Amazfit Active 3 Premium: the new watch for runners in Europe

The new Amazfit Active 3 Premium It officially lands in Europe and Spain. with the idea of ​​becoming the go-to watch for those starting out in running and for those who have been chasing personal bests for some time. Chinese brand of sports wearables This reinforces a range that, amidst so many recent releases, was becoming a little difficult to decipher.

This model is positioned as the most complete option within the Active family, with a very clear focus on the running training, advanced monitoring and recoveryIt arrives a few days after the T-Rex Ultra 2 and shares the catalog with the Active Max, with which it shares many features, but It introduces several key improvements designed specifically for runners.

A place of its own between Active 2 Premium and Active Max

Within the range, the Active 3 Premium It's positioned above the previous Active 2 Premium and at the same price point as the Active Max. It costs €169,90That is, about 40 euros more than its direct predecessor, and Amazfit has opted for the moment to launch only the Premium variant, without a standard version.

The brand presents this watch as an option for runners of all levels who want serious metrics without going to prices typical of high-end watchesCompared to the Active 2 Premium, the screen is brighter, the physical buttons are foldable, battery life is slightly improved, and internal storage is multiplied by eight, which significantly changes the day-to-day experience.

La The most striking comparison is with the Active Max., that For the same price, opt for one larger screen and even longer lasting batteryIn return, the Max does away with features like the sapphire crystal, the stainless steel bezel, and, above all, the lactate threshold measurement, which is the main selling point of the Active 3 Premium. In practice, the choice will depend on whether the user prefers a more compact watch focused on precise measurements or a larger one with exceptional battery life.

Lightweight design, meticulous finish, and enhanced physical control

The Active 3 Premium opts for a design that blends sporty aesthetics and a somewhat more elegant lookso that it doesn't look out of place on a long run or in the office. The set, including the strap, falls below the 55 grams in weightThis helps it to go unnoticed on the wrist even during long runs or daily use.

The watch has a case of 45 mm in diameter with bevel stainless steeland the screen is a panel 1,32-inch AMOLED touchscreenThe crystal protecting it is sapphire, offering added resistance to bumps and scratches that is not usually seen in this price range. The entire assembly is designed to withstand daily wear and tear without too much trouble.

One of the practical changes compared to the Active 2 Premium is the increase in two to four physical buttonsIt may seem like a minor detail, but for those who frequently train in the rain, sweat, or with gloves, it makes all the difference: It is no longer mandatory to rely on the touchscreen and controls during the activity It gains in precision and comfort.

On screen, Amazfit states up to 3.000 nits of maximum brightnessThis represents a significant jump compared to the 2.000 nits of the previous model. In real-world use, this This translates into more comfortable reading when the sun is shining brightly., something especially appreciated in outdoor training.

Autonomy, internal memory and connectivity

In terms of battery life, the Amazfit Active 3 Premium offers a claimed duration of up to 12 days of typical use on a single charge. It doesn't reach the extreme figures of the Active Max, but it's still above average for many watches with AMOLED screens, allowing you to forget about the charger for almost two weeks if usage isn't excessive.

During outdoor sports sessions, the watch can record up to 24 hours of GPS training Without needing to plug in, it's a reasonable battery life for marathons, moderate ultramarathons, and long days in the mountains. For those who train frequently but don't do ultramarathons, it's more than enough.

Another important change is in the internal storage, which goes from 512 MB in the Active 2 Premium to 4 GB in the new model. In practice, this avoids the usual "memory full" warnings when downloading maps, accumulating training data, or storing music and podcasts. Now there's room to have offline maps of various areas, playlists, and system updates without constantly deleting content.

In terms of connectivity, the watch is compatible with external Bluetooth sensorsincluding cycling power meters, heart rate monitors, and other sports accessories. For the European version, Amazfit also includes NFC payments with support for Curve and certain Mastercard cards, allowing you to go out for a run without your wallet and still pay with your wrist.

Display, sensors and offline maps

The combination of 1,32-inch AMOLED display, High brightness and sapphire crystal put the Active 3 Premium in a competitive position Compared to other sports watches in its segment, the data is clearly visible both indoors and in direct sunlight, and the dials and data fields are displayed with good contrast.

At the bottom, the clock mounts a advanced optical sensor capable of measuring heart rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂), heart rate variability (HRV/CRV) and skin temperatureAll this information is integrated into the training load, recovery, and energy estimation algorithms.

For the altimetry and mountain sports section, the device It includes a barometric altimeterThis is almost a must-have feature in watches that aspire to be serious about trail running or mountaineering. It improves the tracking of accumulated elevation gain and helps to refine certain effort calculations.

One of the most important factors for users who train outside the city is the presence of free downloadable maps with navigation. The Active 3 Premium It allows you to load offline maps and follow routes from the watch itself.without depending on the mobile phone. It's a feature that, just a few years ago, was reserved for much more expensive devices.

Running training: power, technique, and advanced metrics

The Active 3 Premium's focus is clearly on running. The watch offers estimated power during running directly from the wrist, without the need for additional accessories, and specific profiles such as the mode for athletics track, which seeks to improve accuracy in distances and paces when training on tartan.

Amazfit includes over 80 running-specific metricsThese parameters include cadence, ground contact time, range of motion, and other technique-related metrics. After each session, the user can review this data and compare it with previous workouts to see if running economy improves or if there are changes in technique during fatigue.

In total, the watch is compatible with more than 170 sports disciplinesFrom running and cycling to strength training or indoor sports. Each modality Adjust the data fields to the specific needs of the sportalthough the focus of the more advanced features is on running.

Runners can customize the data screens to your likingDisplaying up to six metrics simultaneously during the activity. This allows the view to be tailored to both beginners, who may only want to see pace and heart rate, and more advanced users who monitor power, cadence, and other parameters at the same time.

Lactate threshold: the big new feature of Active 3 Premium

The star feature of this model is the estimation of the lactate thresholdThis is a metric that was usually reserved for laboratory tests or much more expensive watches. Amazfit wants to bring this type of information to everyday runners who don't usually undergo stress testing.

From a physiological point of view, the lactate threshold is the exercise intensity at which the body begins to accumulate lactate faster than it can eliminate itBelow that point, it's possible to maintain the effort for quite some time; above it, fatigue sets in quickly. Knowing where that limit is helps in designing more efficient training sessions, especially for long distances.

The Active 3 Premium uses data from its optical sensor and GPS to estimate the threshold heart rate (LTHR) and associated rhythm (LTP)From there, it also calculates VO₂ max. and defines intensity training zones based on both that maximum oxygen consumption and the lactate threshold itself.

The estimation is done by guided tests from the watch itselfwhich tracks the progression of effort and collects data to build the user's model. During workouts, the device can issue alerts and real-time guidance to indicate whether it is advisable to increase or decrease the pace, so that the runner stays within the appropriate range according to the objective of the session.

It is worth remembering that, despite everything, it is a This estimate is based on algorithms and does not replace a stress test with gas analysis or blood lactate testing.Even so, for most recreational runners it represents a leap forward compared to training solely by feel or only based on pace.

Zepp Coach: personal trainer with artificial intelligence

In addition to metrics, Amazfit is heavily invested in planning support. Active 3 Premium integrates Zepp Coach, an artificial intelligence-based training system that builds customized plans based on fitness level, target distance, and user response to workloads.

Those who are starting out in running can rely on a library of courses and pre-configured programs available directly on the watch, adjusting aspects such as training days, weekly goals, or desired pace. For more experienced users, the platform allows create plans from scratch using specific templates for different types of careers.

As the weeks go by, Zepp Coach analyzes how the body responds The system monitors factors such as fatigue, sleep quality, and heart rate during sessions and adjusts the workouts accordingly. The idea is that the plan isn't rigid, but rather a framework that adapts to the user's daily circumstances, which is especially useful during periods of high stress, travel, or less rest.

This approach, which blends physiological data with AI, aims to allow both less experienced and more advanced runners to follow a reasonable training structure without needing to hire a human coach, although always with the logical limitation of being an automated system.

Recovery analysis, BioCharge and load control

Beyond the effort, the Active 3 Premium places considerable emphasis on the part of recovery and restThe watch measures sleep quality and stages, and calculates the recommended total recovery time after the most intense sessions and monitors heart rate variability as an indirect indicator of the state of the nervous system.

The device quantifies the training load and fatigue in the short, medium and long termThis helps detect potential overtraining situations. This data can serve as a warning to ease off when the metrics indicate too much consecutive training without sufficient rest.

A specific function, called BioChargeIt offers a real-time reading of the user's "energy level," combining sleep data, recent exertion, and other parameters. While it is still an algorithmic interpretation, it can be a useful guide for deciding whether to push harder or opt for a gentler approach.

Taken together, these tools aim to help the user not only train more, but also do it with better sleep managementFor many amateur runners, who juggle work, family and sport, having that additional reference point can help plan more sustainable weeks.

Tracking shoe wear and the Amazfit ecosystem

One of the curious features of the Active 3 Premium is the tracking the wear and tear of running shoesThrough this app, the user can register several pairs of shoes, and the watch associates them with each pair. distance traveled with each of them, showing when they are approaching the mileage at which a change is usually recommended.

This feature allows to more objectively monitor the condition of the footwearThis is important for preventing injuries when shoes begin to lose cushioning and stability. For those who use different pairs depending on the type of training or the surface, it's helpful to be able to keep track without relying on manual notes.

The Active 3 Premium also integrates with other accessories in the Amazfit ecosystem, such as Helio Ring and Helio Strapwhich add more data on performance and recovery. The brand continues to expand its platform with a catalog of more than 400 applicationsThese include tools such as Burning Monitor (to track calories burned), Podcast App (with millions of downloadable tracks to listen to offline) or Jet Lag Manager (designed to better adapt to time zone changes in travel or competitions).

Within this ecosystem, the Offline maps with integrated navigation They complete a set of functions that seek to cover not only the training aspect, but also practical aspects of daily life and leisure, without depending so much on the mobile phone.

Smart features and European version with NFC

In the realm of smartwatches, the Amazfit Active 3 Premium incorporates microphone and speakerThis allows you to answer calls from your wrist, interact with voice assistants, and use voice control features during workouts or in daily life.

The watch offers standard smartphone notifications, music control, and other basic functions, but its main appeal remains its fitness features. In any case, many users find it convenient to be able to leave their phone in their pocket and manage short calls or change music directly from the watch.

La The European version includes support for NFC payments.With compatibility for Curve and some Mastercard cards, the Active 3 Premium becomes a more viable alternative to a traditional watch, especially for those who want to travel light while still being able to pay for coffee, public transport, or other occasional purchases.

Price, colors and availability in Spain and Europe

The Amazfit Active 3 Premium is sold in Europe, including Spain, with a official price of 169,90 eurosThe NFC payment version is available through the brand's usual channels, such as the European Amazfit websites and authorized retailers.

The clock arrives in three color finishesAero White, Apex Silver (a darker shade that creates an elegant black effect), and Atlas Blue. In this way, the brand covers a range from a more understated look to somewhat more eye-catching options, although all maintain the same design foundation and materials.

Its launch comes just days after the Amazfit T-Rex Ultra 2, focused on extreme sports and harsher environments, reinforcing the brand's strategy of segment your catalog according to user typeThose seeking maximum robustness have the T-Rex, those prioritizing battery life and a large screen can look at the Active Max, and those wanting a watch very focused on running, with sapphire crystal and lactate threshold, have in the Active 3 Premium an option to consider.

Overall, the Amazfit Active 3 Premium presents itself as a sports smartwatch intended to fill the gap between basic watches and high-end models: Thoughtful design, good battery life, strong focus on running, lactate threshold estimation, offline maps, NFC, and an expanding ecosystem which seeks to provide answers to both the beginner and the experienced broker who demands more detailed information without breaking the bank.