Amazfit T-Rex Ultra vs T-Rex 2: which rugged smartwatch reigns supreme?
The Amazfit T-Rex series is popular among fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers due to its rugged design and remarkable durability. The original T-Rex model was a huge hit, and its successor, the Amazfit T-Rex 2, is doing just as well. But now there’s the T-Rex Ultra.
This article compares the Amazfit T-Rex 2 to the latest version. To assist you in making an informed choice, we examine the design, features, battery life, and performance of both watches. Whether you’re looking for a durable smartwatch to track your workouts or an adventure-ready device that can withstand harsh environments, we’ve got you covered.
So, let’s dive in and see how these two T-Rex models stack up against each other.
Check price and availability on Amazfit’s website and Amazon.
Amazfit T-Rex Ultra vs T-Rex 2: Design and hardware
T-Rex 2 was launched in May 2022, and a new edition, the T-Rex Ultra, is already available. However, this is not a complete generational leap. Consider it an interim update. T-Rex 3 will most likely not be released until well into 2024. It should come as no surprise then that there are only a few design differences between the two watches.
For starters, they have almost identical dimensions. Having said that, at 89 grams the new watch is 22 grams heavier. This is because its predecessor has a high-strength polymer case that protects against drops, shocks and weather elements. Its successor blends this with a stainless steel bezel and back panel. This has the benefit of providing a slightly more premium look.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
Other than that, there are no design alterations. You get 15 military standard certifications, including 10 ATM water resistance. There’s also a patented mud-resistant bridge and buttons. When it comes to durability and toughness, the watches will not disappoint.
The display technology is identical, as well. Which means you get a 1.39 inch AMOLED, with 454 x 454 resolution. This has brightness up to 1000 nits for clarity both indoors and out. In both cases, the display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 plus there’s an anti-fingerprint coating.
Here are the two timepieces next to each other. Can you identify the differences? It really is difficult to tell the watches apart. The stainless bezel gives it away.
T-Rex 2 comes in a variety of colors, including Astro Black & Gold, Ember Black, Wild Green, and Desert Khaki. The Amazfit T-Rex Ultra juggles this around a little. That one comes in two colors: Abyss Black and Sahara.
Under the hood
A few more differences can be found under the hood.
The duo shares the Huami BioTracker. However, while Zepp Health makes it clear that T-Rex 2 has the BioTracker 3 PPG biological tracking optical sensor (6PD), it simply states that the Ultra has a BioTracker biological tracking optical sensor. Similar to the GTR Mini, we suspect that one lacks the PD+LED compliment (these are the six photodiodes 4+2 in T-Rex 2).
The other sensors appear to be the identical. So you get a geomagnetic sensor, barometric altimeter and compass. This combination enables most of the features you’d anticipate from an outdoor sports watch.
A satellite connection is also necessary for an outdoorsy device. The watches will not fail on this front. They both have dual-band six satellite positioning, which allows for quick searches and exact positioning. We tested a few Amazfit watches with the feature and discovered that it works well.
A difference worth mentioning is the WiFi (WLAN 2.4 GHz) support of T-Rex Ultra, in addition to Bluetooth connectivity. You only get the later for T-Rex 2. The extra component is needed to support downloading maps and music.
Despite having a lot of technology under the hood, the T-Rex range does not require much charging. The newest watch can last up to 20 days in normal mode, 25 days in battery saver mode, 9 days in intensive usage mode, and 28 hours in GPS accuracy mode. The device introduces a new Endurance GPS battery mode for those who love to lose themselves in nature for long periods of time.
T-Rex 2, on the other hand, can keep going 24 days in normal mode, 45 days in battery saver mode, 10 days in intensive use situation, and 26 hours accuracy GPS mode. So not a huge difference.
Amazfit T-Rex Ultra vs T-Rex 2: Technical specs
Here’s a table that compares the devices in terms of basic specs and design.
T-Rex Ultra | T-Rex 2 | |
---|---|---|
Case material | High-strength polymer middle frame. 316L stainless steel: bezel, back panel, bridge and buttons, silicone strap | High-strength polymer body. Metallic painting on the watch. Two-tone silicon wristband. |
Size | 47.3 x 47.3 x 13.45mm | 47.1 x 47.1 x 13.65mm |
Military grade certifications | 15 military grade certifications | 15 military grade certifications |
Display type | AMOLED Screen, 454 x 454 resolution, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 + anti-fingerprint coating | AMOLED Screen, 454 x 454 resolution, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 + anti-fingerprint coating |
Screen size | 1.39 inch | 1.39 inch |
Weight | 89 grams | 66.5 grams |
Sensors | BioTracker PPG biological tracking optical sensor, 3-axis acceleration sensor, 3-axis gyroscope, Geomagnetic sensor, Barometric altimeter, Compass Ambient light sensor | BioTracker 3 PPG biological tracking optical sensor (6PD), 3-axis acceleration sensor, 3-axis gyroscope, Geomagnetic sensor, Barometric altimeter, Compass Ambient light sensor |
Water-resistance | 10 ATM | 10 ATM |
Positioning | Dual-band 6 satellite positioning | Dual-band 6 satellite positioning |
Battery type | 500mAh LiPo, Magnetic, 2pin pogo pin charging | 500mAh LiPo, Magnetic, 2pin pogo pin charging |
Battery life | Up to 20 days in normal mode, 25 days battery saver mode, 9 days heavy usage scenario, 28 hours accuracy GPS mode | 24 days in normal mode, 45 days battery saver mode, 10 days heavy use scenario, 26 hours accuracy GPS mode |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi (WLAN 2.4 GHz) | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Colors | Abyss Black, Sahara | Astro Black & Gold, Ember Black, Wild Green, Desert Khaki |
Typical RRP | $399.99 | starting at $219.99 |
Amazfit T-Rex Ultra vs T-Rex 2: Features
The Amazfit T-Rex 2 and T-Rex Ultra share many similarities in terms of functionality, but there are some key differences between the two watches that may influence your decision. Both watches offer a wide range of fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, satellite tracking, and multiple sports modes. They also come equipped with various smartwatch features, such as notifications, music control, sunrise & sunset info, moon phase, tide warnings, storm warning alerts and more.
So let’s jump right to the differences. T-Rex Ultra is quite a bit more expensive than T-Rex 2 due to the following.
Zepp OS 2.0
Zepp OS 2.0 powers the new watch. Despite the fact that there is less than a year between the two editions, T-Rex 2 operates on previous generation software. It will also not be updated to the new working system.
According to Zepp Health, this is not just a software upgrade, but a full overhaul. This implies that T-Rex 2’s hardware, CPU, and components are only compatible with Zepp OS v1.x. Internally, the business is improving the next generations and hardware design to enable Zepp OS 2.0/3.0 to run on the latest models.
Offline maps
Both editions of the watch have support for mapping. This includes route import, real-time navigation, real-time movement tracking, save location point, direct return navigation and route deviation reminders. The change with T-Rex Ultra is that it allows users to download an offline map from the Zepp App to the watch. Your position on the map will update in real time as you navigate with a matching route file.
Diving themed apps
Two new free diving themed apps are available on Ultra. You can use the device for diving down to a depth of 30 meters and can also display the diving depth. The measurement of the heart rate and also the oxygen saturation is possible.
Health reminders
T-Rex 2 has support for abnormally high & low heart rate, low blood oxygen and high stress level. The new device includes all this along with prompts to perform stress reducing breathing exercises, and altitude prompts for blood oxygen tests.
Offline music storage
The maximum storage space for music is 2.3GB on T-Rex Ultra. Based on 5-10MB per song, this means it can store up to 270-470 MP3s. The watch has no built-in speaker, so you’ll need to connect via Bluetooth to your TWS earbuds to listen to music. T-Rex 2 only has the ability to control music on a connected smartphone.
Zepp Coach
Zepp Coach is a coaching algorithm available on T-Rex Ultra. It is powered by AI that offers personalised training plans and assistance.
The software tracks your fatigue, fitness, and training status to help you prevent overtraining and lower your risk of injury or exhaustion. According to Zepp Health, the functionality will be available on other Amazfit watches via a firmware update.
Here’s a table illustrating the differences.
T-Rex Ultra | T-Rex 2 | |
---|---|---|
Strength training movements | 25 | 15 |
Sleep features | Sleep stages, daytime naps, sleep breathing quality, Sleep Score, sleep schedule (sleep that matches your set plan, whether daytime or night, will be recorded as your main sleep) | Sleep stages, daytime naps, sleep breathing quality, Sleep Score |
Sports modes | 162 | 158 |
Zepp Coach | Yes | No (to arrive via a firmware update) |
Health reminders | Abnormally high & low heart rate, low blood oxygen, high stress level, prompts to perform stress reducing breathing exercise, altitude prompts for blood oxygen test | Abnormally high & low heart rate, low blood oxygen, high stress level |
Offline maps | Yes | No |
Music storage | Yes | No |
ZeppOS | 2.0 | 1.0 |
Amazfit T-Rex Ultra vs T-Rex 2: Verdict
The T-Rex is a fantastic military-style timepiece. You’ll be hard pressed to find a comparable device that provides so much for the price. An excellent alternative to the more expensive Garmin. If you enjoy a variety of outdoor sports and rough environments, this is a timepiece to consider.
The T-Rex Ultra and T-Rex 2 are significantly different in price. The first costs $399, while the second costs $219.
For that you get the addition of offline maps, offline music storage, diving themed apps, a few more health reminders and support for Zepp Coach. Unlike the T-Rex 2, the watch runs on the latest generation Zepp OS 2.0. Beyond that you also get a slightly more premium build with some stainless steel components.
Amazfit T-Rex 2 |
Essentially, the biggest difference is the offline storage capability of the Ultra. If this is a feature you see yourself using, it makes sense to go for that watch. If not, you will probably be just fine with the T-Rex 2.
Check price and availability on Amazfit’s website and Amazon.
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