The Amazfit T-Rex 3 is a budget-friendly smartwatch priced at $299, offering a range of features for fitness and outdoor activities. This review will compare it to more expensive models like the Garmin Fenix 8 and explain why it could be a great choice for active individuals.
Amazfit T-Rex 3
Elevate your outdoor adventures with the Amazfit T-Rex 3 – a rugged smartwatch built to withstand the harshest conditions. Combining military-grade durability, cutting-edge features, and a sleek design, this watch is your ultimate companion for exploring the great outdoors.
Buy Now27-Day Battery
Stay powered on your longest adventures.
Dual-Band GPS
Navigate with precision in real-time.
1.5″ Ultra-clear Display
Crisp visuals under any lighting conditions.
170+ Sports Modes
Track every activity with advanced metrics.
10 ATM Water Resistance
Dive up to 100 meters with confidence.
Military-Grade Toughness
Built to withstand extreme conditions.
Key Takeaways:
- Price: Amazfit T-Rex 3 is $299, a budget-friendly alternative to high-end models.
- Durability: Military-grade build; EN 13319 certified for diving up to 45 meters.
- Battery Life: Up to 27 days typical use; 42 hours in high accuracy GPS mode.
- Fitness Tracking: Over 170 sport profiles; advanced heart rate and SPO2 monitoring.
- User Interface: Intuitive navigation; integrates with the Zepp app for health data.
- Voice Limitations: Supports voice commands but no phone calls or external voice assistants.
A True Warrior in a Smartwatch Disguise
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 isn’t your average smartwatch. It’s built to withstand the elements and is packed with features that cater to active lifestyles. Think of it as a mini tank on your wrist, ready to conquer any challenge you throw at it.
Why should you care?
Well, if you’re looking for a durable smartwatch that can keep up with your adventures without emptying your wallet, the T-Rex 3 might be your perfect match. Let’s explore what sets it apart.
Design and Build Quality
Built Like a Tank, Looks Like a Watch
The T-Rex 3 boasts a distinctive octagonal design that sets it apart from the usual round or square smartwatch crowd. At 48mm wide and 13.8mm thick, it’s a similar size to the Garmin Fenix 8, making a bold statement on your wrist.
Military-Grade Toughness: This isn’t just a fashion statement, though. The T-Rex 3 is built to endure extreme conditions. Its robust metal bezel protects the Gorilla Glass lens, giving it a rugged feel and serious durability.
Dive Deep with Confidence: This smartwatch takes its toughness to the next level with an EN 13319 certification. This means it’s built for scuba diving up to 45 meters deep – a feature usually reserved for high-end watches like the Garmin Fenix 8 and Apple Watch Ultra. The T-Rex 3 joins this elite club, proving its ability to withstand serious underwater pressure.
Stay tuned for more insights as we explore the T-Rex 3’s fitness tracking, navigation capabilities, and battery life in the upcoming sections!
Durability Features
- Military-grade build quality
- Gorilla Glass lens for scratch resistance
- EN 13319 dive certification up to 45 meters
Display Features
The T-Rex 3 features a vibrant 1.5-inch AMOLED display, which can reach up to 2000 nits of brightness. This ensures excellent visibility even in direct sunlight.
One notable addition is the dark mode, which is easy on the eyes and can be toggled on for night-time usage.
Display Specifications
- 1.5-inch AMOLED touchscreen
- 2000 nits brightness
- Ambient light sensor for automatic brightness adjustment
Fitness and Wellness Tracking Capabilities
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 comes with more than 170 sport profiles and modes. This makes it a good choice for many types of fitness activities. It has an advanced optical heart rate sensor. This sensor can measure your blood oxygen levels (SPO2) and give precise heart rate information.
If you enjoy outdoor activities, the watch offers many tracking options. It has special modes just for hiking and running. While using these, it can check your heart rate in real time.
Fitness Tracking Features
- Over 170 Sport Profiles: Whether you’re into HIIT workouts, trail running, or swimming, there’s a mode tailored for you.
- Customizable Data Fields: Personalize metrics displayed during workouts to focus on what’s important to you.
- Optical heart rate sensor with improved accuracy.
- Real-time SPO2 monitoring.
User Interface and Wellness Features
The user interface of the Amazfit T-Rex 3 is intuitive and responsive, making it easy for users to navigate through various features. The watch face can be customized, and users can choose from a wide array of watch faces available through the Zepp app.
Wellness features include advanced sleep tracking and a unique readiness score that provides insights into how rested you are and how ready you are to take on the day. This is similar to systems used by other brands, creating a familiar experience for users transitioning from other ecosystems.
Wellness Tracking Features
- Advanced sleep tracking with detailed analysis
- Readiness Score: Assesses your energy levels each morning, similar to features in the Ultimate Guide to Cross-Training.
- Stress Monitoring: Provides insights into stress levels, helping you manage and mitigate them effectively.
- Mindfulness and Meditation Integration: Supports mental well-being with guided breathing exercises.
- Customizable watch faces and widgets
- Syncs with third-party fitness platforms
Battery Life
The battery life of the Amazfit T-Rex 3 is one of its standout features. It boasts up to 27 days of typical use, with high accuracy GPS mode providing up to 42 hours on a single charge. This makes it a reliable companion for long hikes or runs.
Users can expect around 10 to 13 days with the always-on display activated, which is still impressive considering the functionality offered.
Battery Life Overview
- Up to 27 days in typical use
- 42 hours in high accuracy GPS mode
- 10-13 days with always-on display
Diving Features and Certifications
The T-Rex 3 is designed for divers, with an EN 13319 certification that allows for single gas diving down to 45 meters. This is a significant feature that enhances its appeal to adventurous users.
It includes specific diving modes, such as outdoor and indoor free diving, and allows for customizable data pages during dives.
Diving Capabilities
- EN 13319 certification for diving
- Customizable diving data pages
- Outdoor and indoor diving modes
Compatibility with the Zepp Ecosystem and Helio Ring
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 integrates seamlessly with the Zepp app, a powerful platform that aggregates fitness and health data. This app allows users to track sleep patterns, monitor heart rate, and even assess overall wellness through metrics like the readiness score.
Additionally, the T-Rex 3 is compatible with the Amazfit Helio Ring, a smart ring that provides continuous health monitoring. This means users can collect vital health metrics even when they are not wearing the smartwatch, making it a versatile option for those who want to keep track of their health without being tethered to their wrist.
Key Features of the Zepp Ecosystem
- Aggregates fitness data from multiple devices
- Tracks sleep and wellness metrics
- Syncs with third-party services like Strava
- Compatible with the Helio Ring for continuous health tracking
Voice Control and Microphone Functionality
The T-Rex 3 is equipped with a microphone that enables voice control through the ZeppFlow feature. This allows users to set timers, check the weather, and control music using voice commands.
However, it should be noted that the watch does not support phone calls or integration with external voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant.
Voice Control Capabilities
- Voice commands for timers, weather, and music control
- No support for phone calls or external voice assistants
Price Point and Value Proposition
At $299, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 offers great value compared to the $1000 Garmin Fenix 8, with similar features like advanced fitness tracking, durable design, and long battery life, making it a strong option in the rugged smartwatch market.
For those seeking a reliable outdoor smartwatch without breaking the bank, the T-Rex 3 is hard to overlook.
Value Summary
- Competitively priced at $299
- Offers features comparable to much more expensive models
- Great for first-time smartwatch buyers on a budget
Microphone and Voice Control
However, it’s important to note that while voice commands are supported, the T-Rex 3 does not facilitate phone calls or integrate with external voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant, which may be a limitation for some users.
Voice Control Capabilities
- Voice commands for various functions
- No support for phone calls or external voice assistants
- Voice memos feature for quick notes
Navigation and Mapping Features
The navigation capabilities of the Amazfit T-Rex 3 are designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Users can download maps directly to the watch via the Zepp app, allowing for detailed trail and road navigation. The watch supports various map types, including base maps and contour maps, which are essential for hikers and trail runners.
It has a dual-band GPS. This GPS uses two different signals to be more accurate. There are also different GPS modes. You can pick the mode that works best for you. One option is the automatic mode. This mode saves battery power but still keeps good tracking.
While the maps are detailed, they are not routable, meaning users need to plan their routes in advance using the app. During activities, the watch provides real-time navigation assistance, including turn-by-turn directions.
Maps can be downloaded directly to the watch, allowing users to navigate with detailed trail and road labels.
Mapping Specifications
- Downloadable maps for offline use: Via the Zepp App, preload maps of your favorite trails or explore new ones. Maps include detailed trail labels and terrain features.
- Supports multiple map types, including contour maps
- Real-time navigation with turn-by-turn directions
GPS Modes and Accuracy
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 features advanced GPS capabilities, including dual-band GPS for enhanced accuracy. Users can choose from various GPS modes, including an automatic setting that optimizes battery life while maintaining tracking precision.
In terms of performance, the T-Rex 3 has shown impressive accuracy, comparable to more expensive models like the Garmin Fenix 8. This makes it a reliable choice for outdoor activities where precise location tracking is essential.
GPS Specifications
- Dual-band GPS for superior accuracy
- Multiple GPS modes for different needs
- Accurate tracking aligned with premium models
Comparison Table: Amazfit T-Rex 3 vs Competitors
| Feature | Amazfit T-Rex 3 | Garmin Fenix 8 | Apple Watch Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $999+ | $799+ |
| Battery Life | Up to 27 days | Up to 14 days | Up to 36 hours |
| GPS | Dual-band | Multi-band | Dual-band |
| Water Resistance | 45 meters | 100 meters | 100 meters |
| Sport Modes | 170+ | 30+ | 20+ |
| Diving Certification | Yes (EN 13319) | Yes | Yes |
| Display Brightness | 2000 nits | 1000 nits | 2000 nits |
Battery Life
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 excels in battery performance, boasting an impressive lifespan that sets it apart from competitors. In typical use, users can expect up to 27 days of battery life, a remarkable feat for a smartwatch packed with features. When utilizing the high accuracy GPS mode, the battery life drops to a still impressive 42 hours, making it suitable for long outdoor activities.
For those who prefer the always-on display feature, the battery life ranges from 10 to 13 days, which is still commendable given the extensive functionalities.
Battery Performance Overview
- Up to 27 days in typical usage
- 42 hours in high accuracy GPS mode
- 10-13 days with always-on display activated
Heart Rate Sensor Accuracy
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 has a much better heart rate sensor compared to older models. It now gives reliable data that matches closely with readings from an electrocardiogram (ECG). An ECG is a standard medical test that checks your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity. The heart rate sensor, called the BioTracker PPG, uses light to measure your pulse. It also supports SPO2 monitoring, which measures your blood oxygen levels. This helps you keep track of your health more thoroughly.
In tests, the watch consistently provided accurate heart rate readings. This makes it a good choice for people who need precise tracking for workouts. However, the results can change depending on your skin tone, body type, and how tight the band is on your wrist.
Heart Rate Monitoring Features
- Improved heart rate sensor for better accuracy
- Measures SPO2 levels to monitor blood oxygen
- Performance similar to more advanced ECG devices
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional Value: Offers premium features at a fraction of the cost.
- Rugged Design: Military-grade durability suitable for extreme conditions.
- Extensive Battery Life: Long-lasting performance for prolonged adventures.
- Diverse Sport Modes: Over 170 modes catering to various activities.
- Advanced Health Monitoring: Accurate sensors and comprehensive wellness features.
Cons:
-
- Limited Voice Assistant Integration: Does not support Siri or Google Assistant.
- Non-Routable Maps: Lacks the ability to create routes directly on the watch.
- Transitioning Ecosystems: Users accustomed to Garmin or Polar may face a learning curve.
Final Thoughts / Who is it for?
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 is a great deal for only $299. It is built to be tough and has many sport modes. It also has advanced navigation tools and long battery life. These features make it perfect for people who like outdoor activities and fitness. It’s especially good for those who are new to smartwatches or want something affordable that has a lot of features.
However, users who are used to brands like Garmin, Coros, or Polar may find it difficult to switch to the Amazfit system. There are some small drawbacks. For example, it doesn’t have sapphire glass, and the training data can sometimes be inconsistent. But overall, the T-Rex 3 is one of the top rugged smartwatches available on the market.
FAQ
Is the Amazfit T-Rex 3 suitable for diving?
Yes, the T-Rex 3 is EN 13319 certified for scuba diving up to 45 meters, making it suitable for various aquatic activities.
How does the T-Rex 3 compare to the Garmin Fenix 8?
The T-Rex 3 offers many similar features to the Garmin Fenix 8 at a fraction of the price, making it a compelling alternative for budget-conscious users.
Can I use the Amazfit T-Rex 3 for hiking?
Absolutely! The T-Rex 3 is designed with outdoor activities in mind and includes dedicated hiking modes along with advanced GPS and mapping features.
Resources:
- Official Amazfit T-Rex 3 Product Page:
https://www.amazfit.com/en/t-rex-3 - Comprehensive Review by nextpit:
https://www.nextpit.com/amazfit-t-rex-3-review - In-Depth Video Review by Chase the Summit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGV4J_gwR4E - Detailed Written Review on GearJunkie:
https://gearjunkie.com/technology/watches/amazfit-t-rex-3-smartwatch-review - T-Rex 3 Discussion on Reddit:
https://www.reddit.com/r/amazfit/comments/1faalap/amazfit_trex_3_review_by_chase_the_summit/
As a veteran fitness technology innovator and the founder of GearUpToFit.com, Alex Papaioannou stands at the intersection of health science and artificial intelligence. With over a decade of specialized experience in digital wellness solutions, he’s transforming how people approach their fitness journey through data-driven methodologies.