Late in cycle — a new model is likely coming
Best for: Regular runners who race 5K to marathon distances and want accurate GPS, detailed training load management, and long battery life. Multi-band GPS makes it particularly valuable for city runners or trail runners where single-band GPS loses accuracy.
Full details →First-generation product — no release history to base predictions on
Best for: Android and iPhone users who want smartwatch health features (ECG, body composition, AI coaching) and a premium display at a price well below Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch. A strong pick if multi-day battery is a priority alongside health monitoring.
Full details →| Garmin Forerunner 265 | Amazfit Balance | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Sports GPS | Smartwatch |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Battery | 13 days | 14 days |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ✅ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ❌ |
| Health sensors | hr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, training readiness | ecg, spo2, hrv, hr, body comp, stress |
| Released | Mar 1, 2023 | Nov 1, 2023 |
| Cycle length | 1188 days | null days |
| Cycle advice | bad | neutral |
| Deals advice | good | neutral |
| Next model | — | — |
L1+L5 multi-band GPS reduces position drift in urban canyons and dense forest — a meaningful upgrade over single-band watches for competitive runners.
Daily score combining HRV status, sleep, acute load, and recovery time — tells you whether to train hard, easy, or rest on any given day.
Estimates your finish time for 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and marathon based on your current fitness — useful for pacing race-day strategy.
Rare combination: a bright always-on AMOLED display and 14 days of typical use without charging.
Medical-grade ECG and bioelectrical impedance body fat analysis — features usually found only on watches costing $100–$200 more.
Zepp Coach uses Amazfit's AI to build personalised workout plans, recovery recommendations, and stress management guidance.