The Zepp OS powers Amazfit’s smartwatches (including the GTR 4, Balance, and T-Rex Ultra), offering a unique balance of long battery life, smooth performance, and fitness-first features. Here’s everything you need to know:
What Is Zepp OS?
Zepp OS is a lightweight, Linux-based operating system designed specifically for Amazfit and Zepp smartwatches. Unlike Wear OS or watchOS, it prioritizes:
✔ Battery efficiency (weeks of runtime vs. days on competitors)
✔ Fitness/health tracking (150+ sports modes, advanced metrics)
✔ Customizability (watch faces, widgets, and mini-apps)
Current Version: Zepp OS 3.0 (as of 2025), with AI upgrades like Zepp Coach™ and Zepp Flow™ voice assistant.
Key Features & Capabilities
1. Performance & Efficiency
- Lightweight Code: Uses just 55MB of RAM (vs. 1GB+ on Wear OS), enabling snappy performance on budget hardware.
- Battery Optimization: Enables 14–21 days of battery life on watches like the GTR 4 and Balance 2 (vs. 1–2 days for Apple Watch/Samsung).
2. Health & Fitness Tracking
- BioTracker™ PPG 4.0/5.0: Advanced heart rate, SpO2, and stress monitoring.
- Dual-Band GPS: Precision tracking for runners/cyclists.
- AI-Powered Insights:
- Zepp Coach™: Adaptive training plans based on recovery data.
- Readiness Score: Combines sleep, HRV, and activity for daily recommendations.
3. Smart Features
- Notifications: Call/text alerts with quick replies (Android only).
- Bluetooth Calling: On supported models (e.g., Balance 2).
- Alexa Built-in: Voice queries for weather, timers, etc.
- Mini-Apps: Small utilities (weather, stopwatch, music control) via the Zepp Store.
4. Customization
- 1,000+ Watch Faces: From minimalistic to data-heavy designs.
- Widgets: Glanceable stats (steps, HR, weather) with swipe access.
- Always-On Display (AOD): Customizable layouts.
Zepp OS vs. Competitors
| Feature | Zepp OS | Wear OS (Google) | watchOS (Apple) | Garmin OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | 14–21 days | 1–2 days | 1–1.5 days | 7–21 days |
| App Support | Limited mini-apps | Full Play Store | App Store | Connect IQ |
| Fitness Focus | Excellent | Good | Good | Best |
| Voice Assistant | Alexa/Zepp Flow | Google Assistant | Siri | None |
| Price Range | 150–150–350 | 250–250–700+ | $400+ | 200–200–1,000+ |
Best For: Users who want long battery life + fitness tracking without premium smartwatch prices.
Limitations
❌ No Third-Party Apps: No Spotify, WhatsApp, or Uber (unlike Wear OS/watchOS).
❌ Limited iOS Features: iPhone users miss text replies and deeper Siri integration.
❌ No NFC Payments: Amazfit watches lack Google/Apple Pay support.
Which Watches Use Zepp OS?
- Budget: Amazfit Bip U Pro, GTS 4 Mini
- Mid-Range: GTR 4, GTS 4, T-Rex 2
- Premium: Balance 2, T-Rex Ultra
Future of Zepp OS
Zepp Health is investing in:
- AI-driven health insights (e.g., sleep apnea detection).
- More mini-apps (e.g., offline maps, hydration tracker).
- Better iOS compatibility.
Final Verdict
Zepp OS is ideal for fitness-focused users who prioritize battery life over apps. If you need a pure smartwatch (e.g., payments, apps), consider Wear OS or Apple Watch.
Rating: 4/5 (Great for fitness, lacks app ecosystem).