Huami yesterday announced the Amazfit GTS 2 Mini as a more affordable version of the Amazfit GTS 2, which are still a new smartwatch in their own right. Having compared the characteristics of the two watches, I cannot think of a compelling reason for choosing the latter.
The Amazfit GTS 2 Mini contains the necessary updates, thanks to which it is the true successor to the original Amazfit GTS released a year ago. He does this while maintaining an affordable price tag. Several reviews I came across say the Amazfit GTS 2 doesn't offer enough to justify its price tag.
For those who share similar sentiments, I believe the GTS 2 Mini might be the smartwatch they can buy. I hope the points below help you understand why I think so:
Smaller display, but still AMOLED
Amazfit GTS 2 Mini has an AMOLED screen. It is a 1,55-inch display with 354 x 306 resolution and 301 ppi. The screen is smaller than the original Amazfit GTS and Amazfit GTS 2, and its resolution is also lower, but that should be enough.
The display is housed in an aluminum alloy casing with a plastic bottom. These are the same materials as for the Amazfit GTS 2. Just because it is cheaper does not mean that it uses lower quality materials.
It's important to note that Huami isn't saying if the GTS 2 Mini has any form of screen protector, but the GTS 2 ditches the Gorilla Glass 3 protection from its predecessor to a diamond-like carbon coating that makes the screen more scratch and wear resistant.
More than enough sports modes
The Amazfit GTS 2 was launched with 12 sports modes out of the box, but a recent update has brought the total to 90. That's definitely a lot and we're sure only a fraction of them will be used. The Amazfit GTS 2 Mini does not disappoint either, as it comes with 70 sport modes right out of the box. That's less than 90, but much more than the 12 sports that the original Amazfit GTS has.
SpO2 Sensor
One of the improvements of the Amazfit GTS 2 over the first generation model is the support for determining the level of oxygen in the blood (SpO2). Amazfit GTS 2 Mini is also equipped with an SpO2 sensor. Another feature of the mini-program is Women's Health Management, which tracks your periods and ovulation dates. Surprisingly, the Amazfit GTS 2 does not have this feature.
Has built-in GPS
Huami is known to be removing GPS from its more affordable smartwatches. Amazfit Bip Lite and Amazfit Bip S Lite are examples. Fortunately, this is not the case for the Amazfit GTS 2 Mini. It has GPS and GLONASS for positioning when doing outdoor activities.
AI Assistant and NFC on board
Like the Amazfit GTS 2, the Amazfit GTS 2 Mini has the Xiaomi XiaoAI Assistant, so you can set reminders, ask questions and manage compatible smart home products. We believe the global version will replace the Chinese assistant with Amazon Alexa at launch. The watch also has NFC, but most likely it will not be available for the global version. The global version of Amazfit GTS 2 also lacks NFC, but the one sold in China is.
Longer battery life
The Amazfit GTS 2 Mini has a smaller battery capacity of 220 mAh, but the battery life is 14 days with normal use, double that of the Amazfit GTS 2, which has a slightly higher capacity of 246 mAh.
What is missing?
To keep the price low, the GTS 2 Mini doesn't have built-in storage, so you can't store songs or audiobooks on it, but it does support music playback control when connected to your phone. It also does not have a speaker, so calls cannot be received on it.
Another missing feature is that its screen does not rotate for the convenience of both left-handed and right-handed users. Other missing features include an autonomous voice assistant, stress monitoring, air pressure sensor, accelerometer and gyroscope.
Prices and where to buy Amazfit GTS 2
At 699 yen (~ $ 107), the Amazfit GTS 2 Mini costs even less than the original Amazfit GTSwhich was released for 899 yen (~ $ 137). The Amazfit GTS 2 costs ¥ 999 (~ $ 152) in China, $ 179,99 in the US, € 169 in Europe, and £ 159 in the UK.
We expect the global version of the GTS 2 Mini to cost between $ 120 and $ 130, which is $ 50-60 cheaper than its sibling. With such a price difference, and with something you're not missing out on, the GTS 2 Mini will likely sell faster than its sibling.
