Amazfit Bip 5 vs Garmin Forerunner 255
The Verdict
Amazfit Bip 5 offers exceptional value for casual fitness tracking at $89, featuring a larger 1.91-inch display, 10-day battery life, and essential health monitoring including heart rate and SpO2. Garmin Forerunner 255 targets serious athletes with superior GPS endurance (30 hours), extended 14-day battery, NFC payments, WiFi connectivity, and Garmin's renowned training analytics ecosystem, though its 46mm MIP display has lower pixel density. Build quality differs significantly: Garmin uses fiber-reinforced polymer versus Amazfit's polycarbonate. Both maintain 5ATM water resistance and omit ECG functionality. Budget-conscious users seeking daily wear will appreciate Bip 5's lightweight design and massive savings. Runners and triathletes justify Forerunner 255's $260 premium through advanced metrics, navigation features, and proven sports tracking credentials. Choose Bip 5 for everyday fitness basics; select Forerunner 255 for serious athletic training.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Amazfit Bip 5 if…
- →Incredibly affordable at $89 for a GPS smartwatch
- →10-day battery life from a large 1.91-inch display watch
- →Built-in GPS for run and walk tracking
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 Bip 5
Pros
- Incredibly affordable at $89 for a GPS smartwatch
- 10-day battery life from a large 1.91-inch display watch
- Built-in GPS for run and walk tracking
- 120+ sport modes cover most activities
- SpO2 and heart rate monitoring at budget pricing
Cons
- IPS LCD display — no AMOLED vibrancy or deep blacks
- Polycarbonate build feels cheap compared to metal alternatives
- No NFC, Wi-Fi, or cellular connectivity
- Zepp OS app ecosystem is very limited
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 Bip 5 | Garmin Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Zepp OS | Garmin proprietary OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 26 g (without strap) | 49 g |
| Case material | Polycarbonate | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Skin temperature | — | |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 10 days (typical usage) | Up to 14 days (smartwatch), 30 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 45.4 mm (1.91 inches) | 46mm |
| Type | IPS LCD | MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) transflective |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 320 x 380 | 260 x 260 |
| Processor | ||
| 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 Bip 5 or the Garmin Forerunner 255.