Xiaomi’s Amazfit GTR 2 smartwatch is no longer just a time-reflection accessory, a full-fledged health tracker, a sports assistant, and even a mini-computer on the wrist, but most users use only 20-30% of its capabilities, unaware that the device can monitor stress in real time, measure oxygen in the blood with medical accuracy, or operate autonomously for up to 14 days without recharging.
In this article, we will not just list the specifications (there are already plenty of them on the official website), but will reveal the hidden features that the manufacturer does not advertise, but which make the GTR 2 one of the most functional smartwatches in its price segment. You will learn how to set up the device for maximum efficiency, which fitness metrics are really useful, and why these watches beat competitors from Apple and Samsung in terms of price / quality.
Health monitoring: what do the Amazfit GTR 2 sensors do?
The main advantage of the Amazfit GTR 2 over budget analogues is the professional medical sensor BioTracker 2.
- 🩺 Pulse oximeter - measures the saturation of blood with oxygen (SpO2) accurately ±2% Useful for assessing the effects COVID-19 or testing adaptation to the highlands.
- ❤️ Heart rate – continuous monitoring with tachycardia/bradycardia alerts. Huami algorithm takes into account the age and gender of the user.
- 😴 Sleep analysis – recognizes the phases of deep, light and REM-It's a sleep system, and it's a daytime nap. 3D-accelerometer for accuracy.
- 🧠 Stress Level – Estimates heart rate variability (HRV) And it gives you relaxation recommendations.
Important: for accurate measurements of SpO2 and HRV, the watch should fit tightly to the wrist; if the strap is dangling, the data can be distorted by 10-15%; and avoid measurements immediately after exercise - sensors need 5-10 minutes to stabilize.
One of the unique advantages of GTR 2 is the automatic recognition of 6 types of sleep-like activity (including apnea). If the watch detects respiratory arrest more than 5 times per night, they will offer to take a test for obstructive apnea and recommend to see a sleepologist.
⚠️ Attention: Data from Amazfit GTR 2 is not a medical diagnosis. For example, low SpO2 (Less than 90%) may indicate a lung problem, but it requires a doctor's consultation to confirm it. >120 beats / min at rest - this can be a symptom of arrhythmia.
2.Sports and fitness: 90 training regimes with professional analytics
The Amazfit GTR 2 supports 90 sports modes, from classic running and cycling to exotic types like skits or kayaking, but the main thing is not the quantity, but the quality of the analysis:
- 🏃 VO2 Max -- assesses maximum oxygen intake and makes recommendations for improved endurance. 20-29 years: 40-50 ml/kg/min.
- 📊 Recovery analysis – after training, the clock will show how long it takes to rest before the next load (12 to 48 hours).
- 🗺️ Built-in GPS — precision ±1 meter (in town) thanks to Sony chip GPS. Supports GLONASS and Galileo for better coverage.
- 🏊 Water resistance 5 ATM — You can swim in the pool or open water (but not dive deeper than 50 meters).
For runners, the Stop Stop Stop feature is particularly useful, where the watch automatically pauses when you stop at a traffic light and continues as you move, and there is a virtual partner, where you pick a target (like running 5km in 30 minutes), and the watch tells you whether you need to speed up.
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To save battery power during long workouts, turn off the constant screen illumination in the sports mode settings. It is enough to raise your hand to activate the display - the motion sensor works in 0.3 seconds.
| Sport | Metrics. | Unique chips |
|---|---|---|
| Run. | Tempo, step length, cadence, pulse zones | Analysis of foot landing (front/back) |
| Cycling | Speed, distance, calories, altitude | Integration with CADENA sensors (ANT+) |
| Swimming | Number of strokes, SWOLF, style | Autodetermining corners in the pool |
| Strength training | Rest time between approaches, pulse | Recognition of 8 exercises (squats, press, etc.) |
3. Autonomy: how to achieve 14 days of operation without recharging?
Officially, the Amazfit GTR 2 promises up to 14 days of battery life, but in practice, it varies from 5 to 20 days depending on the settings.
- 🔋 Constant backlighting of the screen - reduces the time of operation by 40%, it is better to use the gesture "raise your hand".
- 📶 Continuous GPS — 1 hour of training GPS = ~10% charge. Marathon runners have a Savings mode. GPS" (precision ±5 meters).
- 🔔 Frequent notifications – each vibration alert consumes 0.5% of the charge. → Notifications.
- 🌡️ Continuous pulse monitoring – you can set the interval of measurements (every 1, 5, 10 or 30 minutes).
To extend the life of the battery, use Basic Autonomy (on manually), which turns off all sensors except the pedometer and time — the clock lasts up to 38 days.
Turn off the automatic brightness of the screen|Set the interval of measuring the pulse for 10 minutes|Turn off notifications from social networks|Use dials without animation|Update the software only on Wi-Fi-->
The average charging time is 0 to 100% – 2 hours (use the original magnetically mounted cable). If the watch discharges faster than 5 days under standard settings, check Settings → Battery → Flow statistics – perhaps some application is running in the background.
⚠️ Note: Do not use Amazfit to charge GTR 2 Powerful adapters (more than one) 5V/1A) or wireless charging, which can cause the battery to overheat and shorten its lifespan. USB-computer port or original power supply.
4.Smart Features: Notifications, Payments, and Voice Assistant
In addition to fitness tracking, the Amazfit GTR 2 can replace the smartphone in everyday tasks:
Notifications: The watch supports all messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber), calls, calendar, and even notifications from banking applications. You can respond with quick templates (for example, "I'm on my way" or "I'll be back later"). Android requires the Zepp app, iPhone - Amazfit.
Contactless payments: the built-in NFC chip supports AliPay (for China) and Mi Pay (for Russia and Europe).
- Open the Zepp app on your phone.
- Go to Profile → Devices → Amazfit GTR 2 → Contactless payments.
- Attach a bank card (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB are supported).
- To pay twice, click on the side button of the clock and bring it to the terminal.
Voice assistant: Amazon Alexa is built in (English only) and you can ask questions about the weather, turn on timers, or control your smart home. To activate, say "Hey Alexa" or press the crown button.
How to turn Russian into Alexa?
Another useful feature is "Phone Search." If you lose your smartphone, click on your Settings → Phone Search, and the phone will emit a loud signal (even if it's silent) that runs within a radius of 10 meters.
5. Design and screen: why does the GTR 2 look more expensive than it costs?
The Amazfit GTR 2 is often compared to the Apple Watch in terms of both functionality and design. The 3D-glass aluminum-magnesium alloy case makes the watch scratch-resistant (9H hardness). 6 colors are available: classic black, silver, rose gold, and limited editions with ceramic bezel.
The screen is AMOLED 1.39" with a resolution of 454×454 pixels (326 ppi). For comparison, the Apple Watch Series 6 has a pixel density of 326 ppi, but the GTR 2 has an 18% larger display area. Brightness up to 450 nits allows you to comfortably use the watch in the sun.
The straps are easily changed, using standard 22mm tapes (from Fossil, Samsung or Skagen), and come with a silicone strap with microholes for better ventilation.
The watch weighs only 31.5 grams (without a strap), which is 30% lighter than the Garmin Venu 2, making it almost impossible to feel on your hand even when you sleep.
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Amazfit GTR 2 is one of the few clocks with a round AMOLED-Alternatives (like the Huawei Watch) GT (2) either more expensive or have less autonomy.
6. Hidden functions that are not written in the instructions
The manufacturer doesn't always advertise all the features of the device, and here are 5 hidden features that you're unlikely to find in the official manual:
- 🎵 Music control on the phone – you can switch tracks, adjust volume and pause right from the clock (works with Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music).
- 📸 Remote camera shutter – connect your watch to your smartphone via Zepp and you can take photos up to 10 meters away (useful for selfies or group photos).
- 🌡️ Weather for 7 days - data is taken from AccuWeather and updated every hour.
- ⏱️ A reminder of inactivity - if you sit for more than 1 hour, the clock vibrates and suggests stretching. → Reminders.
- 🔇 Do Not Disturb Mode with flexible schedules – for example, you can set up automatic notifications shutdown from 22:00 to 8:00 on weekdays.
Another little-known possibility is exporting data in GPX format, which allows you to upload training tracks to services like Strava or Komoot for detailed analysis, to export:
- Open the Zepp app on your phone.
- Select the training in the Activity section.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Export.
- Select the GPX format and send the file to email or the cloud.
Also, the watch has a secret mode for photographers – if you turn it on to Settings → System → Photographer Mode, the screen will only display time without unnecessary notifications (useful when shooting, so as not to be distracted).
Compatibility with other devices: what works and what does not?
Amazfit GTR 2 officially supports Android 6.0+ and iOS 10.0+, but there are nuances:
| Function | Android | iPhone | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notifications | ✅ Full support | ✅ Basic only (calls, SMS) | On the iPhone does not work notifications from third-party messengers |
| Music on the clock | ✅ 3GB of memory for tracks | ❌ No support. | Up to 600 songs can be downloaded in MP3 format. |
| Responses to communications | ✅ Quick templates | ❌ Just watching. | On Android, you can customize your templates |
| Contactless payments | ✅ Mi Pay, AliPay | ❌ No support. | Requires binding of the Russian map |
For smart home owners, the Amazfit GTR 2 can control Mi Home devices (lamps, sockets, robot vacuum cleaners), for example, you can turn on the lights or start the vacuum cleaner right from the clock.
- Install the Mi Home app on your phone.
- Connect the watch to your Xiaomi account in Settings → Account.
- In the menu of the watch will appear section Smart home with a list of devices.
If you use the Amazfit GTR 2 from your iPhone, note that some features will be limited due to Apple’s policies, such as you can’t install third-party dials or sync data with Apple Health, but the watch will show notifications of incoming calls and SMS, which is already a lot.
⚠️ Note: When connected to the iPhone, the watch can discharge faster 20-30% Because of the constant synchronization over Bluetooth LE. To save charge, turn off unnecessary notifications in the Amazfit settings on your phone.