Our verdict on the Amazfit T-Rex Dual Solar
The Amazfit T-Rex Dual Solar is aimed at endurance and outdoor athletes who don’t want to be constantly worrying about their charger whilst on multi-day trips. The dual-sided solar design is its clear USP. For mountain bikers, the offline maps, precise GPS, bright display and robust build are particularly appealing. However, the solar performance figures are based on laboratory tests and do not fully replace USB charging.
Two solar panels are designed to extend the battery life
Amazfit is expanding its T-Rex series with a model designed specifically for long trips far from power sockets and power banks. The T-Rex Dual Solar combines a solar panel in the display with a second, larger panel on the back. Whilst the display panel collects energy whilst worn on the wrist, the back panel is designed to come into its own during breaks. To this end, Amazfit includes a strap that allows the watch to be attached to the outside of a rucksack, for example. This enables the back of the case to face the sun whilst the journey continues.
For cycle tours involving long daily stages, this sounds like a practical solution: navigation, tracking and training data remain available for longer, without necessarily needing access to a power socket whilst on the move. Amazfit itself points out that solar charging does not completely replace regular charging via a USB cable. According to the manufacturer, under typical use, a fully charged watch lasts up to 25 days without solar support. Three hours of sunlight per day are said to extend the battery life to up to 34 days when using the front panel and up to 51 days when using the rear panel. In the energy-intensive GPS mode, the stated 48 hours are extended to up to 57 hours thanks to solar power.
GPS, offline maps and route guidance without a mobile network
The T-Rex Dual Solar features dual-frequency GPS with support for six satellite systems. Pre-installed colour maps, contour maps, waypoints and offline route planning are designed to assist on trips outside mobile network coverage. In addition, the device offers a return route option, either along the original route or as a direct as-the-crow-flies route.
According to Amazfit, the 1.32-inch AMOLED display achieves a brightness of up to 3,000 nits. This can be crucial, particularly in direct sunlight, when quickly glancing at turn-by-turn directions, elevation profiles or performance data. In terms of hardware, Amazfit specifies sapphire glass, a Grade 5 titanium bezel, 10 ATM water resistance and an operating temperature range of minus 30 to plus 70 degrees Celsius.
With more than 180 sport modes, training plans, recovery analyses and the Zepp app, the watch is designed not only to accompany you on the trail, but also to support your preparation. Handy for emergencies and night-time rides: a built-in LED torch offers white and red light, as well as an SOS mode.
Amazfit T-Rex Dual Solar: Key facts at a glance
- Price: 649.90 euros
- Solar technology: Two solar panels, one in the display and a larger one in the base of the case
- Display: 1.32-inch AMOLED, up to 3,000 nits, sapphire glass
- Battery: Typically up to 25 days; with solar support from the rear, up to 51 days with three hours of light per day
- GPS and navigation: Dual-frequency GPS, six satellite systems, offline maps, contour lines, waypoints and route retracing
- Robustness: Grade 5 titanium bezel, water-resistant to 10 ATM, suitable for use from minus 30 to plus 70 degrees Celsius
- Sport and exercise: Over 180 sport modes, hybrid training, and performance and recovery data via the Zepp app
- Additional functions: Bluetooth calling, NFC payments in the European version, offline music, voice control and LED torch
- Weight: 69 grams without the strap
