Amazfit Balance vs Garmin Forerunner 955
The Verdict
Amazfit Balance delivers excellent value with a vibrant AMOLED display, comprehensive health monitoring including ECG-adjacent features, and impressive 14-day battery life at just $199. Garmin Forerunner 955 targets serious athletes with multi-band GPS, superior sports tracking via Connect IQ ecosystem, solar charging capability extending to 20 days, and more durable polymer construction,but costs 2.5x more. Balance excels for casual fitness tracking and daily wear with its brighter, sharper screen and lighter 35g design. Forerunner 955 justifies premium pricing through professional-grade navigation, NFC payments, and ANT+ connectivity for gym equipment integration. For everyday health monitoring and smart features, Amazfit Balance is the smarter choice. Serious runners and triathletes will appreciate Forerunner 955's specialized capabilities.
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 955 if…
- →Full-color TopoActive maps built-in for navigation during runs
- →Training Readiness score combines HRV, sleep, and recovery data
- →Multi-band GPS is the gold standard for running accuracy
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 955
Pros
- Full-color TopoActive maps built-in for navigation during runs
- Training Readiness score combines HRV, sleep, and recovery data
- Multi-band GPS is the gold standard for running accuracy
- Solar model extends battery to 20 days — charge once or twice a month
- Music storage and playback without needing your phone
Cons
- MIP display looks dull compared to AMOLED on the Forerunner 265
- 14.4mm thick — chunky profile under dress shirt cuffs
- No touchscreen — button-only navigation
- Solar variant adds $100 for marginal battery improvement indoors
Full Specifications
| Spec | Amazfit Balance | Garmin Forerunner 955 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Zepp OS 4 | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 35 g (without strap) | 53 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 15 days (smartwatch), 42 hrs GPS (Solar: 20 days / 49 hrs) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 46 mm (1.5 inches) | 46.5mm (1.3 inches) |
| 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 processor |
| 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 955.