The Amazfit Bip 6 smartwatch has officially entered the market, offering an impressive array of features at a remarkably low price point of $79.99. As a successor to the Bip 5, this new wearable from Amazfit is packed with upgrades that make it a standout choice for budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts and tech-savvy users alike. Below, we delve into the design, features, performance, and overall value of the Amazfit Bip 6.
Design and Build Quality
The Amazfit Bip 6 sports a lightweight aluminum alloy frame combined with fiber-reinforced polymer, giving it a premium feel without adding bulk. Weighing just 27.9 grams and measuring 10.45mm in thickness, the watch is comfortable to wear for extended periods, including during sleep tracking sessions. Its square-shaped design is reminiscent of the Apple Watch, featuring rounded edges and a flat tempered glass display that enhances durability.
Available in four stylish colorways—Black, Charcoal, Stone, and Red—the Bip 6 offers versatility to match various personal styles. The silicone strap is breathable and washable, making it ideal for workouts and daily use.
Display: Vibrant and Functional
One of the standout features of the Bip 6 is its 1.97-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 380 x 450 pixels. This screen delivers sharp visuals and vibrant colors, boasting an impressive peak brightness of 2,000 nits—making it easily readable even under direct sunlight. The display supports customizable watch faces ranging from classic analog designs to data-packed digital options.
While the screen does not offer an always-on display mode by default (to conserve battery life), users can enable this feature during workouts for continuous visibility of stats.
Battery Life: Exceptional Longevity
Battery life is another area where the Bip 6 excels. Powered by a 340mAh battery, it promises up to two weeks of typical usage or six days with heavy use. Even when enabling power-intensive features like GPS tracking and sleep monitoring, the watch performs admirably. This efficiency makes it a convenient choice for users who prefer minimal charging interruptions.
Charging is facilitated through a magnetic puck compatible with USB-C cords—a practical solution for modern tech users.
Health and Fitness Tracking
The Amazfit Bip 6 is equipped with Amazfit’s advanced BioTracker 6.0 PPG sensor, which provides precise measurements for heart rate, SpO2 levels, stress monitoring, heart rate variability (HRV), and sleep tracking. The sleep tracking feature delivers detailed insights but may occasionally overestimate sleep duration compared to higher-end devices like the Pixel Watch.
With support for over 140 workout modes—including niche activities like kite flying and swing pumping—the Bip 6 caters to diverse fitness needs. Notable additions include HYROX Race tracking and Smart Strength Training, which automatically monitors reps, rest times, and muscle engagement during workouts.
The built-in GPS system enables accurate activity tracking and offline navigation with turn-by-turn directions—a feature typically reserved for high-end smartwatches like Garmin models. However, limitations such as restricted map browsing capabilities may deter advanced users seeking comprehensive navigation tools.
Smart Features
The Bip 6 integrates several smart features that enhance its versatility:
- Notifications: Users can receive call alerts, text messages, social media updates, calendar reminders, and more directly on their wrist.
- Voice Assistant: The Zepp Flow voice assistant allows hands-free control of settings and readiness scores but exhibits some lag compared to competitors like Siri or Google Assistant.
- Camera Remote: A feature exclusive to iPhones enables camera control via the watch.
- Offline Maps: While not flawless in execution, this feature offers basic navigation support for outdoor enthusiasts.
However, certain advanced functionalities like mobile payment options are absent—a tradeoff that reflects its budget-friendly pricing.
Software: Zepp OS Integration
The Amazfit Bip 6 runs on Zepp OS rather than Wear OS or other mainstream platforms. While this proprietary operating system ensures compatibility across Android and iOS devices without sacrificing core features, it does come with some drawbacks. Navigation through menus can feel clunky due to questionable design choices like billboard-style animations that slow down interactions.
On the positive side, the Zepp app provides detailed health insights and personalized coaching without requiring premium subscriptions. It also introduces an AI-powered food journal that scans food labels to log nutritional information—a handy tool for users focused on calorie tracking.
Comparison with Competitors
The Bip 6 competes directly with budget smartwatches like Fitbit's discontinued Versa lineup and entry-level Garmin models. Despite its affordable price tag:
- It offers features like offline maps and dual-band GNSS navigation that are typically found in high-end devices costing several times more.
- Its heart rate accuracy rivals pricier options like the Apple Watch Ultra 2 during casual fitness tracking sessions.
- The AMOLED display matches premium standards seen in flagship smartwatches like Apple Watch Series models.
However, limitations in software polish and GPS navigation mean it may not fully replace higher-end alternatives for advanced users.
Pricing and Availability
At $79.99 (£79.90), the Amazfit Bip 6 delivers tremendous value for its price. Compared to its predecessor—the Bip 5—it introduces significant upgrades in display technology (AMOLED vs. TFT), battery life (14 days vs. 10 days), health sensors (BioTracker 6.0 vs. older versions), and build quality (aluminum alloy frame).
Its affordability makes it an attractive option for first-time smartwatch buyers or those seeking robust functionality without splurging on flagship models.
Conclusion: A Game-Changer in Budget Wearables
The Amazfit Bip 6 redefines what consumers can expect from affordable smartwatches by packing premium features into a sub-$100 device. With its vibrant AMOLED display, long-lasting battery life, comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities, and stylish design, it emerges as a compelling choice for everyday use.
While minor software quirks may detract from its overall experience for advanced users accustomed to high-end devices, these shortcomings are easily outweighed by its exceptional value proposition. For anyone looking to enter the smartwatch market without b