Not Your Average Budget Smartwatch

Most rugged smartwatches either cost $500+ or feel like toys. The Amazfit T-Rex 3 sits in a weird sweet spot where it looks and performs like something more expensive, but doesnt hit you with that premium price tag. I wasn’t expecting much going in, but this one surprised me.

The 1.5 inch AMOLED display is sharp. Like, really sharp. You can read it in direct sunlight without squinting, which is more than I can say for some watches that cost twice as much. Amazfit went with a 2,000 nit peak brightness here and it shows.

Built Like a Tank (Literally)

Amazfit certified this thing to MIL-STD-810G standards, and it handles cold, heat, shock, and water down to 45 meters. The titanium alloy bezel gives it a premium feel without adding a ton of weight. At about 68 grams with the strap, its lighter than most rugged watches in this class.

I wore it hiking for a week straight and it held up with zero scratches on the display. The Gorilla Glass is doing its job.

GPS That Actually Works in the Backcountry

Dual band GPS with five satellite systems. In practical terms, that means it locks on fast and stays accurate even under heavy tree cover. I tested it on a trail through dense forest and it tracked within a few meters of my phone’s GPS the whole time. Some cheaper watches lose the plot in thick woods but this one didnt.

There are over 170 sport modes if you’re into that sort of thing. Most people will use maybe 5 of them, but they’re there if you need them.

Battery Life Thats Hard to Argue With

Amazfit claims 27 days on a single charge with typical use. I got about 20 days with GPS workouts every other day and the always on display turned off. Turn on AOD and you’ll get closer to 12 to 14 days, which is still way better than most competitors.

For GPS heavy use, expect about 40 to 46 hours of continuous tracking. Thats enough for an ultra marathon or a multi day backpacking trip without needing a charger.