectives
Fitbit allows you to finely adjust your personal objectives. Amazfit offers a more rigid system with less granularity in the settings.
Impact on physical condition
Fitbit’s motivational aspect is translated concretely: I observed a more marked improvement in my physical condition using this watch, thanks to its well -thought -out points and reminders.
Ecosystem and connectivity
Integration with other applications
Fitbit fits easily with Strava, MyfitnessPal and other third -party applications. Amazfit often requires going through the ZEPP application and then a third -party application, making the process less fluid.
Contactless payment
Fitbit offers Fitbit Pay, practice although limited to certain banks. This feature was not available on my tested Amazfit models.
Music control
Amazfit works well to control music on smartphone. Fitbit shows limitations, especially with Spotify, with a less fluid experience.
Vocal assistants
The Amazfit integrates Alexa but the experience is slow and sometimes frustrating. Fitbit offers Google Assistant on certain models with better responsiveness.
See the fitbit inspires 2 and the opinions on Amazon
Personalization
Dials and visual options
Amazfit shines with hundreds of free and elegant dials. Fitbit seriously limits the choice without premium subscription, which can frustrate users.
Bracelets and accessories
The two brands offer a good choice of interchangeable bracelets, with a slight advantage for Fitbit in terms of comfort.
Service and support
Customer service
Fitbit offers professional customer service with quick responses. Amazfit is slower, with sometimes automatic and little personalized answers.
Updates
Fitbit offers stable but infrequent updates. Amazfit regularly deploys updates, at the risk of occasionally introducing bugs.
Value for money
Amazfit is unbeatable on this criterion, offering more features for a lower price. Fitbit is positioned on a slightly more premium segment with a rate that is sometimes difficult to justify for pure technical characteristics.
Personal anecdote
During a hike, the Amazfit GTR 3 alerted me to an imminent weather change thanks to its atmospheric pressure sensor, allowing me to anticipate a thunderstorm. This feature turned out to be precious in a situation where a simple connected watch potentially avoided a unpleasant surprise.
Conclusion: What watch to start?
If I had to keep one, it would be the fitbit, for its simplicity, its integrated motivation, its intuitive application and its reliable health follow -up. Although Amazfit offers excellent technical characteristics (autonomy, screen, GPS) and an unbeatable value for money, the Fitbit creates a more engaging experience that truly accompanies the beginner.
To whom to choose Amazfit?
Users concerned for battery life
Those who favor the value for money
Outdoor activity lovers requiring reliable GPS
People attached to aesthetics and premium finishes
To whom to choose the fitbit?
Real beginners in Wearable Technology
Those looking for a real motivation to move more
Users interested in precise monitoring of sleep and health
Those who prefer a simple and well designed application
In the end, the “best” watch will depend on your personal priorities, but for a beginner seeking to learn Wearables and improve his physical condition, the Fitbit offers the most accessible and motivating experience.
