If I had a penny for every time a trigger happy reviewer dismissed the Amazfit GTS as an Apple clone, I would open a Gringotts bank and hire me some goblins to run it. I would like to believe that the Amazfit has enough going for it to firmly stand on the legs of its own merits. Or be judged by its own unique flaws. But I digress. So then, without further ado, let’s dig in.
Design & Build
The Amazfit GTS’s design philosophy is keeping in line with how regular watches have looked like for the better part of 3 decades or more. To state it more bluntly, the waterproof GTS is simply a watch-shaped smartwatch.
Huami, Amazfit’s parent company stays the course to give you a no-frills smartwatch no different from a few others on the market. Sunny side up, you’re greeted to a gorgeous 1.65″ AMOLED screen that bleeds into the black bezels for a seemingly larger surface area.
If the spec sheet is to be believed, the body is made from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy on the chassis and a polymer material on the underside. Velvet-smooth silicon straps secure the GTS on your wrist, unless you’d rather some fancy third party alternatives of your choosing.
As for the GTS crown, it is a glorified home button and an on/off switch. We noticed that the screen goes to ‘sleep’ when not in use (and if you don’t have Always On Display). A tap on the crown will turn on the display in short order. That is if you prefer that to the feature that turns on the display when you raise your wrist. Rotating the crown serves no discernable purpose as far as we could tell.
Color schemes
My Amazfit GTS is matte black on black, naturally, but before you ask me who died, there’s more flavors of the colorful kind. Other than black, there’s also matte gray with a gray strap, desert gold with a tan strap, matte silver with an orange strap, matte pink with a pink strap and finally matte blue with a blue strap. All that’s left is to choose your flavor.
A quick release mechanism lets you quickly swap out the straps for any other you might fancy. It’s also an easy easy to replace a broken strap or somesuch with third party alternative.
Features
The Amazfit GTS has a respectable arsenal in its armoury. Powered by Huami’s proprietary OS, the watch is a bastard child between a smartwatch and a fitness tracker that doesn’t fully commit to either. Expect app notifications, music control, event reminders, alarms and always on display under the smartwatch banner. But even so, you get app notifications you can’t reply to and music control you can’t initiate on your GTS
The GTS runs Huami’s proprietary operating system, which is fairly robust for a fitness tracker but limited for a smartwatch. You can use the GTS to control music, for example, but only if it’s already playing on your phone. (You can’t start a playlist from the watch.) And, while you can view notifications from your smartwatch, you can’t reply to them.
The fitness tracker side of things is quite robust. The GTS comes with built-in GPS, a proprietary bio-tracking optical sensor, 6-axis acceleration sensor, 3-axis geomagnetic sensor and air pressure and ambient light sensors.
The GTS actively monitors heart rate, calories burned, distance (steps) and Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI), a health score backed by actual science. PAI dumbs down fitness and health metrics into bite-sized data you can gobble up at one go. In a nutshell, it’s in your best interest to keep your PAI over 100.
Formerly the Amazfit, the Zepp app (Android and iOS) manages the smartphone end of things. The app is quite big (over 80MB on Android), and quite overwhelming to navigate. Smartwatch features are repeated on the Homepage, Enjoy tab and the Profile tab for some inexplicable reason.
Fitness & Sleep tracking
Unlike other rugged fitness trackers, the GTS is smooth as a baby’s butt. Fitness hobbyists who engage in light outdoors exercises will appreciate the feature-laden Amazfit GTS. However, hardcore fitness nuts might have to look elsewhere for a less bling-bling smartwatch that can roll with the punches.
The GTS serves up 14 sports activities which you can track on your phone including open water and pool swimming, elliptical trainer, trail running and skiing among the notable mentions. The recorded data is pretty impressive and has an acceptable margin of error.
And might I add; the built-in GPS is a godsend. It works fine for the most part outdoors although it’s pretty useless indoors. It took me about an hour to get it up and running in my apartment. Outdoors, that’s cut down to mere seconds. An added bonus is that the enormous battery capacity means that your GTS won’t give up its ghost in the middle of you crushing your previous personal best.
Heart rate monitoring is stellar although it drains battery more than usual. Sleep monitoring more or less caught me at the exact moment I nodded off. Using the app, I get to see how long I was in deep sleep, REM, light sleep along with a sleep score and heart rate.
On the downside, I have woken up on occasion only to see I have taken a bunch of steps and burned calories all without lifting a finger. You’d imagine you’d need to first get off your tush to register some steps on the GTS. I guess I sleep walk (I don’t). Also, it’s quite upsetting that Huami’s proprietary software doesn’t support native third party apps or external sensors as does WatchOS and Wear OS. Other than Strava which can pull up your data, it’s all locked in the Huami ecosystem and not much good to you otherwise.
The juice box
The Amazfit GTS quite soundly puts lots of smartwatch elders in the game to shame on the battery front. The watch packs a 220mAh lithium-ion polymer battery, a better offering than most. From that you get 14 days typical smartwatch usage with heart rate always on, sleep monitoring, thrice a week exercise regimen for 30 minutes with GPS on, and lifting your wrist a spartan 30 times to read the time, and 5 times for other operations.
Of course you can take it a step further. You can squeeze 46 days out of the GTS when you turn off Bluetooth, heart rate monitoring and other functions. Also, you have to lift your wrist to read time a minimum 100 times a day. Although one wonders what use the smartwatch will be in this scenario.
Real world battery usage though drops to about 10 days, if we are being honest. Come on, we are human and twiddling with devices is what we are about. But even then, 10 days is still quite the feat considers some high-end smartwatches require docking them to charge at the end of every day.
The GTS charger is a magnetic 2-pin pogo mechanism that snaps onto the watch. Charging the 220mAh lithium-ion polymer battery to completion takes about 2 hours. That’s a small price to pay for how long it lasts. For the most part, I would charge it, strap it on and forget all about the charger for the next week or so.
Watch our video quick review below;
Related: Amazfit Bip review: A budget fitness smartwatch with a retro feel
Verdict
My experience with the Amazfit GTS was kinda bittersweet. For one, it’s a gorgeous, comfortable smartwatch. It’s lightweight with a beautiful finish that gets it confused for an Apple Watch on occasion. The AMOLED display is crystal clear and it can get blinding bright if you want it to.
The GTS sports the expected industry-standard bells and whistles only let down by an OS that’s still wet behind the ears. Huami’s OS doesn’t support third party apps or sensors. The Play Store is rife with poor ratings owing to buggy updates that break functionality more often than fix anything.
I failed to get the app to pinpoint my town and had to settle for a nearby town for weather updates. And there’s the odd times the overeager GTS started recording my steps and calories before I even leave the bed.
Disregard the few hiccups mentioned above and you have yourself a smartwatch that does more than read time at a decent price. The battery capacity puts a smile on my face although with always on display and other features turned on, it won’t last as long as advertised. Also, with good calibration, the GTS gives quite accurate metrics.
Price & where to buy
Amazfit GTS Specifications
- Model: Amazfit GTS (A1914)
- OEM: Huami Science and Technology
- OS: Proprietary. Supports Android 5.0 or iOS 10.0 and above
- Display: 1.65″ AMOLED, resolution 348 x 442, 341ppi, Always-on display
- Touch screen: Corning Gorilla 3 + Anti-fingerprint coating
- Dimensions: 43.25 x 36.25 x 9.4mm
- Weight: Approx. 24.8g (without strap)
- Waterproof rating: 5 ATM (up to 50m)
- Connection: Bluetooth 5.0, BLE
- Battery: 220mAh lithium-ion polymer battery.
- Charging: Magnetic 2-pin pogo connecter. Approx. 2hr charging time
Sydney Mugerwa is a seasoned consumer tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with a passion for reviewing the latest gadgets and smart devices. From smartphones and wearables to smart home products and cameras, Sydney breaks down the complexities of consumer tech, making it easy to understand through detailed reviews and how-to guides. His mission is to simplify tech jargon and help readers make informed decisions in the ever-evolving world of technology.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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