The Amazfit Bip 6 has officially launched, marking the latest addition to the popular Bip smartwatch series. This new model continues the legacy of its predecessors by offering impressive health tracking and fitness features at a budget-friendly price point. After a thorough 24-hour testing period, I can confidently say that this $80 smartwatch is an exceptional value for anyone seeking to monitor their fitness and health metrics without spending a fortune.
Manufactured by the Chinese company Amazfit, known for delivering affordable wearable devices compatible with both iOS and Android, the Bip 6 operates on its own software platform called Zepp OS. While this operating system has some rough edges, it provides a unique experience compared to competitors that use Wear OS. In an era where more individuals are utilizing smartwatches and fitness trackers for health monitoring, the Amazfit Bip 6 stands out due to its low price, universal compatibility, and features like One Tap Measuring, which allows users to record heart rate, stress levels, SpO2, and breathing in one simple action.
The design of the Amazfit Bip 6 features a vibrant 1.97-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 390x450 pixels, providing a bright and clear display whether indoors or outdoors. The rectangular screen with rounded edges draws inspiration from the Apple Watch, but without the curved infinity edge. The overall design makes it comparable in size to the larger 44- or 45-millimeter models of the Apple Watch. The aluminum frame gives a sleek appearance, although the watch feels light, the display can appear bulky on medium-sized wrists. The Bip 6 comes with a black sports band, but is also available in charcoal, stone, and red, offering users a bit of choice in style.
Amazfit claims that the Bip 6 can last up to two weeks on a single charge, which, if accurate, would be groundbreaking for a smartwatch. Although the 340-mAh battery sound promising, I have only used it for 24 hours, so the true battery life remains to be seen. It is important to note that the impressive battery life claim is based on the raise-to-wake feature being enabled, as this model does not support an always-on display. Additionally, the watch’s screen will not stay on during workouts unless manually adjusted, which could potentially reduce battery longevity.
Charging speed is another aspect where the Bip 6 might fall short, especially given that previous models have been criticized for their slow charging time. For instance, the Bip 5 took approximately two hours to charge from 0% to 100%. The charging method is also limited, as the watch only includes a charging puck, without a USB-C cable or charging brick, which is becoming a common trend among smartwatch manufacturers.
The initial models of the Bip series faced criticism for their accuracy in health and fitness metrics. However, Amazfit asserts that the Bip 6 is equipped with improved sensors that enhance the precision of measurements such as heart rate variability and blood oxygen levels. Users can access detailed sleep quality reports and advanced health insights through the Zepp app. Although the sensor enhancements are promising, it’s crucial to remember that none of these health features have received FDA approval and should only serve as a baseline for health monitoring.
The One Tap Measuring feature conveniently records four vital metrics (heart rate, stress levels, SpO2, and breathing rate) simultaneously. However, a downside is that it does not provide context for the results, leaving users to wonder whether their readings are normal or concerning. While the Bip 6 does not measure skin temperature like some premium competitors, it does include menstrual cycle tracking, catering to a wider audience.
The Amazfit Bip 6 features auto workout detection for seven different activities, including walking, running, cycling, elliptical, and rowing. Users have the option to customize which metrics are displayed and can set alerts for target pace or heart rate. However, navigating the workout settings can be cumbersome, as each activity has its own specific options. This includes enabling the always-on display during workouts, which I chose to activate to keep my statistics visible despite potential battery drain.
Additionally, the Bip 6 includes a Smart Strength Training feature that automatically tracks repetitions, rest periods, and muscle engagement, enhancing the workout experience. For outdoor enthusiasts, the watch also offers offline navigation capabilities, allowing users to download routes without fear of losing GPS signal. With a 5 ATM water resistance rating, the Bip 6 is suitable for swimming and various water-related activities.
The Amazfit Bip 6 comes equipped with standard smartwatch functionalities such as call and text notifications, a 'ping my phone' feature, and a flashlight. However, it lacks a mobile payment option, which may be a drawback for some users. A camera remote feature is available via the Zepp app but is limited to iPhone users. The watch also includes a voice assistant named Zepp Flow, allowing hands-free control, although its response time is noticeably slower compared to competitors like Siri.
While the touchscreen is fairly responsive, the overall interface can be clunky and unintuitive, leading to a frustrating user experience. Navigating through menus may feel like wandering through a maze due to questionable design choices. One particularly tedious aspect is the billboard-style animation that reveals text, which can prolong selecting options and delay the overall navigation experience.
The Amazfit Bip 6 runs on the proprietary Zepp OS and seamlessly syncs all health and fitness data through the Zepp app. Users can choose from a selection of free or paid watch faces and download apps through the Zepp app store, although the app selection is currently limited. Amazfit claims that the app will provide detailed health insights and personalized coaching without requiring a premium subscription. This includes weekly trend reports designed to help users track their progress towards fitness or weight loss goals. A standout feature is the AI-powered food journal, which automatically populates calorie and nutritional information based on a photo or barcode of the user’s meal.
Overall, the Amazfit Bip 6 is off to a promising start. While there is still much to explore, my first impressions suggest that it has the potential to be a great choice for those seeking an affordable alternative to higher-priced smartwatches. If you are willing to overlook some user interface hiccups and minor design inconsistencies, the Amazfit Bip 6 might just be the perfect smartwatch to meet your fitness and health tracking needs.
