{"id":7955,"date":"2025-09-07T13:15:10","date_gmt":"2025-09-07T13:15:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/7955\/"},"modified":"2025-09-07T13:15:10","modified_gmt":"2025-09-07T13:15:10","slug":"i-just-went-hands-on-with-the-new-amazfit-t-rex-3-pro-5-things-you-should-know-about-this-monster-smartwatch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/7955\/","title":{"rendered":"I just went hands-on with the new Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro \u2014 5 things you should know about this monster smartwatch"},"content":{"rendered":"<p id=\"2a293f11-f310-4c8b-bb41-f98ba2d34c07\">Amazfit, the brand behind some of my favorite wallet-friendly smartwatches, just announced a new model, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro, at the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tomsguide.com\/tech-events\/best-of-ifa-2025\" data-before-rewrite-redirect=\"https:\/\/www.tomsguide.com\/tech-events\/best-of-ifa-2025-15-top-new-gadgets-we-saw\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.tomsguide.com\/tech-events\/best-of-ifa-2025\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">IFA show in Berlin<\/a>. I\u2019ve been wearing it on my wrist for roughly 24 hours, and so far, I&#8217;m impressed.<\/p>\n<p>First thoughts: This is a sturdy and rugged, feature-packed wearable with fitness-tracking sensors and activity modes galore, but with an oddly un-Amazfit-like price tag.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\" data-url=\"\" href=\"\" data-hl-processed=\"none\"\/><\/p>\n<p id=\"2a293f11-f310-4c8b-bb41-f98ba2d34c07-2\">Based on my initial impressions of the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro, here are the five most important things you need to know about this new, monster smartwatch.<\/p>\n<p>You may like<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-1-there-are-two-sizes-one-slightly-less-monster-like\" data-url=\"\" href=\"\" data-hl-processed=\"none\"\/>1. There are two sizes (one slightly less monster-like)<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Mo9qmjPQq8BUs8t5SQLZr6.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro rugged smartwatch\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Mo9qmjPQq8BUs8t5SQLZr6.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Mo9qmjPQq8BUs8t5SQLZr6.jpg\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia\/Tom&#8217;s Guide)<\/p>\n<p id=\"60b48f70-c714-4605-9e39-cae070b27d88\">Unlike the similar-looking standard <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tomsguide.com\/wellness\/smartwatches\/hands-on-with-the-amazfit-t-rex-3-a-rugged-outdoor-smartwatch-with-a-ludicrous-battery-and-a-wallet-friendly-price\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.tomsguide.com\/wellness\/smartwatches\/hands-on-with-the-amazfit-t-rex-3-a-rugged-outdoor-smartwatch-with-a-ludicrous-battery-and-a-wallet-friendly-price\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Amazfit T-Rex 3<\/a> that came before it, which only comes in 48mm, the Pro model is offered in both 44mm and 48mm to accommodate a wider range of wrists.<\/p>\n<p>I got my hands on the 48mm T-Rex 3 Pro, and it\u2019s got more presence than I like on my 6.5-inch wrist, which is to say, I\u2019m more than a little intrigued by the smaller option.<\/p>\n<p>The standard <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/go.redirectingat.com\/?id=92X1584493&amp;xcust=tomsguide_us_2639337472976604478&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fus.amazfit.com%2Fproducts%2Famazfit-t-rex-3&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tomsguide.com%2Fwellness%2Fsmartwatches%2Fi-just-went-hands-on-with-the-new-amazfit-t-rex-3-pro-5-things-you-should-know-about-this-monster-smartwatch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener nofollow\" data-url=\"https:\/\/us.amazfit.com\/products\/amazfit-t-rex-3\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"skimlinks\" data-placeholder-url=\"https:\/\/go.redirectingat.com\/?id=92X1584493&amp;xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fus.amazfit.com%2Fproducts%2Famazfit-t-rex-3&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tomsguide.com%2Fwellness%2Fsmartwatches%2Fi-just-went-hands-on-with-the-new-amazfit-t-rex-3-pro-5-things-you-should-know-about-this-monster-smartwatch\" data-google-interstitial=\"false\" data-merchant-name=\"amazfit.com\" data-merchant-network=\"SkimLinks\">T-Rex 3 is priced at $279<\/a>, though it\u2019s often on sale for less. Meanwhile, the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/go.redirectingat.com\/?id=92X1584493&amp;xcust=tomsguide_us_6842156342132723012&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fus.amazfit.com%2Fproducts%2Ft-rex-3-pro&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tomsguide.com%2Fwellness%2Fsmartwatches%2Fi-just-went-hands-on-with-the-new-amazfit-t-rex-3-pro-5-things-you-should-know-about-this-monster-smartwatch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener nofollow\" data-url=\"https:\/\/us.amazfit.com\/products\/t-rex-3-pro\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"skimlinks\" data-placeholder-url=\"https:\/\/go.redirectingat.com\/?id=92X1584493&amp;xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fus.amazfit.com%2Fproducts%2Ft-rex-3-pro&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tomsguide.com%2Fwellness%2Fsmartwatches%2Fi-just-went-hands-on-with-the-new-amazfit-t-rex-3-pro-5-things-you-should-know-about-this-monster-smartwatch\" data-google-interstitial=\"false\" data-merchant-name=\"amazfit.com\" data-merchant-network=\"SkimLinks\">T-Rex 3 Pro is $399<\/a>, regardless of which size you choose. That\u2019s the same cost as the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tomsguide.com\/Garmin-Instinct-3-review\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.tomsguide.com\/Garmin-Instinct-3-review\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Garmin Instinct 3<\/a>, my favorite rugged smartwatch in 2025. And that\u2019s not all these two have in common (more on that below).<\/p>\n<p>With many of Amazfit\u2019s most popular watches priced at or below $100, including the impressive <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tomsguide.com\/wellness\/smartwatches\/i-just-tested-the-amazfit-active-2-7-things-you-should-know-about-my-favorite-smartwatch-under-usd100\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.tomsguide.com\/wellness\/smartwatches\/i-just-tested-the-amazfit-active-2-7-things-you-should-know-about-my-favorite-smartwatch-under-usd100\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Amazfit Active 2<\/a>, the T-Rex 3 Pro represents the upper end of the brand\u2019s lineup. Then again, it seemingly has the features and build quality to justify the cost.<\/p>\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-2-premium-materials-rugged-design\" data-url=\"\" href=\"\" data-hl-processed=\"none\"\/>2. Premium materials = rugged design<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.24%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/uvJAKR5ULraB8uiyR8MmL6.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro rugged smartwatch\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/uvJAKR5ULraB8uiyR8MmL6.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/uvJAKR5ULraB8uiyR8MmL6.jpg\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia\/Tom&#8217;s Guide)<\/p>\n<p id=\"efdac4f6-fcf2-46a1-b0db-7428552d6107\">What sets the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro apart from the standard model beyond price and size options? Higher-end materials, for one. While the normal T-Rex 3 uses Gorilla Glass for screen protection, the Pro model boasts sapphire glass, which is all-around more resilient to scratches and impact.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking of display, the 48mm Pro has the same-size 1.5-inch AMOLED panel as the standard, while the smaller 44mm Pro sports a 1.32-inch display. Both Pro models max out at an impressive 3,000 nits, an increase of 1,000 nits over the standard and the same max output as the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tomsguide.com\/reviews\/apple-watch-ultra-2\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.tomsguide.com\/reviews\/apple-watch-ultra-2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Apple Watch Ultra 2<\/a>, which is more than enough for easy viewing in direct sunlight.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5myMoLbnQeb8QR9eWgu9c6.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro rugged smartwatch\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5myMoLbnQeb8QR9eWgu9c6.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5myMoLbnQeb8QR9eWgu9c6.jpg\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia\/Tom&#8217;s Guide)<\/p>\n<p id=\"a6ebac56-9acc-4738-a99a-d0ad70b209d1\">Amazfit also upgraded the buttons and bezel materials from stainless steel to Grade 5 titanium alloy, which is harder and lighter than steel and even tougher than standard industrial titanium alloy.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, the case is still fiber-reinforced polymer (plastic), but given the size, that\u2019s likely an intentional move to keep both the cost and weight of the device down (plastic is, after all, lighter than titanium).<\/p>\n<p>Water resistance on both the Pro and standard remains a <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tomsguide.com\/wellness\/smartwatches\/smartwatch-water-resistance-ratings-explained#section-100-meters-water-resistance\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.tomsguide.com\/wellness\/smartwatches\/smartwatch-water-resistance-ratings-explained#section-100-meters-water-resistance\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">respectable 100 meters<\/a>, enough for diving and high-speed watersports.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-3-there-s-an-onboard-led-flashlight-just-like-my-favorite-garmin-watch\" data-url=\"\" href=\"\" data-hl-processed=\"none\"\/>3. There\u2019s an onboard LED flashlight\u2026 just like my favorite Garmin watch<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/X5HYUBBBJoQjDabkNHT7L6.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro rugged smartwatch\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/X5HYUBBBJoQjDabkNHT7L6.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/X5HYUBBBJoQjDabkNHT7L6.jpg\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia\/Tom&#8217;s Guide)<\/p>\n<p id=\"eb55f71f-516f-44a2-b727-5096595eb768\">Well, well, well, look who now also sports a nifty little LED flashlight tucked into the watch case near the 12:00 position. Clearly, an homage to the Garmin Instinct 3, which offers the same exact design element, I can\u2019t blame Amazfit for borrowing such a brilliant idea.<\/p>\n<p>With an adjustable output and the ability to toggle between a white and red light, this style of smartwatch flashlight is as useful in everyday scenarios, like trying to locate your dog&#8217;s poop by moonlight or navigate a darkened hotel room without waking your sleeping partner, as it is for outdoor adventure scenarios.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-4-map-and-routing-tools-look-impressive\" data-url=\"\" href=\"\" data-hl-processed=\"none\"\/>4. Map and routing tools look impressive <\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5QvhPGmNDkfyQoJtpKBWo6.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro rugged smartwatch\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5QvhPGmNDkfyQoJtpKBWo6.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5QvhPGmNDkfyQoJtpKBWo6.jpg\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia\/Tom&#8217;s Guide)<\/p>\n<p id=\"a53187ab-4aa4-48b9-9533-ae41ada00b09\">In addition to supporting a seriously massive number of physical activities (180+), from winter sports like snowboarding, to hula hooping, chess, and checkers, the T-Rex 3 Pro also boasts seriously high-end navigational tools.<\/p>\n<p>Not only can you download fairly detailed maps with contour markings and points of interest for offline use, but the T-Rex 3 Pro also offers turn-by-turn directions and even supports a huge number of ski and snowboard mountain maps worldwide. Best of all, these navigational features are completely free.<\/p>\n<p>And even though the standard T-Rex 3 model offers all of the above, the Pro uses a far more advanced satellite positioning system with access to six satellites versus two, not only for navigation, but for activity tracking too.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-5-battery-life-lasts-for-days-or-even-weeks\" data-url=\"\" href=\"\" data-hl-processed=\"none\"\/>5. Battery life lasts for days or even weeks<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3vWiXJH3ELRX46EWUuRyw6.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro rugged smartwatch\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3vWiXJH3ELRX46EWUuRyw6.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3vWiXJH3ELRX46EWUuRyw6.jpg\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia\/Tom&#8217;s Guide)<\/p>\n<p id=\"0c20fa5a-ab35-4213-a98b-89c990111ca3\">The T-Rex 3 is already a proven battery life champ, with a rating of 27 days in normal smartwatch mode and roughly 42 hours with max GPS tracking enabled.<\/p>\n<p>While the T-Rex 3 Pro in both sizes lasts about the same in smartwatch mode, battery life takes a slight hit in max GPS mode due to the more advanced onboard antenna and positioning system. The smaller model is still good for a hearty 26 hours, and the larger model for 38 hours.<\/p>\n<p>Those numbers are still respectable, especially compared to the competition. For example, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 lasts for 12 hours in GPS mode. Perhaps the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tomsguide.com\/wellness\/smartwatches\/apple-watch-ultra-3-everything-we-know-so-far\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.tomsguide.com\/wellness\/smartwatches\/apple-watch-ultra-3-everything-we-know-so-far\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Apple Watch Ultra 3<\/a> will last longer, though.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-amazfit-t-rex-3-pro-outlook\" data-url=\"\" href=\"\" data-hl-processed=\"none\"\/>Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro: Outlook<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.25%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6si3L6E8BUEeLPpHdBfQu6.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro rugged smartwatch\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6si3L6E8BUEeLPpHdBfQu6.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6si3L6E8BUEeLPpHdBfQu6.jpg\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia\/Tom&#8217;s Guide)<\/p>\n<p id=\"eacf93b9-d1de-4378-b243-aa0ecdf25e0c\">While the price of this new Amazfit model is admittedly higher than I expected, the T-Rex 3 Pro offers nothing short of an ultra-premium smartwatch experience from my initial interactions with it, boasting battery life, fitness tracking features, navigational tools, and a build quality up there with some of the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tomsguide.com\/us\/best-smartwatches,review-2156.html\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.tomsguide.com\/us\/best-smartwatches,review-2156.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">best smartwatch<\/a> models in 2025.<\/p>\n<p>Stay tuned for further testing of the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro, including head-to-head comparisons, feature deep dives, and of course, a full review.<\/p>\n<p id=\"2e34dd62-770c-49f2-8934-d1c06760083e\">Follow <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqKAgKIiJDQklTRXdnTWFnOEtEWFJ2YlhObmRXbGtaUzVqYjIwb0FBUAE?hl=en-US&amp;gl=US&amp;ceid=US%3Aen\" target=\"_blank\" data-url=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqKAgKIiJDQklTRXdnTWFnOEtEWFJ2YlhObmRXbGtaUzVqYjIwb0FBUAE?hl=en-US&amp;gl=US&amp;ceid=US%3Aen\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"none\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Tom&#8217;s Guide on Google News<\/a> to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-more-from-tom-s-guide\" data-url=\"\" href=\"\" data-hl-processed=\"none\"\/>More from Tom&#8217;s Guide<a id=\"elk-8142e403-2ce5-4ffb-93e6-918315394606\" data-url=\"\" href=\"\" data-hl-processed=\"none\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Today&#8217;s best Amazfit T-Rex 3 deals<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Amazfit, the brand behind some of my favorite wallet-friendly smartwatches, just announced a new model, the Amazfit T-Rex&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7956,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[356,111,139,69,145],"class_list":{"0":"post-7955","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-gadgets","8":"tag-gadgets","9":"tag-new-zealand","10":"tag-newzealand","11":"tag-nz","12":"tag-technology"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7955","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7955"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7955\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7956"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7955"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7955"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7955"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}