Amazfit GTR 4 & GTS 4 Review: Style Meets Substance, But Does it Stick the Landing?
Amazfit has consistently delivered feature-packed smartwatches at accessible price points, and the GTR 4 and GTS 4 are no exception. These siblings – the GTR 4 sporting a classic round face and the GTS 4 a modern, rectangular one – aim to bridge the gap between fitness tracker and smartwatch. But in a market saturated with compelling options, do these latest iterations offer enough to stand out from the crowd? We spent some time with both to find out.
The first impression is positive. Both watches boast AMOLED displays that are bright, vibrant, and responsive. The GTR 4’s 1.43-inch screen and the GTS 4’s slightly larger 1.45-inch screen render text and graphics sharply, making them easy to read even in direct sunlight. Navigating the Zepp OS is generally smooth, although we noticed occasional stutters during intensive tasks like scrolling through notifications rapidly.
Performance is adequate for most everyday tasks. The upgraded chipset handles fitness tracking, sleep monitoring, and basic app interactions without significant lag. Built-in GPS is accurate and quickly locks onto a signal, making it reliable for outdoor activities. Battery life is commendable, comfortably lasting over a week with moderate use. However, pushing the watches with continuous GPS tracking and always-on display will naturally reduce this to several days.
Design is a key differentiator. The GTR 4 exudes a classic watch aesthetic with its stainless steel case and rotating crown. The GTS 4 adopts a more contemporary look with its sleek aluminum alloy case and streamlined design. Build quality feels solid on both models, with a premium feel that belies their price. The replaceable straps are comfortable and easy to swap, allowing for customization.
Features are plentiful. Both watches offer comprehensive fitness tracking, including heart rate monitoring, SpO2 measurement, stress tracking, and over 150 sports modes. The addition of dual-band GPS improves location accuracy, particularly in urban environments. Phone call support via Bluetooth is clear, although the speakerphone isn’t the loudest. Offline music playback is a welcome addition, although transferring music can be somewhat cumbersome. The Zepp app provides a wealth of data and customization options, but the sheer volume of information can feel overwhelming at times.
However, the Zepp OS, while improved, still lags behind competitors like Wear OS and watchOS in terms of app availability and overall polish. The lack of support for third-party apps is a notable limitation. Furthermore, while the voice assistant works adequately for basic tasks, it’s not as seamless or intelligent as Google Assistant or Siri. The haptic feedback also feels a bit weak compared to other devices.
Ultimately, the Amazfit GTR 4 and GTS 4 represent a solid value proposition for those seeking a feature-rich smartwatch without breaking the bank. They offer accurate fitness tracking, decent performance, and stylish designs. However, the limitations of the Zepp OS and the lack of third-party app support might be a deal-breaker for some.
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Amazfit GTR 4/GTS 4 Quick Summary
Key Scores:
- Value: 94%
- Design: 91%
- Performance: 92%
- Quality: 91%
- Popularity: 90%
Top Pros
- ✅ AMOLED displays offer vibrant colors and excellent outdoor visibility.
- ✅ Battery life is impressive, lasting over a week with moderate usage.
- ✅ Dual-band GPS provides accurate location tracking during outdoor activities.
Key Cons
- ❌ The Zepp OS app ecosystem is limited, lacking key third-party support.
- ❌ The built-in speaker is not particularly loud for phone calls or music.
- ❌ Haptic feedback could be stronger to provide more noticeable alerts.
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