The Amazfit T-Rex 3 smartwatch promises to give you the rugged style of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra without the high price. I've spent some time wearing this tough smartwatch to find out if it has the software and ability to win you over, or if its lower price point is the only reason it's not as well-known as its competitors. Let's dive into what you need to know about the Amazfit T-Rex 3.

The Amazfit T-Rex 3 takes inspiration from the tough watches of Casio G-Shock, combining a circular screen with an octagonal stainless steel bezel that immediately recalls the popular G-Shock GA-2100 series. The watch features a set of four buttons with a grippy texture on the polymer case at the 10, 2, 4, and 8 o'clock positions, and an unusual "bridge" at 3 o'clock made of metal with the Amazfit name stamped on it. Although the purpose of this bridge is unclear, it adds a fun design twist.

The T-Rex 3 is attached to your wrist with a flexible silicone strap secured with a plastic buckle and held in place by two keepers. The underside features edge guards to keep the body centrally placed on your wrist, similar to many G-Shock watches. Despite its size and thickness, weighing in at 68 grams, it can become a bit sweaty under the silicone strap. With a big 48mm case that is wide and nearly 14mm thick, the T-Rex 3 is built to withstand temperatures ranging from -22 degrees Fahrenheit to 158 degrees Fahrenheit.

In terms of toughness and outdoor credentials, the case is made from polymer plastic, with the bezel, buttons, and bridge made from 316L stainless steel. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass, and the smartwatch has 10ATM water resistance, certified for free diving to a depth of 45 meters. It is designed to handle a wide range of temperatures, making it suitable for various outdoor activities.

Inside the smartwatch, you'll find a strong selection of sensors, including a barometer, geomagnetic sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer, and temperature sensor. The 1.5-inch AMOLED screen boasts a peak brightness of 2000 nits and a special glove mode, allowing it to recognize inputs even when you're wearing 2mm thick gloves. Dual-band GPS ensures stronger accuracy without the need to use your phone.

Functionality is easy to locate and press, with clear markings on the bezel. However, the button layout might feel awkward for some users, as the Back button is located where the Down button is typically found, which might not be as comfortable for those wearing the watch on their left wrist. The polymer case lacks the prestige of titanium, but its lightweight nature and durable design make it suitable for most outdoor activities.

The Amazfit T-Rex 3 uses Amazfit's own software instead of Google's Wear OS, connecting with the Zepp app, available for both Android and iOS devices. Despite being a beta app, it proved reliable during testing on the Google Pixel 9 Pro. Once granted security permissions, the app consistently delivered notifications. Navigation through the menu system is handled by buttons or touchscreen, with the interface being fast and responsive.

Health and fitness features abound, including heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, sleep tracking with heart rate variability, 170 workout modes, and data points like V02 Max, training load, and recovery time. There's even AI integration with Zepp Flow, which utilizes ChatGPT-4o for voice control.

Battery life is impressive, with Amazfit expecting 13 days of use with "heavy" use, including the always-on screen and all health-tracking features enabled. Turning off these features can extend the battery life to 27 days before needing a recharge. Using GPS continuously at its most accurate setting, the battery lasts for 42 hours, or up to 180 hours in its extended GPS mode.

Wearing the Amazfit T-Rex 3 for three days with the ambient screen and health tracking turned on, I observed that although I didn't track sleep with it, I did record a couple of workouts, and the battery was at 88%. The workouts tracked provided expected results, aligning with what I've seen from other wearables. Data presentation in the app is clear and logical.

The Amazfit T-Rex 3 truly embodies the rugged style, with its presence on your wrist comparable to that of a G-Shock. Its lightweight body, despite being made of polymer, offers an appealing alternative to the upscale materials often found in premium watches. The screen remains visible in sunlight, the software is user-friendly, and the physical buttons provide an alternative to relying solely on touchscreens or rotating crowns.

While the Amazfit T-Rex 3 borrows heavily from the G-Shock design language, it does so with a focus on practical features and durability, making it a solid choice for active individuals looking for a versatile smartwatch. With its extensive array of sports capabilities and features, it doesn't overreach with unnecessary "Ultra" features that few would actually use, making it a more accessible option compared to its Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra counterparts.

Priced at $280, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 is less than half the cost of its Ultra competitors, placing it in line with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and Apple Watch Series 9 prices. While Amazfit aims to position the T-Rex 3 as a genuine alternative to the Ultra smartwatches, it might fit better between the standard and Ultra models, offering a very good compromise for those seeking a robust smartwatch without the high price tag. If you're looking for an alternative to the pricey Ultra watches but desire more than a standard smartwatch, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 seems to offer a well-rounded solution.

Post by Tom