Amazfit GTR 4 Smartwatch Review: Your Complete Guide

Looking for a smartwatch that delivers premium features without breaking the bank? The Amazfit GTR 4 has been making waves in the fitness wearable market since its launch. This comprehensive review dives deep into everything you need to know about this impressive timepiece.

Whether you are a fitness enthusiast, a tech lover, or someone seeking better health tracking, this smartwatch might be exactly what you need. We tested every feature, tracked countless workouts, and monitored battery performance to bring you honest insights about what this watch can truly deliver.

Key Takeaways

Before we dive into the details, here are the most important things you should know about the Amazfit GTR 4:

Exceptional Battery Life: The watch delivers up to 14 days of battery life with typical usage, which means you can go almost two weeks without worrying about charging. Heavy users still get around 7 days, which is significantly better than most competitors.

Accurate GPS Tracking: Features dual-band GPS technology that provides 99% accuracy compared to professional handheld GPS devices. The watch supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BDS, and QZSS satellite systems for reliable route tracking.

Comprehensive Health Monitoring: Equipped with the BioTracker 4.0 PPG sensor that tracks heart rate, blood oxygen levels, stress, sleep quality, and more with impressive accuracy.

Over 150 Sports Modes: From running and cycling to swimming and strength training, the watch automatically recognizes 15 strength exercises and 8 sports movements right out of the box.

Premium Build Quality: Features a stunning 1.43-inch AMOLED display with 466×466 pixel resolution, scratch-resistant glass, and a durable aluminum alloy frame that looks and feels luxurious.

Budget-Friendly Pricing: Originally priced around $199, the GTR 4 offers features typically found in watches costing $400 or more, making it an incredible value proposition.

Design and Build Quality

The Amazfit GTR 4 showcases a classic round design that appeals to both fitness enthusiasts and style-conscious users. The watch measures 46mm in diameter, making it suitable for medium to large wrists. The build quality feels solid and premium despite its affordable price point.

The aluminum alloy frame provides excellent durability without adding unnecessary weight. You can wear this watch comfortably throughout the day and during intense workouts. The watch comes with a high-quality silicone strap that resists sweat and water. Users can easily swap bands using the standard 22mm quick-release mechanism.

The device features 5ATM water resistance, which means you can safely wear it while swimming in pools or shallow water. However, it is not suitable for hot springs, saunas, or diving activities. The physical buttons on the side provide tactile feedback and work reliably even with wet hands.

The watch face is protected by 2.5D curved glass that resists scratches and enhances the premium appearance. The design strikes a perfect balance between sporty functionality and everyday elegance. You can wear it to the gym, office, or formal events without feeling out of place.

Display Performance

The 1.43-inch AMOLED touchscreen is one of the standout features of the Amazfit GTR 4. The display offers a resolution of 466×466 pixels with 326 PPI pixel density. This creates incredibly sharp text and vibrant colors that make watch faces and fitness data easy to read.

The screen brightness reaches approximately 423 nits, which provides decent visibility in most outdoor conditions. While it may not match the 1000-nit brightness of some premium competitors, it performs well in typical daily scenarios. The display includes an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts brightness based on surrounding conditions.

The Always-On Display feature lets you check the time without raising your wrist. This convenience comes at a minimal battery cost thanks to the efficient AMOLED technology. You can customize how long the screen stays lit after wrist gestures or taps.

The touch responsiveness feels smooth and accurate. Swiping through menus, selecting options, and navigating the interface all work seamlessly. The colorful display makes fitness data, notifications, and watch faces look attractive and engaging.

Top 3 Alternatives for Amazfit GTR 4

If you are considering the Amazfit GTR 4, you might also want to explore these excellent alternatives:

Operating System and User Interface

The Amazfit GTR 4 runs on Zepp OS, which is the company’s proprietary operating system designed specifically for fitness and health tracking. The interface feels responsive and intuitive once you get familiar with the navigation system.

The operating system prioritizes battery efficiency while still offering robust functionality. Zepp OS includes support for third-party mini-apps that extend the watch’s capabilities. However, the app ecosystem is not as extensive as Wear OS or watchOS.

Navigation primarily relies on swipe gestures and the physical crown button. Swiping down accesses quick settings and brightness controls. Swiping up shows notifications. Swiping left or right cycles through widgets displaying weather, heart rate, steps, and other data.

The Zepp app on your smartphone provides the complete ecosystem for analyzing your health data, customizing settings, and updating firmware. The app works seamlessly with both Android and iOS devices. The synchronization happens quickly and reliably via Bluetooth.

Users get access to over 200 watch faces with various styles ranging from digital to analog, minimalist to information-rich. You can also create custom watch faces using photos from your phone. The watch faces display various complications showing fitness metrics, weather, calendar events, and more.

Health and Fitness Tracking Features

The Amazfit GTR 4 excels at comprehensive health monitoring thanks to its BioTracker 4.0 PPG biometric sensor. This upgraded sensor provides more accurate readings compared to previous generations.

The watch monitors your heart rate continuously throughout the day and during workouts. It alerts you when your heart rate exceeds or drops below your set thresholds. The heart rate tracking proves reasonably accurate during most activities, though some users report slight delays during high-intensity interval training.

Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring helps you understand your respiratory health and altitude acclimatization. You can measure SpO2 on demand or set the watch to monitor it automatically throughout the day and during sleep.

The sleep tracking analyzes your sleep stages including light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep, and awake time. The watch also monitors breathing quality during sleep and provides a comprehensive sleep score each morning. However, some users find the sleep detection less accurate compared to dedicated sleep trackers.

Stress monitoring uses heart rate variability to assess your stress levels throughout the day. The watch suggests breathing exercises when it detects elevated stress. This feature helps you maintain awareness of your mental wellbeing.

The watch includes PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence) scoring, which converts all your activity into a single, simple score. Studies show that maintaining a PAI score above 100 correlates with reduced cardiovascular disease risk.

Sports and Workout Modes

The Amazfit GTR 4 offers over 150 sports modes covering virtually every physical activity imaginable. Whether you enjoy running, cycling, swimming, yoga, tennis, or even more niche activities like cricket or parkour, you will find a dedicated tracking mode.

The watch automatically recognizes 15 strength training exercises including squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and more. It also auto-detects 8 common sports movements. This automation eliminates the need to manually start workout tracking every time.

For runners, the watch provides detailed metrics including pace, distance, cadence, stride length, and route mapping. The training load analysis helps you understand if you are overtraining or undertraining. Recovery time recommendations guide your rest periods between intense sessions.

Swimmers benefit from the 5ATM water resistance and dedicated swim tracking. The watch recognizes different swimming strokes and provides metrics like SWOLF scores, lap counts, and pool lengths.

The strength training mode is particularly impressive. It not only counts reps but also recognizes specific exercises. You can create custom workout routines and follow them on your wrist. The watch vibrates between sets to guide your rest periods.

The workout history syncs with popular fitness platforms including Strava, Google Fit, and Adidas Running. This integration lets you maintain all your fitness data in your preferred ecosystem.

GPS Performance and Navigation

The Amazfit GTR 4 features industry-leading dual-band GPS technology that significantly improves location accuracy. The watch uses circularly polarized GPS antenna technology that provides 99% accuracy compared to professional handheld GPS devices.

The watch supports five satellite positioning systems: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BDS, and QZSS. This multi-system support ensures reliable tracking even in challenging environments like dense urban areas or tree-covered trails.

The dual-band positioning uses both L1 and L5 frequency bands simultaneously. This technology dramatically reduces errors caused by signal reflections from buildings or other obstacles. Most budget smartwatches only use single-band GPS, which makes this feature particularly impressive.

GPS signal acquisition typically happens within 10 to 30 seconds of starting an outdoor workout. Some users report longer wait times in heavily obstructed areas, but performance generally exceeds expectations for this price range.

The watch includes a built-in barometric altimeter that tracks elevation changes during hiking, climbing, or trail running. This sensor provides accurate altitude data and cumulative elevation gain metrics.

While the watch offers excellent tracking, it currently lacks full turn-by-turn navigation. You can import GPX routes and follow breadcrumb trails, but you will not get voice guidance or detailed navigation instructions. Future firmware updates may enhance these capabilities.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery performance is where the Amazfit GTR 4 truly shines compared to competitors. The watch houses a 475mAh battery that delivers exceptional longevity.

With typical usage, including continuous heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, 50 notifications per day, and screen wake on wrist raise, you can expect up to 14 days of battery life. This performance puts most competitors to shame.

Heavy users who enable always-on display, frequent GPS usage, and continuous SpO2 monitoring still get approximately 7 days between charges. Even this reduced performance significantly exceeds what Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch users experience.

In battery saver mode, the watch can last up to 24 days by limiting background monitoring and features. This mode is perfect for extended trips where charging access is limited.

Using GPS continuously during outdoor activities drains the battery faster, providing approximately 20 to 25 hours of tracked workout time. This is sufficient for ultramarathons and long cycling sessions without worrying about the battery dying.

The watch charges using a magnetic charging dock that attaches securely to the back of the watch. The Limited Edition version supports wireless charging, which adds convenience for users with Qi-compatible charging pads.

Charging from 0 to 100% takes approximately 2 hours with the standard charger. The watch provides visual and haptic feedback when properly aligned on the charging dock.

Smart Features and Connectivity

The Amazfit GTR 4 includes essential smart features that enhance its usefulness beyond fitness tracking. Bluetooth 5.0 provides stable connectivity with your smartphone.

You receive notifications for calls, messages, emails, and apps directly on your wrist. The watch vibrates and displays the notification content. However, you cannot respond to messages directly from the watch, which is a limitation compared to more expensive smartwatches.

The watch includes built-in music storage that holds approximately 2 to 3GB of audio files. You can transfer music files from your phone and listen through Bluetooth headphones without carrying your phone during workouts.

Bluetooth calling is available in some regions, allowing you to take calls directly from your watch when connected to your phone. The speaker and microphone quality prove adequate for short conversations, though not exceptional.

The weather forecast widget provides multi-day weather predictions with temperature, conditions, and precipitation chances. This information syncs automatically when the watch connects to your phone.

Alarm functionality includes multiple customizable alarms with vibration alerts. Smart alarms can wake you during optimal sleep phases within your set time window.

The watch supports phone music control, letting you play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust volume for music playing on your connected smartphone.

Find My Phone feature makes your phone ring even on silent mode, which is incredibly useful when you misplace your device.

Some regions get Amazon Alexa integration, allowing voice commands for weather checks, setting timers, controlling smart home devices, and more. However, this feature availability varies by market.

Zepp App and Data Analysis

The Zepp app serves as the command center for your Amazfit GTR 4 experience. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and offers comprehensive data visualization and analysis.

The app’s home screen provides a dashboard showing your daily activity metrics including steps, calories burned, active minutes, and PAI score. Scrolling reveals detailed graphs and trends for all health metrics.

The sleep analysis section breaks down your sleep architecture with visual representations of sleep stages, sleep consistency, and sleeping heart rate patterns. You receive personalized insights and recommendations for improving sleep quality.

Workout history displays all your tracked activities with detailed metrics, route maps, elevation profiles, heart rate zones, and performance comparisons. You can share workout summaries with friends or on social media.

The app includes Zepp Coach, an AI-powered training assistant that creates personalized workout plans based on your fitness level and goals. The coach adjusts plans based on your progress and recovery status.

Health trends let you view long-term patterns in heart rate, stress levels, SpO2, and other metrics. This historical perspective helps identify concerning trends that might warrant medical attention.

The app supports third-party integrations including Strava, Google Fit, Apple Health, and more. Your Amazfit data automatically syncs with these platforms.

The watch settings section in the app lets you customize notifications, display options, workout settings, and more. Firmware updates also install through the app.

Accuracy and Reliability

Users report generally positive experiences with the accuracy of the Amazfit GTR 4’s sensors and tracking capabilities.

Heart rate monitoring proves reasonably accurate during steady-state activities like jogging or cycling. Comparisons with chest strap heart rate monitors show close correlation during moderate-intensity exercise. However, some users notice delays during rapid heart rate changes in high-intensity interval training.

GPS tracking receives high marks for accuracy thanks to the dual-band technology. Route maps closely match actual paths traveled, even in challenging environments. Distance calculations are reliable for running and cycling activities.

Sleep tracking works well for detecting sleep and wake times, though some users report occasional false wake detections. The sleep stage analysis provides useful insights, though it may not match medical-grade sleep study accuracy.

Step counting performs comparably to other fitness trackers, though like all accelerometer-based counters, it occasionally registers false steps from arm movements while doing dishes or similar activities.

SpO2 measurements align reasonably well with finger pulse oximeters, though spot checks show occasional variations of 1 to 2 percentage points.

The watch occasionally requires firmware updates to improve accuracy and fix bugs. Amazfit has shown commitment to ongoing software improvements through regular updates.

Pros and Cons

PROS:

The exceptional battery life stands out as the biggest advantage over competitors. Going two weeks between charges changes how you interact with a smartwatch.

The dual-band GPS accuracy rivals much more expensive devices and provides reliable tracking for serious athletes.

The premium build quality and design punch well above the watch’s price point, with materials and finishing that feel luxurious.

Over 150 sports modes ensure that virtually any activity you enjoy has dedicated tracking with relevant metrics.

The bright AMOLED display looks gorgeous and makes data easy to read at a glance.

Water resistance allows swimming and showering with the watch without concerns.

The comprehensive health monitoring gives you valuable insights into various aspects of your wellbeing.

Value for money is exceptional, with features typically found on watches costing double or triple the price.

CONS:

Heart rate tracking can lag during high-intensity intervals and rapid heart rate changes.

No contactless payment support means you still need your wallet or phone for purchases.

Limited smart features compared to Wear OS or watchOS devices—you cannot respond to messages or install many third-party apps.

Sleep tracking occasionally misses wake-ups or records false awakenings.

No built-in voice assistant in all regions—Alexa availability varies by market.

Turn-by-turn navigation is not fully implemented, limiting outdoor navigation capabilities.

Zepp OS app ecosystem is smaller than major platforms, offering fewer third-party applications.

Who Should Buy the Amazfit GTR 4?

The Amazfit GTR 4 is perfect for fitness enthusiasts who prioritize accurate tracking and long battery life over extensive smart features. If you exercise regularly and want detailed metrics without frequent charging, this watch delivers excellent value.

Budget-conscious buyers seeking premium features without premium prices will find the GTR 4 compelling. You get capabilities that rival watches costing $400 or more at a fraction of the price.

Outdoor enthusiasts who hike, run trails, or cycle long distances benefit from the exceptional GPS accuracy and extended battery life. The watch reliably tracks your adventures without dying mid-activity.

Multi-sport athletes who participate in various activities appreciate the 150+ sports modes and comprehensive tracking capabilities across different workout types.

Health-conscious individuals wanting to monitor sleep, stress, heart rate, and blood oxygen will find the comprehensive health tracking valuable for maintaining wellness awareness.

However, the GTR 4 is less ideal for users who prioritize smart features, extensive app ecosystems, contactless payments, or the ability to respond to messages from their wrist. If these features matter more than fitness tracking, consider Wear OS or Apple Watch alternatives.

Comparison with Competitors

Against the Apple Watch SE, the GTR 4 offers superior battery life (14 days versus 18 hours), comparable fitness tracking, and better value. However, Apple Watch provides more robust smart features, better app selection, and seamless iPhone integration.

Compared to Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, the GTR 4 costs less, lasts longer between charges, and provides similar health tracking. Samsung offers better smart features, contactless payments, and superior Android integration.

The Garmin Forerunner 265 provides more advanced training metrics and better sports analytics but costs significantly more. The GTR 4 offers excellent value for recreational athletes who do not need professional-grade training tools.

Against Fitbit Versa 4, the GTR 4 delivers better display quality, more accurate GPS, longer battery life, and superior build quality at a similar price point.

Tips for Getting the Most from Your GTR 4

Customize your watch faces to display the metrics most relevant to your daily activities. Having key information at a glance improves the user experience.

Enable Smart Recognition for workouts so the watch automatically detects and tracks your exercises without manual activation.

Sync regularly with the Zepp app to ensure your data backs up and you receive firmware updates that improve performance.

Adjust notification settings to only receive alerts that matter. This reduces distractions and saves battery life.

Use the battery saver mode strategically during trips or situations where charging access is limited.

Calibrate your profile with accurate height, weight, age, and fitness level information to improve the accuracy of calorie and training metrics.

Explore different sports modes to find specialized tracking for activities you enjoy. The watch offers modes for surprisingly specific activities.

Create custom workout routines in strength training mode to guide your gym sessions directly from your wrist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Amazfit GTR 4 measure blood pressure?

No, the Amazfit GTR 4 cannot measure blood pressure. The watch offers advanced health tracking features including heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen saturation measurement, and stress tracking, but blood pressure monitoring is not included in its capabilities. Medical-grade blood pressure monitoring requires different sensor technology not present in most consumer smartwatches.

Is the Amazfit GTR 4 compatible with iPhone?

Yes, the Amazfit GTR 4 works with iPhone through the Zepp app available on the iOS App Store. The watch syncs health data, notifications, and settings via Bluetooth. However, some features like responding to messages are not available on iOS due to Apple’s operating system limitations. The core fitness tracking, health monitoring, and notification viewing all work seamlessly with iPhone.

How accurate is the GPS on the Amazfit GTR 4?

The Amazfit GTR 4 features industry-leading dual-band GPS technology that provides approximately 99% accuracy compared to professional handheld GPS devices. The watch supports five satellite systems including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BDS, and QZSS. User reviews consistently praise the GPS accuracy for running and cycling activities, with route maps closely matching actual paths traveled even in challenging environments.

Can you swim with the Amazfit GTR 4?

Yes, the Amazfit GTR 4 has 5ATM water resistance, which means it can withstand pressure equivalent to 50 meters underwater. You can safely wear it while swimming in pools or at the beach. The watch includes dedicated swimming modes that track laps, strokes, and swimming metrics. However, it is not suitable for hot springs, saunas, diving, or high-velocity water sports.

How long does the battery last on the Amazfit GTR 4?

With typical usage including continuous heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, notifications, and occasional GPS use, the Amazfit GTR 4 battery lasts up to 14 days on a single charge. Heavy users with always-on display and frequent GPS tracking get approximately 7 days. In battery saver mode, the watch can last up to 24 days. GPS-only usage provides about 20 to 25 hours of continuous tracking.

Does the Amazfit GTR 4 have fall detection?

No, the standard Amazfit GTR 4 does not include fall detection or emergency SOS features. These safety features are typically found on more expensive smartwatches or models specifically designed for seniors. The GTR 4 focuses primarily on fitness tracking and health monitoring rather than safety and emergency features.

Can you answer calls on the Amazfit GTR 4?

Yes, in regions where Bluetooth calling is supported, you can answer calls directly from the Amazfit GTR 4 when it is connected to your smartphone. The watch includes a built-in speaker and microphone for conducting conversations. However, the audio quality is adequate for brief calls but not ideal for extended conversations. You can also reject calls or mute them directly from the watch.