Compare Garmin Fenix 8 vs Amazfit Balance 2

Value for money was the main concern: nearly every reviewer flagged the very high price, especially versus older Garmin models or narrower feature needs.

Value for money was a major positive theme, with most reviewers saying the Balance 2 delivers unusually strong features, battery life, and hardware for the price.

The only opinionated auto-detection evidence was negative: Move IQ-style automatic tracking was described as convenient but not accurate enough to rely on.

Reviewers found activity and strength recognition useful overall, especially for reps and logged movements, though one noted detection was less reliable for exotic movements.

Onboard music storage performed well in the supporting review, with playlist downloads described as much faster than older watches.

Onboard music storage was useful for offline MP3s, but reviewers disliked the lack of streaming-service sync and manual file loading.

Contactless payments were counted as part of Garmin’s complete smartwatch-tool package in the supporting review.

Contactless payment support was a clear caveat, with reviewers noting Zepp Pay is less seamless than Apple Pay and that support varies by region or bank.

Call handling was mixed to weak: reviewers liked having calls on-wrist, but repeatedly criticized quiet speakers or poor call sound.

Call handling was consistently useful, with multiple reviewers praising Bluetooth call clarity, speaker loudness, or the ability to answer calls from the wrist.

Cross-platform support is mixed: Android gets fuller text-response options, while iPhone limitations still restrict what Garmin can do.

Cross-platform compatibility had limited but positive evidence, with one reviewer valuing Android and iOS support as part of the overall feature set.

Coaching features were praised for training, racing, recovery, and training-load guidance rather than just raw data.

Coaching evidence was split: Zepp Coach was criticized as impersonal or not very insightful, while AI workout explanations and training guidance impressed other reviewers.

Watch faces were seen as highly customizable, but one reviewer still found the built-in variety limited.

Watch face quality was mixed: customization exists, but reviewers criticized the preloaded faces and broader watch-face selection.

Wi-Fi was praised indirectly through the phone setup flow, where adding apps and customizing from home was described as easy.

Wi-Fi connectivity had limited mixed evidence: useful for updates and downloads, but one reviewer advised keeping it off to avoid battery drain.

The user interface was the most divisive area, with some useful modernization but repeated frustration around complexity, lag, and unintuitive changes.

The user interface was considered intuitive and responsive by some reviewers, but the default button logic and density of features created confusion for others.

Fit depended heavily on wrist size, with wide fit adjustability offset by reports of twisting or too-large sizing for smaller wrists.

Fit evidence was limited but positive from one reviewer who said the watch fit nicely on a larger wrist.

Comfort was mixed: straps and some sizes felt comfortable, but larger or heavier models could become obtrusive over long wear.

Comfort was broadly positive, with reviewers calling the watch lightweight, comfortable, and wearable day to day despite its larger case.

Reviewers saw Garmin’s ecosystem as deep enough to offer extra software, but weaker than Apple or Samsung for broader third-party app depth.

The Zepp app store was seen as useful for basic extras, but reviewers still framed the app ecosystem as smaller than major smartwatch platforms.

Software smoothness was inconsistent: firmware improved the experience for some reviewers, but others still reported lag, slower MIP response, or an unsmooth UI.

Software smoothness was generally praised as fluid and lag-free, though a few reviewers reported occasional stutters or less-than-Wear-OS fluidity.

Mapping and navigation were strongly praised overall for topo maps, routing, rerouting, on-watch navigation, and backcountry usefulness despite some lag.

Mapping and navigation were polarizing: golf and offline maps were praised, but reviewers complained about lag, non-routable maps, or awkward route creation.

Button controls remain useful and reliable, but the new leakproof/inductive feel drew mixed reactions compared with older mechanical buttons.

Button controls were mixed: some reviewers liked the tactile buttons and crown, while others found the crown cheap or the activity controls easy to mis-trigger.

Sleep tracking was positively judged for accurately capturing sleep and wake times and matching day-to-day energy impressions.

Sleep tracking accuracy was mixed: several reviewers found core sleep or trends useful, while the scientific review criticized REM sleep tracking.

Bluetooth sensor and headphone connections were described as easy during workouts, with no noted pairing problems in the supporting review.

Bluetooth connectivity evidence was positive for external sensor pairing, with one reviewer saying it paired seamlessly with the Helio Strap for workout metrics.

Smartwatch features were broad and improving, but reviewers still framed Garmin as fitness-first rather than a true mini-phone replacement.

Smartwatch features were adequate for many but clearly behind Apple and Wear OS watches, with fitness-first strengths outweighing full smartwatch polish.

Band quality was generally acceptable to good, with silicone described as comfortable and cleanable but improved by aftermarket nylon options.

Bands were consistently described as comfortable, easy to swap, and better than expected, with several reviewers appreciating the included second strap.

Operating system experience was mixed: Garmin’s system is powerful and improving but remains less fluid and less app-rich than rivals.

The operating system experience was mostly positive for speed and features, but reviewers also noted Wear OS limitations and occasional quirks.

Third-party app support was a weakness compared with Apple, Samsung, watchOS, or Wear OS options.

Third-party app support was the most repeated smartwatch limitation, especially around missing Spotify, limited app selection, and weaker ecosystem depth.

Style and design were generally praised as premium or compliment-worthy, though one reviewer disliked the rugged/puck-like look.

Style and design were widely liked, with reviewers describing the watch as sleek, snazzy, mature, and premium-looking.

Garmin Connect and related companion tools were praised for depth, customization, maturity, and usefulness, though not every customization task has moved to the phone.

Companion app quality drew mixed-to-positive reactions: some found it busy or unpolished, while others praised its insights, dashboards, and approachability.

Fitness tracking accuracy was praised as among the best available, with strong activity, movement, and output tracking across reviewers.

Fitness tracking accuracy was usually judged strong, with reviewers describing reliable sports tracking, accurate activity metrics, and competitive GPS/heart-rate performance.

Size options were mixed: reviewers liked the three sizes, but criticized confusing choices and limitations for smaller wrists or the 43mm version.

Size options were a caveat, with reviewers noting comfort but also that the larger size or lack of smaller-feeling options may matter for smaller wrists.

Brightness was generally strong on AMOLED, though one reviewer tied always-on use to noticeably higher battery drain.

Brightness was praised in most reviews thanks to the 2,000-nit AMOLED display, though one reviewer found the screen experience less satisfying than the specs suggested.

Charging convenience was mixed: the proprietary cable was less convenient than magnetic charging but viewed as reliable.

Charging convenience was acceptable but mixed, mainly because the compact charger still requires a separate USB-C cable.

Durability evidence was strong, with reviewers noting element resistance, clean sapphire condition, and minimal visible wear after extended use.

Durability was strong overall thanks to sapphire glass and rugged protection, though exposed glass was flagged as a potential concern.

Recovery insights were praised as useful and well aligned with perceived energy, training readiness, and recovery needs.

Recovery insights were useful but not perfect: biocharge and readiness improved over older metrics, while some sleep/training-load scores seemed generous or immature.

Workout tracking variety was a standout strength, with reviewers repeatedly saying the Fenix 8 covers nearly every sport or training scenario.

Workout tracking variety was a clear strength, with reviewers repeatedly praising the huge sport-mode selection, golf/HYROX support, and broad activity coverage.

Water resistance and dive readiness were viewed positively, especially the 40m dive certification, leakproof buttons, and no-subscription dive tools.

Water resistance was widely praised, especially the 10 ATM rating and suitability for swimming, snorkeling, diving, or water sports.

Music controls were positively included in the watch’s complete smartwatch toolkit, though detailed control testing was limited.

Music controls had limited but positive evidence, with one reviewer calling the music player well optimized.

GPS accuracy was one of the strongest areas, with repeated praise for industry-leading tracks in cities, mountains, open water, and workouts.

GPS accuracy was one of the most frequently praised areas, though one scientific reviewer found it only adequate and less consistent than better devices.

Outdoor visibility was mixed: AMOLED and solar improvements helped readability, but reflection and glare remained concerns for some outdoor-focused users.

Outdoor visibility was mostly praised in bright outdoor light, but one reviewer strongly disliked how the screen behaved in bright sunlight.

Touchscreen responsiveness ranged from excellent to frustrating: reviewers liked touch unlock and responsive AMOLED use, but one MIP tester reported repeated taps.

Touchscreen responsiveness was mostly praised, though one reviewer found touch sensitivity too high and another noted smudging.

Wellness insights were praised as comprehensive and useful, especially Body Battery, Training Readiness, and Garmin’s broader fitness-optimization data.

Wellness insights were a strength, with reviewers praising BioCharge, food-related feedback, and day-to-day energy or recovery guidance.

Reliability improved after firmware updates, and reviewers also praised the watch’s broader premium build reliability.

Reliability had limited but positive evidence, centered on one reviewer calling the Balance 2's sports tracking reliable.

Heart-rate accuracy was usually strong and often close to chest straps, though interval, ultra, and wrist-optical limitations created some mixed results.

Heart-rate accuracy was strong in most tests, especially running and general exercise, but it was less convincing in one weightlifting-focused scientific test.

Menu navigation split reviewers: some found the settings redesign logical and easier, while others found the watch slow to learn or cumbersome.

Menu navigation was mixed: some reviewers found key features easy to access, while golf use and dense menus could feel overwhelming.

Battery life was one of the clearest strengths, repeatedly meeting specs or lasting many days to weeks depending on model and settings.

Battery life was the clearest strength, with reviewers repeatedly confirming week-plus to multi-week endurance and calling it a major advantage over many smartwatch rivals.

Smartphone notifications were viewed positively where tested, with orderly display and useful rich/photo notification support.

Smartphone notifications were useful for basic viewing and replies, but reviewers complained about limited actionability compared with richer Android or Apple/Wear OS behavior.

Pairing and service setup looked reliable in testing, with Strava and Spotify syncing immediately for an existing Garmin user.

Pairing reliability was positive in limited evidence, with reviewers describing setup as easy and straightforward.

Materials quality was praised where mentioned, especially the combination of accurate sensors and premium materials.

Materials quality was praised for premium-feeling aluminum, sapphire glass, and overall higher-end feel for the price.

Build quality was consistently praised as rugged, tank-like, premium, and improved over prior generations.

Build quality was generally praised as premium, robust, and solid, even if one review presented it as solid rather than flawless.

Customization remains a strength, with reviewers praising deep options for watch faces, text size, widgets, and overall functionality.

Customization was a strong point, especially for watch interfaces and settings, though one reviewer wanted more button customization.

Charging speed was positively judged in the one opinionated mention, with a full charge taking around an hour.

Charging speed was viewed as solid to fast, ranging from under two hours for a full charge to very quick partial top-ups.

LTE connectivity was a repeated weakness: reviewers specifically called out the lack of cellular/LTE as disappointing or missing.

LTE connectivity was a weakness because reviewers repeatedly noted the lack of cellular independence from a phone.

Voice assistant quality was mostly positive for timers, activity starts, and off-grid commands, though it still requires a button and is not always faster.

Voice assistant quality was generally positive, ranging from mildly useful to one of the better smartwatch assistants, though a few reviewers found it only decent.

Display quality was widely praised, especially the AMOLED option’s bright, sharp, colorful presentation and more attractive daily experience.

Display quality was usually praised as sharp, vibrant, bright, and responsive, but a few reviewers disliked smudging or felt the display experience did not fully deliver.

Blood oxygen tracking received limited but positive evidence as part of the BioTracker suite, which one reviewer said handled health vitals admirably.

Food and calorie logging stood out as unusually useful, with reviewers praising the AI/photo/voice-assisted logging workflow and approachable tracking.

ECG functionality was a clear missing feature in reviews that compared the Balance 2 with higher-end watches or listed absent health tools.

Flashlight usefulness scored poorly because reviewers treated the lack of a built-in flashlight as a missing convenience compared with premium sports watches.

Health tracking accuracy was generally positive, with reviewers saying health metrics were effective, admirable, or impressively accurate overall.

Safety features scored strongly, driven mainly by the repeatedly praised flashlight and outdoor safety usefulness.

Stress tracking had limited positive evidence, with reviewers calling it interesting or responsive to real-time changes.

Voice note usefulness had limited but positive evidence, specifically around quick voice journaling for food logging.