It’s that time of the year, and speculation is rife about the possible smartwatch arrivals next year. One of the anticipated devices is the Amazfit T-Rex 3. The T-Rex Ultra was released in March 2023 and came with some handy upgrades over its predecessor. The question now is: How will Amazfit top their own game?
The T-Rex series is known for its military-grade durability and a plethora of features, offering a more budget-friendly alternative to the likes of the Apple Watch Ultra and the Garmin Fenix line. It’s worth noting right at the outset that there have been no leaks, credible rumours or regulatory filings for the device so far. So, in this article, we embark on an educated guessing game, piecing together what the T-Rex 3 might bring to our wrists and its possible release date.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
The latest addition to the range, T-Rex Ultra, offers a blend of advanced features like offline maps, music storage, and diving-themed apps, all running on the sleek Zepp OS 2.0. Its price tag, a notch higher than that of the T-Rex 2, was justified by these upgrades and a more premium build. As we look ahead, the T-Rex 3 looms as a promising enigma. Will it follow in the footsteps of its predecessors, offering incremental upgrades, or will it chart a new path with groundbreaking features?
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Release date, price
Design
Features
Final words
Amazfit T-Rex 3: Possible release date
Instead of looking forward, let’s start by looking back. The original Amazfit T-Rex launched in January 2020. This was the first device in the line, setting the stage for those that followed. After that, we saw an interim edition in the form of the T-Rex Pro, which landed in March 2021. Fast forward another year, and we get to the second-generation device. The Amazfit T-Rex 2 saw the light of day in May 2022. Finally, the latest device in the series, the T-Rex Ultra, dropped in March 2023.
What is clear is that Zepp Health is keeping the line alive and well with frequent updates. What is not clear, however, is the future naming convention. The company seems to be moving away from numbering subsequent versions of devices. For example, the Amazfit Balance, which launched a few months ago, is essentially the unreleased GTR 5. The Amazfit Edge and Edge Active are the next iterations in the GTS line.
So, don’t be surprised if we don’t see a device named Amazfit T-Rex 3. Zepp Health may come up with an innovative name instead. But make no mistake – if it’s a rugged device built for the outdoors, it will be the next addition to the series. When is this likely to drop? We think there’s an outside chance it could land at CES 2024 at the start of the year in Las Vegas. But more likely, our money is on it dropping in Q1, probably in the spring.
Amazfit T-Rex 3: Room for improvement as far as design
The Amazfit T-Rex Ultra boasts a design that merges ruggedness with a touch of elegance. While maintaining almost identical dimensions to its predecessor, the model is notably heavier at 89 grams. That’s quite heavy for something you are meant to wear on your wrist around the clock! This increase in weight is attributed to its high-strength polymer case, which is adept at protecting against drops, shocks, and weather elements, and is complemented by a stainless steel bezel and back panel. These elements not only enhance the watch’s durability but also add a slightly more premium look to its overall design.
However – the watch’s bulky design, while typical for rugged smartwatches, might not appeal to all users. A slimmer profile could make it more suitable for everyday wear and less obtrusive during physical activities. Using lighter materials without compromising on strength could further improve wearability of T-Rex 3. Enhanced scratch and impact resistance is also another possible area for improvement. To remind, the current iteration has 15 military standard certifications, ensuring robustness, and a patented mud-resistant bridge and buttons. But there’s always room for improvement.
In terms of display, the T-Rex Ultra features a 1.39-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels, with a brightness of up to 1000 nits. While on paper this sounds great, in reality the always-on display is too dim in bright conditions. So in addition to increasing the diameter of the display, a further boost in clarity would be in order.
The T-Rex Ultra is available in two colors: Abyss Black and Sahara, offering a choice between classic and earthy tones. Expanding the color palette could appeal to a broader range of personal styles and preferences. More vibrant or varied color options could attract users looking for a balance between rugged functionality and fashion. Complement this with easily interchangeable straps with different materials and designs – and you get something that is suitable for various occasions, from outdoor adventures to formal settings.
Finally, Zepp Health just dropped a special eco-friendly Amazfit Balance edition. As sustainability becomes increasingly important, using recycled or eco-friendly materials in the watch’s construction could appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
Amazfit T-Rex 3: Speculating on features
The Amazfit T-Rex Ultra excels in health and fitness features, equipped with the Huami BioTracker for heart rate, blood oxygen level, and stress monitoring. It supports multiple sports modes, catering to diverse fitness activities. Unique to the Ultra are diving-themed apps for underwater adventures, offering depth, heart rate, and oxygen saturation tracking. Additionally, it includes health reminders and Zepp Coach, an AI-powered tool for personalized training plans, enhancing its utility for fitness enthusiasts.
Of course, the accuracy of the health metrics could be improved – and there have been gripes about the heart rate monitor on social media. Upgrading to the latest BioTracker™ 5.0 PPG biometric sensor (8PD + 2LED) would help to aleviate these concerns. This is the hardware that can be found on the Amazfit Balance. That timepiece also has a BIA Bioelectric Impedance Sensor. The tech is noteworthy for those monitoring body fat. No reason not to include it on T-Rex 3.
The Amazfit T-Rex Ultra is equipped with notable offline features that enhance its functionality, especially in environments where connectivity is limited. Key offline features include:
- Offline Maps: The T-Rex Ultra allows users to download maps directly to the watch via the Zepp App. This feature is particularly useful for outdoor navigation, as it enables real-time tracking and navigation without the need for a connected smartphone.
- Offline Music Storage: The watch offers a storage capacity of up to 2.3GB for music, allowing users to store approximately 270-470 MP3 songs. This feature is ideal for those who want to enjoy music during workouts or outdoor activities without carrying an additional device. However, since the watch lacks a built-in speaker, Bluetooth connectivity is required for listening through TWS earbuds.
Another addition that we would like to see is contactless payments. The first Zepp Health-made watch with this feature is the Amazfit Balance. For now, the functionality is limited and the number of banks that are supported is not that large. But, no doubt, Zepp Health will expand this in time.
Rounding off our wish-list is support for the ZeppOS 3 operating system. The Amazfit T-Rex Ultra has been capable of running ZeppOS 2.+ since its launch. The T-Rex 2 range was recently upgraded to support this version of the operating system. But they are unlikely to be upgraded to ZeppOS 3. So we would like to see the next iteration in the T-Rex series running on this version of the software out of the box.
Amazfit T-Rex 3: Final word
As we conclude, the anticipation for the Amazfit T-Rex 3 builds upon the robust foundation laid by the T-Rex Ultra. The potential for improvement in design and features is evident. A lighter, more streamlined design could enhance comfort, while expanded color choices and interchangeable straps would cater to diverse style preferences. Technologically, the T-Rex 3 could benefit from a brighter, more visible display, especially in sunlight, and the use of eco-friendly materials would be a nod to sustainability trends.
Feature-wise, the T-Rex 3 has room to grow. Enhanced health metric accuracy, possibly with an upgraded BioTracker sensor, and the inclusion of a BIA Bioelectric Impedance Sensor would elevate its fitness tracking capabilities. Essential offline features like map and music storage should be retained, with the addition of contactless payments for convenience. Running on the latest ZeppOS 3 would ensure a cutting-edge user experience. In a market crowded with devices – the T-Rex 3, with these refinements, could solidify its position as a solid choice for those looking for a rugged smartwatch that won’t break the bank.
Check price and availability of Amazfit T-Rex Ultra on Amazfit’s website and Amazon.
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
