Amazfit GTS 4 vs Mobvoi TicWatch E3: Budget Smartwatches at $200
The Amazfit GTS 4 and Mobvoi TicWatch E3 are priced identically at $199.99, but they take fundamentally different approaches to the software running on the watch.
The GTS 4 runs Amazfit's own lightweight operating system rather than Wear OS, prioritizing battery life and simplicity over a full third-party app ecosystem.
Global reference price
The TicWatch E3 runs full Google Wear OS with a Snapdragon chipset, giving it access to the same app ecosystem as Samsung's and Google's own watches.
Global reference price
Specification Comparison
Key Differences
This is fundamentally a software philosophy choice: Amazfit's proprietary OS trades third-party app support for typically better battery efficiency and a simpler interface, while Wear OS on the TicWatch E3 opens up Google Maps, Google Pay, and a broader third-party app library at the cost of the shorter battery life Wear OS devices are generally known for.
Pros & Cons
Amazfit GTS 4
Pros
- Generally better battery efficiency
- Simpler, more focused interface
Cons
- No access to a full third-party app store
Mobvoi TicWatch E3
Pros
- Full Wear OS app ecosystem
- Google Maps and Google Pay support
Cons
- Generally shorter battery life than proprietary-OS competitors
Which One Is Right For You?
- Amazfit GTS 4: Best for buyers who want long battery life and core fitness/notification features without needing a full app store.
- Mobvoi TicWatch E3: Best for buyers who specifically want Wear OS apps like Google Maps or Google Pay on their wrist.
Conclusion
At the same price, this decision comes down entirely to whether Wear OS's app ecosystem is worth trading some battery efficiency for — there's no universally correct answer.
Summary
Amazfit GTS 4
Strengths
- Better battery efficiency, simpler interface
Weaknesses
- No full app ecosystem
Mobvoi TicWatch E3
Strengths
- Full Wear OS app support
Weaknesses
- Shorter battery life
Choose the GTS 4 for simplicity and battery efficiency; choose the TicWatch E3 if Wear OS apps like Google Maps or Google Pay matter to you.