Amazfit Balance vs Garmin Forerunner 255
The Verdict
Both smartwatches deliver 14-day battery life and comprehensive health tracking, but serve different priorities. Amazfit Balance ($199) features a vibrant AMOLED display with 480x480 resolution, superior visual clarity, and includes skin temperature monitoring in a lighter 35g aluminum body. Garmin Forerunner 255 ($349) prioritizes running metrics with extended 30-hour GPS endurance, NFC payments, and proven sports software heritage, though its 260x260 MIP display appears dated by comparison. Amazfit excels in everyday usability and value, making it ideal for general fitness enthusiasts seeking a stylish daily driver. Garmin suits dedicated runners who demand advanced training analytics and extended GPS sessions without recharging. For most users, Amazfit Balance delivers superior display quality and features at a significantly lower price point, making it the smarter choice unless advanced running coaching is your primary goal.
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 Garmin Forerunner 255 if…
- →14-day battery life means weekly charging at most
- →Multi-band GPS for exceptional outdoor tracking accuracy
- →Morning Report with daily training readiness and HRV status
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
Garmin Forerunner 255
Pros
- 14-day battery life means weekly charging at most
- Multi-band GPS for exceptional outdoor tracking accuracy
- Morning Report with daily training readiness and HRV status
- Race Predictor estimates finish times for 5K to marathon
- Lightweight at 49 g and comfortable for 24/7 wear
Cons
- MIP display lacks the vibrancy of AMOLED competitors
- No touchscreen on base model — button-only navigation
- No ECG or blood pressure monitoring
- Limited smart features compared to Apple Watch or Wear OS
- Third-party app ecosystem is small
Full Specifications
| Spec | Amazfit Balance | Garmin Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Zepp OS 4 | Garmin proprietary OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 35 g (without strap) | 49 g |
| Case material | Aluminum alloy | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 14 days (typical usage) | Up to 14 days (smartwatch), 30 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 46 mm (1.5 inches) | 46mm |
| Type | AMOLED | MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) transflective |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 480 x 480 | 260 x 260 |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 32 MB | — |
| Chipset | Huami proprietary | Garmin custom SoC |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
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 Garmin products. View full details for the Amazfit Balance or the Garmin Forerunner 255.