Looking for an honest Amazfit Active Max vs Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm comparison in 2026? We scored both smartwatches on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Amazfit Active Max comes out ahead 69/100 to 37/100 — a 32-point gap. The widest gap is in battery life, where the Amazfit Active Max pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm undercuts the Amazfit Active Max by 6% ($160 vs $169.99), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
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Amazfit Active Max clearly outperforms the Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm in the smartwatches category, especially in battery life (600h vs 18h battery), scoring 69 vs 37. If you want the better overall smartwatches, Amazfit Active Max is the recommended choice.
Picking Amazfit Active Max over Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm means trading these off.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
| Spec | Amazfit Active MaxW | Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.5" | 1.9"✓ |
| Display Type | AMOLED | Always-on Retina LTPO OLED |
| Resolution | — | 396 x 484 pixels |
| Chipset | — | Apple S8 SiP |
| OS | proprietary | watchOS 9 |
| Heart Rate |
Buy Amazfit Active Max if…
Buy the Amazfit Active Max if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Buy Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm if…
The Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Amazfit Active Max clearly outperforms the Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm in the smartwatches category, especially in battery life (600h vs 18h battery), scoring 69 vs 37. If you want the better overall smartwatches, Amazfit Active Max is the recommended choice.
Yes, Amazfit Active Max scores higher overall (69 vs 37).
Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm is cheaper at $160 vs $169.99 for the Amazfit Active Max.
Buy the Amazfit Active Max if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
The Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm has a larger battery (308mAh vs 300mAh for the Amazfit Active Max), which generally means longer use between charges.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Scores are relative within the smartwatchescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✗ Cons
| Optical HR 24/7 |
| Optical HR 24/7 |
| SpO2 | true | Yes (blood oxygen) |
| ECG | true | Yes (FDA approved) |
| Temperature | — | Wrist skin temperature |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Workout Modes | 90+ | 80+ |
| Swim Proof | 5 ATM water resistance | 50m water resistance |
| Battery Life | 600hrs✓ | 18hrs |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| NFC | true | Yes |
| Case Material | Aluminium | Aluminium |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP6X, WR50 |
| Weight | 45g✓ | 47g |
| Price | 169.99$ | 160$✓ |
Amazfit Active Max lasts longer with 600 hours vs 18 hours for the other.
Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS Cellular) 45mm has the larger display (1.9" vs 1.5").