Adventure watches face-off: Amazfit T-Rex Ultra vs Garmin Fenix 7 vs Epix 2

In this comparison article, we will be taking a closer look at three outdoor smartwatches: the Amazfit T-Rex Ultra, Garmin Fenix 7 and Epix 2. These first on this list hit the market in March 2023 and the other two in January 2022.

All three watches come with a vast array of features, including satellite tracking, heart rate monitoring, and a range of sports tracking modes. However, they also have some important differences that set them apart from each other.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

The Garmin Fenix 7 and Epix 2 are both on the higher end of the price spectrum, with a premium price tag that reflects their advanced capabilities and robust build quality. The Amazfit T-Rex Ultra, on the other hand, comes in at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option for those who still want a feature-packed outdoor smartwatch.

We will delve into the similarities and differences between these watches, examining various factors such as their design, features, battery life, and overall performance. Our aim is to provide enough info to allow you to make an informed decision on which one is best suited for your needs.

The Fenix 7 range can be picked up on Garmin’s website. There’s a choice between three iterations to suit wrists of all sizes. If cost is not an issue, you can also pick up the solar option or Epix 2. Amazfit T-Rex Ultra is available on Amazfit’s website. You can check the current prices out on Amazon (links: Fenix 7, Epix 2, T-Rex Ultra).

Amazfit T-Rex Ultra vs Garmin Fenix 7 vs Epix 2: Design and hardware

Look & feel

The Amazfit T-Rex Ultra is an upgraded version of the T-Rex 2 model, boasting a range of enhanced features. It can be considered as an interim update, bridging the gap until the release of the anticipated T-Rex 3, which is not expected until 2024.

The two Garmin’s have been around for a while now. Their successors are also expected in 2024.

All three of these watches share a similar target market of fitness enthusiasts, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts who demand a watch that can keep up with their active lifestyle. They are therefore designed with rugged and durable exteriors, capable of withstanding tough environments and extreme conditions.

Starting with their physical appearance, the trio features a round form factor and shares similar dimensions. The T-Rex Ultra has a slight advantage in being thinner, but the Garmin Fenix 7 and Epix 2 are slightly lighter than the Amazfit. However, to cater to a wider range of customers, the Garmin Fenix 7 offers options for different case sizes, including 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm, while the T-Rex Ultra and Epix 2 only come in a single 47mm size.

In terms of build quality, all watches have a polymer case with metal elements that provide protection against drops, shocks, and harsh weather conditions. The strap is made of silicone, but it can be swapped out for other options. All three watches share a 10 ATM water-resistance rating, which should be more than sufficient for most people.

It is worth adding, for the Garmin’s you can pick from stainless steel or titanium build options. There are also Sapphire iterations which come with scratch-resistance sapphire faces. You don’t get these options with the Amazfit.

Display

Regarding display technology, the Garmin Fenix 7 stands out with its always-on transflective memory-in-pixel touchscreen, which provides excellent visibility in bright outdoor conditions and is not power-hungry. The T-Rex Ultra and Epix 2 both feature an AMOLED touchscreen display that is more high-res than the Fenix 7’s display, with better clarity indoors. However, the T-Rex Ultra stands out with its larger 1.39-inch screen size, which is more easily readable than the 1.3-inch screens of the other two watches.

In essence, each watch has its own unique design features that cater to different customer preferences. Fenix 7 has multiple size options, along with the transflective display and light body. Epix 2 has an AMOLED which some people may prefer and the same lightweight build. Amazfit T-Rex Ultra, on the other hand, also has an AMOLED but it is larger in size and hence more high-res.

Sensors, satellite connectivity

Beneath the surface, these watches feature similar health sensors, including heart rate, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, and SpO2. As a result, they track similar types of data when it comes to basic health metrics. The differences are mainly to do with the advanced performance metrics where Garmin has a clear advantage.

For an outdoor smartwatch, satellite connectivity is crucial. The Amazfit T-Rex Ultra boasts dual-band 6 satellite positioning, allowing for quick searches and exact positioning. In contrast, the Garmin watches support GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO, but only the Sapphire editions offer multi-frequency positioning. Therefore, it is fair to say that the T-Rex Ultra has an edge on this count.

All watches support Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. However, Garmin extends this with ANT+ for connecting external heart rate chest straps and other gear. While the Amazfit doesn’t offer ANT+ connectivity, some devices can still be connected via Bluetooth. It also doesn’t have NFC for contactless payments of the other two.

Battery life

Despite their advanced features, these watches offer impressive battery life. The T-Rex Ultra 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. Additionally, it introduces a new Endurance GPS battery mode for extended outdoor adventures.

The Garmin Fenix 7 offers up to 18 days between charges and has multiple battery-saving mode options, while the Epix 2 is similar, providing up to 16 days of battery life. However, if you switch on the always-on display option, the Epix 2’s battery life decreases to 6 days.

Finally, the Fenix 7 is the only out of the three which has a solar option. This helps extend the battery life a bit, particularly if you spend lots of time outdoors and live in a sunny region.

Amazfit T-Rex Ultra vs Garmin Fenix 7 vs Epix 2: Technical specs

Here’s a table that compares the devices in terms of basic specs and design.

Amazfit T-Rex Ultra vs Garmin Fenix 7 vs Epix 2: Features

Health and sports tracking

Each of these watches provides a comprehensive range of fitness tracking features, such as heart rate monitoring, satellite tracking, and a variety of sports modes. They’ll track your sleep during the night and monitor each step you take during the day.

The Amazfit T-Rex Ultra boasts a more premium build compared to its predecessor, contributing to its higher price tag. Additionally, it supports the latest version of Zepp OS 2.0, enables users to download maps and music, and comes equipped with dive-themed apps, extra health reminders, and Zepp Coach support.

However, when it comes to advanced performance tracking features, the T-Rex Ultra falls short compared to the Garmins. This is not surprising, considering that Garmin has been in the game for a longer time.

The Garmins offer a wide range of sports-related performance metrics that would be too numerous to list in detail. They utilise advanced algorithms powered by Firstbeat Analytics, which provide metrics such as Recovery Time, Training Load, Training Effect, HRV Status, Training Readiness, and Running Power. In addition, Garmin is set to introduce Running Dynamics from the wrist to Fenix 7 and Epix 2 soon. The accuracy of most of these metrics is also top-notch, with the exception of a few oversights such as nap tracking which, for some reason, Garmin watches do not track.

Having said that, the T-Rex Ultra is still a solid device that can track 150 sports, along with comprehensive health statistics and advanced metrics for running. While it may not offer the same level of advanced performance tracking as the Garmins, it is still a reliable and functional option for fitness enthusiasts.

Smart features

In addition to their sports tracking capabilities, these watches also come equipped with a few smartwatch features, including notifications, music controls, and sunrise/sunset information, among others, providing some added convenience.

However, it’s worth noting that these watches don’t offer the same level of functionality as more mainstream smartwatches like the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch. For example, they lack rich third-party app support, the ability to respond to notifications, and a cellular option. Nevertheless, their lightweight operating systems allow for impressive battery life. Which is important for a sports watch.

Regarding the differences between the Garmins and Amazfit, the former offers an NFC chip for contactless payments through Garmin Pay, although this feature is limited in terms of the number of institutions it supports. The Garmins also offer more storage space for music, allowing users to download and save over 1000 mp3 songs and playlists from services like Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer. In comparison, the Amazfit only offers space for up to 470 songs, which is still plenty for most folks.

Amazfit T-Rex Ultra vs Garmin Fenix 7 vs Epix 2: Verdict

When it comes to outdoor smartwatches, the Amazfit T-Rex Ultra, Garmin Fenix 7, and Epix 2 all offer a wide range of features to cater to fitness enthusiasts, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts. While the $400 Amazfit T-Rex Ultra is by far the most budget-friendly option, the $700 Garmin Fenix 7 and the $900 Epix 2 are on the higher end of the price spectrum. However, this premium price tag that reflects their advanced capabilities.

Each watch has its unique design features, sensors, satellite connectivity, battery life, health, and sports tracking capabilities, and smart features. The Garmins excel when it comes to advanced performance tracking features, powered by Firstbeat Analytics, they offer more storage space for music, NFC for contactless payments and various build options.

Garmin Fenix 7 Gadgets & Wearables may get a commission

The T-Rex Ultra, on the other hand, offers a larger and more high-res display and dual-band 6 satellite positioning. Plus its battery life goes a bit further.

Overall, If you are someone who prioritises advanced performance tracking then go for one of the Garmins. However, if you’re looking for a reliable and functional outdoor smartwatch at a more affordable price, the Amazfit T-Rex Ultra might be worth looking into.

The Fenix 7 range can be picked up on Garmin’s website. There’s a choice between three iterations to suit wrists of all sizes. If cost is not an issue, you can also pick up the solar option or Epix 2. Amazfit T-Rex Ultra is available on Amazfit’s website. You can check the current prices out on Amazon (links: Fenix 7, Epix 2, T-Rex Ultra).

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