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Amazfit vs Garmin: Budget watch accuracy tested
26 Jan
Summary
- Amazfit Active Max offers premium features for $169.
- Garmin Forerunner 570 tracked steps more accurately.
- Active Max missed step count by over 800 steps.
The Amazfit Active Max enters the market at $169, boasting premium features like a bright AMOLED touchscreen, offline map support, and advanced running metrics. This strategy aims to challenge established brands like Garmin, whose Forerunner series ranges from $169 to $599.
A direct comparison between the Amazfit Active Max and the Garmin Forerunner 570 was conducted to assess tracking accuracy. During a 5,500-step walk, the Garmin Forerunner 570 demonstrated strong performance, differing by only 38 steps from a manual count and Strava data.
Conversely, the Amazfit Active Max significantly undercounted steps, missing the mark by over 800 steps. Its distance tracking also fell short by over half a mile. Both devices slightly overestimated climb, but the Garmin watch's heart rate tracking also appeared more accurate during intense moments.
Despite the accuracy discrepancies, the Amazfit Active Max excelled in battery efficiency, using half the power of the Garmin Forerunner 570. However, the Garmin Forerunner 570 emerged as the winner in this head-to-head accuracy test, despite its higher price point.
