Amazfit Balance vs Google Pixel Watch (1st Gen)
The Verdict
Amazfit Balance delivers exceptional value at $199, offering a larger 1.5-inch AMOLED display, impressive 14-day battery life, and comprehensive health tracking including SpO2, heart rate, skin temperature, and sleep monitoring. Google Pixel Watch commands a $150 premium, featuring Wear OS 3.5 for superior app ecosystem and Google Assistant integration, plus ECG capability and NFC for payments. Pixel Watch's 24-hour battery proves more convenient for daily charging, while its stainless steel construction feels more premium. For fitness enthusiasts prioritizing battery longevity and display size, Amazfit Balance offers tremendous value. However, users heavily invested in Google services and requiring ECG monitoring should choose Pixel Watch. Budget-conscious buyers get exceptional performance from Amazfit; those wanting seamless smartphone integration prefer Pixel Watch.
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 Google Pixel Watch (1st Gen) if…
- →Beautiful domed glass design with smooth pebble-like aesthetic
- →Deep Fitbit integration for health tracking and premium features
- →Smooth Wear OS 3.5 with native Google Maps and Google Wallet
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
Google Pixel Watch (1st Gen)
Pros
- Beautiful domed glass design with smooth pebble-like aesthetic
- Deep Fitbit integration for health tracking and premium features
- Smooth Wear OS 3.5 with native Google Maps and Google Wallet
- Accurate heart rate and SpO2 tracking with ECG support
- Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear at 36 g
Cons
- 24-hour battery life barely lasts a full day with active use
- Thick bezels reduce the usable screen area
- Exynos 9110 is an older chip that can feel laggy
- Only one 41mm size option — too small for many users
- No offline Google Maps navigation at launch
Full Specifications
| Spec | Amazfit Balance | Google Pixel Watch (1st Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Zepp OS 4 | Wear OS 3.5 by Google |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 35 g (without strap) | 36 g (without band) |
| Case material | Aluminum alloy | Recycled stainless steel with domed Gorilla Glass 5 |
| 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 24 hours |
| Display | ||
| Size | 46 mm (1.5 inches) | 41mm |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED, DCI-P3, Always-On |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 480 x 480 | 450 x 450 |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 32 MB | — |
| Chipset | Huami proprietary | Samsung Exynos 9110 with Cortex-M33 co-processor |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
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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 Google products. View full details for the Amazfit Balance or the Google Pixel Watch (1st Gen).