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Amazfit Active Edge Review

At this price point, it's obvious that the Active Edge is a good watch; it's comfortable, durable, and has a great screen. We wish it had an always-on mode
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Amazfit Active Edge Review (The Active Edge is comfortable but the straps do feel a bit less premium than the competition, this wasn't a huge...)
The Active Edge is comfortable but the straps do feel a bit less premium than the competition, this wasn't a huge surprise to use given the price.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Price:  $150 List
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Manufacturer:   Amazefit
By Matthew Richardson ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Jul 3, 2024
61
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#16 of 16
  • Accuracy - 30% 7.5
  • Activity Use - 20% 6.5
  • Everyday Use - 15% 5.0
  • Extra Features - 15% 5.0
  • Wearability - 10% 6.0
  • Battery Life - 10% 4.5

Our Verdict

The Amazfit Active Edge surprised us with its feature set and value while offering good HR accuracy and GPS accuracy. The model is comfortable and affordable and offers many of the same features the higher-end options do. The mobile companion Zepp app is also well-designed and allows for customization of the settings within the app. If you are looking for a rugged smartwatch design but don't want to spend a ton, we have little bad to say about the model. Compare this option to others we've tested in our review of the best GPS watches.
REASONS TO BUY
Affordable
Comfortable
Rugged design
REASONS TO AVOID
Straps feel less exceptional
Lacks always-on display mode
No altimeter sensor

Compare to Similar Products

 
amazfit active edge
Awards  Best Buy Award
Best High-Quality
Best Buy Award
Best on a Tight Budget
 Top Pick Award
Best for Basics
Price $150 List
$109.99 at Amazon
$449.00 at REI
Compare at 3 sellers
$229.00 at REI
Compare at 3 sellers
$179.99 at Amazon
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$160 List
$149.95 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
61
82
73
69
61
Star Rating
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Bottom Line Lacking an always-on display is a huge bummer for those who like their like the watch face to be viewable to others, still, this is an acceptable optionGreat craftsmanship and design with an updated UI, menu, and AMOLED displayThis watch excels as an affordable GPS companion, offering value and dependable accuracyAn entry-level GPS watch that does everything you need without the advanced features found on the most premium modelsSerious athletes should opt for a larger screen so their data is more easily readable, but for the basics, this is a decent option
Rating Categories Amazfit Active Edge Suunto Race Coros Pace 3 Garmin Forerunner 55 Fitbit Charge 6
Accuracy (30%)
7.5
9.3
9.0
9.0
7.0
Activity Use (20%)
6.5
8.5
7.5
6.0
4.0
Everyday Use (15%)
5.0
7.5
7.0
7.0
7.0
Extra Features (15%)
5.0
6.5
5.0
5.5
7.0
Wearability (10%)
6.0
9.5
7.5
6.5
7.0
Battery Life (10%)
4.5
6.3
5.4
4.6
4.0
Specs Amazfit Active Edge Suunto Race Coros Pace 3 Garmin Forerunner 55 Fitbit Charge 6
Measured Main Body Size (Diameter) 46.5 mm 49.0 mm 41.9 mm 42.0 mm 23.1 mm
Measured Thickness 12.0 mm 13.3 mm 11.8 mm 12.5 mm 11.2 mm
Measured Screen Width 33.5 mm 36.0 mm 31.0 mm 26.5 mm 20.o mm
Measured Weight 1.90 oz 2.93 oz 1.50 oz 1.31 oz 1.30 oz
Screen Type TFT AMOLED MIP MIP AMOLED
Measured Charging Time 120 min 84 min 113 min 111 min 120 min
Battery Life Claims by Manufacturer Smartwatch mode: Up to 16 days; Battery Saver Mode: Up to 24 days; Heavy Usage: Up to 10 days;
GPS: Up to 20 hours
In time mode: 26 days
With 24/7 Tracking and Mobile Notifications: 12 days
Training Mode with GPS: 40h / 50h / 70h / 120h
Full GPS: 38 hours - 10 hours with music; All Systems On: 25 hours - 9 hours with music; Dual Frequency: 15 hours - 7 hours with music; Daily Use: 17 days - 15 days with daily stress monitors Smartwatch mode: 2 weeks;
GPS: 20 hours
Smartwatch mode: up to 7 days
Measured Battery Life with GPS 18 hours 50 hours 34 hours 19 hours 8 hours
Sensors Included Heart rate, blood oxygen level Heart rate, altimeter, barometer, compass, blood oxygen level Heart rate, altimeter, barometer, compass, blood oxygen level Heart rate Heart rate, temperature, blood oxygen level
Navigation Breadcrumb, back to start Detailed, back to start Breadcrumb, back to start None None
Music Options Control only Control only Downloaded control, storage Control only Control only
Touchless Payment Yes - limited No No No Yes
Sleep Tracking Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Water Resistance (Max Depth) 100m 100m 50m 50m 50m
Main Software App Zepp App Suunto Coros App Garmin Connect, widgets for other features Fitibt App
Compatible with Other Software Ecosystems No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Watch Face Material Glass Sapphire crystal Mineral Glass Chemically strengthened glass Glass
Battery Type Rechargable lithium ion Rechargable lithium ion Rechargable lithium ion Rechargable lithium ion Rechargable lithium ion
Bezel Material Dual-color plastic Stainless steel Glass fiber reinforced polyamide Stainless steel Aluminum
Case Material Dual-color plastic Glass fiber reinforced polyamide Glass fiber reinforced polyamide Glass fiber reinforced polyamide Resin
Strap Material Semi-transparent TPU Silicone Silicone Silicone Silicone and aluminum
Tools Required to Change Band Yes No No No No
Model Tested Standard Stainless steel Standard Standard Standard
Size Tested One size only One size only One size only One size only One size only
Warranty Offered 1 year 2 year 2 year 1 year 1 year

Our Analysis and Test Results

After our extensive testing, we are pleasantly surprised by the function and design of the Amazfit Active Edge. The model is comfortable and affordable while offering daily health and GPS tracking. This model makes itself more affordable by offering fewer sensors than the competition, such as altimeters, barometers, and compasses. There are also less detailed health metrics, but it still has most of the important stuff like sleep, stress, and daily HR. The biggest downside is the lack of an always-on display. So, if you like the idea of the watch face being visible 24/7, you should opt for a different model. The watch's build feels slightly less premium than other models, but it's hard to complain about the Active Edge, especially at this price point.

Performance Comparison


The Amazfit Active Edge surprised us with its performance at this price point!
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Accuracy


To determine accuracy, we tested the GPS chipset and heart rate sensor of each watch. For the GPS evaluation, we took each watch on course and compared the actual 2.8-mile distance to the watch readings. For heart rate testing, we wore a watch on each wrist while running a 0.5-mile distance, then compared the data to that from a Polar H10 chest strap, known for its scientifically validated accuracy. The average of the results from both tests provided the overall accuracy score. To avoid inconsistencies from varied weather conditions, we tested all watches on the same day. For heart rate testing, all watches were tightened equally to maintain a standardized fit. We then exported the data and matched timestamps to ensure an accurate comparison between the chest strap monitor and the GPS watch.

The Active Edge did surprisingly well in our HR testing, being +/- 0.88 BPM. The GPS faired worse, being quite a bit off on our steep terrain test. The watch gave +2.00 miles over our 2.8-mile course. When we tested it on trails and open roads, it performed much better. If you plan on getting off the beaten path, we'd opt for a watch with a better GPS sensor.

amazfit active edge - heart rate analysis between the amazfit active edge and the polar...
Heart rate analysis between the Amazfit Active Edge and the Polar H10 chest strap.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Activity Use


The biggest downside of Active Edge is the lack of an always-on display. This means you have to rotate your wrist to see the time, which isn't always ideal. Otherwise, the TLT digital display is easy to use and is a good size for 4-6 data items such as pace, mileage, and time. It's nice to have both dedicated buttons and a touchscreen in such an affordable model. One benefit over other models similarly priced in our lineup is breadcrumb mapping; this makes an easy-to-follow track that can be adjusted and uploaded in the Zepp app.

amazfit active edge - this display was visible in many lighting conditions, though we...
This display was visible in many lighting conditions, though we don't like having to rotate the wrist just right to see it.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Everyday Use


The Zepp app is a great way to view your daily data for sleep tracking, heart rate, and stress. By pairing your device, you can adjust the watch settings. This pairing also gives you access to items like notifications and media controls (no stored music). Another impressive feature is the training metrics that analyze your HR data to give you insights into your recovery and fitness. All of these items are viewable within their widget cards, which provide graphs and easy access to settings. We've found this model to closely mimic the design of the Garmin products, so if you've used a watch of theirs in the past, the UI should feel largely similar.

amazfit active edge - the zepp app does a great job of organizing health stats, and you...
The Zepp app does a great job of organizing health stats, and you can use it to customize your settings.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Extra Features


There aren't a ton of extra features found on the Active Edge. Some standouts are their membership card payments, but these are only for select retailers. Inside the Zepp app, training workouts can be made, and interval training can be customized. Various watch faces are available, which can change the style of the device. There is 3rd party support for syncing to Strava, and all of your metrics can be imported to Apple Health, which is nice if you don't plan on wearing your watch all day. One of our unique favorites is Bluetooth camera controls.

There aren't ton of extra features but one standout is the ability for remote camera controls via Bluetooth, something even the most premium watches don't have.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Wearability


Design and wearability are where the Active Edge's price is most noticeable. The straps are less comfortable and stiffer than the competition. The unit is almost entirely made out of plastic, which is like others in our lineup, but it doesn't have quite a premium feel. However, if we keep in mind the price, it's really hard to complain, and the fact that this model has both a touchscreen and dedicated buttons is a huge plus. One downside of this model was the slow raise-to-wake function, this was often a huge pain while running. It would take many times to flick the watch to wake up, and the overall motion felt excessive in getting the watch to wake up. This is also a serious-looking watch, and the lack of an always-on display function prevents the cool watch face from showing when your wrist is tilted away.

amazfit active edge - we found the active edge lasted roughly 15 days before needing a...
We found the Active Edge lasted roughly 15 days before needing a recharge; this total time will depend on how often you use the watch and how long the screen is active.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Battery Life


In our continuous GPS battery test, the unit lasted 18 hours with the screen set to default. Our normal daily usage lasted roughly 15 days. This should be plenty for users who don't need a ton of GPS recording. Keep in mind that during activities, it's nice to put the display always on; having to twist your wrist and wait for it to wake up can be annoying when running. If you are doing slower activities like walking and hiking, this probably won't be an issue. This battery life for the cost is one of the best in our lineup.

amazfit active edge - if the active edge is in your price range, don't be hesitant to...
If the Active Edge is in your price range, don't be hesitant to purchase the model, we were very impressed. If you are coming from a more expensive model, you may be let down by the lack of an always-on display.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Should You Buy the Amazefit Active Edge?


While there are other models we'd recommend over the Active Edge, there is no doubt that it could be a perfect watch for you. The watch is simple and offers a lot of value while looking rugged and cool. If you want a GPS watch to do some easy tracking of GPS and health metrics, then consider this model. We'd recommend jumping up in price if you're an athlete.

What Other GPS Watches Should You Consider?


If you're looking for a great watch on a tight budget, the Coros Pace 3 or Garmin Forerunner 165 are great options. Both of these watches will provide better activity performance and offer more navigation and sensor capabilities. For the basics, we'd recommend the Fitbit Charge 6.

amazfit active edge - if you have a bit extra to spend, we think it's worth bumping up to...
If you have a bit extra to spend, we think it's worth bumping up to better-performing option. That being said, the Amazfit Active Edge still did a good job and we are glad we got around to testing this model.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Matthew Richardson