If you are looking for a relatively inexpensive device for tracking your walks and handling lightweight smartwatch duties, the Amazfit T-Rex Pro will handle most of the basics according to Alex Roddie.
The Amazfit T-Rex Pro is a compact, lightweight GPS watch made from plastic, with a rugged look and a simple, comfortable rubber strap. The watch is highly durable; as well as being waterproof and shockproof, Amazfit say it can withstand temperatures as low as -40° C. The touchscreen is bright and vivid in most lighting, but is not always-on. The screen times out after a few seconds, which makes it more cumbersome to use than most other watches tested. One benefit is that it can be controlled either by the touchscreen or via buttons. This is great for outdoor use.
It will display notifications and weather info, and can be used as a comprehensive fitness tracker, although the Zepp smartphone app won’t integrate with other services, limiting its usefulness. The operating system feels more fluid and phone-like than many of the other watches tested. The watch tracks walking and running accurately, and you can export a GPX file from the app afterwards, but no GPS navigation is possible – you can’t load your own route onto the watch. You can’t customise the data screens either (except the main watch face).
The price is attractive and battery life is good. If your needs are basic and you don’t need navigation then this is worth a look.
If you want to compare more GPS watches, check out the rest of Alex’s guide to GPS watches.
We’ve also recently answered a couple of the frequently asked questions when it comes to GPS watches including ‘Do GPS watches need the internet?’ and how to use GPS for hiking navigation.
This review first featured in The Great Outdoors in August 2021.
