The Amazfit T-Rex 3 is the latest iteration in the popular line of rugged smartwatches from Amazfit, designed to cater to outdoor enthusiasts and fitness buffs. With its military-grade durability, extensive fitness tracking capabilities, and improved software, the T-Rex 3 aims to be more than just a niche device. But does it offer enough to compete with more established brands like Garmin or Suunto, or even smartwatches with a more general appeal? Let’s break down the key aspects of the T-Rex 3 to see if it delivers on its promises.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Amazfit T-Rex 3 is its robust, almost intimidating appearance. Like its predecessors, this model boasts a rugged design that’s ready for rough use. It’s certified with 15 military-grade standards (MIL-STD-810G), which include resistance to extreme temperatures, humidity, salt spray, and even shock. Whether you’re hiking in the rain or trekking in the desert, the T-Rex 3 should be able to withstand the elements without breaking a sweat.
The watch case is made from high-strength polymer, and the bezel is reinforced for extra durability. Weighing around 60 grams, it’s relatively light for a rugged watch, and the silicone strap is comfortable for all-day wear. However, its bulky size might not appeal to everyone. Those with smaller wrists may find it a bit cumbersome, though this is a common trade-off for rugged watches.
The 1.39-inch AMOLED display is another standout feature. The vibrant colors and deep blacks make it easy to read in all lighting conditions, including bright sunlight. With a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels, the screen is sharp and clear, providing an excellent user experience. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, which adds another layer of durability against scratches and accidental impacts.
Fitness and Health Tracking
Amazfit has loaded the T-Rex 3 with a wealth of fitness and health-tracking features. It supports over 150 sports modes, covering everything from running and cycling to swimming and even specialized activities like rock climbing and skiing. The watch is water-resistant up to 10 ATM, meaning it can handle depths of up to 100 meters—making it suitable for swimming, diving, and other water-based activities.
The BioTracker PPG 4.0 sensor enables continuous heart rate monitoring, SpO2 (blood oxygen) measurement, and stress tracking. The heart rate sensor is generally accurate during moderate exercise, but like many wrist-worn devices, it can be less reliable during intense activities. The SpO2 readings are useful for monitoring your oxygen saturation levels, especially when you're at high altitudes or during intense workouts, though it's not a medical-grade device. Additionally, the sleep-tracking feature does a decent job of capturing different sleep stages (light, deep, REM), although it may sometimes misinterpret short periods of wakefulness.
One of the major updates in the T-Rex 3 is the addition of Zepp Coach, a personalized training assistant designed to give you advice based on your fitness data. While it’s not as advanced as Garmin’s training tools, it offers useful suggestions for beginners and intermediates looking to improve their performance.
Navigation and Outdoor Features
Where the Amazfit T-Rex 3 truly shines is in its outdoor capabilities. It is equipped with dual-band GPS and supports five satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BDS, and QZSS), offering fast and accurate location tracking. Whether you’re trail running or exploring off the beaten path, the GPS performance is generally reliable, and the watch can help you navigate back to your starting point if you get lost. The addition of a built-in barometer, compass, and altimeter makes it a solid choice for hikers and outdoor adventurers.
However, it’s important to note that while the T-Rex 3 provides basic mapping and navigation tools, it lacks the advanced mapping features found in more expensive outdoor watches like the Garmin Fenix series. You won’t get topographic maps or the ability to load custom routes, so if you're an advanced hiker or mountaineer who relies on detailed maps, this might be a limitation.
Battery Life
One of the biggest selling points of the Amazfit T-Rex 3 is its impressive battery life. Amazfit claims up to 24 days of battery life with typical usage, and in practice, the watch generally lives up to this promise. In heavy usage scenarios, such as continuous GPS tracking or frequent use of the heart rate and SpO2 sensors, the battery life will drop to around 10-12 days, which is still respectable. In basic mode, where most smart features are disabled, the battery can last up to 45 days. For anyone who has ever been frustrated by the need to charge their smartwatch every night, the T-Rex 3 is a breath of fresh air.
Smart Features and Software
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 runs on the Zepp OS, which is optimized for efficiency and battery performance. The user interface is clean and relatively easy to navigate, though it lacks the polish of systems like Apple’s watchOS or Wear OS. You’ll find all the basic smart features here, including notifications, weather updates, alarms, and music control, but there are limitations. For example, while you can receive notifications from apps like WhatsApp or Gmail, you can’t respond to them directly from the watch. There’s also no support for third-party apps or features like voice assistants or contactless payments, which can be a dealbreaker for users accustomed to more advanced smartwatches.
Final Verdict
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 is an excellent option for outdoor enthusiasts and fitness-minded individuals who need a rugged, reliable smartwatch with long battery life and robust tracking features. It excels in durability, outdoor functionality, and core fitness tracking, while its display and battery life are standout features. However, it may not be the best choice for those who want more advanced smartwatch features, detailed mapping capabilities, or a sleeker design.
For the price, the T-Rex 3 delivers great value, offering many of the features found in more expensive rugged smartwatches. If you’re looking for a durable, long-lasting device that can handle the rigors of outdoor adventures, this could be a great companion. However, if you need a more sophisticated smartwatch experience, there are better options available at a higher price point.
£279
Visit uk.amazfit.com