Amazfit Balance 2 XT: Budget Smartwatch Surprise Arrives
Amazfit Balance 2 XT: The Budget-Friendly Smartwatch Surprise Hits Early Customers
It’s not every day a brand drops a new product on customers before officially announcing it, but that’s exactly what seems to be happening with the new Amazfit Balance 2 XT. Reports are starting to trickle in from early adopters in the US, and it looks like this more affordable take on the popular Amazfit Balance 2 is already finding its way onto wrists. What’s really interesting is that it’s currently available for purchase on Best Buy’s online store, catching many tech enthusiasts a bit off guard. So, what exactly is this new kid on the block, and what’s the deal with its availability? Let’s dive in.
Diving Deep into the Amazfit Balance 2 XT’s Features
The Amazfit Balance 2 XT is shaping up to be a compelling option for those who love the idea of the Balance 2 but perhaps weren’t thrilled about its price tag. It appears Amazfit has made some smart adjustments to bring the cost down while keeping the core functionality intact. Based on what we’re seeing, here’s a rundown of what the Balance 2 XT brings to the table:
- Display: You’re getting a crisp 1.5-inch AMOLED display. This means vibrant colors and excellent clarity, which is super important for checking notifications or tracking workouts outdoors. Plus, with a brightness of up to 1500 nits, it should be easily readable even in bright sunlight.
- Battery Life: This is usually a strong suit for Amazfit, and the Balance 2 XT looks no different. We’re talking about a potential battery life of up to 21 days with typical usage. Crank up the power-saving mode, and it could last even longer. Definitely a win for anyone tired of charging their watch every other day.
- Sports Modes Galore: Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, this watch has you covered. It boasts support for over 170 sports modes, so you can track pretty much any activity you can think of, from intense gym sessions to a relaxing yoga class.
- Health Monitoring: Amazfit’s BioTracker technology is back, ensuring you get comprehensive health insights. This includes continuous heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen (SpO2) levels, stress tracking, and detailed sleep quality analysis.
- Water Resistance: The Balance 2 XT comes with a 5 ATM water resistance rating. This is great for everyday splashes, showering, and even swimming laps. However, it’s worth noting that it’s not designed for diving, unlike the standard Balance 2 which offers a higher 10 ATM rating.
- Design and Materials: Forget the rumors about a titanium casing for this XT version. Instead, it’s opting for a more budget-friendly mix of aluminum and fiber-reinforced polymer. The display is protected by mineral glass instead of the sapphire crystal found on the standard model. These material choices are key to its lower price point. We also expect it to be a bit lighter than the original Balance 2, though the exact weight hasn’t been officially confirmed yet.
Key Differences: XT vs. Standard Balance 2
To really get a handle on the value proposition of the Balance 2 XT, it’s helpful to see where it differs from its pricier sibling.
| Feature | Amazfit Balance 2 XT | Amazfit Balance 2 Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$199.99 (as seen on Best Buy) | ~$299.99 (on platforms like Amazon) |
| Case Material | Aluminum & Fiber-Reinforced Polymer | Rumored titanium (TBC), likely premium materials |
| Display Protection | Mineral Glass | Sapphire Crystal |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM | 10 ATM (suitable for diving) |
| Golf App | No | Yes |
| Temperature Sensor | No | Yes |
| Overall Design Focus | Value, everyday fitness tracking | Premium, advanced features, higher durability |
This price difference is significant. At $199.99 on Best Buy, the Balance 2 XT is a full $100 cheaper than the standard Balance 2, which retails for around $299.99. That makes it a really attractive proposition for many who want a feature-rich smartwatch without breaking the bank.
Availability: A Bit of a Mystery, But It’s Here!
The whole situation surrounding the Amazfit Balance 2 XT’s availability is a bit unusual. It started popping up on Best Buy’s website back in June 2025, without any fanfare or official announcement from Zepp Health (the parent company of Amazfit). Then, in mid-August 2025, the floodgates opened, and folks started confirming they’d actually received their orders. Delivery and in-store pickup dates lined up with Best Buy’s estimates, with shipping kicking off around August 16th and in-store pickups starting from August 19th.
However, don’t expect to find it on Amazfit’s official online store or major retailers like Amazon just yet. When one keen customer inquired, an Amazfit representative suggested that the official launch might be pushed to “next month.” This implies we might see broader availability from Amazfit’s own channels and other retailers starting in September 2025. Still, the exact timing remains a bit up in the air.
Initial Impressions and What to Expect
The early buzz around the Amazfit Balance 2 XT is definitely positive, especially considering its wallet-friendly price and the fact that it seems to inherit many of the great features from its more expensive counterpart. Users on platforms like Reddit are generally happy with the screen quality and the impressive battery life. Of course, some are pointing out the missing premium features like diving support or the dedicated golf app as expected trade-offs for the lower cost.
There’s been a little bit of confusion, too, mainly due to some initial hiccups in the information provided by Best Buy. For example, the retailer’s product page initially listed the watch as 38mm, which would have been a drastic size difference from the 47mm standard Balance 2. However, other sources and customer reports confirm it’s indeed a 47mm watch, so that 38mm spec was likely an error. Also, those whispers about a titanium casing? An Amazfit rep confirmed that’s not the case for the XT version, setting the record straight on the aluminum and polymer build.
A Smart Move in a Crowded Market
The Amazfit Balance 2 XT slots nicely into Amazfit’s ever-expanding lineup, which already includes gems like the Amazfit Balance 2, the stylish Active 2, and the recently introduced Helio Strap. This new XT model looks like a direct shot at the mid-range smartwatch market, aiming to go head-to-head with devices from brands like Garmin (think the Forerunner series) and Fitbit (like the Versa line). It promises a blend of sleek design, robust functionality, and that all-important accessible price point.
One particularly cool feature is the BioCharge Energy Monitoring. It works similarly to Garmin’s Body Battery, using your workout data, daily movement, stress levels, and sleep quality to give you a real-time score of your body’s energy reserves. Couple this with seamless integration with the Zepp app (available on both iOS and Android), and you’ve got a seriously versatile tool for keeping tabs on your health and fitness goals.
The Verdict: A Solid Contender
The Amazfit Balance 2 XT is shaping up to be a really interesting option for anyone looking for a smartwatch that balances smart features with an affordable price tag. Even though it hasn’t had its official launch party yet, its surprise appearance on Best Buy and the generally positive feedback from early buyers suggest it could become a real hit in the wearable tech world. If you’re keen, you’ll want to keep an eye out for that official announcement from Amazfit, which should clarify full specs and wider availability across more retailers. In the meantime, this budget-friendly warrior is already making a strong case for itself in the highly competitive smartwatch arena.
