Amazfit Balance vs GTR 4: full comparison

In September 2022, Zepp Health introduced the Amazfit GTR 4, a continuation of its popular GTR series, known for blending style with advanced health and fitness features. Fast forward to September 2023, and the company unveiled the Amazfit Balance, a successor in spirit, though not in name. While the Amazfit Balance might initially appear as a departure from the GTR series, it essentially represents the next evolution, akin to a GTR 5.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

This comparison delves into how these two devices stack up. Should you upgrade if you have the older edition or hold on to it? Which is better for a first-time purchase? Read on to find out.

Key takeaways

The $229 Amazfit Balance is the superior choice for tech-savvy users seeking all the features Zepp Health has on offer, including Body Composition Measurement, Readiness Score, the latest generation sensors and NFC for contactless payments. The $199 GTR 4 remains a strong contender for those seeking value, offering a comprehensive set of features at a more budget-friendly price.

View on Amazfit; View on Amazon (Amazfit Balance, Amazfit GTR 4).

Jump to

Hardware
Technical specs
Features
Bottom line

Amazfit Balance vs GTR 4: Hardware

Design & display

Starting off with design, and the duo shows lots of similarities reflecting the brand’s commitment to a consistent aesthetic and functional approach. The watches come with the same circular look, maintaining a classic and timeless appearance that appeals to a wide range of users.

The case material for the models is an aluminum alloy middle frame, providing a sleek and modern appearance while ensuring durability. The Balance has a fiber-reinforced polymer bottom shell, while the GTR 4 opts for a high-gloss sprayed PC bottom shell, both choices offering a blend of strength and comfort.

The watches feature two physical buttons, including a crown, for easy navigation through the interface. This design choice enhances the user experience by providing tactile feedback and a more intuitive interaction with the watch’s various functions.

As far as display, the Balance boasts a slightly larger 1.5-inch AMOLED with a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels, compared to the GTR 4’s 1.43-inch AMOLED with a 466 x 466-pixel resolution. Both screens are protected by tempered glass with an anti-fingerprint coating and an anti-glare glass bezel, ensuring clarity and ease of use in various lighting conditions.

Amazfit GTR 4 — Amazfit Balance vs GTR 4

The watches are almost identical in weight, with the Balance weighing 35 grams and the GTR 4 at 34 grams, without the strap. This lightweight design ensures comfort for all-day wear, making them suitable for continuous health tracking and notifications.

With a 5 ATM water-resistance rating, the Balance and GTR 4 are well-equipped for activities like swimming or jogging in the rain. This makes them versatile companions for a range of physical activities.

The Balance is available in two color options: Midnight and Sunset Grey, offering a choice between classic and more contemporary aesthetics. The GTR 4, on the other hand, comes in three color variants: Superspeed Black, Vintage Brown Leather, and Racetrack Grey, catering to different style preferences.

Sensor technology

The Amazfit Balance and GTR 4 both pack an impressive array of sensor technologies and connectivity features, though with some notable differences that set them apart.

The Balance is equipped with the advanced BioTracker™ 5.0 PPG biometric sensor (8PD + 2LED), offering enhanced accuracy in tracking heart rate and other vital metrics. It also includes a unique BIA Bioelectric Impedance Sensor, which allows for comprehensive body composition measurements directly from the wrist.
The GTR 4, on the other hand, features the previous generation BioTracker 4 PPG biological tracking optical sensor. While it may not have the body composition analysis capabilities of the Balance, it still provides reliable and accurate health tracking.

Both models include a suite of other sensors like a 3-axis acceleration sensor, gyroscope, and geomagnetic sensor, ensuring a well-rounded approach to activity and health monitoring.

Furthermore, the watches offer dual-band 6 satellite positioning systems, ensuring precise and reliable location tracking for outdoor activities – so no difference there. They are also equipped with WLAN 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.0 & BLE for seamless connectivity with smartphones and other devices.

A significant distinction between the two is the inclusion of NFC in the Balance for contactless payments, a feature absent in the GTR 4. This addition makes the Balance more versatile for everyday use, allowing for convenient transactions without the need for physical cards or cash. Having said that, the bank and country support for this feature is currently limited.

Battery life

When comparing the battery life of the Amazfit Balance and GTR 4, both devices exhibit impressive endurance, catering well to the needs of active users. Each is equipped with a 475mAh LiPo battery, offering up to 14 days of usage in normal mode and 24 days in Battery Saver Mode, which is largely due to Zepp Health’s lightweight operating system. This makes both watches reliable for everyday use and for tracking longer activities without frequent recharging.

There is only a slight difference when using satellite connectivity. In Accuracy GPS Mode, the Balance offers up to 26 hours of battery life, just edging out the GTR 4’s 25 hours.

Amazfit Balance vs GTR 4: Technical specs

Let’s delve into the technical specifications of the Amazfit Balance and GTR 4 to compare their features and capabilities in detail.

	Balance	GTR 4
Case material	Aluminum alloy middle frame, Fiber-reinforced polymer bottom shell	Aluminium alloy middle frame + high-gloss sprayed PC bottom shell.
Number of physical buttons	2	2
Size	46 x 46 x 10.6 mm	46 x 46 x 10.6mm
Display type	AMOLED Screen with Tempered glass + anti-fingerprint coating + Anti-glare glass bezel	AMOLED Screen with Tempered glass + anti-fingerprint coating + Anti-glare glass bezel
Resolution	480 x 480 pixels	466 x 466 pixels
Screen size	1.5 inch	1.43 inch
Weight (without strap)	35 grams	34 grams
Sensors	BioTracker™ 5.0 PPG biometric sensor (8PD + 2LED), BIA Bioelectric Impedance Sensor, 3-axis acceleration sensor, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic sensor, Air pressure sensor, Temperature sensor, Ambient light sensor	BioTracker 4 PPG biological tracking optical sensor, 3-axis acceleration sensor, Geomagnetic sensor, Barometric altimeter, Ambient light sensor
Water-resistance	5 ATM	5 ATM
Positioning	Circularly-polarized GPS antenna Dual-band positioning 6 satellite positioning systems	Dual-band 6 satellite positioning
Connection	WLAN 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0 & BLE	WLAN 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0 & BLE
Battery type	475mAh LiPo, Magnetic, 2-pin pogo pin charging	475mAh LiPo, Magnetic, 2-pin pogo pin charging
Battery life	14 days in normal mode. 24 days in Battery Saver Mode, 26 hours in Accuracy GPS Mode.	14 days in normal mode. 24 days in Battery Saver Mode, 25 hours in Accuracy GPS Mode.
Colors	Midnight, Sunset Grey	Superspeed Black, Vintage Brown Leather, Racetrack Grey.
Typical RRP	starting at $229.99	starting at $199.99

Amazfit Balance vs GTR 4: Features

Health, fitness, and sports tracking

The Amazfit Balance and GTR 4 are equipped to handle a wide array of physical activities, supporting around 150 sports modes. However, the Balance takes sports tracking a step further with additional features:

Race achievement predictions and swimming heart rate monitoring: These features offer athletes and swimmers more detailed insights into their performance.
Heart Rate Recovery and Real-time Performance Alerts for runners: These are crucial for athletes focusing on endurance and performance improvement.
Zepp Coach and AI Chat: Available on a trial basis and extendable via subscription in select regions, these features provide intelligently crafted training schedules that adjust based on your performance, adding a personalized touch to your fitness regime.

The Balance also stands out with its unique health features:

Readiness Score: This feature offers scientific guidance on your physical and mental readiness, advising when to intensify training or take a rest.
Body Composition Measurement: This feature tracks vital health metrics like body fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass, and more, although it’s important to note that measurements are primarily from the upper body due to the wrist-based placement of the watch.

Smartwatch features

When it comes to smart features, both the Amazfit Balance and GTR 4 offer a solid foundation, but the Balance introduces some key advancements that enhance its usability and convenience.

NFC for contactless payments: The Balance stands out with its NFC capability, allowing for seamless contactless payments. This feature is particularly useful for users who prefer the convenience of making transactions without the need to carry physical cards or cash.
Operating system: A significant difference lies in the operating systems of the two watches. The Balance runs on the newer Zepp 3.0, which brings AI integration into its health features. This advanced OS also supports a wider range of downloadable apps and boasts enhanced smartphone compatibility, offering a more seamless and integrated user experience. In contrast, the GTR 4 operates on the previous generation OS, which, while capable, doesn’t offer the same level of sophistication and integration as Zepp 3.0.

Both watches provide music storage and playback capabilities, a feature that is highly appreciated by users who enjoy listening to music during workouts or while on the go. This allows for a more enjoyable and personalized experience without the need for a separate music device.

Amazfit Balance vs GTR 4: Price

In terms of pricing, the Amazfit Balance and GTR 4 are positioned within a competitive range. The Balance, with its enhanced health and smart features, including NFC for contactless payments and the advanced Zepp 3.0 operating system, can be picked up at a typical retail price starting at $229.99. On the other hand, the GTR 4, which offers a robust set of features but lacks some of the newer advancements found in the Balance, is priced slightly lower, starting at $199.99. However, you may be able to pick up this device at a significant discount.

Amazfit Balance vs GTR 4: Final thoughts

When it comes to choosing between the Amazfit Balance and GTR 4, the decision hinges on the value you place on the latest features versus price sensitivity. The Balance, as the newer model, brings a few important additions. Its unique features like the Readiness Score, Body Composition Measurement, and advanced sports tracking capabilities like Race Achievement Predictions cater to a more data-driven fitness enthusiast. The inclusion of NFC for contactless payments and the upgraded Zepp 3.0 operating system also make the Balance a more versatile and future-proof choice.

The GTR 4, while a year older, still holds its ground as a reliable and feature-rich smartwatch. It covers the essentials in health and fitness tracking and offers a lower price point, making it an attractive option for those who want a balance of functionality and affordability. Its robust build, reliable sensor technology, and music storage capabilities ensure that it remains a competitive choice in the market.

Both the Amazfit Balance and GTR 4 stand out in their respective rights. The Balance pushes the boundaries with its advanced features and represents the latest in Zepp Health technology, while the GTR 4 continues to be a solid, reliable choice, especially for those mindful of budget.