Amazfit Helio Strap – latest update
I’ve been using Helio Strap for a while (critical review: here) and might write something later this week that would loosely stand up as a review. The most obvious (and incorrect) title of ‘Whoop Killer‘ seems to have been taken already by about 37 reviewers. So I’ll have to get more creative. I also spoke with the brand last week and got told off for, admittedly unfairly, strawmanning it as a re-imagined step tracker, so the pressure is on!
Today’s headline news is that Amazfit has slightly tweaked the firmware. With that in mind, it could be time to get a coffee, relax and digest the complexity. Or you could just read the next six sentences.
I’ve been using it in the gym a bit, and it could take quite a while to hook up with the Technogym equipment there. Yesterday’s firmware update boosted connection stability when broadcasting, hopefully resolving my problem.
Also updated is the duration that workouts can be held on the device without a sync. It’s been bumped to 21 days, which is vaguely interesting. Either the company miraculously found more space or used a different compression algorithm.
I was hoping for an improvement to the automated workout detection algorithm, which doesn’t work for me even on the most sensitive setting, which leads to inaccurate strain/training load when combined with odd HR zones.
Update (March 2026): Soon after Amazfit added additional biceps bands for wearing in positions that give greater accuracy.
Last Updated on 11 April 2026 by the5krunner
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors.
You can now use HR on Garmin devices, other than that I haven’t( seen anything.
I’ve had mine since the 24th and…it’s ok but I’m not convinced by BioCharge that seems to merge Garmin’s BB, Readiness, Recovery and Training Readiness. Obviously it’s better to have them separately.
only the waking/overnight hrv has any meaning and even then only for resting physiology
garmin BB is just invented. hrv in the day doesnt mean anything scientifically (yes i still look at it!)
what is trainign readiness? what are the units of measure? what is the accepted standard to comapre to? 😉
I suppose one invented metric is as good as any other
Seems like you managed to succeed at both ends:
A) Upsetting the ‘Whoop Killer’ reviewers
B) Upsetting the manuf for calling it a re-imagined activity tracker
One might argue you’re on the right track…
Yes, I was somewhat annoyed by your ‘it’s not a Whoop Killer Review’, stealing my thunder. https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2025/07/amazfit-helio-vs-whoop-band-closer-comparison.html
Fear not, I have a hilariously different angle to take. 🙂
Since the latest update (3.0.6.5) I cannot connect the Helio strap to any of my Polar Devices as a HR device. It pairs OK but will not connect as a HR device. It works with my Concept2 machines, but will not connect to my assault bike or Air Runner since the updates.
This device is definitely no better than a fitbit Charge imo. At least fitbit devices do a good job at getting bed time and wake up times correct as well as picking up activities.
This device is terrible unless worn on the bicep for exercise. Now Amazfit have screwed up the BLE connection so it cannot be used as a HR device from the bicep.
The Biocharge is random at best, The AI recommendations are repetitive “I noticed your HR decreased slowly last night” “You did not get enough deep sleep” ” You slept longer than usual last night” etc…..
If I had not received this unit free, I would have requested a refund within a week of purchase.
it works for me to the technogym stuff at my gym
try to reset the ble conenction.