In the competitive realm of rugged sports watches, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 stands out as a compelling option, boasting an impressive array of features at a fraction of the price of its high-end counterparts. Priced at just $279 (and sometimes available at an even lower $234), this military-grade GPS watch packs a punch with its robust capabilities and sleek design.
Design and Features
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 sports a distinctive octagonal shape that sets it apart from its predecessors like the T-Rex 2. Despite its slightly unconventional design, it's ergonomic and comfortable, especially with the ability to swap out the 22mm watch bands for a personalized touch. The standout feature here is the 1.5-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, which not only offers ample real estate but also shines brightly at 2000 nits, ensuring visibility even in direct sunlight.
New to the T-Rex 3 is a skin temperature sensor, integrated microphone for voice commands and text replies, and a night mode that adjusts display colors for reduced eye strain in low-light conditions. These additions enhance both usability and versatility, catering to active users who demand more from their wearables.
Performance and Battery Life
Powered by a substantial 700mAh battery, the T-Rex 3 boasts exceptional longevity. Amazfit claims up to 27 days of battery life under typical usage conditions, including regular heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and moderate notifications. Real-world testing suggests around 20 days with similar settings, which remains impressive for a watch with such a vibrant display.
For GPS enthusiasts, the T-Rex 3 offers multiple modes catering to different needs. Whether you're running a marathon or exploring off-grid trails, the watch delivers reliable tracking with up to 42 hours in accurate GPS mode. Users can extend battery life further by opting for Power Save or Custom modes, tailoring the watch's performance to suit specific activities.
GPS Accuracy and Mapping
One of the T-Rex 3's strengths lies in its GPS accuracy, providing detailed and reliable tracking across various outdoor activities. The watch supports offline maps, allowing users to download maps directly onto the device for navigation without relying on a phone signal. While the maps aren't routable, they include essential details like elevation changes and trail labels, making them practical for hiking and exploring.
Heart Rate Monitoring and Health Features
Equipped with the BioTracker™ PPG biometric sensor, the T-Rex 3 offers improved heart rate monitoring and estimates blood oxygen saturation levels. While not as advanced as ECG functionality found in higher-priced models, it provides reliable data for fitness enthusiasts seeking to track their performance and recovery.
Comparison to Competitors
When compared to premium alternatives like the Garmin Fenix 8, the T-Rex 3 holds its own with a larger, brighter display and competitive features like detailed mapping and extensive sports tracking capabilities. While it lacks some advanced metrics and features like streaming music support, its affordability and solid performance make it a viable choice for budget-conscious users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 emerges as a strong contender in the rugged sports watch category, offering a compelling blend of features, durability, and affordability. While it may not dethrone high-end brands like Garmin in every aspect, its value proposition and robust performance make it a noteworthy option for outdoor enthusiasts and fitness buffs alike.
Whether you're a seasoned athlete or someone looking to step up their fitness game without breaking the bank, the T-Rex 3 delivers on its promise of functionality, durability, and style.