Amazfit Balance 2 smartwatch update brings new diving mode

[Redaktion]

The Amazfit Balance 2 smartwatch is receiving its first software update. Announced in China, the release is said to add new scuba diving and HYROX modes. The update also brings a new safety light, display optimizations and various enhancements for the wearables maps.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Amazfit-Balance-2-smartwatch-update-brings-new-diving-mode.1047943.0.html

[Dynamo]

I've had the Balance 1 (B1) for a year now and have compared the model differences with the B2. First of all, it's essentially still a B1.

Better optics are a matter of taste, sapphire glass (I protect the hardened B1 glass with additional screen protector anyway, would do the same with the B2, especially for manual work), slightly more display brightness with up to 2000 nits (B1= up to 1500, which is enough for me, you can adjust it manually instead of automatically), BioTracker 6.0 with 5 PD + 2 LEDs (B1=5.0 with 8 PD and 2 LEDs), 2 silicone wristbands (sporty red with more ventilation holes and black), better battery charging with 658 mAh (B1= 475 mAh), 2 speakers (B1 = 1), "Readiness Analysis" as a physical performance index like the B1, water diving depth 10 atm with approx. 45 m (B1= 5 atm), golf course with download option from 40,000 golf maps (for those who need that) and Hyrox training types (if you do that), 32 GB storage for music files, maps, etc. (B1= 2.3 GB), overall slightly faster response.

Apart from these improvements I noticed, much has remained the same, although some sports have been added (B1= 158, B2= 174): e-bike, e-MTB, gravel cycling, bike touring, road cycling, cycle room, golf training, Hyrox PFT, Hyrox training, bouldering, indoor climbing, pickleball, paddle, kitesurfing, surfing, and wakesurfing.

While the "Golf" and "JetLag" apps have been added (more for the "Amazfit Active"), the "Body Composition (impedance measurement: body fat, muscle mass, bone mass, protein, water, BMI, and basal metabolic rate)" and "Alexa" apps are now missing. Especially with "balance," I would have liked to see the "body composition" feature continue.

What still needs improvement: a) voice output (text-to-speech) during training is only in English, b) awkward word breaks in the widgets; here, the first line simply breaks into the middle of the second line instead of correctly grammatically and syllably separating it, c) word breaks/labels such as "progress indicator," which would be better to use "progress indicator" or simply "progress indicator," d) despite the presence of an accelerometer (B1 and B2), no "fall detection" with "emergency notification," e) no blood glucose measurement yet.
For example, for the term "heart rate variability," the English abbreviation "HRV" and the German abbreviation "HFV" are sometimes used in the same text, such as in the widgets. Equally incomprehensible are the various heart rate zone designations for the respective reference types (watch and Zepp app), and they are named completely differently: Sometimes they are defined as: "Zone 1 .. 5," sometimes "Circumference 1 .. 5," sometimes "Relaxed .. Maximum," sometimes "Light .. VO2 max," and in the heart rate zone: "Zone 1 .. 5." This is all confusing for the same thing, and it's hard to know what the respective designations actually mean. For the "heart rate" on the watch, there are actually six designations on the watch instead of five. Amazfit should clean up this and ensure consistency in the designations.
Still no blood pressure measurement (only China, Brazil, Malaysia), no ECG, no all-day HRV (heart rate variability), no notification or warning in the event of atrial fibrillation, only if the pulse is too high/low (according to personal specifications) during rest periods (not during sleep), if this is constant for 10 minutes. So, especially during sleep (heart attack, atrial fibrillation, etc.), it might be too late...
The Balance 1 may still receive updates until September 2025 (end of life). That would be two years, and this period would likely also apply to the Balance 2 as a support period.
A direct comparison of the "measured values" of both watches reveals differences, some minor (heart rate), some even significant (readiness values, HRV).
Oh yes, don't forget to order: The magnetic charging head is cable-free (Balance 1 = magnetic charging head with cable)! Instead of two different wristbands, a complete charging cable would have been more sensible. The type of USB port isn't stated in the booklet or on the manufacturer's website. They're cutting corners everywhere, even on the information. Especially with the unsightly text separations and heart rate zone labels, it's clear that there has been a lack of interest in text cleanup for years. This is different from higher-priced smartwatches. Users who use the apps Those who need the Amazfit 2 for jet lag and golf certainly have other watch models... Amazfit should focus on more important improvements and provide additional features for better appeal and value.
Conclusion:
For me personally, the watch currently offers no added value at all, so I'd swap my still-new Balance 1 (Amazon July 2025: €169) for a Balance 2 (July 2025: €299). Anyone who buys this watch for the first time will certainly find it a good partner for everyday and sports activities.