Amazfit GTR 2e (Black, 1.39 Inch)

How accurate is the heart rate monitoring on the GTR 2e?

The GTR 2e uses the Huami BioTracker 2 optical sensor for 24-hour continuous heart rate monitoring. It provides heart rate zones and abnormal rate alerts. User reviews show mixed results - some find it accurate for general fitness tracking, whilst others report inconsistencies during intense workouts. The sensor works best when the watch fits snugly on your wrist, positioned about one finger width above your wrist bone.

What is the actual battery life in real-world usage?

Battery life varies significantly based on usage patterns. With typical use (notifications, basic health tracking, occasional GPS), users report 14-24 days. Heavy GPS usage reduces this to 7-10 days. Some users achieve 30+ days by disabling continuous heart rate monitoring and using basic watch functions only. The always-on display and frequent notifications will reduce battery life considerably.

Can I swim and shower with this watch?

Yes, the GTR 2e has 5 ATM water resistance, making it suitable for swimming, showering and water sports. This rating means it can withstand pressure equivalent to 50 metres underwater. However, avoid hot water exposure like saunas or hot showers, as temperature changes can affect the seals. The watch includes swimming-specific sports modes that track your pool sessions.

How does GPS performance compare to dedicated fitness devices?

The built-in GPS typically acquires signals within 20-60 seconds outdoors. Accuracy is generally good for walking, running and cycling routes, though some users report occasional signal loss in dense urban areas or heavy tree cover. For serious athletes requiring precise GPS tracking, dedicated running watches may offer superior accuracy, but the GTR 2e performs adequately for recreational fitness tracking.

What smartphone compatibility does the GTR 2e offer?

The watch works with both Android and iOS devices through the Zepp app (formerly Amazfit app). Android users get fuller functionality including music control and more notification types. iOS users face some limitations due to Apple's restrictions, particularly with third-party notifications and music control. Both platforms support basic fitness tracking, health monitoring and watch face customisation.

How many sports modes can I actually use effectively?

Whilst the watch advertises 90 sports modes, most users find 10-15 modes genuinely useful for their activities. The six automatically detected modes (walking, running, cycling, swimming, elliptical, rowing) work well without manual activation. Other modes like yoga, strength training and specific sports provide basic metrics but may not offer the detailed analysis found in dedicated fitness apps.

What are the limitations of the Alexa integration?

Alexa functionality requires smartphone connection for most features, though basic commands work offline. You can set alarms, check weather and control smart home devices, but response times can be slow. The watch lacks a speaker, so Alexa responses appear as text on screen rather than audio. Voice recognition works reasonably well in quiet environments but struggles with background noise.

How durable is the watch construction and strap?

The watch body construction is generally robust, though the screen can scratch without protection. The included silicone strap is comfortable but may show wear after 12-18 months of daily use. The strap uses standard 20mm pins (not 22mm as sometimes stated online), making replacement straightforward. Some users report paint wearing off the strap buckle over time, but this doesn't affect functionality.