Amazfit's New Feature Rivals Garmin

Discovering the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro

For those who've followed my reviews, it's no secret that I've been yearning for a reliable LED flashlight feature on smartwatches from brands like Coros, Suunto, Polar, Apple, and Samsung. But to my delight, Amazfit has taken the initiative with their latest T-Rex 3 Pro. This device now includes a dual-color LED flashlight that holds its ground against Garmin's offerings.

The T-Rex 3 Pro comes in two sizes, catering to a broader range of wearers. It features a built-in speaker and mic, enabling hands-free calls, and offers Zepp Flow controls. Additionally, users can download navigation maps, including those of ski resorts, at no extra cost.

Why Choose T-Rex 3 Pro?

As an already impressive rugged watch, the T-Rex 3 gains a major upgrade with the LED flashlight addition. It's a perfect companion for outdoor explorers like trail runners and adventure enthusiasts, boasting a resilient titanium body, a scratch-resistant sapphire display, long-lasting battery life, and operational capability in extreme temperatures, down to -30°C.

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The inclusion of a 44mm variant introduces flexibility for those with smaller wrists. Despite its compact form, the watch maintains impressive stamina, performing up to 19 days under standard usage or enduring 29 hours in enhanced GPS mode, which is the most battery-draining setting.

The T-Rex 3 Pro also offers a customizable safety light that can emit red or white light in various flashing patterns. It's a handy tool for both mid-activity visibility and as a precautionary measure.

During a recent snow expedition at a renowned sports event in Chamonix, the device proved its worth. It tracks over 180 sports activities, and I found the specific dog-walking mode particularly novel and tailored, unlike other general walking options.

Exploring Further Features

As a current tester of Coros Nomad, I appreciated how the T-Rex 3 Pro includes specific features for angling enthusiasts, such as tracking casts and logging catches, alongside heart rate and location data. This smartwatch encourages users to personalize their settings for an optimal experience.

Due to its rugged nature, the watch's battery is substantial, which might make sleeping with it less comfortable. For nighttime tracking, the brand's lighter wearable options mesh seamlessly with the Zepp app environment.

I tried the robust 48mm Tactical Black version, but alternative colors like Black Gold will soon arrive. The 44mm model, perfect for smaller wrists, is expected later in Gold/Gray and Black Gold.

ZDNET's Purchase Recommendations

While seeking a Garmin challenger, the long-awaited LED flashlight feature emerges at an appealing $400 for a smartwatch crafted with high-quality materials. With a vast range of customizable activities, it stands as a formidable contender in the competitive wearable market.