When you need a smartwatch for outdoor activities that can withstand difficult conditions, there are not many suitable models in reality. More recently, a novelty appeared in a narrow list – Amazfit T-Rex 2. The watch received largely the same functionality, but it has been noticeably updated in appearance and now even more strongly refers to the legendary CASIO G-Shock. With all this, inside the familiar Zepp OS with many sports features, as well as built-in GPS and a barometer. In Russia, the novelty was estimated at 16 thousand rubles.
Specifications
- Screen: 1.39 inches, OLED, 454×454 pixels, 326 PPI, ambient light sensor, Always On support.
- Health: pedometer, heart rate monitor, pulse oximeter, stress level, sleep phase tracking.
- Sensors: optical heart rate monitor/pulse oximeter, 6-axis motion sensor (accelerometer and gyroscope), GPS navigation, electronic compass, barometer.
- Communication: Bluetooth 5.0.
- Battery: 500 mAh.
- Dimensions: 47.1 x 47.1 x 13.65 mm, 66.5 grams without strap.
- Protection: 10 ATM water ingress protection and MIL-STD-810G military standard.
Appearance and ergonomics
The design and ergonomics of the T-Rex 2 are inspired by Casio G-Shock in a round case. This does not mean that Amazfit brazenly copied the works of the Japanese, it’s just that this is the format of a well-protected and at the same time lightweight watch. I have a black version with gold accents, referred to as “star black”. It is adorned with a glossy bezel, which is a very controversial detail for a rugged T-Rex 2. However, the gloss blends elegantly with the display glass, as if highlighting it. After a month, I did not have noticeable scratches, although sometimes I can catch for hours on a jamb or a doorknob.
For those who don’t like it, there are options with a matte bezel: jet black, wild green, and desert khaki. If you compare the T-Rex 2 with the previous version of the T-Rex Pro, the new watch looks much more expensive. Not only an engineer, but also a designer had a hand in them. I like to wear them as casual under jeans and other loose clothing.
The case is actually wear-resistant and shock-resistant. Not afraid of dust, dirt or water. The only potentially vulnerable element, the display, is properly recessed into the case. Silicone strap with non-absorbent coating. But the clasp is plastic, not metal. In fact, the watch can withstand deep diving (10 ATM), operate in extreme temperatures from -40°C to +70°C, is resistant to freezing rain and does not give in to salt fog.
The main problem of the previous generation, insufficient screen brightness, has been fixed. Now AMOLED with a diagonal of 1.39 inches produces 1000 cd / m² with automatic adjustment. The G-Shock style continues in one of the preset watch faces. Other original ones are digital, pointer, with different widgets. All third-party skins from the catalog are free. The time can be displayed constantly, thanks to Always On.
Four buttons on the sides are not for a beautiful look, but for duplicating touch input. It is very important for such watches, because during outdoor activities, hands can be wet or even hidden in gloves. The keys in this sense are trouble-free and work in any conditions. The only thing I did not find is the possibility to block the sensor, but leave the keys active. But there is an opportunity to block all control.
Operating system
If we fold back the push-button control, which is unique for the line, the rest of the operating system is exactly the same as on other Amazfit watches with Zepp OS. The system is sharpened for sports and basic options like an alarm clock, a timer, a stopwatch. Although, for example, there is no built-in player, only a widget for controlling music on the phone. There is support for third-party applications, I liked the calculator and the remote control for GoPro.
Notifications are collected in a heap without grouping by application. It is possible to respond with a pre-filled text template or emoji. There is no built-in speaker, as well as the ability to take a call in headset mode.
Of the pleasant, there is a slight customization of the interface. First, you can choose from three icon styles. Secondly, sort the menu items to your taste. And finally, you can add only the options you need to the quick settings panel.
T-Rex 2 Features
As before, the focus is on workout tracking, as Amazfit watches have evolved from advanced fitness trackers. The T-Rex 2 has over 150 sports modes for every taste. Walking, running, cycling, swimming, elliptical and rowing are automatically recognized. Depending on the mode, the GPS distance, pace, number of strokes and elevation change are measured. However, in most situations, tracking is limited to taking the pulse and calculating the number of calories burned. The summary is available on the screen in real time, you can control the music in parallel. In the app on your smartphone, you can create templates for interval training.
In the presence of an optical sensor for measuring the pulse and the level of oxygen in the blood in automatic mode at a specified interval. Sleep tracking available. Regarding more pumped hours, there is not enough ECG. The T-Rex 2 features built-in GPS and a barometer. In addition to training, satellite reception is needed for built-in navigation. It is assumed that the watch remembers the distance traveled, and then gives instructions on returning to the starting point. A useful option for hiking in forests and mountains, where there are no clear paths. You can also download a map with a marked route and intermediate points from your smartphone in advance. In this case, the T-Rex 2 shows the movement in real time directly on the display. These features were added in the August 1st update. If you don’t, update your watch through Zepp.
Reverse navigation mode is available during workouts that use GPS. You can load a pre-prepared route from files in GPX, TCX and KML formats. To do this, you need to open the file manager, find the desired track file and try to open it. When the smartphone indicates an unsupported format, select Zepp from the application list. The route will then appear in the app and on your watch under My Routes.
By the way, this is an application for synchronization with a smartphone. The work of Zepp, the quality of features and appearance does not raise questions. However, in some places in it, as well as on the watch itself, there is a machine translation.
Autonomy and charging
The internal space is spent wisely, inside there is a large 500 mAh battery. It lasts for 10 days in a very active mode with Always On enabled for 12 hours a day, heart rate measurement every 10 minutes, sleep tracking, ongoing notifications and calls. Without Always On, the battery life will double, and the total watch can be stretched for 45 days in energy-saving mode. Charging is magnetic, but not wireless, but through gold-plated contacts. The miniature dock is unified with other Amazfit watches and is equipped with a non-removable full-size USB.
Review after a month of use
It would seem that there is nothing easier than taking the time-tested protected watch format and transferring it to “smart rails”. However, this did not happen to many. In this sense, I am especially pleased Amazfit T-Rex 2because inside the hardy case there is software familiar from other watches of the brand.
Push-button control, built-in GPS with the promised navigation and a barometer – Amazfit has worked on adapting to an active lifestyle. The disadvantages remain the same compared to the previous T-Rex Pro: there is still no speaker for hands-free calls and a built-in player. And the notifications are sparse. Therefore, it is worth updating mainly for the sake of a combed design.
Advantages:
- brutal appearance;
- recessed display;
- a wide range of watch faces and Always On;
- 10 ATM water resistance and military standard MIL-STD-810G;
- excellent autonomy;
- easy and understandable operating system;
- a wide range of health monitoring sensors;
- reverse navigation via built-in GPS;
- automatic workout detection.
Flaws:
- no speaker for speakerphone.
May not like:
- a glossy bezel combined with a golden color is not a combination for everyone.
Source: Trash Box
I am Joyce Corbett and I have been working in the news industry for over 10 years. My current role is as an author at World Stock Market, where I focus primarily on the tech section. My specialty is creating engaging content that helps to explain and demystify complex financial topics.
