Active 2 Series

I use the same watch. Sure the storage is not that great. It gives about 2 hours of music. I don't listen to music but I listen to audiobooks. So with Shokz earphones, it is great for any workout of less than 2 hours. I run 10km usually so I am fine with it.  The main issue is the UI to create a playlist in a specific order (chapters of an audiobook), it is long to add them 1 by 1... If more storage is necessary, the Active Max could be a good option. Local music only, not Spotify. 

Moved from Fitbit to an Amazfit active 2 a few months ago. Couldn’t be happier for $100

As a long term Galaxy Watch wearer (from gen 1 to 7) and an Apple Watch gen 11 wearer (for 3 days), IMO, the Active 2 kicks both Samsung and Apple’s ass. Not having to charge your watch every single day is a game changer. At a fraction of the price, sure, you’re not gonna get all the bells and whistles but you get enough and don’t feel ripped off paying ridiculous prices for a bunch of superfluous features. I have a Bip 6 and Active 2 to cover square vs round and still had enough money left over to get a Nintendo Switch 2.

I've owned two recent watches from them (my current one is the Active 2), and I've been pretty happy with them. Might be that my needs are simple and I only use them for time, sleep tracking, and notifications.

Amazfit Balance 2 should be about that price. The T-Rex 3 as well for something more sporty. The T-Rex 3 pro is out of that price range, but it's worth the extra. Or Bip 6, or Active 2 round or square, for a cheaper option with the same sensors and 90% of the features and limited local storage. The current gen of Amazfit devices are really very good.

Amazfit Balance 2 should be about that price. The T-Rex 3 as well for something more sporty. The T-Rex 3 pro is out of that price range, but it's worth the extra. Or Bip 6, or Active 2 round or square, for a cheaper option with the same sensors and 90% of the features and limited local storage. The current gen of Amazfit devices are really very good.

Get a refurbished amazfit active 2. Or revise your budget upwards a bit. The cmf watch 3 is reportedly pretty good.

I agree, I'm disappointed. I wear my Active 2 when I want a smaller stylish slim look than my T-Rex 3 Pro 44mm. And in those situations, I don't really need all the buttons. The Active 3 looks like less stylish and is larger and thicker. They need to focus better on who the audience is for each model.

Amazfit Active 2 gives me 11 days of battery life...a nice watch.