Amazfit GTS 4 vs Apple Watch Series 8
The Verdict
Apple Watch Series 8 commands a $200 premium over the Amazfit GTS 4, and that investment pays dividends in several key areas. While the GTS 4 impresses with an exceptional 8-day battery life and vibrant AMOLED display, the Series 8 delivers superior health monitoring with ECG and skin temperature sensors absent on Amazfit's offering. Processing power heavily favors Apple's S8 SiP, enabling faster app performance and smoother animations on the LTPO OLED Retina display. Battery longevity tilts toward GTS 4 (8 days vs 18 hours), though Apple's Low Power Mode extends this considerably. Connectivity advantages belong to Series 8: NFC for payments, optional cellular, and superior Bluetooth 5.3. Software ecosystem depth favors watchOS with thousands of apps compared to Zepp OS's more limited selection. For fitness enthusiasts prioritizing battery life and value, the GTS 4 excels. For those embedded in Apple's ecosystem seeking comprehensive health tracking and premium integration, Series 8 justifies its premium positioning.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Amazfit GTS 4 if…
- →Large 1.75" AMOLED display is bright and vivid for the price
- →Dual-band GPS provides accurate outdoor tracking rivaling Garmin
- →Ultra-lightweight at 27 g — one of the lightest smartwatches available
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 GTS 4
Pros
- Large 1.75" AMOLED display is bright and vivid for the price
- Dual-band GPS provides accurate outdoor tracking rivaling Garmin
- Ultra-lightweight at 27 g — one of the lightest smartwatches available
- 8-day battery comfortably outlasts Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch
- 150+ sport modes cover virtually every activity
Cons
- Zepp OS has a very limited third-party app ecosystem
- No NFC for contactless payments in most markets
- Notification interaction is basic — can't reply to messages
- Build quality feels less premium than Apple or Samsung at this price
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 GTS 4 | Apple Watch Series 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Zepp OS 2.0 | watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 27 g (without strap) | 32 g (41mm Al) / 38.8 g (45mm Al) |
| Case material | Aluminum alloy | 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 8 days (typical usage) | Up to 18 hours (36 hrs in Low Power Mode) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 42mm (1.75 inches) | 41mm / 45mm |
| Type | AMOLED | LTPO OLED Always-On Retina |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 390 x 450 | 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 |
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 Apple products. View full details for the Amazfit GTS 4 or the Apple Watch Series 8.