Amazfit GTR 4/GTS 4 Review: Smarter Than Your Average Smartwatch?
In a market saturated with smartwatches, Amazfit continues to carve out a niche with its blend of fitness tracking prowess and stylish design. The GTR 4 (round face) and GTS 4 (square face) represent the latest iterations of their popular series, promising improved accuracy, enhanced features, and a refined user experience. But do these new models truly stand out from the crowd, or are they just incremental upgrades? Let’s dive in.
Performance-wise, the GTR 4 and GTS 4 are snappy and responsive. The updated processor ensures smooth navigation through menus and quick app loading times. Heart rate monitoring is noticeably more accurate than previous generations, thanks to the improved BioTracker 4.0 PPG biometric sensor. GPS performance is also excellent, locking onto signals quickly and providing precise tracking during outdoor activities. Battery life remains a strong suit, easily lasting a week with moderate use, even with the always-on display enabled. Heavier usage, including frequent GPS tracking, will naturally reduce battery life, but it still outperforms many competitors.
Design is a subjective matter, but Amazfit has undeniably refined the aesthetics of both models. The GTR 4 exudes a classic watch feel with its rounded design, while the GTS 4 leans into a more modern, minimalist aesthetic. Both feature premium materials, including aluminum alloy frames and vibrant AMOLED displays that are easily readable even in direct sunlight. The interchangeable straps offer further customization options. Build quality is generally solid, though the plastic back panel on both models feels a bit less premium than the metal frame.
Feature-wise, the GTR 4 and GTS 4 are packed. They offer comprehensive fitness tracking, including automatic workout detection for a wide range of activities. Sleep tracking is also detailed and provides valuable insights into your sleep patterns. Built-in Amazon Alexa allows for voice control of smart home devices and quick access to information. The inclusion of Bluetooth calling is a welcome addition, enabling you to answer calls directly from your wrist. However, the speaker quality is adequate but not exceptional, so it’s best suited for short conversations. Music playback is supported, but with limited onboard storage, you’ll primarily be streaming from your phone.
The value proposition of the GTR 4 and GTS 4 is compelling. They offer a comprehensive suite of features and solid performance at a price point that undercuts many of their competitors. While they may not offer the same level of ecosystem integration as offerings from Apple or Samsung, they provide an excellent alternative for users looking for a feature-rich smartwatch without breaking the bank. The Amazfit app, while functional, could benefit from a more intuitive design and improved data presentation.
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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
- ✅ Heart rate monitoring provides significantly improved accuracy and reliability.
- ✅ Battery life remains excellent, easily lasting for a week with moderate use.
- ✅ GPS performance is fast and accurate for tracking outdoor activities.
Key Cons
- ❌ The plastic back panel feels somewhat less premium than the metal frame.
- ❌ Onboard storage for music is limited, hindering offline music playback.
- ❌ The Amazfit app could benefit from a more intuitive design.
