# Amazfit's New Running Watch Falls Short of Expectations
Amazfit has built a reputation for solid fitness trackers, but the company's new Cheetah line running watch doesn't deliver the performance its name promises.
The reviewer found the Cheetah watch lacking in key areas that serious runners depend on. The GPS accuracy, while decent, doesn't match competitors like Garmin or Apple Watch in real-world testing. Battery life dropped faster than expected during intensive running sessions, requiring more frequent charging than similar watches in this price range.
The watch does offer useful features. It tracks heart rate variability, provides detailed split times, and syncs smoothly with popular running apps like Strava. The display remains readable in bright sunlight, a genuine strength. For casual runners logging a few miles weekly, these functions work well enough.
Where it stumbles matters most to dedicated runners. The watch sometimes loses signal in dense urban areas or heavily wooded trails. The running-specific metrics feel basic compared to established running watches. Load times for workouts occasionally lag, and the interface takes more taps than necessary to access key data mid-run.
For $150 to $200, Amazfit positions the Cheetah as a budget-friendly option. That price point sets realistic expectations, but runners investing in a dedicated watch usually want reliability above all else. A fitness tracker works fine for general activity monitoring. A running watch carries different demands.
Amazfit's core fitness trackers remain capable devices for everyday health tracking. The Cheetah line, though, represents a step where the company hasn't quite mastered the category. Runners serious about pace, distance, and performance tracking should audition other brands before committing. Those wanting basic run-tracking on a budget might tolerate its quirks, but the Cheetah watch doesn't establish itself as a standout choice in a competitive market