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| Amazfit may be planning a product to compete with the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar. |
The wearable technology landscape is about to get a whole lot more interesting, as evidence emerges that Amazfit is developing a smartwatch with integrated solar charging capabilities. This development comes at a pivotal moment when even industry giant Garmin appears to be stepping back from solar technology in its premium offerings.
The smartwatch market has long been divided between those who prioritize dazzling displays and those who value endurance above all else. While Garmin's Fenix 8 Solar ($849 on Amazon) has been a standout example of solar technology done right, combining an energy-efficient MiP display with integrated solar cells to stretch battery life from 48 days to an impressive 107 days in power-saving mode, the landscape is shifting. Garmin's recent decision to offer the Fenix 8 Pro exclusively with AMOLED or microLED displays—the latter managing just 14 days even in power-saving mode—has created a notable void in the market for those seeking extreme battery longevity.
What the Zepp Health App Reveals
This is precisely where Amazfit might be poised to strike. According to recent findings by Gadgets & Wearables, the latest version of the Zepp Health app (version 10.5.0) contains compelling evidence of solar functionality in development. The code includes several telling references that point toward a solar-equipped smartwatch in the works.
The data fields discovered within the app's code paint a fascinating picture. Terms like "lux," "panelType," and "status" appear within the "SolarBatteryChargeRecord" category—elements that were present in earlier versions but have now been significantly expanded. However, it's the new additions that are truly revealing.
Perhaps most intriguing is the inclusion of "solar intensity," complete with a description explaining that this value indicates the light intensity to which the device's surface is currently exposed. This suggests that the smartwatch will not only support solar charging but will also provide users with real-time feedback about solar conditions—a feature that would be invaluable for outdoor enthusiasts and those who want to maximize their device's charging potential.
The code further distinguishes between "watch_face_input_power" and "case_back_input_power," indicating that the app can differentiate between energy captured through the solar cells on the display versus traditional charger input. This level of granularity suggests a sophisticated implementation that would give users unprecedented insight into their device's power sources.
Additionally, "SolarIntensityAction" appears to enable control over a yet-to-be-defined solar function, while "SolarIntensitySyncJob" handles the synchronization of solar intensity data between the smartwatch and the companion smartphone app. These technical breadcrumbs strongly indicate that Amazfit is actively developing at least one smartwatch with solar capabilities, though the company has yet to officially confirm any release timeline.
Why Solar Technology Makes Sense for Amazfit
The question of display technology is crucial here. Solar cells would provide minimal battery life extension on a smartwatch equipped with a power-hungry AMOLED display—the kind of screen that makes modern smartwatches visually stunning but drains batteries quickly. This suggests that Amazfit will likely follow Garmin's solar model approach by opting for a more energy-efficient display technology, most probably a transflective LCD (often marketed as MiP or ePaper).
This strategy makes perfect sense for Amazfit, who is no stranger to power-efficient displays. In 2020, the company launched the Amazfit Bip S with precisely this type of screen, achieving an extraordinary 40-day battery life—all without any solar assistance whatsoever. Combining that proven efficiency with solar charging capabilities could result in battery life measured in months rather than weeks, potentially redefining what users can expect from a smartwatch.
The Market Opportunity
The timing of this development is particularly strategic. With Garmin pivoting toward more power-hungry displays in its latest premium offerings, a significant gap has opened up in the market for users who prioritize extreme battery life. These users—frequently outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and those who simply don't want to worry about yet another device to charge daily—have limited options in the current landscape.
Amazfit has built a reputation for offering excellent value and impressive battery life across its product lineup. A solar-powered addition would cement that reputation while potentially attracting customers who might previously have considered Garmin's solar offerings. The company has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver compelling features at competitive price points, and a solar smartwatch would be no exception.
What We Can Expect
While specific details about the rumored Amazfit solar smartwatch remain scarce, the evidence from the Zepp Health app code allows us to make some educated predictions. The watch will likely feature:
- A highly energy-efficient display, probably similar to the transflective LCD technology used in the Bip S
- Comprehensive solar charging capabilities with real-time feedback on solar intensity
- Sophisticated power management that distinguishes between solar and traditional charging sources
- Extended battery life that could potentially exceed the 40-day benchmark already achieved by the Bip S
There is also the possibility that Amazfit might develop multiple solar-equipped models to cater to different market segments, ranging from fitness-focused devices to more premium offerings with additional health and wellness features.
The Competitive Landscape
The solar smartwatch segment has remained relatively niche, primarily dominated by Garmin's offerings and a few specialized brands. This means Amazfit would face limited direct competition while potentially capturing a dedicated user base that values endurance above all else.
Coupled with the company's existing strengths in health monitoring, fitness tracking, and smart features, a solar-powered Amazfit watch could become an extremely compelling option for a wide range of consumers. For those who have been frustrated by the constant charging requirements of modern smartwatches, such a device would represent a genuine breakthrough.
Looking Ahead
The discovery of solar-related code in the Zepp Health app is the strongest indication yet that Amazfit is serious about bringing a solar-powered smartwatch to market. While the company has not confirmed any specifics about release dates or technical specifications, the depth of the evidence suggests that development is well underway.
If Amazfit can deliver on the promise of a solar smartwatch with exceptional battery life at a competitive price point, it could significantly disrupt the current smartwatch market dynamics. Garmin's strategic shift away from solar technology in its premium models may have inadvertently created the perfect opportunity for Amazfit to establish itself as the go-to brand for those who refuse to compromise on battery life.
For now, we can only wait and watch for official announcements from Amazfit. But if the evidence from the Zepp Health app is any indication, the future of smartwatch battery life might be getting a whole lot brighter.
Source: Gadgets & Wearables