CES 2025 was a wild wave of innovation in the fitness and wearable tech world. Included among the highlights were Garmin’s rugged Instinct 3 series and Amazfit’s incredibly affordable Active 2.
These are devices that turned heads for different reasons, but not all the buzz was positive.
Let’s explore why these health gadgets stood out, what they got right, and where they fell short.
Garmin Instinct 3 vs Amazfit Active 2 Spec
| Feature | Garmin Instinct 3 | Amazfit Active 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) for Solar, AMOLED for Premium | TFT Color Display |
| Touchscreen | No | Yes |
| Navigation & Maps | Basic GPS, no detailed maps | GPS with Maps and Navigation |
| Sports Modes | 30+ modes, including running, cycling, and hiking | 160+ modes, including HYROX race & smart strength training |
| Heart Rate Sensor | Gen 4 Optical Sensor | Optical Heart Rate Sensor |
| ECG Support | No | No |
| Battery Life | Up to 28 days (Solar), 20 days (AMOLED, smartwatch mode) | Up to 10 days (Standard mode) |
| Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer (Solar) | Stainless steel bezel, sapphire lens (Premium version) |
| Water Resistance | 10 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Smart Features | Notifications, music controls, weather, and calendar | Notifications, weather, basic apps |
| Unique Features | Solar charging (Solar models), rugged flashlight | Premium materials at budget pricing |
| Weight | 53g–67g (varies by model) | 60g (approx.) |
| Battery Type | Rechargeable lithium-ion | Rechargeable lithium-polymer |
| User Interface | Button-based | Touchscreen |
Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer or someone looking for a budget-friendly fitness tracker, there’s something for you in the Garmin Instinct 3 and Amazfit Active 2.
- Choose the Garmin Instinct 3 if you want a rugged, reliable smartwatch built for extreme conditions with features like solar charging and long battery life.
- Opt for the Amazfit Active 2 if you’re looking for incredible value, modern features, and navigation capabilities—all at an unbeatable price.
👉 Grab your favorite smartwatch now on Amazon and take the next step in your fitness journey!
Don’t wait! Find the wearable that fits your lifestyle and start reaching your fitness goals today!
Amazfit Active 2: Affordable Yet Packed With Surprises in CES 2025
It’s rare to see a smartwatch that’s this reasonably priced yet offers so much making it one the best budget fitness trackers in 2025.
The Amazfit Active 2 starts at just $99, with a premium faux leather variant priced at $129.
Honestly, it’s a breath of fresh air for budget-conscious fitness tech lovers who don’t want to compromise on features.
Why It’s a Game-Changer
The Active 2 feels like it’s breaking the rules of what budget wearables can do:
- Maps and Navigation: It’s almost shocking to see this feature in a $99 smartwatch.
- Diverse Sports Modes: Whether you’re into running, chess, or even ping pong, this watch has you covered.
- Premium Materials: A stainless steel bezel and sapphire glass on the premium version. That’s unheard of at this price point.
At first glance, you might mistake it for a higher-end wearable like the Apple Watch SE or Garmin’s entry-level offerings.
Where the Smartwatch Stumbles
But of course, nothing’s perfect, especially at this price:
- Sleep Tracking Misses the Mark: Sleep Quality Recovery insights often feel off, leaving you second-guessing the data.
- Unfinished Features: Some sports metrics just aren’t as polished as you’d find in pricier models.
- Mapping Glitches: Misrepresented terrain might frustrate serious outdoor users.
Still, when you’re paying under $130, it’s hard to stay mad at these quirks.
Shop the Amazfit Active 2 on Amazon today and experience premium features at an unbeatable price!
Garmin HRM 200: Small Tweaks That Matter
Garmin’s HRM 200 chest strap might not look flashy, but it’s all about precision and reliability for heart rate-tracking enthusiasts.
What’s New in this Gadget?
Garmin didn’t reinvent the wheel, but the small upgrades here make a difference:
- Better Data Security: It now meets updated health regulations.
- Removable Pod Design: Makes it easier to clean and maintain.
- Child-Safe Battery Door: A thoughtful touch for families.
It’s just $10 more than the previous model and works like a charm for most workouts.
Sure, there are some quirks when pairing it with non-Garmin devices, but it’s a solid choice for serious fitness tracking.
Grab the Garmin HRM 200 on Amazon Priced at $150, just $10 more than its predecessor, and experience the difference in your workouts.
Want to know how it stacks up against the HRM-Dual and HRM-Pro Plus? Check out our in-depth Garmin HRM 200 Review: How it Compares to HRM-Dual and HRM-Pro Plus.
Garmin Instinct 3 Series: Rugged, Reliable, but Missing the Spark
The new Garmin Instinct 3 series is Garmin’s latest attempt to cater to outdoor adventurers, but not everyone is impressed.
With three models—Instinct E, Instinct 3 Solar, and Instinct 3 AMOLED with three sizes 40mm, 45mm, and 50mm — there’s a lot to unpack.
Instinct E: Affordable but Underwhelming Smartwatch
The Instinct E aims to be an entry-level option at $299, but it struggles to stand out.
- What’s Good: It’s a gateway to Garmin’s rugged lineup.
- What’s Not: For just $200 or less, you could grab the Instinct 2 on sale, which offers much more.
The minor updates feel like a missed opportunity to wow first-time buyers.
Explore the Garmin Instinct E on Amazon and see if it’s the right fit for your outdoor adventures!
Instinct 3 Solar: Small Steps Forward
The Instinct 3 Solar brings practical improvements, but they might feel too incremental:
- Better Solar Efficiency: Longer battery life is always a win.
- Brighter Display: Great for outdoor visibility.
- Built-In Flashlight: The LED flashlight is perfect for nighttime hikes or runs.
But here’s the kicker: it still uses Garmin’s Gen 4 heart rate sensor. Many fans were hoping for the Gen 5 with ECG support, making the $400+ price tag hard to justify.
Shop the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar on Amazon and experience longer battery life for your outdoor activities!
Instinct 3 AMOLED: Stunning Display, Mixed Emotions
The AMOLED model is the most exciting addition to the lineup, with its vibrant display and modern interface.
But for many, it feels like Garmin fumbled the execution.
- Why It’s Great:
- The AMOLED screen is gorgeous. Bright, sharp, and a joy to use.
- The refreshed interface takes inspiration from Garmin’s premium Epix series.
- Why It’s Frustrating:
- No Touchscreen: Buttons-only navigation on an AMOLED device? That’s a head-scratcher.
- No Maps: For $ 449, this omission stings, especially when cheaper wearables like Amazfit include robust navigation.
- Battery Life Tradeoff: AMOLED tech drains faster than the traditional MIP displays Garmin is known for. With only 24 days of battery life
Get the Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED on Amazon and enjoy a beautiful screen, even if it’s missing some key features!
Garmin’s Big Miss: No Maps? Really?
The lack of maps in the Instinct line feels like a letdown, especially in today’s competitive landscape.
Even budget smartwatches now offer navigation, so why not Garmin?
- Product Segmentation: Garmin might be protecting its higher-end Phoenix series from competition.
- Hardware Constraints: The smaller storage in models like the Instinct Solar could have played a role.
- Usability Concerns: Without touch navigation, maps might have been clunky to use.
Whatever the reason, it’s a glaring gap that could push users toward competitors.
The Wearable Tech Market Is Changing—Can Garmin Keep Up?
Other brands like the Amazfit, Coros, Suunto, and Fitbit are shaking things up with their rugged outdoor smartwatches. They offer features like maps, navigation, and advanced metrics at prices Garmin can’t match.
The Amazfit Active 2 is a perfect example: maps, 10 days of battery life, diverse sports modes, and premium materials for under $150.
Garmin’s cautious updates and premium pricing could alienate loyal users who want more innovation for their money.
Final Thoughts: Amazfit Active 2 vs. Garmin Instinct 3
The Active 2 is the clear winner if you’re on a budget. It delivers incredible value, even with a few rough edges.
On the other hand, Garmin’s Instinct 3 series is dependable and rugged but it feels like it’s playing it safe.
In 2025, consumers want more—better features, smarter pricing, and no compromises.
Whether you’re exploring uncharted territories with Garmin Instinct 3 or keeping fit on a budget with Amazfit Active 2, 2025 is your year to stay ahead in health and tech innovation.
Upgrade your adventures with Garmin Instinct 3—Shop Now on Amazon.
Discover premium features at budget pricing—Grab Amazfit Active 2 today.
Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear which one you’d choose!
Also See :-
- Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Review: Features, Price, and First Impressions.
- Garmin Instinct 3 vs Instinct 2: 5 Big Reasons to Upgrade.
- Garmin Instinct 3 vs Enduro 3: Rugged or Premium—Which Wins?.
- Garmin HRM 200 Review: How it Compares to HRM-Dual and HRM-Pro Plus.
- Garmin Instinct 3 Software Update 6.29 Released – Bug Fixes & Stability Improvements
- Garmin Instinct 3 Tactical Leaks Hint at Imminent Launch – First Look at Features.
Can the Amazfit Active 2 replace premium fitness trackers?
The Amazfit Active 2 offers a compelling mix of features like maps and navigation, diverse sports modes, and premium materials, all at an affordable price starting at $99. While it provides incredible value for budget-conscious users, it doesn’t fully replace premium fitness trackers.
Which watch is better for outdoor enthusiasts?
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Garmin Instinct 3 is the better choice. Its rugged design, long battery life (up to 28 days with solar), and outdoor-specific features like a built-in flashlight and enhanced GPS make it ideal for activities like hiking, running, and cycling in tough conditions. It also has higher water resistance (10 ATM) and is designed to withstand extreme environments.
The Amazfit Active 2, while a solid option for budget-conscious users, offers basic GPS and fewer outdoor-focused features, making it less suited for serious outdoor adventures. However, its navigation and sports modes could still work for casual hikers or those focused on fitness tracking.
Overall, the Garmin Instinct 3 shines in demanding outdoor scenarios, making it the more suitable choice for adventurers.
