Amazfit Courts Garmin Fenix Fans With Balance 3 And Ultra Watches

Amazfit is directly challenging Garmin's long-held dominance in the premium outdoor watch segment. With the launch of the Balance 3 and Balance Ultra, the Chinese wearable maker is courting Garmin Fenix fans by offering a compelling mix of features, durability, and a more accessible price point.

Amazfit released the Balance 3 and Balance Ultra on June 3, 2026, positioning them as the latest in its high-end Balance line. The watches are designed for 'hybrid athletes'—people who train both indoors and outdoors and demand everything from advanced GPS to recovery metrics. This move comes as the smartwatch market sees increasing competition, with brands like Coros and Suunto also vying for outdoor enthusiasts.

Amazfit has steadily built its reputation with affordable yet feature-rich wearables. The original Balance launched in 2023 as a direct competitor to the Garmin Venu series. Now, with the third generation, the company is aiming even higher. The Balance 3 and Balance Ultra specifically target users who might otherwise buy a Garmin Fenix 7 or 8—watches known for rugged build, long battery life, and extensive sports profiles. By offering similar capabilities at a lower cost, Amazfit hopes to peel away price-sensitive customers.

Key details remain scarce, but early information suggests the Balance 3 will feature an AMOLED display, dual-band GPS, and a new heart rate sensor. The Balance Ultra is expected to up the ante with solar charging, a titanium bezel, and mapping features. Both models are likely to include Amazfit's Zepp OS with third-party app support and advanced training metrics like VO2 max, training load, and recovery time. The Ultra could also support multi-sport transition modes for triathletes. Amazfit claims the Balance 3 will deliver up to 14 days of typical battery life, while the Ultra may extend that with solar assistance.

This launch signals a broader trend: the wearable market is segmenting further, with hybrid athletes becoming a key demographic. Garmin has long dominated this niche, but its premium pricing leaves room for disruptors. Analysts note that if Amazfit can deliver near-equivalent performance at 30-50% less cost, it could erode Garmin's market share—especially among non-professional athletes. However, Garmin's ecosystem of training tools, golf maps, and customer support remains a strong moat. The Balance 3 and Ultra will need to prove themselves in accuracy, durability, and software polish.

Looking ahead, Amazfit is expected to ship the Balance 3 and Ultra in late Q3 2026, with pricing rumored at $349 for the Balance 3 and $499 for the Ultra. Early reviews and hands-on tests from trusted tech outlets will be critical. If the watches deliver on their promises, Garmin may need to accelerate its own innovation or adjust pricing. The battle for the best outdoor watch is heating up—and Amazfit now has a legitimate contender.