Amazfit GTR 4 vs Garmin Forerunner 255
The Verdict
Both smartwatches deliver excellent battery life at 14 days in standard mode, but they target different users. Amazfit GTR 4 features a vibrant 466x466 AMOLED display with superior visual clarity and color reproduction, making it ideal for everyday wear and quick glances. Garmin Forerunner 255 prioritizes sports performance with NFC support, superior GPS accuracy through Garmin's proven navigation algorithms, and the transflective MIP display that excels in sunlight while conserving battery during GPS-heavy workouts. Both track heart rate, SpO2, and sleep effectively. GTR 4's aluminum build feels more premium at 52g, while Forerunner 255 is lighter at 49g with polymer construction suited for athletic use. Health features are nearly identical between both. At $199 versus $349, GTR 4 offers exceptional value for general users seeking style and display quality. However, runners and fitness enthusiasts benefit from Forerunner 255's sports-specific software, NFC payments, and legendary Garmin reliability. Choose GTR 4 for everyday smartwatch experience and value, or Forerunner 255 for dedicated athletic training.
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 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 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
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 GTR 4 | Garmin Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Zepp OS 2.0 | Garmin proprietary OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 52 g (without strap) | 49 g |
| Case material | Aluminum alloy with stainless steel crown | 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 | 46mm (1.43 inches) | 46mm |
| Type | AMOLED | MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) transflective |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 466 x 466 | 260 x 260 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Huami custom processor | Garmin custom SoC |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 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 GTR 4 or the Garmin Forerunner 255.