Amazfit Cheetah Round Review: The Runner’s Watch Redefined

Runners demand a lot from their gear, and Amazfit delivers with the Cheetah Round. This watch caters to runners of all levels, offering advanced metrics, precise tracking, and seamless integration with the Zepp App. After meeting the Amazfit team at The Running Event, it’s clear they’ve designed the Cheetah Round with purpose, innovation, and runners’ needs in mind.

Let’s break down what makes the Amazfit Cheetah Round stand out.

The Running Event

When I met the Amazfit team at The Running Event in Austin, Texas, it was clear they were passionate about revolutionizing the running watch market. Their booth was buzzing with energy, as they showcased their lineup of cutting-edge wearables, including the sleek Amazfit Cheetah Round. The team eagerly walked me through the watch’s features, from its advanced MaxTrack™ GPS technology to its seamless integration with the Zepp App. What stood out most was their genuine enthusiasm for supporting runners of all levels. They weren’t just selling a product—they were presenting a tool designed to enhance the running experience and help athletes achieve their goals. Their commitment to innovation and the running community left a lasting impression, and I couldn’t wait to put the Cheetah Round to the test.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The Amazfit Cheetah Round comes neatly packaged with a minimalist design aesthetic that reflects its ethos: functional, stylish, and built for performance. Inside the box, you’ll find:

• The Cheetah Round watch.
• A magnetic charging cable.
• Quick-start guide and warranty information.

From the moment you pick it up, the lightweight design (32g without the strap) impresses. Its brushed bezel and crisp AMOLED display strike a perfect balance between sporty and elegant, making it suitable for runs and casual wear alike.

Too Many Features to Cover: A Watch Packed with Possibilities

The Amazfit Cheetah Round is more than just a running watch—it’s a Swiss Army knife of functionality that’s impossible to fully explore in a single review. While I’ll touch on a few standout features here, it’s worth noting that this watch offers a wealth of tools to make your training, daily routines, and outdoor adventures more seamless.

Personal Favorites: Small Features That Make a Big Difference

1. Multiple Alarm Settings
   The ability to set multiple alarms is a game-changer for those of us with busy schedules. Whether you need a gentle reminder to hydrate during a long run, a wake-up alarm for early morning training, or timed intervals for stretching and recovery, the Cheetah Round offers flexibility that adapts to your needs.
2. Customizable Workout Screens
   I loved the freedom to customize workout screens to display the data I care about most. Whether it’s heart rate, pace, distance, or elevation, I could tailor each screen to match my training goals. The process is intuitive, and it ensures that the information I need is always just a quick glance away.
3. Built-in Light Functionality
   For those who train before dawn or after sunset, the built-in light functionality is a thoughtful addition. With just a quick tap, the watch emits enough light to help you see your surroundings or check your gear without fumbling in the dark. It’s a small feature, but one that runners who train in low-light conditions will deeply appreciate.
4. Quick Access Functions
   The Cheetah Round’s quick access options make navigation simple and efficient. Whether it’s starting a workout, controlling music, or checking your stats mid-run, the intuitive interface ensures you spend less time fiddling with settings and more time focusing on your performance.

Beyond What’s Highlighted

These are just a few of the features that stood out to me during my testing, but the truth is, the Amazfit Cheetah Round offers far more than I could cover here. From smart notifications and recovery suggestions to AI-powered coaching and weather updates, the watch is packed with tools to enhance both your running and your daily life. It’s a watch designed to keep up with your lifestyle, no matter how demanding or dynamic it may be. If you’re the type of runner who values versatility and cutting-edge technology, you’ll find this device exceeds expectations in ways both big and small.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Precision GPS with MaxTrack™ Technology

One of the most critical features for runners is GPS accuracy. Amazfit’s proprietary MaxTrack™ GPS technology uses dual-band positioning for exceptional precision, even in areas where other GPS systems might struggle, such as urban environments or trails with dense tree cover. The Cheetah Round consistently outperformed expectations in tracking routes and providing accurate split times.

2. Advanced Running Metrics

The Cheetah Round offers a suite of metrics tailored specifically for runners:

• VO2 Max: Tracks your aerobic fitness over time.
• Cadence and Stride Length: Essential for identifying inefficiencies in running form.
• Pace Analysis: Tracks pace variability, helping runners maintain consistent effort during training and races.
• Performance Condition: Offers real-time insights into how your body is performing during a run.

3. Seamless Zepp App Integration

The Zepp App enhances the user experience by providing post-run analytics and AI-driven insights. Its standout features include:

• Training Load and Recovery Time: Helps runners avoid overtraining.
• AI Coaching: Provides personalized training plans based on individual performance and goals.
• Workout Summaries: Detailed visualizations of cadence, pace, and heart rate zones.

4. Battery Life That Outlasts the Competition

Battery performance is another area where the Cheetah Round excels:

• Up to 14 days of daily use.
• 20 hours of GPS tracking, perfect for marathon training or ultrarunning.

5. Lightweight and Comfortable Design

The soft, sweat-resistant strap is designed with long runs in mind, preventing irritation even during the sweatiest sessions. The lightweight build ensures the watch is almost unnoticeable, reducing distractions while running.

Comparison Table: Amazfit Cheetah Round vs. Competitors

The Amazfit Cheetah Round offers many of the same features as its competitors, often at a lower price point, making it an excellent value for runners on a budget.

In-Depth Analysis

GPS Accuracy in Real-World Conditions

To test GPS performance, I ran in three distinct environments:

1. Open Road: The GPS was flawless, locking on within seconds and maintaining precision.
2. Urban Settings: Even with tall buildings and narrow streets, the MaxTrack™ GPS performed admirably, avoiding the “jumping” effect seen in some other watches.
3. Trail Running: The dual-band system provided consistent tracking, even in wooded areas.

Heart Rate Monitoring

The optical heart rate sensor provided reliable data during steady-state runs. However, like most wrist-based monitors, there was a slight delay in tracking rapid heart rate changes during sprints.

Zepp App Usability

The Zepp App is a major highlight. It organizes data intuitively, allowing runners to quickly review their stats. I particularly appreciated the recovery time suggestions and AI-coaching insights. These features are ideal for structured training or preparing for a race.

Battery Life Experience

The advertised 20-hour GPS runtime held true, even during long weekend trail runs and back-to-back workouts. I didn’t have to worry about charging during the week with regular daily use.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable compared to competitors.
• Lightweight and comfortable for long runs.
• MaxTrack™ GPS ensures accuracy in any environment.
• Deep integration with the Zepp App for personalized training insights.
• Excellent battery life for daily use and long runs.

Cons:

• Lacks onboard music storage (though it offers music control).
• The AMOLED display, while vibrant, could be less visible in bright sunlight.
• Wrist-based heart rate monitoring, while good, isn’t as precise as a chest strap.

Is the Amazfit Cheetah Round Worth It?

For runners seeking a feature-packed watch without breaking the bank, the Amazfit Cheetah Round is a clear winner. It provides everything you need for training, whether you’re preparing for your first 5K or chasing a marathon PR.

With a sleek design, impressive GPS accuracy, and long battery life, the Cheetah Round holds its own against more expensive competitors. The Zepp App integration is the icing on the cake, giving runners actionable insights to optimize their training.

Verdict: If you’re in the market for a running-focused smartwatch that doesn’t compromise on features, the Amazfit Cheetah Round is a fantastic choice.