In a world where smartwatches are becoming indispensable for fitness enthusiasts and everyday users alike, Zepp Health has quietly introduced the Amazfit Balance 2 XT to the US market through major retailers, sparking curiosity among tech and fitness communities. While the company has yet to make an official splash about this release, the Balance 2 XT arrives as a successor to the well-regarded Balance 1, a device that has held its own for a couple of years as a reliable and budget-friendly option. This new model promises a host of upgrades, from enhanced display brightness to extended battery life, but it also comes with some unexpected trade-offs that might raise eyebrows. For anyone debating whether to invest in the latest iteration or stick with the proven original, understanding these changes is crucial. This deep dive explores the key differences, weighing the improvements against the compromises to determine if the newer device truly offers a step forward for potential buyers looking to balance cost and cutting-edge features.
Design and Display: A Step Up with Some Reservations
The Balance 2 XT makes an immediate impression with a slightly larger 47mm case compared to the 46mm frame of the Balance 1, aligning its aesthetic more closely with modern smartwatch trends favoring bold, visible designs. Both devices feature a 1.5-inch AMOLED display with a crisp 480×480 resolution, ensuring vibrant visuals for notifications and fitness stats. However, the XT pushes the envelope with a peak brightness of 2000 nits, a significant leap over the 1500 nits of its predecessor. This enhancement ensures far better readability under harsh sunlight, making it an ideal companion for outdoor activities like running or cycling. Additionally, addressing a common gripe with the original, the XT replaces the scratch-prone tempered glass of the Balance 1 with mineral glass, which promises improved durability against everyday wear and tear. For users who’ve struggled with maintaining a pristine screen on the older model, this change could be a game-changer in extending the device’s lifespan.
Yet, not every aspect of the design tells a story of progress. While the Balance 1 sported a robust aluminum alloy build that gave it a premium feel, the Balance 2 XT opts for a mix of aluminum and fiber-reinforced polymer, a combination that may come across as less luxurious to the touch. Compared to the high-end titanium option available on the pricier Balance 2, the XT’s materials suggest a focus on cost-saving rather than elevating perceived quality. This shift might disappoint those who prioritize a sophisticated look and feel in their wearable tech, especially if they’re upgrading from the original. Though the durability of the display has improved, the overall build quality introduces a trade-off that could influence buyer perception, particularly for those who equate premium materials with value. The design upgrades are notable, but they come with a caveat that might not sit well with everyone expecting an all-around upscale experience.
Health Tracking and Performance: Enhanced Accuracy with a Missing Piece
Under the surface, the Balance 2 XT brings meaningful advancements in health monitoring that could appeal to fitness-focused individuals seeking precision in their data. Equipped with the BioTracker 6.0 sensor, it offers superior accuracy in tracking heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and sleep patterns compared to the BioTracker 5.0 in the Balance 1. This upgrade aligns the XT more closely with higher-end models in terms of reliability, ensuring users can trust their metrics during intense workouts or rest periods. Furthermore, the XT introduces compatibility with future features like BioCharge Energy Monitoring, although full implementation awaits broader accessory support. With over 170 sports modes compared to the 150+ on the Balance 1, and maintaining dual-band, six-system satellite positioning for precise outdoor tracking, the newer model clearly aims to cater to a wide range of active lifestyles with enhanced functionality.
However, a surprising omission tempers the excitement around these improvements. Unlike the Balance 1, the Balance 2 XT lacks a Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) sensor, meaning it cannot measure body composition metrics such as body fat percentage—a feature many users found valuable for comprehensive fitness tracking. This decision to streamline the XT’s design might simplify its operation, but it risks alienating those who relied on these deeper insights to monitor their progress. For individuals considering an upgrade from the original, this absence could outweigh the benefits of improved sensor accuracy, especially if body composition data is central to their health goals. While the XT pushes forward with cutting-edge tracking in some areas, the loss of a key feature highlights a compromise that may not resonate with all potential buyers, leaving a gap in its appeal.
Battery Life and Connectivity: Endurance Takes the Lead
One of the standout strengths of the Balance 2 XT lies in its remarkable battery performance, setting a new benchmark for longevity in its category. While the Balance 1 already impressed with up to 14 days of typical use, the XT stretches this to an extraordinary 21 days under similar conditions, rivaling even the premium Balance 2 in endurance. For users who push their devices hard with regular workouts, sleep tracking, and constant notifications, the XT still delivers over two weeks of usage, and a power-saving mode extends this further for long trips or outdoor adventures. This significant boost addresses a common pain point in smartwatch ownership—frequent charging—and positions the XT as a top choice for those who value uninterrupted performance over the hassle of daily or weekly recharges, making it a practical companion for busy lifestyles.
In contrast, updates to connectivity and audio features appear more incremental, though still noteworthy for specific use cases. The Balance 2 XT upgrades to Bluetooth 5.2 from the Balance 1’s Bluetooth 5.0, offering marginally better connection stability and energy efficiency, which could enhance the experience during calls or music streaming. However, storage capacity remains unchanged at 4GB, with about 2.2GB usable for offline music and maps—a decent amount for most, but far less than the 32GB on the higher-end Balance 2. Both models retain a single speaker and microphone setup for Bluetooth calls and voice commands, missing out on the dual-speaker system of the pricier variant. While these changes are subtle and unlikely to be deal-breakers, they reflect a cautious approach to upgrades in this area, with the spotlight firmly on battery life as the defining improvement that could sway potential buyers.
Software Support and Value: Looking Toward the Future
A critical advantage of the Balance 2 XT is its focus on long-term usability through enhanced software and hardware support, making it a more future-ready option. Featuring newer firmware and a more powerful processor, the XT offers smoother navigation, adjustable text sizes, and double-tap zoom functionality—small but practical enhancements over the Balance 1. The Zepp Flow system, likely tied to the user interface or voice assistant, operates more seamlessly on the XT, reflecting the benefits of updated technology. As software support for older models like the Balance 1 is expected to taper off over time, the XT stands out as a safer bet for receiving ongoing updates and compatibility with future features. This aspect is particularly appealing to buyers who plan to use their smartwatch for several years without worrying about obsolescence in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
From a value perspective, pricing further shapes the decision-making process for potential buyers weighing both models. The Balance 1 sits at an attractive $149.99, positioning it as a budget-friendly pick for those seeking core smartwatch functionality. At $199.99, the Balance 2 XT commands a $50 premium, justified by its brighter display, longer battery life, and improved health sensors, though the loss of body composition analysis might dampen its appeal for some. Compared to the $299.99 Balance 2, the XT strikes a middle ground, offering modern features without the hefty price tag of the top-tier model. For new buyers, the XT presents a compelling balance of cost and capability, while existing Balance 1 owners might hesitate to upgrade unless battery life or software longevity is a pressing concern. This pricing structure reflects a strategic effort to cater to diverse needs within the smartwatch market.
Final Reflections: Balancing Innovation and Compromise
Reflecting on the comparison, it’s evident that the Balance 2 XT carves a niche for itself with substantial upgrades in battery endurance, display clarity, and health tracking precision over the Balance 1. The leap to 21 days of battery life and a 2000-nit screen brightness stand out as game-changers for users prioritizing practicality and visibility. However, sacrifices like the removal of body composition analysis and a perceived dip in build quality introduce hesitation for some, especially those already satisfied with the original model. For new entrants to the Amazfit ecosystem, the XT proves to be a worthy investment at $199.99, blending affordability with forward-looking features. Moving forward, potential buyers should weigh their specific needs—whether it’s extended usage without charging or detailed fitness metrics—against these trade-offs. Exploring how future software updates might enhance the XT’s capabilities could also tip the scales, offering a glimpse into even greater value down the line.
