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Head-to-head · Best Smartwatches

Amazfit Balance 2 vs Apple Watch SE 3

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Apple Watch SE 3 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.4 vs 3.9). Apple Watch SE 3 is best for: Budget-conscious users wanting Apple ecosystem. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Amazfit Balance 2
Ranked #10 in Best Smartwatches
Amazfit Balance 2
3 sources$299.99as of Oct 14

The Amazfit Balance 2 delivers solid performance in fitness tracking, particularly excelling in heart rate monitoring and GPS accuracy. Reviewers noted its strong sleep tracking capabilities and value proposition for budget-conscious users. However, some reviewers found the smart features lacking compared to higher-end models, and the device's screen quality and user interface received mixed feedback. This tracker is best suited for users prioritizing fitness metrics over smartwatch functionality.

Strengths
  • — Strong heart rate tracking performance with high correlation to reference device
  • — Good GPS tracking accuracy for outdoor activities
  • — Solid sleep stage tracking capabilities
Watch-outs
  • — Limited smart features compared to premium competitors
  • — Screen quality and user interface criticized by some reviewers
$299.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Apple Watch SE 3
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Smartwatches
Apple Watch SE 3
1 source$219as of Oct 14

The Apple Watch SE 3 represents the most improved iteration since the last generation, offering a compelling balance of affordability and functionality. It features an Always-On Retina display, S10 chip, and enhanced speaker capabilities while maintaining the older design aesthetic. While it lacks some advanced health metrics found in higher-tier models, it provides solid performance and is recommended as the go-to option for most users seeking an Apple Watch.

Strengths
  • — Features Always-On Retina display with 1000 nits brightness and 2 nits dimming capability, per AppleInsider
  • — Includes media playback speakers with adjustable volume for on-wrist audio
  • — Utilizes strengthened Ion-X glass that is 4X crack-resistant compared to previous generation, according to Cult of Mac
Watch-outs
  • — Design retains 2018 facelift with thicker bezels and outdated body profile, per Wareable
  • — Limited color options with only Midnight and Starlight available
$219 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Amazfit Balance 2

The Amazfit Balance 2 excels in heart rate tracking and GPS accuracy, which the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 11 don't match, but it lacks the smart features and advanced health metrics found in the Garmin Venu 4 and OnePlus Watch 3. It doesn't offer the same level of smartwatch functionality as the Apple Watch SE 3 and Google Pixel Watch 4. The Xiaomi Watch 5 provides better smart features but lacks the advanced fitness tracking capabilities of the Balance 2.

Apple Watch SE 3

The Apple Watch SE 3 offers an updated design and Always-On Retina display, which the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 11 don't match, but it lacks the advanced health features of the Garmin Venu 4 and Apple Watch Ultra 3. While it provides better value than the Apple Watch Series 11, it doesn't offer the same level of smart features as the OnePlus Watch 3 or Xiaomi Watch 5. The Google Pixel Watch 4 offers more battery life but lacks the ecosystem integration that the SE 3 provides.

Specs side-by-side

SpecAmazfit Balance 2Apple Watch SE 3
Battery658 mAhBuilt-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Display TypeAMOLEDLTPO OLED
ConnectivityWi-Fi 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.2, BLE5G
Water Resistance10ATM50m (swimproof)
OSZepp OSwatchOS 26
MaterialAluminium alloy case and sapphire glass100% recycled aluminum
CompatibilityiOS and AndroidiPhone
Dimensions—9.4 x 3 x 1.2 inches
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