I Biked 11 Miles with Coros Nomad vs Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro — The Results Shocked Me

Coros Nomad vs Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro: A Detailed Comparison

The Coros Nomad and Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro are two rugged, long-lasting GPS smartwatches designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Both models aim to compete with the Garmin Instinct line, offering features tailored for adventure and durability. Recently, I had the opportunity to test these two devices side by side during an eleven-mile bike ride in Seattle, Washington. The results were intriguing, and I’m sharing my findings below.

Key Features and Specifications

The Coros Nomad is a budget-friendly alternative to the Garmin Instinct 3. It supports a wide range of outdoor activities and includes offline maps, making it ideal for hikers and cyclists who may not always have internet access. However, its water resistance is limited to 50 meters, which means it’s not suitable for diving. The device also features a large bezel for screen protection and a variety of fitness and elevation sensors.

On the other hand, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro is a more robust option with 100 meters of water resistance, allowing for high-impact water sports and even scuba diving. It also boasts a built-in LED flashlight, a powerful GPS antenna that uses six satellites, and a bright AMOLED display with 3,000 nits of brightness. This makes it easier to read in various lighting conditions.

In terms of price, the Coros Nomad is available for $349, while the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro is priced at $399. Both devices offer excellent battery life and support a wide range of workout and activity tracking modes.

Design and Display

Both smartwatches feature oversized cases with protective bezels, making them durable for outdoor use. Navigation can be done through physical buttons or touchscreen interfaces. However, their displays differ significantly. The Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro has a vibrant AMOLED screen that performs well in bright sunlight, while the Coros Nomad uses a Memory in Pixel (MiP) panel that is less colorful and harder to read in low-light environments.

Bike Test Results

During the eleven-mile bike ride, I used Strava as a control to compare the data from both devices. Here's how the results stacked up:

• Distance: Coros Nomad (11.21 miles), Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro (11.17 miles), Strava (11.23 miles)
• Elevation Gain: Coros Nomad (725 feet), Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro (628 feet), Strava (676 feet)
• Average Speed (Moving): Coros Nomad (11.4 mph), Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro (11.63 mph), Strava (12.2 mph)
• Max Speed: Coros Nomad (25.8 mph), Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro (23.3 mph), Strava (26.6 mph)
• Average Heart Rate: Coros Nomad (162 bpm), Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro (164 bpm)
• Max Heart Rate: Coros Nomad (188 bpm), Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro (180 bpm)
• Calories Burned: Coros Nomad (665 calories), Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro (775 calories)
• Battery Drain: Coros Nomad (2%), Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro (3%)

While both watches accurately measured the distance, the elevation data was less consistent. The Coros overcounted by 49 feet, while the Amazfit undercounted by 48 feet. Neither result is ideal, especially considering both devices have onboard altimeters.

The average moving speed data was relatively close, with both devices recording slightly slower speeds than Strava. The max speed data showed a larger discrepancy, with the Amazfit falling short by 3.3 mph. The Coros recorded a higher maximum heart rate, which could indicate an overestimation based on prior tests. Additionally, the Amazfit burned slightly more battery than the Coros.

Winner of the Head-to-Head

Given the accuracy of distance measurements and the inconsistencies in elevation data, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. Both the Coros Nomad and Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro have their strengths and weaknesses. While the Amazfit offers better GPS performance and a brighter display, the Coros provides a more affordable option with useful offline map features.

However, if you're looking for reliable elevation data, the Garmin Instinct 3 still stands out as a top choice. For now, this showdown between the Coros Nomad and Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro ends in a draw.