Amazfit GTS 4 Mini vs Garmin Forerunner 255
The Verdict
Amazfit GTS 4 Mini and Garmin Forerunner 255 serve different priorities within the smartwatch category. The GTS 4 Mini is significantly lighter at 31.2g versus 49g, making it more suitable for all-day comfort and smaller wrists. Its AMOLED display offers vibrant colors and deeper blacks compared to the Forerunner 255's transflective MIP screen, which prioritizes outdoor visibility and battery efficiency. Both offer 15-day battery life claims, though the Forerunner 255 extends to 30 hours in GPS mode versus the GTS 4 Mini's unspecified GPS runtime. Health tracking features are nearly identical: SpO2, heart rate, and sleep monitoring on both, though neither includes ECG or skin temperature sensors. The Garmin adds NFC and Wi-Fi connectivity missing from Amazfit, enabling contactless payments and faster app downloads. Garmin's proprietary OS excels in running-specific features, workout metrics, and training analysis, while Zepp OS focuses on general health and lifestyle appeal. At $99 versus $349, the GTS 4 Mini delivers exceptional value for casual fitness tracking and daily wear, whereas the Forerunner 255 justifies its premium through advanced running features and connectivity. Choose the Amazfit for everyday smartwatch duties and budget consciousness; select Garmin if serious running training and advanced sports metrics justify the threefold cost.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Amazfit GTS 4 Mini if…
- →15-day battery life is exceptional for an AMOLED smartwatch
- →Very affordable at just $99 with solid fitness features
- →Lightweight at 31.2 g — comfortable for 24/7 wear and sleep 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 GTS 4 Mini
Pros
- 15-day battery life is exceptional for an AMOLED smartwatch
- Very affordable at just $99 with solid fitness features
- Lightweight at 31.2 g — comfortable for 24/7 wear and sleep tracking
- Built-in GPS for outdoor activity tracking
- 120+ sport modes cover nearly every activity
Cons
- No NFC for contactless payments
- Limited smart features — no app store for third-party apps
- No Wi-Fi for faster syncing or standalone functionality
- Zepp OS has fewer integrations than Wear OS or watchOS
- Small display may be hard to read for some users
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 GTS 4 Mini | Garmin Forerunner 255 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Zepp OS 2.0 | Garmin proprietary OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 31.2 g (without strap) | 49 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 15 days (typical use) | Up to 14 days (smartwatch), 30 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 42mm | 46mm |
| Type | AMOLED Always-On | MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) transflective |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 336 x 384 | 260 x 260 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Huami custom SoC | Garmin custom SoC |
| 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 Garmin products. View full details for the Amazfit GTS 4 Mini or the Garmin Forerunner 255.