Amazfit Balance vs Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen)
The Verdict
Amazfit Balance offers exceptional value at $199, delivering a lightweight aluminum smartwatch with AMOLED display, comprehensive health tracking (SpO2, skin temperature, heart rate, sleep), and impressive 14-day battery life. Apple Watch Ultra commands $799 with premium titanium construction, deeper water resistance rated for scuba diving, additional ECG capability, NFC payments, cellular connectivity, and faster S8 processor supporting more apps. Battery lasts 36 hours standard or 60 in low-power mode. Choose Amazfit Balance for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing battery longevity and basic health metrics, or select Apple Watch Ultra if you need an ecosystem-integrated device with advanced features, cellular independence, and rugged outdoor certifications. Ultra's price reflects professional-grade durability and watchOS integration, while Balance provides practical daily health monitoring without premium markup.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Amazfit Balance if…
- →14-day battery life is excellent for a full-featured smartwatch
- →AI-powered Readiness Score helps optimize training and recovery
- →Lightweight at 35 g — barely noticeable on the wrist
Buy the Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) if…
- →Titanium case is exceptionally durable for extreme sports and diving
- →36-hour battery life (60 hrs in Low Power Mode) is longest for Apple Watch
- →2000-nit peak brightness is readable in any outdoor condition
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Amazfit Balance
Pros
- 14-day battery life is excellent for a full-featured smartwatch
- AI-powered Readiness Score helps optimize training and recovery
- Lightweight at 35 g — barely noticeable on the wrist
- Skin temperature and SpO2 monitoring at $199
- 150+ sport modes with GPS tracking
Cons
- No ECG monitoring
- Zepp OS has limited third-party app ecosystem
- No NFC for contactless payments
- No cellular connectivity — phone required for notifications
Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen)
Pros
- Titanium case is exceptionally durable for extreme sports and diving
- 36-hour battery life (60 hrs in Low Power Mode) is longest for Apple Watch
- 2000-nit peak brightness is readable in any outdoor condition
- Dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS provides precise tracking even in canyons
- Action Button is customizable for workouts, compass, and more
Cons
- 49mm case is very large — may be too bulky for smaller wrists
- Heavy at 61.3 g compared to standard Apple Watch models
- $799 is expensive for a first-generation product
- S8 chip is the same as Series 8 — no processing advantage
- Only one 49mm size option with no smaller variant
Full Specifications
| Spec | Amazfit Balance | Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Zepp OS 4 | watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 35 g (without strap) | 61.3 g |
| Case material | Aluminum alloy | Titanium |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | WR100, EN13319 (certified for recreational scuba diving to 40m) |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 14 days (typical usage) | Up to 36 hours (60 hrs in Low Power Mode) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 46 mm (1.5 inches) | 49mm |
| Type | AMOLED | LTPO OLED Always-On Retina |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 480 x 480 | 410 x 502 |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 32 MB | — |
| Chipset | Huami proprietary | Apple S8 SiP |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Amazfit products or all Apple products. View full details for the Amazfit Balance or the Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen).