Amazfit’s T-Rex 3 is an affordable outdoor sports watch, competing with brands like Garmin and Polar. Launched as the fifth generation in the T-Rex series, it features a sturdy design, a vibrant AMOLED display, and impressive weather resistance. Weighing just 68.3 grams, it offers comfort without sacrificing durability. With smart features powered by Zepp OS, customizable watch faces, and health tracking capabilities, it serves as a versatile option for outdoor enthusiasts seeking quality at a budget-friendly price.
Amazfit T-Rex 3: An Affordable Outdoor Sports Watch
In the realm of outdoor sports watches, Amazfit introduces the T-Rex series as a competitor to established brands like Garmin, Coros, and Polar. The Amazfit T-Rex 3, which debuted in the fall, represents the fifth generation of this line, following its predecessors: T-Rex, T-Rex 2, T-Rex Ultra, and T-Rex Pro. With a price tag of under 300 euros, it offers an enticing alternative for those seeking quality without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive review, we will explore whether the Amazfit T-Rex 3 lives up to expectations.
Design and Build Quality of the Amazfit T-Rex 3
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 features a robust design that distinguishes it from other models in the Amazfit lineup, such as the Cheetah and Cheetah Pro. Measuring 48.5 x 48.5 x 13.75 mm, this watch’s substantial build rivals that of the Garmin Fenix 8, yet it remains lighter at just 68.3 grams compared to the Fenix 8’s 80 grams. This difference is largely attributed to the materials used.
The T-Rex 3 boasts a stainless steel bezel surrounding its display, while the main body is constructed from plastic. While this choice may slightly compromise durability in rugged environments, it significantly enhances comfort and ease of wear. The watch is equipped with a Gorilla Glass screen protector, which, while effective, is not as scratch-resistant as sapphire glass found in higher-end models.
The bold and angular design features an octagonal stainless steel bezel with visible screws, creating a striking appearance that stands out from competitors like the Garmin Fenix 8 and Polar Grit X2 Pro. Additionally, the watch is fitted with four buttons on either side for easy navigation and includes a protective metal loop for the microphone.
The display occupies an impressive 61.7% of the watch’s surface area. Designed to withstand extreme conditions, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 offers impressive resistance to temperatures ranging from -30 to 70 °C and is water-resistant up to 45 meters, making it suitable for diving.
Brilliant Display and Smart Features
The T-Rex 3 is equipped with a vibrant AMOLED display, measuring 1.5 inches in diameter and boasting a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 322 ppi. This brightness is a key highlight, as it can reach up to 2000 cd/m²—significantly higher than most OLED displays on the market, which typically max out at around 1000 cd/m². This feature ensures that users can easily view their training data even in direct sunlight.
Moreover, the watch includes a night display mode, allowing for customizable monochrome lighting in red, green, or orange to reduce light emissions. An ambient light sensor enhances usability further, and the always-on display feature provides constant time visibility without wrist movement. Amazfit also claims over 400 watch faces are available, with additional options accessible via the Zepp app, enabling users to customize their experience.
Powered by Zepp OS version 4, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 is compatible with both Android and iOS devices through the Zepp app. Navigation is intuitive, utilizing both the touchscreen and physical buttons. A particularly interesting feature is the Zepp Flow voice assistant, activated by a long press on one of the buttons, providing users with responsive assistance, although it lacks a speaker for audio feedback.
Additionally, the T-Rex 3 supports contactless payments via Zepp Pay, although its compatibility is currently limited in France, with only one bank supported. While the watch includes several general-purpose applications like storm alerts and weather updates, its primary focus remains on health tracking and sports functionalities. Users can explore third-party applications from the Zepp app store, expanding its capabilities, although the selection is not as extensive as that of Wear OS devices.