Amazfit GTR 4: The Smartwatch That Balances Performance and Affordability

Amazfit’s collection of smartwatches may not boast all the features that the Apple Watch or Samsung’s Galaxy Watch series provide, but they certainly deliver remarkable value considering their affordable price points. The newest addition to Amazfit’s sleek GTR range seeks to replicate the triumph of the GTR 3, albeit with a fresh design perspective, enhancements in tracking capabilities, a larger screen, and a more substantial battery. Are these upgrades sufficient to justify moving up to the GTR 4, and how proficiently does it pair with both Android and iOS devices? Keep reading for the details.

Amazfit GTR 4 pricing in India

The Amazfit GTR 4 comes in three distinct versions, each featuring different watch straps but sharing the same dial size. The base model includes a grey casing paired with a black fluoroelastomer strap named Superspeed Black. Another variant features the same grey case but is complemented by a leather strap known as Vintage Brown Leather, while the third option, Racetrack Grey, sports a black casing and a nylon woven strap. Interestingly, all three variants are priced equally at Rs. 16,999. I reviewed the Superspeed Black version.

Amazfit GTR 4 design and features

The design of the Amazfit GTR 4 marks a significant shift from that of the GTR 3 while still maintaining the navigation crown and workout button. The previous model’s smooth and classic aesthetic has been swapped for a look resembling a smartwatch, characterized by sharp edges and a prominent black bezel encircling the glass display. Unlike its predecessor, the tempered glass of the GTR 4’s display is now set within a bezel, contributing to a slightly more rugged feel.

Unlike the rounded glass of the GTR 3, the cover on the GTR 4’s display is flat, which gives it a different visual impression. The display glass still features an oleophobic coating, effectively resisting fingerprints and smudges.

Amazfit GTR 4 is equipped with two buttons, including a digital crown that offers haptic feedback.

The robust presence of the GTR 4 is enhanced by its substantial lugs which secure the 22mm fluoroelastomer straps. These straps can be easily swapped due to the quick-release feature. Amazfit also offers three optional 22mm straps (in silicone and leather) for separate purchase, but it’s equally simple to find compatible alternatives online. The fluoroelastomer strap utilizes a classic pin buckle design, offers a soft feel, and is quite comfortable for everyday wear.

The Amazfit GTR 4 has a sizable 46mm aluminum alloy case weighing 34g. The back is crafted from polycarbonate and houses the sensors alongside two magnetic pins for charger attachment. As noted by Amazfit, the watch is rated to withstand pressures up to 5 ATM (or 5 bars), making it suitable for swimming, handwashing, or showering without worry.

The Amazfit GTR 4 features a comfortable and detachable soft silicone strap.

The Amazfit GTR 4 showcases a slightly larger 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels, an upgrade from the GTR 3. It also includes an always-on feature and houses a 475mAh battery. The device is equipped with Amazfit’s Bio-tracker PPG biometric sensor, allowing for functionalities such as heart rate and SpO2 monitoring. It also features a dual-band GPS that supports six satellite navigation systems. For connectivity, it offers Wi-Fi 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.

Inside the package, Amazfit includes a charging cable with a USB Type-A connector on one end and a magnetic charger on the other.

Amazfit GTR 4 performance

The Amazfit GTR 4’s display is bright and easy to read outdoors during daylight hours. I appreciated the always-on feature, which retained most of the vital data from my chosen watch face, allowing me to check the time and date from various angles without needing to lift my wrist to activate the display. The 326ppi pixel density guaranteed that both text and watch faces appeared crisp and clear.

During my review, the Amazfit GTR 4 received multiple software updates that significantly enhanced the overall software experience compared to my initial usage. At the time of this review, the watch was operating on version 3.8.5.1 of Amazfit’s Zepp OS, which I tested with both iOS and Android devices.

The always-on display (right) facilitates easy viewing of the time and date.

Setting up the Amazfit GTR 4 on both iOS and Android was comparable. However, it was not without its challenges; I had to navigate extensively through the Zepp companion app and continuously grant permissions to activate and utilize specific features. Unfortunately, this turned out to be a trial-and-error process that took several days for me to fully configure the watch and explore all of its functionalities. The initial setup and user experience could certainly benefit from some refinement.

The Zepp Android app includes a dedicated section for permissions, but accessing it requires some effort. It can be found under the profile tab and essentially indicates which features have the necessary permissions enabled from your smartphone. Although accessing this section may not seem overly complicated, I found it bothersome to toggle back and forth to enable various features. Overall, Apple users likely enjoy a more straightforward experience.

Moreover, the layout of the companion app is somewhat cumbersome to navigate. There are three tabs: a Homepage tab that provides insights into fitness and health data, a Health tab showing health and fitness information alongside your target goals, and a Profile tab for adding devices, setting accounts, and making miscellaneous adjustments. If you wish to receive notifications from apps installed after the initial watch setup, you will need to activate this manually within the Zepp app.

The Zepp app comprises three sections (Home, Health, Profile) alongside Sleep Tracking information (Left to Right)

Fortunately, navigating Zepp OS on the Amazfit GTR 4 is not as complex as using the companion app. The operating system performed smoothly while browsing through the app menu, settings, or individual applications. I appreciated how Zepp OS allows multitasking, enabling users to run and switch between two apps while a flashing icon of the running app appears on the watch face. While this feature allows for toggling between two background apps (e.g., a timer and stopwatch running simultaneously), it does not support checking notifications or multitasking while a workout is active. As for the app selection, there are several useful built-in native options (like Calendar, Weather, Cycle Tracking, Barometer, etc.) that are fairly detailed, but the app store selection (accessible through the companion app) remains rather limited.

Tracking for health and fitness activities proved to be commendable. GPS tracking (once established) was quite accurate (while relying solely on the watch), and the step count was precise. Sleep tracking, including various sleep stages, also appeared to be on target, and the watch successfully tracked short naps too. Heart rate and SpO2 measurements were fairly accurate when compared to a pulse oximeter. However, the sit and stand detection feature did not perform effectively, often prompting me to stand even after I had been upright for about 20 minutes (albeit without moving around).

The Amazfit GTR 4 smartwatch operates on Zepp OS.

The Bluetooth calling feature connected seamlessly to an Android device, allowing for clear audio on both ends of the conversation. Getting this feature to function was a challenging process; while it worked smoothly on Android, I faced difficulties connecting it to my iPhone, likely due to iOS 16.

When it comes to battery life, the Amazfit GTR 4 performed excellently, outshining even some high-end devices like the Apple Watch. The GTR 4 consistently lasted up to two weeks with health-tracking functionalities engaged and the always-on display active, alongside light workouts some days. Charging the smartwatch took approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes with the magnetic charger.

Final thoughts

While the Amazfit GTR 4 may not project the same premium feel as its predecessor, the GTR 3, it remains an attractive timepiece in its own regard. You can still obtain the Amazfit GTR 3 for Rs. 9,999, which I personally find to have a more aesthetically pleasing design between the two. The features offered by both watches are quite comparable, although I cannot comment on the GTR 3’s tracking accuracy since I haven’t reviewed it.

The Amazfit GTR 4 stands out as a reliable smartwatch priced around Rs. 16,999, thanks to its expansive display, solid software performance, and impressive battery longevity for health and fitness tracking. Additionally, its compatibility with both iOS and Android smartphones is a significant advantage.