In recent years, Zepp Health has carved a niche in the smartwatch market, offering budget-friendly alternatives without sacrificing essential features. Two of its top-tier models, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 and Amazfit Balance, are excellent examples of this strategy.
Launched in 2023 and 2024, both watches pack many features but cater to different user needs. I’ve had the chance to use both for several weeks. Both are solid devices, but they cater to various needs. Here’s my take on how these two models stack up based on real-world use.
Amazfit T-Rex 3 vs Amazfit Balance Specs
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of both wearables with detailed specifications for the T-Rex 3 vs Balance:
| Feature | Amazfit T-Rex 3 | Amazfit Balance |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | September 2024 | August 2023 |
| Build Material | Polymer frame, stainless steel bezel, silicone strap | Aluminum frame, fiber-reinforced bottom |
| Buttons | 4 physical buttons | 2 buttons, one with a rotating crown |
| Shape | Round | Round |
| Size | 48.5 x 48.5 x 13.75 mm | 46 x 46 x 10.6 mm |
| Display Type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 480 x 480 pixels, 2000 nits brightness | 480 x 480 pixels, 1500 nits brightness |
| Screen Size | 1.5 inches | 1.5 inches |
| Weight (Without Strap) | 68.3 grams | 35 grams |
| Sensors | Bio Tracker™ 5.0, air pressure, temperature, GPS, etc. | Bio Tracker™ 5.0, BIA body composition, GPS, etc. |
| Water Resistance | 10 ATM (Freediving up to 147 feet) | 5 ATM (Suitable for swimming) |
| GPS and Positioning | Dual-band GPS, six satellite systems | Dual-band GPS, 6 satellite systems |
| Speaker | No | Yes |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Music Storage | 26GB | 2.3GB |
| Offline Maps | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | 700 mAh | 475 mAh |
| Battery Life | Up to 27 days, 42 hours with GPS | Up to 14 days, 26 hours with GPS |
| Operating System | Zepp OS 4.0 | Zepp OS 4.0 |
| Available Colors | Onyx, Lava | Midnight, Sunset Grey |
| Price | $279.99 | $229.99 |
This comparison clearly shows what each smartwatch offers, helping you decide which one best suits your lifestyle and needs.
Design and Build Quality: Rugged Meets Sleek
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 immediately caught my attention with its rugged military-certified build. Its stainless steel bezel and 48mm diameter make it a watch designed for tough outdoor sports. I took it on a mountain hike, and the watch handled dust, dirt, and powerful water jets without issues.
Its design reminded me of high-end sports watches, particularly the Amazfit T-Rex Pro. This difference between the Amazfit Balance and the Amazfit T-Rex Pro becomes clear in extreme conditions. While the T-Rex 3 is rugged and built for the outdoors, the Balance is sleeker and more suitable for casual wear.
The Amazfit Balance, on the other hand, offers a lighter and more refined build with an aluminum alloy frame. Its smaller, more compact design makes it less distracting and obtrusive for everyday use. I wore it throughout the day—from work to workouts—and it felt much more comfortable than the bulky T-Rex 3.
Display and Durability: Bright and Tough
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 and Amazfit Balance have 1.5-inch AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and sharp text. However, the T-Rex 3 has a 2000-nit brightness, making it more visible under bright sunlight. I tested it during a mid-day run, and the screen remained clear, even when the sun peaked. With its 1500-nit brightness, the Balance struggled slightly in direct sunlight but performed well indoors or in the shade.
When it comes to water resistance, the T-Rex 3 stands out. Its 10 ATM water-resistant rating makes it suitable for freediving up to 147 feet, while the Balance, with its 5 ATM rating, is better suited for casual water sports like swimming. I even took the T-Rex 3 diving, and it worked flawlessly underwater, handling extreme pressure like a champ.
Verdict: If you need an ultra-rugged watch for outdoor use, the T-Rex 3 is the better choice. However, the Balance’s lightweight design makes it excellent for everyday wear and workouts.
Health and Fitness Tracking: Robust Metrics for All Levels
Both Amazfit devices excel in health monitoring but focus on different areas. The Amazfit T-Rex 3 features over 170 sports and multi-sport modes, making it ideal for tracking various activities. I used it during hiking, running, and cycling, and it automatically detected when I started an activity, saving me the hassle of entering it manually.
The multi-band GPS and six satellite systems ensured accurate tracking, even in remote areas with weak radio waves. I appreciated how the T-Rex 3’s temperature sensor, air pressure sensor, and ability to predict weather changes enhanced my outdoor adventures.
The Amazfit Balance, though not as feature-packed for extreme sports, comes with a BIA Bioelectric Impedance Sensor, which allows for body composition analysis. This data is analyzed to give insights into body fat percentage, muscle mass, and other metrics.
While I don’t rely heavily on this data (since even smart scales can struggle with accuracy), it was still helpful to have. Its heart rate monitor, blood oxygen level sensor, and sleep monitoring were also spot on, helping me monitor how fast I recover after workouts and how well I sleep.
Both watches support heart rate variability (HRV) tracking, which I used to monitor stress levels and focus on recovery after intense training. The Balance’s Zepp app interface made it easy to view all this information, whether I was checking it on my smartphone or the app or website.
Verdict: If you’re into outdoor sports, the T-Rex 3 is more robust and has extra sensors and sports modes. The Balance is better if you want a balanced health and fitness tracking approach with extra body metrics.
Battery Life: One Outlasts the Other
Battery life is often a dealbreaker for me, and the T-Rex 3 did not disappoint. A 700 mAh battery lasted me 27 days of battery life on typical use. Even with heavy usage, like keeping the GPS on for long hikes, I could still stretch it to around 42 hours in high-accuracy mode. Its battery saver mode extends the life even further, which I found perfect for longer trips where I couldn’t charge the device often.
Though less long-lasting, the Amazfit Balance delivered 14 days of regular use. I could get up to 24 days with the power save mode, but this required more frequent charges than the T-Rex 3 for someone who is often on the go. The compatible charging pad made recharging simple, but I had to keep an eye on it more than with its longer battery life
Verdict: If long battery life is critical for you, especially for outdoor adventures, the T-Rex 3 easily beats the Balance. The Balance still holds up for daily use, but less impressively.
Smartwatch Features: Connectivity and Convenience
Both watches are compatible with Android and iOS devices, and syncing them with the Zepp app was seamless. They offer notifications, dual-band GPS, and NFC for payments. Still, the Amazfit Balance has a distinct advantage with its built-in speaker.
This allowed me to take calls and hear alerts directly on the watch, which came in handy when I didn’t have my phone nearby. The T-Rex 3 lacks this feature, making the Balance better for those who want more interactive smartwatch functions.
Regarding music storage, the T-Rex 3’s 26GB capacity allowed me to store offline maps and playlists without running out of space, which is excellent for long trips in areas without phone signals. With only 2.3GB of storage, the Balance is more limited but adequate for gym sessions or short workouts.
Verdict: For connectivity and convenience, the Amazfit Balance is better suited for those who want smartwatch functionality, like taking calls or listening to music. However, if you need storage for offline maps and prefer a device that can handle extreme environments, the T-Rex 3 is more practical.
Price Comparison: Which One Offers Better Value?
At $279.99(on Amazon), the Amazfit T-Rex 3 offers a lot of bang for your buck, especially considering its robust build, longer battery life, and advanced smartwatch features. It’s aimed at those who engage in extreme activities and want a watch to keep up.
The Amazfit Balance, priced at $229.99(at amazon), is a more budget-friendly option. It still offers many features, including sleep quality tracking and health monitoring, but it lacks high-end outdoor capabilities.
Verdict: The T-Rex 3 is a solid investment for extreme adventurers. If you’re looking for a more affordable yet feature-packed everyday smartwatch, the Amazfit Balance is the way to go.
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Final Thoughts: Amazfit T-Rex 3 vs Balance Which One Is Right for You?
After using both watches, I can confidently say the Amazfit T-Rex 3 is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who need a durable, long-lasting device that can handle rough conditions. Its rugged military certified build, 10 ATM water-resistant rating, and freediving capability make it a top choice for adventurers. Plus, its 27 days of battery life are hard to beat.
The Amazfit Balance, on the other hand, is better for everyday use. It focuses on health monitoring, physical composition, and fitness tracking. It’s sleek, comfortable, and more affordable, making it great for casual users who don’t need the ruggedness of the T-Rex 3.
Whether climbing mountains or hitting the gym, both watches offer solid performance. The T-Rex 3 stands out in extreme conditions, while the Balance provides more convenience and comfort for daily wear. Find out which is better based on your lifestyle needs!
q. Is Amazfit Trex worth it?
The Amazfit T-Rex is a durable smartwatch designed for outdoor and active use. It features a tough, military-grade build that can withstand extreme conditions, such as harsh temperatures and water exposure (up to 50 meters). The watch has a battery life of up to 20 days with typical use, which is a major advantage for people who don’t want to charge their device frequently.
It includes essential fitness tracking features like heart rate monitoring, GPS, and support for multiple workout modes. The T-Rex also offers notifications, weather updates, and sleep tracking, but it may lack advanced features like music storage or LTE support found in higher-end models.
Overall, it’s a solid choice for those who want a durable, budget-friendly smartwatch with strong outdoor capabilities.
q. What are the disadvantages of Amazfit T-rex 3?
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 has several strong points. It features functional physical buttons, a bright and colorful AMOLED display, dual-band GPS, and is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The watch also provides effective automatic activity detection, offline maps and routes, and offers a week-long battery life.
However, it has some downsides. The predominantly plastic build may feel less premium, and it’s only available in one size. There are too many subscription services, no music streaming support, and despite its durability, it lacks an official IP rating for water and dust resistance.
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