Amazfit GTR 4 vs Apple Watch Series 8
The Verdict
Amazfit GTR 4 excels at battery longevity with 14 days of typical usage, making it ideal for users who prefer minimal charging interruptions. Its 1.43-inch AMOLED display with 466 x 466 resolution delivers vibrant visuals, and at $199 it represents exceptional value for fitness tracking basics. However, Apple Watch Series 8 offers a more comprehensive health suite with ECG, skin temperature monitoring, and superior processor power via the S8 SiP chip. Series 8's 18-hour battery is respectably engineered despite higher power demands, while Low Power Mode extends runtime to 36 hours. The Apple ecosystem integration remains unmatched for iPhone users, with NFC for payments, cellular options, and bi-directional communication that the Amazfit simply cannot replicate. Water resistance differs slightly: GTR 4's 5ATM versus Series 8's WR50 (50m) certification, both suitable for swimming. Series 8 supports watchOS updates through version 11+, ensuring longer software relevance. For budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts without iPhones, Amazfit GTR 4 delivers outstanding performance and battery life. iPhone users seeking comprehensive health data and seamless ecosystem integration should invest in Series 8, despite the $200 premium.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Amazfit GTR 4 if…
- →Large 1.43" AMOLED display is sharp and vivid with always-on option
- →Dual-band GPS rivals Garmin for outdoor tracking accuracy
- →14-day battery is outstanding for an AMOLED smartwatch
Buy the Apple Watch Series 8 if…
- →Crash Detection and temperature sensing are genuinely useful safety features
- →Always-On LTPO display is bright and readable even outdoors
- →Dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS provides precise tracking in dense urban areas
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Amazfit GTR 4
Pros
- Large 1.43" AMOLED display is sharp and vivid with always-on option
- Dual-band GPS rivals Garmin for outdoor tracking accuracy
- 14-day battery is outstanding for an AMOLED smartwatch
- Built-in speaker and microphone for Bluetooth phone calls
- 150+ sport modes with auto-detection for common activities
Cons
- Zepp OS app ecosystem is extremely limited
- No NFC for contactless payments in most regions
- Cannot reply to notifications — view and dismiss only
- Build quality and software polish trail Apple and Samsung
Apple Watch Series 8
Pros
- Crash Detection and temperature sensing are genuinely useful safety features
- Always-On LTPO display is bright and readable even outdoors
- Dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS provides precise tracking in dense urban areas
- ECG, SpO2, and skin temperature cover comprehensive health monitoring
- Low Power Mode extends battery to 36 hours for travel
Cons
- 18-hour standard battery still requires daily charging
- S8 chip is essentially identical to S7 — minimal performance upgrade
- Stainless steel model pushes price to $699+
- Skin temperature sensing is limited to cycle tracking on launch
Full Specifications
| Spec | Amazfit GTR 4 | Apple Watch Series 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Zepp OS 2.0 | watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 52 g (without strap) | 32 g (41mm Al) / 38.8 g (45mm Al) |
| Case material | Aluminum alloy with stainless steel crown | Aluminum / Stainless Steel |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | WR50 (50m), EN13319 dive certification |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 14 days (typical usage) | Up to 18 hours (36 hrs in Low Power Mode) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 46mm (1.43 inches) | 41mm / 45mm |
| Type | AMOLED | LTPO OLED Always-On Retina |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 466 x 466 | 352 x 430 / 396 x 484 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Huami custom processor | Apple S8 SiP |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 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 GTR 4 or the Apple Watch Series 8.
