| Suunto Race | Amazfit Balance | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $499 | $299★ |
| Subscription | ✓ None | ✓ None |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 60g | 42g★ |
| Water resistance | 100m★ | 10ATM |
| Battery | 16 days | 21 days★ |
| Always-on display | ✅ | ✅ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ❌ |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Tier | Sports GPS | Smartwatch |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | Aug 27, 2025 | Jun 24, 2025 |
| Cycle advice | good★ | neutral |
| Deals advice | neutral | neutral |
| Next model | — | — |
The redesigned optical HR sensor on Race 2 delivers far more reliable readings during high-intensity sessions — a notable weak point of the original Race that has been addressed.
Dual-frequency L1+L5 multi-constellation GPS for sub-meter precision in urban areas and dense forests, with 55 continuous GPS hours on a single charge.
The display grows to 1.5" at 2000 nits while the case slims to 12.5mm and drops to 76g — more readable in sunlight and easier to wear day-to-day than its predecessor.
21 days typical use and 33 hours GPS — combined with a scratch-resistant sapphire glass 1.5" AMOLED that outshines most watches at this price.
Precise dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS across six satellite systems, with downloadable offline topo maps and turn-by-turn navigation — rare at this price tier.
First Amazfit with official HYROX training and competition modes, 40,000-course golf maps, and SCUBA dive support — more sport breadth than any previous Balance.
The right pick depends on what you optimize for.
$299 vs $499 over 3 years · no required subscription.
21 days vs 16 days battery.
7 sensors.
42g · no required subscription.
Competitive road and trail runners who want Suunto's precise multi-band GPS tracking and a vivid AMOLED display in a lighter, thinner package. A strong alternative to Garmin for athletes who prefer Suunto's clean interface and ecosystem.
Full details →Android and iPhone users who want a premium smartwatch experience — full offline maps, ECG, long battery, and a bright sapphire display — at a price well below Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch. A strong choice for runners, hikers, and health-focused users who want GPS map navigation without a subscription.
Full details →