Amazfit T-Rex Dual Solar: A Bold but Flawed Attempt to Merge AMOLED and Solar Power

Key points

• The watch features a 1.3-inch AMOLED display and a 660mAh battery, smaller than the T-Rex Ultra 2's 1.5-inch screen and 870mAh battery.
• It includes a rear solar panel that activates when the watch is flipped, offering double the solar gain area but causing rapid overheating in warm conditions.
• Real-world testing showed minimal battery gains, with only 2-3% increase in smartwatch mode after a full day of sun exposure.
• The solar widget provides detailed insights into front and rear panel performance, a feature praised as superior to Garmin's offerings.
• Priced at $649, it is $100 more expensive than the T-Rex Ultra 2, with no significant improvement in overall battery life.

Background

This release follows earlier leaks suggesting Garmin might introduce AMOLED and solar variants in the Fenix 9 series, though Garmin has historically resisted combining AMOLED with solar due to power constraints. The Amazfit T-Rex Dual Solar represents a direct attempt to address this long-standing consumer request, despite previous skepticism from industry experts.

How outlets are covering it

DC Rainmaker emphasizes the watch's innovative design but criticizes its practical utility, noting that solar gains are negligible and the device overheats quickly. TechRadar highlights the ambition of the project, framing it as a bold move to rival Garmin's battery life, but does not provide detailed performance data. Both sources agree that while the concept is intriguing, the execution falls short of expectations.

Why it matters

The T-Rex Dual Solar highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing display quality with battery efficiency in smartwatches. While it may not be a practical purchase for most users, it pushes the boundaries of what is possible in wearable technology and may influence future designs from other manufacturers.

What to watch

Amazfit may refine the solar integration in future models, potentially addressing overheating issues and improving battery efficiency. Consumers should monitor for updates or alternative models that better balance AMOLED displays with solar capabilities.