When it comes to top rugged smartwatches for outdoor enthusiasts, the Garmin Fenix 8 and the Amazfit T-Rex 3 are the top contenders. Both offer rugged features such as GPS tracking, military-grade durability and impressive battery life, making them suitable for hiking, running and other extreme activities.
However, the Garmin Fenix 8 is aimed more at premium users with advanced features such as a vibrant AMOLED display, voice control and longer battery life, while the Amazfit T-Rex 3 is a more affordable option with solid outdoor features at a fraction of the price.
In this comparison, we’ll look at the key differences between the Garmin Fenix 8 and the Amazfit T-Rex 3 and help you decide which device best suits your needs.
Garmin Fenix 8 vs Amazfit T-Rex 3 Specs
| Specification | Garmin Phoenix 8 | Amazfit T-Rex 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199 | $279 |
| Display Size | 1.4 inches | 1.5 inches |
| Display Type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Brightness | Up to 1,000 nits | Up to 2,000 nits |
| Resolution | High resolution | High resolution |
| Lens Material | Sapphire (optional) | Gorilla Glass |
| Bezel Material | Titanium | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters | 100 meters |
| Battery Life | Up to 100 hours (GPS mode) | Up to 24 days (typical use) |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| Music Support | Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer | MP3 files only |
| NFC Payments | Garmin Pay | Zepp Pay (not available in the USA) |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker | Yes | No |
| Heart Rate Sensor | Optical | Optical |
| GPS | Multi-band GPS | Standard GPS |
| Customization | Connect IQ app store | Limited app options |
| Band Compatibility | Quick-fit system | Requires adapters for quick-release |
| Flashlight | Built-in LED flashlight | On-screen flashlight |
| Sizes Available | 43 mm and 47 mm | One size only |
Garmin Fenix 8 vs Amazfit T-Rex 3 – Price, Options, and Sizes
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 is the more budget-conscious option at $279; Garmin Fenix 8 commands higher prices at $1,199 for its 47mm AMOLED version. However, Fenix 8 offer multiple sizes – including 43mm ones which allow customization based on wrist size or shape – while T-Rex 3 only comes in one size, thus restricting its customization capabilities.
If your budget is limited, the T-Rex 3 provides excellent value and affordability; alternatively, Fenix 8 gives more options for customization and premium features.
| Garmin Fenix 8 | AMOLED display, Military-grade durability, Voice control | Get the Garmin Fenix 8 |
| Amazfit T-Rex 3 | 1.39″ AMOLED display, 10 ATM water resistance, GPS | Buy Amazfit T-Rex 3 Now |
Build Quality: Hardware, Buttons and Straps
Garmin Fenix 8 is a premium smartwatch built for longevity. Equipped with sapphire crystal and titanium bezel for superior scratch resistance, it provides elegant strength. In comparison, Amazfit T-Rex 3 relies on Gorilla Glass and stainless steel bezel that may not last as long compared to Fenix 8.
Both models offer water resistance up to 100 meters, though the Fenix 8 is superior due to its leak-proof button design, offering greater water resistance than its predecessor, the T-Rex 3. Both devices use conventional mechanical buttons with limited water resistance features, but only one offers such innovation as waterproofness: Fenix 8.
Strap compatibility can make an important distinction. The Fenix 8 features a quick-fit system for quick and effortless strap changes; in comparison, the T-Rex 3 requires using a screwdriver although compatible with 22mm quick-change adapters.
It is evident that the Fenix 8 outshone the T-Rex 3 in terms of build quality and usability, especially among users looking for quick customization of quality devices.
Display and Brightness
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 excels with its 1.5-inch display and brightness of 2,200 nits, making it very visible even in bright lighting environments.
In comparison, its counterpart – Fenix 8 with its smaller 1.4-inch screen, MIP display, and brightness of 1,000 nits is less vivid yet more suitable for outdoor use; both models have stunning screens though the T-Rex 3 offers greater contrast due to its extra large 1.5-inch size and brightness.
If outdoor readability is of primary importance to you, the T-Rex 3’s brighter display can be an invaluable asset.
User interface and performance
Both watches offer users an enjoyable experience, yet their user interfaces differ in terms of how they work. For instance, the Fenix 8 utilizes widget overview technology that offers quick overviews of fitness and health data that make it suitable for athletes; on the other hand, this model, the Amazfit T-Rex 3, puts emphasis more on standard functions of a smartwatch through its user-centric design.
Overall, the Fenix 8 user interface is designed for those who are fitness-minded while its counterpart, T-Rex 3, offers an all-around smartwatch experience.
Smart Music Support and Features
The Fenix 8 provides users with comprehensive support for streaming services like Spotify or Amazon Music with offline download capabilities, making it more attractive than its competitor the Amazfit T-Rex 3 which only supports MP3 playback, making it less suitable for those relying on modern streaming services for music consumption.
Both watches are equipped to accept NFC payments, with Garmin Pay for the Fenix 8 being widely embraced and popular. Unfortunately, Zepp Pay is currently unavailable with the T-Rex 3 in USA.
The Fenix 8 offers smart features designed specifically to accommodate music enthusiasts or those who often make contactless payments.
Speaker, microphone and voice control system
Both watches feature microphones to enable voice command functionality; however, only the Fenix 8 has a speaker for audible feedback when using voice to access audiobooks or podcasts; by contrast, T-Rex 3 displays voice commands visually without audible feedback.
Key takeaway from our experience with the Fenix 8 is its speaker can make a significant impactful statement about audio feedback or playing media from their watch directly.
Sensors and Tracking
Both watches are equipped with optical heart rate sensors to allow for accurate performance during workouts, with the Fenix 8 going one step further by also offering pulse oximetry – measuring oxygen levels in your blood – which makes this watch particularly suitable for activities conducted at altitude like hiking.
The Fenix 8 features multi-band GPS for improved accuracy in challenging environments. While T-Rex 3 also offers GPS tracking capabilities, none come close to being as precise as Fenix 8. For GPS Tracking Fenix 8.
Take the Fenix 8 with you as the most essential item: Its advanced sensor technology and multi-band GPS provide unrivaled outdoor activities and fitness tracking.
Garmin Fenix 8 vs Amazfit T-Rex 3 – Battery Life
Battery life is of the utmost importance to active individuals, and both watches are superb in this respect. The Garmin Fenix 8 can last up to 100 hours of GPS mode usage and 30 days for smartwatch mode use while this Amazfit T-Rex 3 offers 24 days of use time.
Charging times are comparable, with the T-Rex 3 charging faster at 1.5 hours while Fenix 8 requires 2 hours for full charge.
Both watches are battery-powered and possess exceptional longevity; however, Fenix 8 leads in terms of endurance over time.
Outdoor and sports functions
Both watches are tailored to appeal to outdoor enthusiasts with powerful features. The Fenix 8 features advanced fitness metrics like workout recovery time and performance status that are useful for serious athletes, while Amazfit T-Rex 3 provides reliable tracking across most sports while being less resourceful when it comes to training information than its competitor, the Fenix 8.
Important Takeaway: Athletes and outdoor enthusiasts alike will appreciate the Fenix 8’s advanced learning features as a valuable asset for training and exploration.
Connectivity and smartwatch features
Both watches are equipped with Bluetooth but differ significantly in that the Fenix 8 also includes Wi-Fi for faster synchronization and software updates, supporting software updates as well as accessing Garmin Connect IQ App Store which offers many apps and watch face designs.
The T-Rex 3 offers fewer third-party apps but still provides essential features, such as smartphone notifications and weather updates.
Fenix 8 provides increased connectivity and applications that expand its usefulness as a multifunctional smartwatch.
Garmin Fenix 8 vs Amazfit T-Rex 3 – Design and esthetics
The aesthetics of the Fenix 8 are impressive. Featuring a premium sapphire and titanium bezel, its elegant design stands out. In comparison, T-Rex 3 leans more towards rugged military design; both watches come in black, white and titanium colors (Fenix) while T-Rex 3 also offers camouflaged and solid options for solid colour options.
Important takeaway: The Fenix 8 is best for those seeking sleek designs while the T-Rex 3 caters to outdoor enthusiasts who require something a bit tougher.
Conclusion – Which one is Better Garmin Fenix 8 vs Amazfit T-Rex 3
Deciding between the Garmin Fenix 8 vs Amazfit T-Rex 3 comes down to your needs and budget. With its superior build, top-of-the-line training features, and extensive ecosystem, the Fenix 8 is ideal for improving performance or training at the highest levels; while T-Rex 3 provides great value with outdoor visibility features like battery life monitoring.
Both watches are outstanding options, but if fitness tracking, high-grade materials, and an expansive app ecosystem is your focus, then the Fenix 8 stands out as the superior option.
On the other hand, for those on a tight budget looking for outdoor durability and an affordable choice Amazfit T-Rex 3 won’t disappoint.
Related Post
q. Which smartwatch is more durable, the Garmin Fenix 8 or the Amazfit T-Rex 3?
Both the Garmin Fenix 8 and Amazfit T-Rex 3 are built with durability in mind, meeting military-grade standards for shock, thermal, and water resistance. However, the Garmin Fenix 8 features a more rugged design with superior build quality and sapphire crystal glass for scratch resistance. The Amazfit T-Rex 3 is slightly less premium but still offers 10 ATM water resistance, making it suitable for heavy outdoor use.
