Amazfit T-Rex 3 vs Ultra vs T-Rex 2: comparison feature

September 29, 2024 Ivan Jovin Device matchup, Smartwatch 13 min read

The T-Rex series is one of the most popular Amazfit watch lines. It offers many of the features big brands such as Garmin and Apple offer, but at a much lower price. These timepieces are designed for outdoor lovers and fans of the rugged watch look.

The T-Rex 3, T-Rex Ultra, and T-Rex 2 are the three latest iterations in the series. They each offer different strengths and price tags. In this article I am putting them side-by-side, comparing what they have to offer and highlighting the major differences.

Key takeaways

The T-Rex 3 emerges as the top choice with its advanced sensor technology, bright 1.5-inch display, and additional smart features like NFC and a built-in microphone. While the pricier T-Rex Ultra offers premium durability, it may not justify the cost for most. The T-Rex 2 remains a solid budget option for basic functionality, though it lacks features such as offline storage for music and maps.

View on Zepp Health; View on Amazon (T-Rex 3, T-Rex Ultra, T-Rex 2).

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Hardware
Technical specs
Features
Price
Bottom line

Amazfit T-Rex 3 vs Ultra vs T-Rex 2: comparison feature: Hardware

Look & feel

At first glance, the three watches look similar. And they are. But there are some differences between them in their design and build. The T-Rex 3 stands out with its unique octagonal case surrounding the round screen, while the other two models stick to a more traditional circular shape. Arguably, it is also the best looking of the three.

All three watches sport the rugged, outdoor-ready look that’s typical of the T-Rex series. The T-Rex Ultra, however, takes durability up a notch with its stainless steel bezel, back panel, and bridge. In contrast, the T-Rex 3 and T-Rex 2 use high-strength polymer, making them lighter but less heavy-duty.

This difference in materials affects the weight significantly. The T-Rex Ultra weighs a solid 89 grams, while the T-Rex 3 and T-Rex 2 are much lighter at 68.3 and 66.5 grams respectively.

The Ultra also has an edge with its adjustable strap lugs, allowing for a better fit on different wrist sizes. The T-Rex 3, on the other hand, comes with a small toolkit that allows you to remove the existing strap and replace with any third-party quick-fit 22mm option.

Each watch features four buttons for easy navigation, especially during workouts or outdoor activities. The Ultra’s buttons feel more premium thanks to the stainless steel construction, but the layout is consistent across all models, making them user-friendly for those familiar with the T-Rex line.

Amazfit T-Rex Ultra — T-Rex 3 vs T-Rex Ultra vs T-Rex 2

Display, colour options, water resistance

When it comes to displays, the T-Rex 3 slightly edges out its siblings with a 1.5-inch screen, compared to the 1.39-inch displays on the Ultra and T-Rex 2. All use AMOLED technology for vibrant colors and great contrast, but the T-Rex 3 shines brighter – literally – with 2000 nits of brightness and a higher 480×480 pixel resolution. This makes it easier to read in bright sunlight and provides sharper visuals.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

Water resistance is strong across the board, with all three models rated for 10 ATM (withstanding pressure up to 100 meters deep). The T-Rex 3 goes the extra mile with a free-diving certification up to 147 feet, giving it an edge for those into this sort of thing.

Sensor technology

All three watches are equipped with the BioTracker PPG biometric sensor, but the T-Rex 3 takes the lead with its most advanced iteration. It features a sophisticated 5PD (photodiode) and 2LED setup, which translates to more precise tracking. The T-Rex Ultra and T-Rex 2 utilize the BioTracker 3.0, which is certainly capable, but not up to the standards of the T-Rex 3.

As far as location tracking, all three models are on similar footing. They each support dual-band and six-satellite positioning systems, ensuring accurate tracking across various terrains and conditions. This feature is crucial for users who rely on precise location data for activities like hiking, trail running, or cycling in diverse environments.

In terms of connectivity options, the T-Rex 3 clearly leads the pack. It’s the only model in the trio that offers NFC functionality, enabling contactless payments. Granted this doesn’t work in all countries and is limited in bank scope, but it is there.

The T-Rex 3 also stands out with its built-in microphone, a feature absent in both the Ultra and T-Rex 2. This addition opens up possibilities for voice commands.

In terms of wireless technology, the T-Rex 3 again takes the lead with WLAN 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.2 support. The T-Rex Ultra, while a step behind, still offers WiFi capability for map and music downloads, paired with Bluetooth 5.0. The T-Rex 2 uses the same Bluetooth 5.0 but lacks WiFi support.

Finally, both the T-Rex 3 and T-Rex Ultra allow users to store and play music directly from the watch, as well as maps. This feature is particularly valuable for those who prefer to exercise without carrying a smartphone. The T-Rex 2, unfortunately, misses out on this capability, which could be a significant drawback for some users.

Battery life

As far as battery life, the T-Rex series has always performed well. The latest device in the series stands out with its 700 mAh battery, offering up to 27 days in typical usage and extending to 40 days in battery-saving mode. For users in demanding conditions, such as intense workouts or outdoor adventures, it can last 13 days, while its GPS accuracy mode allows 42 hours of continuous usage, making it ideal for long hikes or ultra-runs.

The T-Rex Ultra is also quite capable on this count. It can last 20 days in typical use and 9 days under heavy use and includes an Endurance GPS mode that extends its GPS usage to 28 hours, which is perfect for users needing long tracking sessions. The T-Rex 2 offers similar performance with up to 24 days in normal use, 45 days in battery-saving mode, and 26 hours of GPS tracking.

Amazfit T-Rex 3 vs Ultra vs T-Rex 2: comparison feature: Technical specs

Here’s how the three models compare.

Feature	Amazfit T-Rex 3	Amazfit T-Rex Ultra	Amazfit T-Rex 2
Release date	Sep-24	Mar-23	May-22
Case material	High-strength polymer, stainless steel bezel, back panel, bridge and buttons, silicone strap	High-strength polymer, stainless steel bezel, back panel, bridge and buttons, silicone strap	High-strength polymer body, metallic painting, two-tone silicon wristband
Number of physical buttons	4	4	4
Shape	Round	Round	Round
Size	48.5 x 48.5 x 13.75 mm	47.3 x 47.3 x 13.45 mm	47.1 x 47.1 x 13.65 mm
Display type	AMOLED	AMOLED	AMOLED
Resolution	480 x 480 pixels, 2000 nits brightness, Glove Mode	454 x 454 pixels	454 x 454 pixels
Screen size	1.5 inch	1.39 inch	1.39 inch
Weight (without strap)	68.3 grams	89 grams	66.5 grams
Sensors	BioTracker PPG biometric sensor (5PD + 2LED), 3-axis acceleration sensor, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic sensor, Air pressure sensor, Temperature sensor, Ambient light	BioTracker 3 PPG biological tracking optical sensor, 3-axis acceleration sensor, 3-axis gyroscope, Geomagnetic sensor, Barometric altimeter, Compass, Ambient light sensor	BioTracker 3.0 PPG biometric sensor, Acceleration sensor, Gyroscope sensor, Geomagnetic sensor, Barometric altimeter
Water-resistance	10 ATM, Frediving up to 147 feet certified	10 ATM	10 ATM
Positioning	Dual-band & 6 satellite positioning systems	Dual-band and 6 satellite positioning	Dual-band and 6 satellite positioning
Microphone	Yes	No	No
NFC	Yes	No	No
Music storage	Yes	Yes	No
Connection	WLAN 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.2 & BLE	WLAN 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0 & BLE	Bluetooth 5.0
Battery type	700 mAh	500 mAh	500 mAh
Battery life	Up to 27 days typical use, 40 days battery saver mode, 13 days heavy usage, 42 hours accuracy GPS mode	Up to 20 days typical use, 25 days battery saver mode, 9 days heavy usage, 28 hours accuracy GPS mode	Up to 24 days normal mode, 45 days battery saver mode, 10 days heavy use, 26 hours accuracy GPS mode
Operating system	Zepp OS 4.0	Zepp OS 3.5	Zepp OS 2.+
Colors	Onyx, Lava	Abyss Black, Sahara	Astro Black & Gold, Ember Black, Wild Green, Desert Khaki, Ocean Blue (Special Edition)
Typical RRP	$279.99	$399.99	Starting at $199.99

Amazfit T-Rex 3 vs Ultra vs T-Rex 2: comparison feature: Features

In terms of health and fitness tracking, the trio offers a robust set of features. Pretty much most things that Amazfit watches have on offer.

These features have seen gradual improvements, and the T-Rex 3 undoubtedly stands out as the best option for tracking accuracy. Being the latest model, it delivers the most precise heart rate monitoring and GPS performance. In my own review, I tested its heart rate accuracy during multiple runs, and it proved to be on par with Garmin’s Forerunner series, which is known for its reliability in fitness tracking. The dual-band GPS of the T-Rex 3 locks on quickly and maintains strong tracking even in challenging environments like dense urban areas or remote trails. This accuracy makes it ideal for runners, cyclists, and hikers.

The T-Rex 3 also benefits from a larger and brighter 1.5-inch display, which greatly enhances visibility during outdoor workouts. Its 2000-nit brightness ensures that important metrics like pace, heart rate, and distance are easy to read, even in direct sunlight. This is a nice upgrade over the Ultra and T-Rex 2, whose screens, while sufficient, do not offer the same level of clarity in bright conditions.

Smartwatch-type features

None of these watches provide cellular connectivity, meaning they need to be paired with a smartphone for features like notifications, calls, and app synchronization. However, all three support basic smart features such as notification mirroring, weather updates, and music controls.

The T-Rex 3 stands out as the most feature-rich in terms of smart capabilities. It’s the only model of the three to offer NFC for contactless payments, adding a layer of convenience for users who want to leave their wallet at home. Additionally, the T-Rex 3 is unique in having a built-in microphone, which enables the use of Zepp Flow and allows users to respond to text messages using voice-to-text functionality. While it doesn’t have a full-fledged speaker, the T-Rex 3 does include a “beeper” that can be used for alarms and other alerts.

Both the T-Rex 3 and T-Rex Ultra allow for music storage and playback directly from the watch, meaning users can listen to their tunes via Bluetooth headphones without needing their phone nearby. The T-Rex 2, however, lacks this feature, which might be a drawback for some users.

The same applies to the ability to store maps offline. Both the T-Rex 3 and T-Rex Ultra offer this capability,

Amazfit T-Rex 3 vs Ultra vs T-Rex 2: comparison feature: Price

The T-Rex 3 is priced at a very reasonable $279.99, striking a balance between advanced functionality and affordability. It provides solid upgrades over previous models in terms of health tracking and smart features, making it an attractive option for those seeking a well-rounded device at a reasonable price. The T-Rex Ultra, positioned as the premium offering, comes in at $399.99, reflecting mostly its style difference and slightly more premium build. At the lower end of the spectrum, the T-Rex 2 starts at $199.99.

Amazfit T-Rex 3 vs Ultra vs T-Rex 2: comparison feature: Final thoughts

When comparing the latest iterations in the Amazfit T-Rex series, it’s clear that each model has its strengths. The T-Rex 3, however, emerges as the standout option, offering the best balance of features, performance, and value. With its advanced sensor technology, bright 1.5-inch display, and additional smart features like NFC and a built-in microphone, it provides the most comprehensive package for both outdoor lovers and those seeking a capable smartwatch.

The T-Rex Ultra, while pricier, appeals to users who prioritize durability and premium build quality. Its stainless steel construction and adjustable lugs make it a rugged choice for extreme outdoor activities. But unless you can pick it up on a discount, it’s probably not worth the extra $120 it sells over the T-Rex 3 as it lacks some of the newer features. The T-Rex 2, as the most affordable option, still offers solid performance for basic fitness tracking and smartwatch functionality, but misses out on some of the advanced features of its newer siblings.