Amazfit Active 3 Premium - FULL Scientific Review!
In a Nutshell
The Amazfit Active 3 Premium delivers solid heart rate tracking (0.97 indoor cycling, 0.95 running) and improved sleep stage detection (~60% agreement across stages) at $170, but struggles significantly with outdoor cycling HR (0.7-0.9 correlation) and lacks premium GPS accuracy. It performs nearly identically to other Amazfit models sharing the same sensor, making device choice mainly about screen size, battery life, and materials rather than accuracy differences. For budget-conscious users seeking Garmin-like performance, it's a reasonable option, but those prioritizing heart rate accuracy or sleep tracking should consider alternatives like the Amazfit Helio Strap, Apple/Pixel Watches, or dedicated sleep devices.
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
The Amazfit Active 3 Premium was released at approximately $170 and is positioned as a competitive option in the smartwatch market. The device is generally viewed positively, though some limitations are noted. The reviewer, Rob, a post-doctoral scientist focusing on biological data analysis, conducted independent scientific testing comparing the watch's performance against established reference devices.
Heart rate tracking was compared against the Polar H10 ECG chest strap, which measures electrical signals of the heart. Testing included indoor cycling (spinning), running outside, cycling outside, and weightlifting. The correlation between devices is used as the primary metric, with 1.0 representing perfect correlation.
Indoor cycling testing showed a correlation of 0.97, which is considered good but not as strong as some competitors. The device showed some tendency to detect lower heart rates, particularly in the beginning of sessions before the body warmed up. Performance improved as body temperature increased. Individual session analysis revealed that the device sometimes detected slightly lower heart rates during initial intervals.
The 0.97 correlation places the Amazfit Active 3 Premium in the middle range of tested devices. It performs similarly to the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro and Amazfit Active Max, which share the same sensor. Top performers include Apple Watches (SE), Huawei Watch GT 6, Huawei Watch 5, and the Amazfit Helio Strap when worn on the biceps. The Amazfit Helio Strap's superior performance is attributed to its lighter weight and better fit.
Running outside testing yielded a correlation of 0.95, at the threshold of being considered good enough. The device showed similar patterns to cycling, struggling initially before improving as the body warmed up. Limited testing was conducted due to marathon training preparation.
The running correlation of 0.95 places the device in the middle range, close to the Amazfit Active Max, Amazfit Balance, and Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro. Best performers remain Apple Watches, Amazfit Helio Strap, Pixel Watch, and some Huawei devices like the Huawei Watch GT6.
Outdoor cycling proved most challenging, with the device struggling significantly to maintain accurate heart rate detection. Multiple sessions showed consistent under-detection of heart rate throughout entire workouts, not just initially. This represents a notable limitation for cycling activities.
All Amazfit devices with the same sensor cluster in the 0.7-0.9 correlation range for outdoor cycling. The Active 3 Premium performs consistently with other Amazfit devices like the Active Max, Active 2, and T-Rex Ultra 2. Top performers include Apple Watches, Amazfit Helio Strap (biceps), Pixel Watches, Apple AirPods Pro 3, and Huawei devices.
Weightlifting testing showed a correlation of 0.95, but individual session analysis revealed significant limitations. The device detected some exercise peaks but missed many others. The tension on the wrist during weightlifting makes it difficult for optical sensors to track blood flow changes accurately.
The 0.95 correlation is close to the Amazfit Balance and Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro. Only devices recommended for weightlifting are Apple devices, in-ear devices like Powerbeats Pro 2 and Apple AirPods Pro 3, and the Amazfit Helio Strap when worn on the biceps. ECG chest straps are recommended as the most reliable option for accurate weightlifting heart rate tracking.
The Amazfit Active 3 Premium performs similarly to other Amazfit devices with the same sensor and comparable weight, including the Amazfit Active Max. Main differences between devices include screen size (larger on Active Max), battery life (longer on Active Max), and some premium materials on the Active 3 Premium. Hiking heart rate tracking showed very good performance, with only initial struggles before body warm-up.
Sleep stage tracking was tested against the Zeemax EEG headband, which measures brain waves and eye movements. This serves as a silver standard for sleep stage validation. Testing was based on four to five nights of preliminary data.
REM sleep tracking showed improvement compared to previous Amazfit testing, with agreement rates above 50% across all stages. Deep sleep agreement reached approximately 60%, while light sleep and REM sleep agreement both approached 65%. The device showed more consistent performance across sleep stages than previous Amazfit devices.
The Amazfit Active 3 Premium performs similarly to other Amazfit devices in overall sleep tracking but shows improvement in REM sleep detection. Performance is comparable to Garmin devices and better than Huawei or Coros devices. Top performers in sleep stage tracking include Eight Sleep, Apple, Pixel/Google (including Fitbit), Whoop Strap, and Oura Ring.
The device performs comparably to previous Amazfit testing, with potential REM sleep tracking improvements from recent algorithm updates. Amazfit devices provide sleep tracking quality similar to Garmin and Polar at a more budget-friendly price point.
GPS tracking was tested by cycling and running the same routes multiple times and comparing signal overlap consistency. The cycling route included the commute to work, while running tests involved multiple laps around Belvedere Gardens.
Cycling GPS performance showed quick signal acquisition and good consistency between multiple rides. Some deviations were present but not at Garmin-level quality. The device performed well around roundabouts and maintained reasonable accuracy throughout the tested routes.
Running GPS showed acceptable but not great performance, with noticeable deviations between multiple laps, particularly near the end of a wall section in Belvedere Gardens. Garmin and Coros devices typically perform better in GPS tracking, especially during marathon distances.
The device performs decently for cycling GPS tracking at the $170 price point. Running GPS shows some limitations, particularly in challenging environments, though total distance measurements should remain reasonably accurate. The device is considered impressive for its price point across most tested functions.
The Amazfit Active 3 Premium does a decent job at most things and will be a solid choice for some users. However, it's not the main device recommended to everyone due to specific performance limitations in key areas.
The device struggles with heart rate tracking, especially during outdoor cycling activities. GPS tracking is not perfect, and while sleep stage tracking appears to be improving, it's not quite as good as hoped for optimal performance.
If budget constraints exist and Garmin-like performance is desired in terms of heart rate tracking and sleep stage tracking, the Active 3 Premium can be recommended. The device offers good value with a nice screen, decent design, and good quality materials.
The Active 3 Premium doesn't perform better or worse than the Amazfit Active Max or other Amazfit devices because they mostly include the same sensors. Performance differences between Amazfit models are minimal due to shared sensor technology.
- GPS tracking focus: Garmin devices or Coros devices are recommended
- Sleep tracking focus: Oura Ring, Whoop Strap, Eight Sleep Pod, Pixel Watch, or Apple Watch
- Heart rate tracking focus: Amazfit Helio Strap (worn on the biceps) for budget options, or Apple Watches, Pixel Watches, and Huawei devices for higher-end solutions
If purchasing the Amazfit Active 3 Premium, consider also looking at the Amazfit Active Max. For those interested in additional devices, the Whoop Strap is noted as a favorite overall device, while the Oura Ring is highlighted as particularly good for sleep tracking. The Eight Sleep Pod is mentioned as a favorite overall sleep improvement device.
Using affiliate links in the description supports the channel while providing the best possible discounts on Amazon purchases, including the recommended devices or other products.
Viewers of this video may also be interested in content covering the Amazfit Helio Strap or the Eight Sleep Pod for additional context on the recommended alternatives.
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