As a dedicated runner for the best part of 15 years, anyone who knows me knows that I am loyal — and have always been so — to brand Garmin.

Having worn almost every iteration of its flagship Forerunner series as they have developed, I know the ins and outs of how the smartwatches work, and where they impress and fall down.

But recently, I was offered the opportunity to try a brand I wasn’t familiar with until recently: Amazfit.

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Hailing from China, the affordable brand recently made headlines around the world when it was used by ambassador and record-breaking British middle-distance runner Josh Kerr.

Josh wore custom Amazfit technology — specifically the Cheetah 2 Pro watch and a custom Helio Strap/Armband — during his historic July 18, 2026, race where he broke the men’s mile world record with a time of 3:42.66.

Offered the chance to try out the Active 3 Premium Watch ($239; Amazon Australia) and the Helio Strap ($166) for myself, I was keen to see what all the fuss was about.

Here’s how I’ve been getting on.

7You editor Sophie tested out the new Amazfit devices. Credit: 7You

The watch rivals much more expensive Garmin devices. Credit: 7You

Tech specs: Active 3 Premium Watch

When it comes to the Active 3 Premium Watch, many of the features rival the best in the business.

Think advanced fitness tracking and sleep features, built-in running workouts, and get personalised coaching from Zepp Coach for runs from 5K to full marathon.

Like the top-of-the-range Garmins, the Active 3 Premium Watch has BioTracker sensors, which monitor heart rate, blood oxygen, stress, and sleep quality to show you exactly when to push hard or take a rest day.

You can also make Bluetooth calls directly from your wrist, as well as review performance trends, analyse sleep and nutrition, and manage your progress — anything the amateur athlete might want.

One of the best specs of this watch is how premium it looks.

For just $239, you’re getting a device that looks like many that are five times its price.

The scratch-resistant sapphire glass screen is attractive.

While the vibrant 1.32-inch AMOLED display reaches a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, ensuring your pace, distance, and offline maps are crystal clear in direct sunlight or at night.

The watch is available in Atlas Blue, Apex Silver and Aero White.

The watch is available in Atlas Blue, Apex Silver and Aero White. Credit: Amazfit

Tech specs: Helio Strap

When it comes to the Helio Strap, you’re looking at something I’ve not really experimented with before.

Like a Whoop strap, it gives you 24/7 Advanced Health Tracking.

You can get pinpoint heart rate data while training, and stay informed all day with continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood-oxygen, stress, and sleep.

With up to 10 days battery life, those who have one love that they can track reps, sets, and rest periods with precision in the gym.

Unlock sport-specific tracking and performance analysis including VO₂ max, training load, effect, and recovery time — all through the Zepp App.

If you’re into HYROX, there’s also an exclusive HYROX Race mode, which offers tailored support for race prep.

If you’re into HYROX, there’s also an exclusive HYROX Race mode on the Strap, which offers tailored support for race prep. Credit: Amazfit

How did I find them?

Putting the watch on for a run for the first time, I was amazed at how smart it both looked and feels on the wrist.

Slightly more sleek and streamlined than my current Garmin Forerunner 970, this watch sits a little neater, particularly on a woman’s wrist.

It also feels supremely comfortable, whether you’re sat at work or working out.

The Zepp app is easy to download and even easier to navigate around.

Once you’ve put in your daily step goal, standing goal and fat-burning time, you’re ready to go — and all the features you’d expect are available at a glance.

I particularly liked the many metrics you can see once you’ve done an activity like running, including stride length, ground contact, cadence and more.

I also liked the feature that shows your fatigue level once you’re done with a run, so you know how tired you are after an activity — and how much you might need to rest.

While I’m not convinced that the training metrics are quite as in-depth as the premium end of Garmins, I think this watch offers a lot of great things, and for the price, you simply cannot argue.

The strap is ideally suited to those looking for a competitor to Whoop, without the pricey outlay and even more expensive subscription cost.

Overall, I would whole-heartedly recommend these products to those looking to delve into the world of wearables. Credit: Amazfit

My verdict

Overall, I would whole-heartedly recommend these products to those looking to delve into the world of wearables without forking out hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars.

I think the watch in particular is perfect for those getting into the running craze, while the strap is ideally suited to those who have a more hybrid approach to their training, say like HYROX athletes.

For more information and to browse these products for yourself, head here now.