The recently introduced Amazfit GTS 3 is, in many respects, an advancement above its predecessor, the GTS 2. Along with its round sibling, the GTR, the Zepp Health Smartwatch line is one of the company’s most successful product lines.
The timepiece is currently in its third generation. However, the collection includes a total of five watches because there has also been an interim GTS 2 Mini. That one arrived in the month of December in the year 2020. It is slightly lacking in some of the features, but the fact that this is the case helps to keep the price down quite a bit. You have probably already figured that it is also more compact in size. At long last, a GTS 2e has been released. To reiterate, it contains minor design adjustments.
It’s possible that you don’t fully understand the critical differences between these two types of devices. Continue reading to find out which option best suits your needs. We are standing by to lend a hand.
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Comparison of the Amazfit GTS 3, GTS 2, and GTS 2 Mini from a Technical Standpoint
Style and Construction
All of the gadgets in the GTS series have a very similar look and feel to one another. They have a square-shaped appearance that, while reminiscent of the Apple Watch, is not overly reminiscent of it. They are constructed using an aluminum alloy, a polymer material, and a silicone strap is included with each and every one of them.
It’s interesting to note that the original Amazfit GTS and the GTS 2 Mini almost precisely look the same. Except for its dimensions, that is. The GTS 2, on the other hand, sports an appearance that is marginally more fashionable. A comparison is provided below here for your perusal. This demonstrates that the GTR 3 also has some distinct stylistic details. Especially in and around the actual button.
In between the first, and second generations of the watch, there was a hardly noticeable shift in the watch’s overall dimensions. The dimensions of the GTS 2 are 42.8 by 35.6 by 9.7 mm, making it marginally more compact than its predecessor but also marginally more substantial. You won’t even be able to tell the difference. However, you will find that the GTS 2 Mini dimensions are merely 40.5 x 35.8 x 8.95 mm.
The GTS 3 is the narrowest of the bunch, with a measurement of only 8.8 millimeters. It measures 42.4 millimeters in height and 36 millimeters in breadth. Therefore, the watch size has changed very little from generation to generation, except for the Mini.
The same holds true for one’s weight. The conventional versions weigh about 25 grams, but the Mini version can trim 5 grams off of this total.
All of these smartwatches feature an AMOLED for their respective displays. The screen is protected from scuffs and scrapes and can withstand being dropped. Tempered Glass, a diamond-like carbon coating known as GTS 2, and the classic Gorilla Glass 3 are utilized in the most recent edition. You should be able to get by with any of these, and you won’t be capable of distinguishing between them.
One should give the size of the display more priority. The bezel around the screen has been reduced to nearly nothing to fit a 1.75-inch display into the chassis of the GTS 3. This is an increase of 1.65 inches compared to generation two and generation one. The Mini has the tiniest screen of all the options available, measuring in at just 1.55 inches. It is designed to fit wrists that are not overly thick.
The spinning crown is another factor that works in favor of the GTS 3. In conjunction with the touch-screen display, you may utilize this to maneuver your way through the many menu options. One may wake up the display on the other watches by pressing a traditional physical button, allowing you to access a few other features on those watches.
Each watch has a water-resistance rating of 5 ATMs, making them all suitable for swimming. Because of this, they are ideally suited for activities that take place in water, including swimming and other aquatic and underwater activities.
The Engine Compartment
There is not much of a difference between the three in terms of their internal specifications. BioTracker PPG, 6-axis accelerometer, 3-axis geomagnetic sensor, air pressure sensor, and ambient light brightness sensor are all included with the GTS as standard equipment. In the GTS 2 and GTS 2 Mini, this is upgraded to a BioTracker PPG that includes a 9-axis accelerometer and the ability to measure SpO2. All of these Smartwatches come equipped with satellite connectivity and NFC (for the Chinese version of the product). The BioTracker PPG 3 engine has been incorporated into the most recent iteration. In addition to that, it adheres to a temperature sensor on your skin.
The Huami has performed admirably in terms of its battery life. The most recent model can survive an entire 12 days without needing a recharge, which is an increase of 5 days over the previous model. This period can be increased to about three weeks by utilizing power-saving strategies. If you turn on your GPS, you can reduce this time to roughly 20 hours.
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One may find an in-depth look at the specifications here.
| Features | GTS 3 | GTS 2 | GTS 2 Mini | GTS |
| Case material | Aluminium alloy, polymer material, soft silicone strap | Aluminium alloy, polymer material, soft silicone strap | Aluminium alloy, polymer material, soft silicone strap | Aluminium alloy, polymer material, soft silicone strap |
| Physical size | 42.4 x 36.0 x 8.8 mm | 42.8 x 35.6 x 9.7mm | 40.5 x 35.8 x 8.95mm | 43.25 x 36.25 x 9.4mm |
| Weight | 24.4 grams | 24.7 grams | 19.5 grams | 25.0 grams |
| Display size | 1.75 inch | 1.65 inch | 1.55 inch | 1.65 inch |
| Display resolution | 390 x 450 pixels | 348 x 442 pixels | 306 x 354 pixels | 348 x 442 pixels |
| Display type | AMOLED | AMOLED | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Rotateable crown | Yes | No | No | No |
| Water-resistance | 5 ATM | 5 ATM | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Sensors | BioTracker PPG 3.0 (supports SpO2, 6PD + 2LED), accelerometer, gyroscope, geomagnetic sensor, barometric altimeter, ambient light sensor, temperature sensor | BioTracker PPG (capable of measuring SpO2, 9-axis accelerometer, 3-axis geomagnetic sensor, air pressure sensor, capacitive sensor, ambient light brightness sensor | BioTracker PPG (capable of measuring SpO2, 9-axis accelerometer, 3-axis geomagnetic sensor, air pressure sensor, capacitive sensor, ambient light brightness sensor | BioTracker PPG , 6-axis accelerometer, 3-axis geomagnetic sensor, air pressure sensor, ambient light brightness sensor. |
| Sattelite connectivity | GPS, Glonass, Galileo, BDS, QZSS | GPS, Glonass | GPS, Glonass | GPS, Glonass |
| Battery | 250mAh lithium ion | 246mAh lithium ion | 220mAh lithium ion | 220mAh lithium ion |
| Battery life | 12 days typical usage, 20 days basic usage and 20 hours with GPS switched on. | 7 days typical usage, 20 days basic usage and 25 hours with GPS switched on. | 7 days typical usage, 20 days basic usage and 25 hours with GPS switched on. | 7 days typical usage, 20 days basic usage and 20 hours with GPS switched on. |
| NFC | Yes (Chinese version only) | Yes (Chinese version only) | Yes (Chinese version only) | Yes (Chinese version only) |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker | No | Yes | No | No |
| Music storage | No | 3 GB | No | No |
Activity Monitoring with the Amazfit GTS 3, the GTS 2, and the GTS 2 Mini
Regarding the ability to measure one’s fitness and health, GTS watches are equipped with all of the standard fitness and sleep tracking metrics. This involves keeping track of your steps, distance, exercise, stress, and sleep and monitoring your menstrual cycle and stress. A PAI score is also given to you to ensure that you maintain a healthy heart rate throughout the test.
Let’s get right into the distinctions between the two. The new features of GTS 3 are where most of our attention is directed here.
- Satellite Connectivity: There is a vast selection of sports modes to choose from, and Zepp Health has stated that it intends to continue adding more of them. Only eight of the more than 150 accessible on GTS 3 have auto-recognition capabilities. All GPS watches also have built-in GPS and GLONASS, allowing for training without a phone. The most recent model can connect to five separate satellite networks at once. Therefore, in addition to GPS and GLONASS, you now can link to Galileo, BDS, and QZSS. According to Zepp Health, the process of establishing a connection should now take less time, and the precision of satellite tracking has been enhanced. This has been an issue that has been brought up in some of the earlier watches.
- Accuracy of the Heart Rate: with each new generation, there has been an increase in the level of accuracy of the heart rate. The brand new BioTracker PPG 3.0 is included with the most recent generation of Smartwatches. The same alarms for high and low heart rates are available as before.
- Monitoring your Heart Rate while Swimming: this is possible with the GTS 3 because of its built-in heart rate monitor. The other watches don’t have this feature.
- Respiration rate: GTS 3 can collect four on-demand measurements in as short as 45 seconds when determining respiration rate. This comprises the rate of the heartbeat, blood oxygen, stress level, and breathing pace. The final one of these is an option that was not available on prior generations of electronic equipment.
- SpO2: All Amazfit GTS watches, except for the first version, monitor blood oxygen levels. However, there is a significant distinction between the two. The most recent generation is the only one that is capable of doing this continuously in the backdrop in conjunction with on-demand. You may even program it to send you a notification if the oxygen in your blood falls below a certain threshold that you select.
- Temperature sensor: GTS 3 incorporates a skin temperature sensor. This metric can only be tracked by one other GTS watch, and that watch is this one.
- Performance metrics: GTS 3 introduces a proprietary algorithm for determining VO2Max, recovery time, training load, and training effect. These metrics are all part of the performance metrics category. In addition to that, there is something known as the Virtual Pacer. This allows you to tell the watch how fast you want to run, and it will keep you on track to ensure you finish in the allotted amount of time.
- Blood pressure measurements: raise a significant amount of uncertainty. According to Zepp Health’s announcement, the company’s upcoming watches will be able to monitor blood pressure. However, at this time, the business is awaiting clearance from the relevant regulatory bodies for the function. Unfortunately, this procedure is very stringent and difficult to follow. We have been informed that there are presently no concrete plans on when (or if) this might occur.
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Comparison of the Amazfit GTS 3, GTS 2, and GTS 2 Mini in Terms of Their Smart Features
Now we get straight to the point about intelligent functionality. All GTS watches allow users to view messages and app notifications, but they cannot respond to them or use the find my phone function. You will also get notified of incoming calls and messages, but because the GTS 2 Mini lacks a speaker, you won’t be able to use it to answer calls. This also holds true for GTS and GTS 3, respectively.
The GTS 2 requires a speaker, given that it can hold up to 3 GB of the user’s own music. This is a significant departure from the other GTS watches, making them stand out from the pack. They do not have any inbuilt memory for audio, and the only way to control music is through a smartphone. Because of this, the GTS 2 is the only one of the bunch that can connect to WiFI. This is necessary since it is needed to transfer songs onto the device, which is why it is required.
In addition to that, there is a feature for a clock, an alarm, a stopwatch, the weather, and a camera shutter. The watches include NFC, but it has only been enabled for the Chinese version of the watch; it has not been activated for the international edition.
However, one significant improvement comes with purchasing a GTS 3, even though it does not have any built-in storage for music. This is the only system capable of working with the new Zepp operating system. The software is significantly less resource-intensive than it was in the past; as a result, the watch has an extraordinary battery life compared to its forerunners. Inquiries have been made to the Zepp Health support staff on the possibility of the updated Zepp OS being made available for older watches. At this point, it does not appear as if it will happen.
In addition to being less resource-intensive, the new operating system has built-in assistance for applications developed by third parties. This makes use of a framework referred to as Mini App Framework. This is a technology that makes it possible for anyone who is familiar with javascript to develop their lightweight applications. Additionally, it enables them to design their watch faces. Using applications developed by third parties is a significant step forward, as this will eventually lead to creating a robust framework of software you can install on your watch.
Since the GTS 3 has now surpassed its capabilities, we do not really understand the purpose of this watch. To prevent the reader from becoming overwhelmed with information, we have omitted the information about the interim GTS 2e from this page. However, you can view it by clicking on this link. In essence, this watch does away with its own internal memory for audio and replaces it with a temperature sensor. One can say that it lays the way for the GTS 3 to come.
Amazfit GTS 3 vs. GTS 2 vs. GTS 2 Mini: Concluding Thoughts
Over the previous few years, Amazfit has kept itself extremely busy by consistently producing smartwatches. The year 2021 has had a more subdued tone than is typical, although the GTS 3, GTR 3, and GTR 3 Pro have all been released in the past few days. Right in ahead of the holiday season.
The GTS 3 is a significant improvement over the GTS 2. It has a longer battery life, support for more satellite systems, all-day blood oxygen monitoring (instead of only on-demand tracking), respiratory measurements, improved heart rate precision (plus under-water heart rate), a skin temperature probe, and additional performance measures. This is made possible by the smaller bezels that surround the display. Other features include a rotating crown, longer battery life, and support for more satellite systems. Monitoring of blood pressure is an option that could be added to this list in the future, but only if Zepp Health successfully obtains the required regulatory permission. And let’s not overlook the brand-new Zepp operating system. Currently, it is only compatible with the GTS 3, GTR 3, and GTR 3 Pro.
The one significant limitation worth noting is that there is no longer any built-in storage for music. Some people may find that this makes a difference in their lives, while others may not find even the slightest bit of a difference. Because of this, the MSRP for the GTS 3 and the MSRP for the GTS 2 are identically set at $179.99. (check price on Amazon). Nevertheless, you shouldn’t be too astonished if the latter’s price reduces in the coming weeks and months.
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Despite that, in order to obtain the optimum for a low price, the GTS 2 Mini is still a steal. It provides much the same capabilities as the GTS 2, but a consumer may purchase it for a significantly lower price. The absence of internal storage for music and a more compact form factor is pretty much the main distinguishing feature between the two. You may also view them on the Amazfit website for more information.
