Amazfit has carved out a significant niche in the wearable market by consistently delivering excellent value for money. Their devices often punch above their weight class, offering features typically found in much pricier smartwatches. The Amazfit Active Max continues this trend: a budget-friendly smartwatch that doesn’t compromise on functionality or design. At just $169.99, it delivers a surprising level of sophistication for those seeking a capable fitness tracker without breaking the bank.
Design and Build Quality: A Step Up From the Basics
The Active Max represents a clear upgrade over its predecessor, the Amazfit Active. The build feels more refined, and the design is noticeably more durable. The aluminum alloy construction, while not as premium as titanium, holds up well to everyday wear and tear. After a month of testing, including exposure to harsh winter conditions and gym equipment, the watch showed no scratches or damage.
Customization is a plus : the removable silicone straps allow for personalization, and replacements are readily available online at a fraction of the cost of higher-end brands. While color options are limited to black, this isn’t a major drawback given the price point.
Water resistance is rated at 5ATM, making it safe for swimming in shallow water or showering. While not suitable for extreme water sports, it provides ample protection for typical use cases.
Display: Bright and Responsive
The 1.5-inch AMOLED display is a standout feature. It’s bright, vibrant, and easy to read in most lighting conditions. While it does attract fingerprints, this is a common trait of AMOLED screens. Navigation is smooth and responsive, with minimal lag even during complex tasks.
Customization options are abundant : the Zepp app provides access to dozens of free watch faces, with even more available for purchase. Users can also create custom faces using personal photos, allowing for a highly personalized experience.
Features: Packed With Functionality
The Active Max boasts a comprehensive suite of health and fitness tracking features. It monitors heart rate, HRV, sleep, stress, skin temperature, steps, and movement. More advanced metrics like training load, sleep apnea risk, and PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence) are also included.
The Zepp app is intuitive and beginner-friendly, presenting data in a clear and accessible manner. Personalized lifestyle tips are genuinely helpful, particularly for those new to fitness tracking.
A new addition is the BioCharge score, replacing the traditional Readiness score. While not scientifically rigorous, it provides a simplified assessment of recovery based on sleep, HRV, stress, and activity levels.
The Active Max supports over 170 workout modes, including automatic detection for walking, running, and swimming. Built-in GPS, a compass, and an altimeter enhance outdoor tracking capabilities. Basic smartwatch features like voice commands, text replies, and Zepp Pay further expand its utility.
Performance: Reliable Tracking With Solid Battery Life
The Active Max delivers consistent performance. Battery life is excellent: up to 25 days in smartwatch mode, 10 days with always-on display, and 64 hours with continuous GPS. Real-world testing confirmed these figures, though GPS usage did drain the battery slightly faster.
Heart rate measurements are reasonably accurate, with discrepancies of around 10 bpm compared to a chest-strap monitor at high intensity. Sleep tracking, stress levels, and training load assessments were also reliable.
GPS accuracy is limited by the single-band receiver : while sufficient for general tracking, those requiring precision may prefer a dual- or multi-band GPS device.
The Verdict: A Top Pick for Budget Fitness Enthusiasts
The Amazfit Active Max is a compelling option for casual exercisers seeking a feature-rich smartwatch without the premium price tag. It offers a solid combination of design, functionality, and performance.
Buy it if : You want a versatile, affordable fitness tracker that doesn’t compromise on essential features.
Don’t buy it if : You require extreme durability, advanced GPS tracking, or a wider range of customization options.
Ultimately, the Amazfit Active Max proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a capable and reliable smartwatch. Its blend of value, features, and performance makes it a standout contender in the budget fitness tracker market.
