As a longtime Garmin user, this is nothing entirely new, but offline maps and on-device navigation are increasingly available even in more affordable smartwatches (Amazfit Active 2 on Amazon). Many Amazfit models also offer local navigation features, while Garmin still reserves the full experience much more strictly for higher-end models. Wrist-based maps are clearly aimed at more ambitious athletes, but they are also genuinely useful for everyday users: With POIs and turn-by-turn navigation, as offered by the Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro, they add real value on a city trip. Your smartphone can stay in your pocket, which saves battery and keeps your hands free. A specific feature offered by the Cheetah 2 Pro, among others, that I initially underestimated is its round-trip routing function. Starting from the current location, the watch can generate a loop route with a defined distance, a chosen activity type, and a preferred direction of travel. That is especially useful on vacation, because simply heading out without a plan often means retracing your steps or missing your target distance.
