The Fitbit Sense 2 and Amazfit Active 2 have recently gone head-to-head in terms of fitness tracking accuracy, with compelling results. Featuring state-of-the-art technology and considerable differences in pricing and features, these two smartwatches attract different types of users. The Fitbit Sense 2 is priced at $249 and is known for its premium features, whereas the Amazfit Active 2 offers similar functionalities at only $99. But which one really delivers when it counts?
Both wearables sport bright screens and offer fitness and wellness tracking capabilities ranging from step counting to heart rate monitoring. To compare their accuracy, I wore both devices on my wrists and embarked on a walk around Lake Washington, tallying my steps manually for verification.
For this test, the Fitbit Sense 2 is filled with fitness tracking tech, complemented by smart features such as Google Wallet and streaming capabilities through YouTube Music. On the flip side, the Amazfit Active 2 delivers many features traditionally found on more expensive brand names at its lower price point, boasting impressive tracking tools for health, fitness, and sleep.
During my walk, I manually counted my steps, using techniques like counting paces and ensuring accuracy by flipping between my left and right foot. After covering about 3 miles, the findings showed significant insights about the performance of each device.
The comparison data reveal some surprising aspects:
Overall, both devices achieved step counts impressively close to my manual count, with the Amazfit Active 2 only overcounting by 117 steps, compared to the Fitbit Sense 2, which added 187 steps to my tally. Strava beat both with 6,046 steps recorded.
On the distance front, the Amazfit Active 2's numbers were pretty accurate, but the Fitbit Sense 2 undercounted my total distance by 0.43 miles—a notable discrepancy. Interestingly, Fitbit provides its elevation gain data but needs clarification, as it also seems to register higher numbers than expected from manual measurements.
Pace data produced wildly varied results, but the heart rate data revealed something worth noting. Fitbit recorded what I considered more realistic heart rates: 116 bpm as my average and 164 bpm at its peak. The Amazfit Active 2's heart rate figures, particularly the average of 101 bpm, seemed lower than expected based on previous metrics.
After more than an hour of tracking, both devices delivered decent battery performances. Although the Fitbit finished with 2% battery, it was still within the acceptable range considering the technology involved.
So, who emerges victorious? For the step count tracking accuracy, the Amazfit Active 2 takes the crown, but it's not without significant caveats. While the Active 2 was more accurate with steps, its elevation data was often inconsistent. Meanwhile, the Fitbit Sense 2 provided atypical distance figures and strange pacing metrics—highlighting the complexity of fitness tracking.
Overall, both devices logged numbers reasonably close to actuals, making either choice depend on user preferences and price sensitivity. If accuracy is king, the Amazfit Active 2 shines through this test, but other features might still sway those who lean toward the more comprehensive Fitbit Sense 2.
Insights from this test should empower savvy consumers to make more informed decisions when it matters most — when they're investing their hard-earned money.