When Black Friday 2024 is celebrated on November 29, there will be many bargains for sports watches, fitness trackers, and smartwatches. On December 2, Cyber Monday follows, with numerous deals once again.
I am trying to keep track for you and compile the best offers in the field of wearables, sports watches, fitness trackers, and sports electronics

Below you can find some of the best deals online – click on the headlines to see the deals.

Black Friday – How to survive guide

You may find some of the information useful.

Dates

Useful information

• What is Black Friday?

  Black Friday denominates the Friday following Thanksgiving in the US. The holiday is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November and people usually take another day off on Friday. It inofficially marks the start of the Christmas shopping season.

• When is Black Friday 2024?

  This year’s Black Friday is on 2024/11/29.

• Where to find the best deals?

  There will be tons of deals on and around Black Friday. The best deals are often those that are expired the moment you see them. Thus you have to keep an eye open. The best would be to come back here regularly and check for new offers.

• What is Cyber Monday?

  Cyber Monday is the last day of Black Week – a week full of deals and offers usually to be found online. This year’s Black Week starts on November 21 and ends on 2022/12/02.

• Do deals expire?

  Amazon differentiates between Deals of the Day and Lightning Deals. While Deals of the Day are usually valid for 24 hours, Lightning Deals are valid for a couple of hours only. If a product’s contingent is exhausted a deal might end before the allotted time.

• How to make a bargain?

  Being fast is the way to success – at least on Black Friday, during Cyber Week, and on Cyber Monday. Amazon Prime members have an advantage as for Prime members Lightning Deals start 30 minutes prior to non-prime members. Just in case you are not an Amazon Prime Member, there is a free trial membership valid for 30 days.

Disclaimer: All these links are affiliate links. If you click on a link and buy something on Amazon, I may get a small commission that I use for maintaining this website.

Der Beitrag Black Friday / Cyber Monday 2024 – The best sports watches deals erschien zuerst auf Fitness Tracker Test.

The Instinct series has enjoyed a six-year success story: the rugged sports watch made its debut in October 2018. Solar-powered models followed in the summer 2020, and the Instinct 2 launched in spring 2022. Most recently, the Instinct Crossover – a hybrid sports watch – was released in November 2022.

If Garmin sticks to its two-year cycle, the Instinct 3 shouldn’t be far off.

Listing on Garmin Spain

Strong hints come from Garmin’s Spanish website, where the Instinct 3 popped up for the first time on a support page listing repair costs. The entry “INSTINCT 3, SOLAR, 45MM, NEGRO” indicates a repair price of €133.33.

Garmin Instinct 3 | Source: Garmin Spain

From this, a few details can be inferred, even though none of it is groundbreaking:

• Solar Technology

  The Instinct 3 will have at least one solar-powered version. This is no surprise since all three sizes of the Instinct 2 include solar variants. Additionally, this suggests that the Instinct 3 will likely retain a transflective MIP display.

• 45 mm Size

  The size is also unsurprising since the Instinct 2 is available in 40 mm, 45 mm, and 50 mm models. The medium-sized version seems to fit expectations. The absence of 40 mm or 50 mm models on the list isn’t definitive proof that these versions won’t exist.

I guess that the list isn’t complete, and a 50 mm model is likely missing. I also wouldn’t be surprised if Garmin introduces an AMOLED version of the Instinct 3. However, we likely won’t see a combination of AMOLED and Solar for this series – it would make more sense for a future Fenix 8 with MicroLED technology.

Considering the product strategy of the Fenix 8, an Instinct E with fewer features and more basic sensors might also be a possibility.

Pricing for the Garmin Instinct 3

The expected pricing for the Instinct 3 can be estimated based on the Instinct 2, recent releases, and the repair costs:

When launched, the Instinct 2 was priced at €349.99 for the non-solar version and €449.99 for the solar version. These prices applied to both the smaller and medium-sized models, as Garmin hasn’t differentiated pricing based on size for some time.

The Instinct 2X Solar launched in April 2023 with an MSRP of €449.99.

Since the solar technology is now well-established, production processes are optimized, and there’s no premium for cutting-edge tech, I expect the Instinct 3 to be priced as follows:

• Instinct 3 Solar (50 mm) – approx. €450
• Instinct 3 Solar (45 mm) – approx. €400

If a 40 mm Instinct 3 is released, it will likely also have an MSRP around €400.

Availability of the Instinct 3

Estimating the release date is trickier. The listing on Garmin’s own site doesn’t provide much clarity. Retailer listings often give better clues, but there’s been silence on that front.

A release in the next few weeks seems unlikely for the upcoming holiday season. I’d expect the Instinct 3 to arrive in February or March of next year instead.

Apart from the details pulled from Garmin’s website, all other information should be taken with a pinch of salt. Timelines may shift, pricing could change, and features will only be confirmed when more concrete details emerge. I’ll keep my eyes and ears open in the coming weeks. As soon as there are updates, you’ll find them here or on X (@fttest_de / @fttest_en).

Der Beitrag Garmin Instinct 3 – First information has surfaced at Garmin erschien zuerst auf Fitness Tracker Test.

Polar Vantage M3 | Source: Polar

Display and Design

The Vantage M3 is a multisport watch featuring a 1.28-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 416 x 416 pixels. Polar uses Gorilla Glass to protect the display from scratches and impacts. While the watch case is made of lightweight plastic, the bezel is crafted from stainless steel, giving the watch a premium look.

Navigation and Offline Maps

For the first time in the Vantage M series, the Vantage M3 allows the use of offline maps, which can be downloaded for free from Polar’s website and stored on the watch’s 32 GB memory. Since Polar has already installed a large number of base maps, the offline maps can be used immediately. However, those who make the effort to download the data from the website and transfer it to the watch via USB cable will receive more detailed maps.

In combination with the offline maps, routes that can be directly used from Komoot are visible, allowing the Vantage M3 to guide users with turn-by-turn navigation along these routes.

Polar Elixir: Sensors and Algorithms

The term “Elixir” refers to an entire platform of sensors and algorithms that were first introduced with the Vantage V3 and have fully made their way onto the Vantage M3. This includes measurements of heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and ECG. The Vantage M3 can also determine skin temperature. Accelerometers track additional daily activities and nighttime sleep.

Extensive Sports Functions and Subtle Smart Features

Numerous sports profiles and settings clearly indicate the target audience Polar is addressing with the Vantage M3. With a water resistance of up to 50 meters, the watch is suitable for swimming but not for diving.

Since the watch is dedicated to sports, the smart features are somewhat more subdued. Nevertheless, the watch can display messages, control music playback on a paired smartphone, and includes a compass and weather forecast.

Battery Life

Thanks to a larger battery, the Vantage M3 lasts up to seven days with normal use. Activating the Always-On mode is likely to halve the battery life.

One of the special features of the Vantage M3 is the ability to replace the battery. While the watch needs to be sent to Polar for this, it represents a sustainable approach, as many sports watches and smartwatches with defective batteries often end up being discarded.

Polar has already announced an update for spring 2025 (which will also affect other models) that will include a new watch face as well as Points of Interest for the offline maps and a phone-finding function.

Prices and Availability

The Polar Vantage M3 is available from now in two colors (Greige Sand / Night Black). With a recommended retail price of €399.90, the Vantage M3 is €200 cheaper than the larger Vantage V3 model. Since the watches do not functionally differ aside from the material mix and display size, the Vantage M3 is an attractive alternative when display size is not a concern.

Polar Vantage M3

Polar

1.28 inch
AMOLED
416 x 416 pixels
325 PPI
max. 1,500 Nits

7days (Smartwatch)

30hours (GPS - Multi)

44.7 × 44.7 × 12.2 mm

35 g (without strap)
53 g (with strap)

Features

Display

Battery life

Total

Rating

Features

Compare Polar Vantage M3

• Features

  Click for more information

Activity Tracking
Steps
Calories
Floors
Sleep
Stress
Inactivity alert
Dynamic target
Information
Time / Date
Notifications
Weather
Calendar
Find phone
Music
Remote control
Playback via BLE
Phone calls
Calls (direct)
Calls (via Bluetooth)

• Sport programs / features

  Click for more information

Running

▪ Race time prediction

▪ Advanced running metrics

▪ Pairing footpod

▪ Training load / Recovery

▪ Running Power

Cycling

▪ Pairing power meter

▪ Pairing cadence sensor

Swimming

▪ SWOLF

▪ Distance

▪ Strokes

▪ Style

▪ Pace

Hiking

Golf

Rowing

Crosstrainer

Indoor running

Workout

• Sensors

  Click for more information

Acceleration / Gyroskop
PPG / Heart rate
Altimeter
Compass
Skin temperature
Temperature
ECG

• Location services

  Click for more information

GPS
GPS (Multiband)
Galileo
GLONASS
BeiDou
QZSS
Live tracking

• Connectivity

  Click for more information

Bluetooth LE
ANT+
Wi-Fi
NFC
LTE

• Other

  Click for more information

Interchangeable wristband

Der Beitrag Polar Vantage M3 – Smaller version of the Vantage V3 unveiled erschien zuerst auf Fitness Tracker Test.

Amazfit T-Rex 3 – Packaging

If there is one brand that has made a name for itself in recent years, it is Amazfit. And rightly so, as Zepp (the company behind the Amazfit brand) mostly produces smartwatches that can usually qualified as very strong value-for-money. Models from Amazfit are available for a fraction of what you would pay for similar devices from Garmin and most of the time, the functional differences are minimal.

As both companies offer an extensive range of models, it is quite difficult to decide on a particular one. Hopefully, this review will help to simplify that procedure as well.

Amazfit T-Rex 3 Overview

Let’s start with giving some context: The T-Rex 3 is the latest generation of Amazfit’s T-Rex series. Some time has passed since the release of its predecessor in may 2022, so the following table compares the key specifications of the T-Rex 3 against the T-Rex 2 and its competition:

In terms of the very basic specs, the products are quite similar. The T-Rex 3 stands out primarily for its 1.5″ AMOLED display. With a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels, the display boasts a pixel density of 320 PPI, making it comparable to other smartwatches. It delivers content as sharply as Garmin, Suunto, and Polar watches, while benefiting from a slightly larger diameter.

New and Noteworthy

Before we dive into the details of the T-Rex 3, here are the watch’s key new features:

• 1.5″ AMOLED display
• Max. 2,000 nits brightness
• Stainless steel bezel
• Longer battery life
• Readiness score
• Heart rate variability
• 177+ sports modes
• Offline maps (including contour and ski maps)
• Turn-by-turn navigation
• GPS privacy settings
• AI integration / microphone + voice control
• 26 GB storage
• Contactless payment / NFC
• Suitable for free diving

As a reminder, the T-Rex 2 was released in May 2022. Therefore, while all the features mentioned here are new to the T-Rex series, they may not be entirely brand-new. Many of these features were introduced in other products and are now also included in the T-Rex 3.

Unboxing and First Impressions

For me, unboxing a new watch is still one of the most exciting moments. However, since Amazfit rarely changes the packaging and presentation of its watches, opening the white T-Rex 3 box has been relatively straightforward.

Amazfit T-Rex 3 in the open box

Inside the box, the T-Rex 3 is displayed first, with a protective film over the display to guard against scratches. In my opinion, this isn’t necessary, as the watch sits securely in its box.

Amazfit T-Rex 3 with protective film

The protective film is the only piece of plastic that needs to be disposed of. Most companies now avoid using cable ties and plastic bags, which is in line with modern sustainability efforts and a positive step forward.

Alongside the watch, there’s also a small USB charging cradle, adapters for standard straps, and a tiny screwdriver in the box.

Accessories and quick guide

Regarding the USB charging cradle: only the cradle itself is included in the package. Amazfit has opted not to include the cable, which is typically provided with the similar Amazfit Balance charger.

So how does the power get from the adapter to the watch? Via a USB-C cable that plugs into the side port of the charging cradle, which you’ll need to provide yourself. Given the number of USB cables in most households, this shouldn’t be an issue.

The small magnet that is supposed to hold the charging cradle in place during charging could be a bit stronger. It tends to slip more than the Balance charger, likely due to the rigid band of the T-Rex 3 that angles away from the watch case at around 60 degrees.

If you want to swap the strap, you’ll need to attach the included adapters first. After that, you can use standard 22 mm bands with spring bars.

The watch itself stands out with its 1.5″ display and octagonal-round bezel. Octagonal-round doesn’t make sense? Actually, it does. The outer shape of the bezel is octagonal, while the inner form is round to frame the equally round display.

Octagonal-round bezel of the T-Rex 3

The stainless steel bezel gives it a more premium look than the T-Rex 2. The build quality is high as usual, with no reason for criticism.

The slightly higher weight of the T-Rex 3 is noticeable, especially when switching from the Polar Vantage V3, which I had been wearing for the past few weeks. There’s no question that the target audiences of both watches differ, and like most outdoor watches, the design and weight of the T-Rex 3 are more prominent. While it was noticeable at first, I can confirm that it isn’t distracting at all, even during movement-intensive activities.

Visually prominent appearance

In addition to its weight, the T-Rex 3 also stands out visually. A slim profile and narrow bezels aren’t a priority here, which puts the watch in good company with models like the Polar Grit X2 Pro, Suunto Vertical, or Fenix 8.

Amazfit T-Rex 3: Basics

The T-Rex 3 is primarily operated via the touch display and the four buttons, which are evenly distributed on both sides of the watch’s case.

4-Button Design

The buttons on the left side are used to switch between views and functions, while the buttons on the right side are for selecting and confirming functions, or going back to the previous menu.

Standard Watchface

Starting from the watchface, you can navigate through the widgets using the up and down buttons. These widgets are similar to Garmin’s Widget Glances, offering an overview of key metrics or functions. By tapping or pressing the Select button, more detailed information can be accessed.

You can achieve the same result by pressing the lower right button from the watchface, which opens the main menu, allowing you to access all functions and metrics.

Function menu with all T-Rex 3 features

Pressing the back button generally returns you to the previous view.

Thanks to the T-Rex 3’s touch-enabled screen, it can be controlled very easily by touch. It is also very responsive, so there are no delays when changing views.

However, there are sometimes functions that can only be accessed by tapping the touchscreen, as no buttons are assigned to these functions.

Generally, that is no problem and the glass seems to have an anti-fingerprint coating.

Features of the Amazfit T-Rex 3

Whenever I evaluate sports watches or smartwatches, I find it helpful to break down their features into these categories:

• Features adressing everyday life
• Features adressing health
• Features adressing sports

I will follow this same structure in this review. But first, let’s start with a look at the nearly fully revamped app. Let’s dive in…

Zepp Health App with New Design

In September, Zepp invited Amazfit Balance owners to participate in the beta program for the revamped version of the Zepp Health App. The app has now been released in its final version and is available on Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store.

The dashboard continues to be the main entry point, featuring the three core aspects — Sleep, Readiness, and Effort — as well as a range of metrics for the current or previous day. The use of tiles has been significantly reduced, which I find makes the layout clearer. Metrics can be shown or hidden based on your individual preferences.

It’s easy to switch views to get detailed information on sleep, readiness, or effort.

The app largely retains the settings, watch face selection, and app store for connected watches.

The app store still lacks truly standout options. While the selection is growing, nothing has really caught my attention yet.

The watch face selection, however, offers numerous free and now also paid watch faces.

Features adressing everyday life

Each model in Amazfit’s portfolio targets a specific user group. Despite these differences, Amazfit smartwatches are generally quite similar, offering a wide range of features adressing everyday life. This holds true for the T-Rex 3, much like the Amazfit Balance.

Voice Control and Zepp Flow

Not entirely new, but new to the T-Rex series, is the integration of Zepp Flow, which allows for voice control of the watch. Thanks to generative AI, this feature works without predefined keywords, enabling commands in natural language.

Zepp Flow – Textual response to spoken question

In my experience, this works remarkably well. The cool part is that not only can you control watch functions, but also ask general questions (e.g., “How many bridge days are there in April 2025?”) and get answers directly on the watch.

However, there are two minor limitations:

• For more complex voice commands, a paired smartphone needs to be nearby. A limited number of commands (e.g., Start + Workout Name, Open Music) work in Chinese, English, German, and Spanish without smartphone assistance.
• Without paired headphones, responses are shown only in text form as the T-Rex 3 lacks a speaker.

Ultimately, it is up to each user to decide when and where to use Zepp Flow. For instance, I’d find it difficult to speak to my watch in a public setting like on public transportation. Nonetheless, it is a feature with great potential that can be further explored over time.

Contactless Payment

Also new to the T-Rex line is contactless payment via NFC, which Amazfit calls Zepp Pay. Amazfit has taken two approaches here:

• Direct integration

  For direct integration, Amazfit faces the same challenges as many other companies: the number of banks is limited, with major banks not yet supported. Currently, Zepp Pay only supports Mastercard, so Visa or debit cards are not supported.

• Integration via Curve

  A simpler option, independent of one’s primary bank, is to link through Curve’s virtual credit card, which is fully compatible with Amazfit. Transactions are charged to the cards and accounts linked in the Curve app.

Music: Storage and Playback

Amazfit has offered the ability to store and play MP3 files for quite some time. This feature is also available on the T-Rex 3.

Unfortunately and in my opinion, this feature continues to be somewhat underused for several reasons:

• Lack of support for streaming services

  In an age where streaming services provide the main access to music, I sorely miss support for popular services like Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, or YouTube Music.

• Complicated Data Transfer

  This leaves users with no choice but to transfer the music as MP3 files first to the smartphone and then to the watch via the Zepp App. Setting up a private Wi-Fi connection between the watch and the app is tricky, as the smartphone repeatedly chooses the “better” Wi-Fi network with internet access, ending the MP3 upload.

  Only disabling the automatic connection to the home network achieves the desired result.

• Lack of Organization Features

  Once the music is on the watch, there are no options for organizing the content. Neither directories nor playlists can be created. The two predefined playlists, “Favorites” and “Jogging Music,” show that the functionality is available in principle but is very limited in its use through the watch and app.

  

  Music on the T-Rex 3: Essentially only two playlists

This feature could be greatly improved if the app displayed the content on the watch and allowed users to create folders and playlists directly within the app.

As it stands, the functionality feels like a ‘halfway solution.’ However, the fact that handling MP3 files could be enhanced with just an app update offers hope.

Night Mode in Red, Orange or Green

Amazfit seems to have taken a cue from the competition, equipping the T-Rex 3 with a night mode that tints the display in red, orange or green hues. While this might seem like a gimmick, I find it incredibly useful because, at night, the display is much more eye- and relationship-friendly compared to the brighter, untinted modes.

Night mode display: Red Shift mode

[ftt_img] [ftt_img src="/wp-content/img/test/amazfit-t-rex-3/amazfit-trex-3-night-mode-green.jpg" width="450" title="Night view: Green"]

Other Features for Everyday Use

In addition to the aforementioned features, the T-Rex 3 also offers several other everyday functions that have become standard features for smartwatches. I will not go into detail about them here, as they are well-known.

• Compass
• Barometer
• Weather
• Alarm
• Calendar
• Membership Cards
• Sunrise/Sunset & Tides
• Cycle Tracking
• Stopwatch/Countdown
• Tasks
• Voice Memos
• World Clock
• Pomodoro Timer

Features addressing health

The Amazfit T-Rex 3 is not only a rugged smartwatch but also offers a range of features designed to provide insights into health and well-being. These include metrics like the Readiness Score, heart rate variability, and PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence). These functions aim to help plan activities, monitor personal health, and support daily decisions that promote long-term well-being.

Readiness Score

Since the summer of last year, Amazfit has been offering the Readiness Score metric on various watches. This metric evaluates different aspects of recovery from the previous night and summarizes them into a score between 0 and 100. The score is meant to reflect how ready you are for upcoming activities.

The Readiness Score is generally a useful function to get a quick overview of your current recovery state. I find it helpful that Amazfit provides insights into the different aspects contributing to the overall score.

There are even more detailed insights available in the app. For those interested, additional background information on the individual aspects can be found here.

I am somewhat critical of the often high overall score, even when my sleep or recovery has been suboptimal. Scores above 80 are common, but not every day feels like an “80.” I hope that over time, Amazfit will refine this and make the scores fluctuate more clearly.

Heart Rate Variability

Heart rate variability (HRV) measures the fluctuations in the time span between successive heartbeats and is an important indicator of overall health and stress levels. A high HRV suggests that the body is well able to adapt to different stresses, while a low HRV may indicate stress or exhaustion.

The Amazfit T-Rex 3 continuously monitors HRV at night and provides valuable insights into the autonomic nervous system. HRV analysis helps to better understand how well the body recovers from physical exertion or psychological stress. Especially useful is that HRV data is integrated into various functions like the Readiness Score, providing a more comprehensive view of recovery and readiness for performance. This makes heart rate variability a useful tool for optimizing health in the long run and better managing training and recovery.

PAI – Personal Activity Intelligence

PAI (or: Personal Activity Intelligence) is a fitness metric system based on heart rate and aims to promote long-term health. Rather than focusing solely on steps or calories, PAI calculates the heart rate load during various activities and derives a score from it. The higher and longer the effort, the more points you get. The goal is to consistently achieve a PAI score of 100 or higher to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the long term.

The first points are easy to earn. The higher the score, the harder it becomes to reach high points, which helps keep motivation high. Points from activities expire after seven days.

I had to get used to PAI after many manufacturers used different metrics as the central tool for an active lifestyle. What I like is that Amazfit doesn’t only consider intense sports sessions but also moderate activities (e.g., brisk walking, hiking) and sometimes even everyday movements. This makes the design of an active day very flexible and more motivating than if a step goal is always looming on the horizon.

However, there is criticism: if a 10-km walk does not raise the heart rate enough, this activity will not contribute to the increase of the PAI score—even if the movement itself should have been beneficial to health.

Features addressing sports

With Amazfit watches, there is always a debate about whether they are sporty smartwatches or smart sport watches. I believe the truth lies somewhere in the middle. In any case, the range of features adressing sports is extensive.

New features of the T-Rex 3 include:

• Offline Maps

  For those exploring unfamiliar terrain, the T-Rex 3’s offline maps will be a valuable feature. To use them, you must first select the desired map section in the app and transfer it to the watch.

  

  This works flawlessly and, depending on the size of the map section, quite quickly as well. To transfer the map data to the watch, it must be connected to a Wi-Fi network.

  Two limitations should be considered:

  • Only one map section at a time can be stored on the watch
  • Maximum dimensions: 400 x 675 km

  The fact that only one map section can be stored on the watch isn’t a major issue for me, but for those traveling frequently across multiple countries and unable to swap out map sections, Garmin and Polar might offer more suitable alternatives.

  

  While the level of detail in cities is quite good, I missed a bit more topographical information in the mountains. The hiking trails were all present, and the contour maps did their job, but a little more geographical detail about the surroundings would have been even better.

• Navigation

  Offline maps are already a fantastic feature, but they become even more valuable when paired with the route and navigation capabilities of the T-Rex 3.

  Routes can be imported either as GPX files or by linking the watch to Komoot. However, integration with Strava for route import is still not supported.

  

  Before starting an activity (e.g., outdoor running, hiking), a route can be selected for use. For the route, you can:

  • View a route profile
  • View an elevation profile
  • Get information on ski slopes
  • Set the map orientation (map always points north vs. map points in the direction of movement)
  • Set the route direction (from A to B or from B to A)

  How the T-Rex 3 gathers information about ski slopes remains a bit of a mystery. Despite the lack of nearby ski areas, the watch still provides slope information. It seems that Amazfit may determine downhill tracks based on longer, downward sections of the route. However, the slope data is limited to an elevation profile rather than a map representation.

  

  During the activity, the map is displayed in the light variant with a white background or in the dark variant with a black background. The colors of the route and the traveled distance can be adjusted in the watch settings (default: Magenta and Blue).

  

  Tracking a route on the T-Rex 3

  If you deviate from the route, the T-Rex 3 will alert you. However, since the watch doesn’t offer pathfinding, there’s no option to recalculate the way back to the planned route. That said, with the watch warning you after a deviation of just 50 meters, the risk of getting lost is minimal. You can also adjust the maximum deviation setting to trigger earlier or later warnings, depending on your preference.

  

  Warning when deviating from the route

  

  Notification when returning to the route

  The watch also acknowledges when you return to the original route.

  The distance from the planned route at which the T-Rex 3 warns you can be reduced to 20 meters, or increased if necessary.

  When following a route, if a direction change is required, the T-Rex 3 shows the distance to the next turn. Just before the change (e.g., at a junction or fork), the watch reminds you again.

  

  Displaying the distance to the next direction change

  This has worked very well so far, although you have to get used to the fact that sometimes your position is shown slightly off the road: the map material simply does not know the width of roads, so even a road with a green strip in the middle is represented with the same line as a one-lane side street. If there is also a green strip between the road and the sidewalk, your current position may appear a little off the displayed road.

  Amazfit can tick off the “Offline Maps and Navigation” feature, although there is still some room for improvement: Currently, only Garmin provides map material that can be used for route finding. For Amazfit, Polar, and others, the maps are no more (but also no less) than images projected onto the current location.

• Diving

  I unfortunately can’t contribute any personal experience with freediving to this review. However, it should be noted that the T-Rex 3 is certified for dives up to 45 meters deep.

  It apparently measures the current and maximum dive depth, dive time, and ascent speed. However, essential metrics for a real dive computer are missing, such as No-Decompression Limits (NDL), decompression stops, and surface intervals.

Before Recording

Before starting a sports activity, you select the appropriate sport from the sports menu.

Selection of the sport

Then, for outdoor activities, the T-Rex 3 searches for a GNSS signal. Like most Amazfit models, it is one of the faster ones. A satellite fix is found within seconds.

Waiting for all signals

At this point, you can not only wait for signals from satellites and external sensors (e.g., Bluetooth heart rate straps) but also adjust settings for the upcoming recording, such as selecting routes, intervals, and workouts. You also have the option to configure the data pages and fields for display during recording: The T-Rex 3 allows up to 6 data fields per data page.

After Recording

After completing the recording, the watch briefly summarizes the sporting aspects.

You can browse through a variety of details and charts that essentially display the values that can also be found in the app after synchronization.

The T-Rex 3 benefits once again from its high-resolution 1.5″ display.

In the app, the data is, of course, even more clearly displayed:

The app has a clean and organized interface, and many of the metrics it provides are comparable to those found in Garmin devices. However, especially for power measurement and training effects, the results may differ, as each company uses its own algorithms for these calculations.

Accuracy of location tracking

For many, the quality of a sports watch largely depends on the accuracy of its GPS, or more broadly, its GNSS capabilities. The T-Rex 3 supports not only dual-band GPS but also GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and QZSS. This is an important feature, as accurate location tracking becomes crucial when venturing off familiar paths.

While there are no mountains, canyons, or other challenging conditions in the suburban areas around Berlin, I tested the watch on familiar routes, both with and without tree cover, through areas with terraced houses and narrow streets to see how well it performed.

What stood out was how effortlessly the T-Rex 3 handled these conditions. There was no reason to complain about its performance, and even the short section through the forest was navigated without issue.

From a high vantage point, it becomes clear that the GNSS chip and antenna design of the T-Rex 3 do their job seamlessly.

Only when looking closely do you see some deviations that both Amazfit models share. However, there is nothing significant, and regardless of which products you use, you will occasionally notice slight offsets from the actual path.

In the end, I consider the deviations to be negligible.

In the next test, there was again a high level of agreement with the competition, though some deviations appeared upon closer inspection. This is not uncommon right after the start of the recording, when, although sufficient satellite signals are available for an initial location fix, a greater number of GNSS signals would improve the reliability of the positioning.

Accuracy of Heart Rate Monitoring

As always, I not only looked at the accuracy of the GPS tracking but also checked how accurately the T-Rex 3 measures the heart rate.

As a reference, I used the Polar H10 chest strap, with which I have always had excellent experiences, and by which most products are evaluated.

I’m not sure if it is obvious from the curves, but the effects of my COVID infection from early September still make my body feel strained during exercise. What’s important is how the T-Rex 3 compares to the Polar H10 and how it holds up against the competition.

During a run with some intervals, surprisingly, it is the heart rate chest strap that seems to have issues. If I had to guess the reason today, I would suspect too dry skin or contact issues with the chest strap. However, I can’t say for sure. Since the Polar H10 remains a stable measuring instrument, I excluded the initial anomalies for further analysis.

The difference chart highlights the solid performance of the T-Rex 3, although it falls behind during intervals and doesn’t always capture rapid heart rate spikes accurately.

This is reflected in the coefficient of determination (r²), which indicates how well the values from one or the other sport watch matches the heart rate chest strap, which serves as the reference here.

The T-Rex 3 can’t quite top the comparison and has to let the Coros Pace 3 take the lead. However, it still performs better than the Amazfit Cheetah Pro, which was even less accurate in tracking heart rate during the intervals.

With fewer pace changes, the T-Rex 3 consistently provided reliable and comparable values. During rapid changes in heart rate, it faces the same challenges as many competitors and therefore doesn’t stand out either positively or negatively.

Battery Life

On paper, the T-Rex 3 stands out as a true battery life champion. However, confirming or disproving this through user testing is still challenging for me, even after nearly 10 years of testing sports watches.

Company-provided specifications are typically based on controlled environments, so they serve as a general indication rather than an absolute benchmark for real-world usage. Even small changes, such as additional screen activations or adjusting the brightness, can cause these numbers to vary.

As mentioned, the T-Rex 3 impresses on paper, and the great news is that it performs just as well in everyday use. I managed to get through the first three weeks without a charge, although my sports activity was minimal. It was only when the battery dropped to 8% that I needed to recharge.

In the following weeks, the T-Rex 3 had to record activities more frequently. This not only draws more power due to the active GNSS, but the PPG sensor also works at a second-by-second rate.

What does this mean in the end? The battery life specs seem plausible, although I cannot fully validated them due to varying usage. Is this important? No, because the T-Rex 3 offers an impressive battery life regardless and is quickly recharged for the next use.

Amazfit T-Rex 3 - Verdict

Score: 93%

Pros

• Great 1.5" AMOLED display
• Offline maps / navigation
• Extensive metrics
• Battery life
• Value-for-money ratio

Cons

• limited support to Zepp Pay
• Music upload / playlists
• Apps

Buy on Amazon

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The Amazfit T-Rex 3 is a successful blend of a rugged outdoor smartwatch and a smart health companion. Its impressive value-for-money ratio stands out: it offers a wide range of fitness metrics, including Readiness Score, PAI, and HRV analysis, supporting an active and health-focused lifestyle. Outdoor enthusiasts will especially appreciate the offline maps and GNSS support, which provide reliable navigation in various terrains.

Another standout feature is the battery life; even with intensive use, it lasts exceptionally long, making it an attractive option for frequent users and adventurers. The solid build quality, excellent 1.5″ AMOLED display, and intuitive app complete the overall package.

While the T-Rex 3 may not match the Fenix 8 in app variety, advanced mapping features, music functionality, or premium material quality, it certainly holds its own as a competitor. For those unwilling to pay three to four times the price, the T-Rex 3 stands out as an excellent alternative.

Disclosure: The Amazfit T-Rex 3 to me by Zepp, free of charge, at my request for testing. No conditions were attached to this review, and the opinions and experiences shared here reflect my entirely unbiased assessment of the product.

Der Beitrag Amazfit T-Rex 3 review: A Fenix challenger for a fraction of the price erschien zuerst auf Fitness Tracker Test.

Coros Pace Pro Lineup | Source: Coros

Coros Pace Pro – In Comparison

The key specifications primarily highlight the difference in the display: the Apex 2 Pro and Pace 3 feature a relatively low-resolution MIP display, which, due to its transflective properties, is not self-illuminating but guarantees high battery life.

New and Noteworthy

The Pace Pro offers several exciting new features and enhancements to existing functionalities:

• High-Res 1.3″ AMOLED Display

  The most striking update to the Pace Pro is its 1.3-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 416 x 416 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 320 PPI. This delivers crystal-clear visuals, and even under direct sunlight, the maximum brightness of 1,500 nits ensures good readability.

  The display also increases the overall dimensions of the watch: the Pace Pro now measures 46 x 46 x 12.3 mm and weighs only 37 grams with the nylon strap.

• Larger Button / Digital Crown

  In addition to the display, the digital crown and back button have also increased in size. The crown is somewhat reminiscent of the one on the Apex 2 Pro, aimed at enhancing the user experience, particularly when using the watch with cold fingers or gloves.

• 32 GB Storage / Offline Maps

  The Pace Pro has also seen an upgrade in storage, growing from 4 GB to 32 GB. This increase was especially necessary for extensive offline map usage. This makes smartphone-free navigation possible, which is particularly appealing for hikers and adventurers.

  The storage can also be used to save MP3 files, which the Pace Pro can play via paired Bluetooth headphones.

• Improved Sensors / GPS

  Coros promises improvements to the PPG sensor, which primarily measures heart rate and heart rate variability, as well as monitors sleep. Additionally, the Pace Pro is ECG-capable, though it lacks the necessary certifications and cannot be used for Afib detection.

  According to Coros, the GPS chip and antenna design have also been revamped to provide more accurate location tracking.

Compared to the Coros Pace 3

Despite its numerous improvements, the similarity to the Pace 3 is undeniable. The Pace Pro is also made from lightweight but relatively simple plastic. This gives it a low weight, but it doesn’t always convey a premium appearance. When considering the features and setting aside the offline maps, the two models are nearly functionally identical.

The similarity should not obscure the fact that the Pace Pro is a new development in many respects and not just a Pace 3 on steroids.

Pricing and Availability

The Coros Pace Pro is now available and can be purchased directly from the Coros website as well as through authorized dealers. The MSRP has increased from €249.99 for the Pace 3 to €399.99 for the Pace Pro. This price jump is not unusual when comparing similar transitions from MIP displays to AMOLED displays among competitors.

Thus, the Pace Pro moves away from the incredibly attractive price-performance ratio of the Pace 3, yet the overall package at nearly €400 is not expensive.

Assessment

For those who are already satisfied with the Coros Pace 3 and value sports metrics, upgrading to the Pace Pro is not a necessity. However, for those seeking even more precision, offline maps, and a high-resolution AMOLED display, the Pace Pro presents a worthwhile option.

Coros Pace Pro

Coros

1.30 inch
AMOLED
416 x 416 pixels
320 PPI
max. 1,500 Nits

20days (Smartwatch)

38hours (GNSS all)

31hours (GPS - Multi)

12hours (GPS + Music)

46.0 × 46.0 × 12.3 mm

37 g (with strap)

Features

Display

Battery life

Total

Rating

Features

Compare Coros Pace Pro

• Features

  Click for more information

Activity Tracking
Steps
Calories
Floors
Sleep
Stress
Inactivity alert
Dynamic target
Information
Time / Date
Notifications
Weather
Calendar
Find phone
Music
Remote control
Playback via BLE
Phone calls
Calls (direct)
Calls (via Bluetooth)

• Sport programs / features

  Click for more information

Running

▪ Race time prediction

▪ Advanced running metrics

▪ Pairing footpod

▪ Training load / Recovery

▪ Running Power

Cycling

▪ Pairing power meter

▪ Pairing cadence sensor

Swimming

▪ SWOLF

▪ Distance

▪ Strokes

▪ Style

▪ Pace

Hiking

Golf

Rowing

Crosstrainer

Indoor running

Workout

• Sensors

  Click for more information

Acceleration / Gyroskop
PPG / Heart rate
Altimeter
Compass
Skin temperature
Temperature
ECG

• Location services

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GPS
GPS (Multiband)
Galileo
GLONASS
BeiDou
QZSS
Live tracking

• Connectivity

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Bluetooth LE
ANT+
Wi-Fi
NFC
LTE

• Other

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Interchangeable wristband

Der Beitrag Coros Pace Pro – GPS sports watch with bright AMOLED display unveiled erschien zuerst auf Fitness Tracker Test.

When Garmin unveils the Fenix 8 in a live stream on August 27, the company will present a variety of product versions. The Fenix 8 will be available in different sizes and colors, and there will be differences in the display as well. Additionally, it is likely that Garmin will also release the Fenix E and the Enduro 3.

Garmin combines Epix and Fenix

With the Fenix and Epix, Garmin offers two products that are almost identical except for the display. This has led to some challenges in the past:

• A Fenix sports watch was, for over a decade, the epitome of the best outdoor sports watch on the market. In the last two years, however, this was not necessarily the case, as the title was often claimed by the functionally equivalent Garmin Epix, which featured an AMOLED rather than an MIP display. Consequently, the two brands have each impacted the brand value and sales figures of the other.

• The large variety of Epix and Fenix models has caused confusion among potential customers.

As a result, Garmin seems to have considered presenting new models exclusively under the “Fenix” brand.

Fenix 8 – Available with either AMOLED or MIP display

In recent years, Garmin has demonstrated that AMOLED displays and sports or outdoor watches are not mutually exclusive but rather complement each other well. However, since it was initially unclear how well the new display technology would be accepted, particularly in the Fenix series, a new product was needed to avoid jeopardizing the success of the Fenix – thus, the Epix was reborn.

It is now clear which direction Garmin is moving: Almost every sports watch series currently offers self-illuminating AMOLED displays. Only the Fenix and Instinct series are yet to make the switch.

• AMOLED display

  For the first time, the new Fenix generation includes models with AMOLED displays. This essentially restores the Fenix’s status as the most premium model, as the Epix relinquishes its “title” and passes the technology on to the Fenix 8.

• Transflective MIP display

  Knowing that many customers still prefer transflective displays for their efficiency and excellent readability over high-resolution AMOLED displays, the Fenix 8 is also available with a transflective MIP display. However, Garmin is focusing on the AMOLED models, which will be available in sizes of 43 mm, 47 mm, and 51 mm.

  Models with the MIP display will be offered only in sizes of 47 mm and 51 mm.

Official press renders have been released in advance by winfuture.de. I am refraining from showing the images here until Garmin has officially released the product. The images can be viewed on the relevant websites, along with an emerged video.

Garmin Fenix 8 – New and noteworthy

The exact features and enhancements that the Fenix 8 will ultimately offer have not yet been fully disclosed to the public. Therefore, this list does not claim to be complete:

• New Sports Programs

  Garmin is expanding the functionality of the Fenix 8 with new features for sports and freediving. This is suggested not only by the first leaked press renders but also by the engraving on the back of the watch, which certifies resistance up to 40 meters for diving.

• Garmin Strength Coach

  With the Fenix 8, Garmin introduces the new Garmin Strength Coach. This new feature aims to enable targeted and training plan-oriented strength training. It is likely that this feature will also become available shortly thereafter on other high-end Garmin models.

• Voice Commands and Phone Calls

  Garmin has equipped the Fenix 8 with a small speaker and a microphone. These serve two purposes: first, they enable phone calls via the watch, but a paired smartphone must be nearby. The Fenix 8 does not have an LTE modem. Second, the Fenix 8 can process voice commands (even without a smartphone), allowing users to start activities by voice command, for example.

• Garmin Share

  Garmin Share was first introduced with the Edge 1050 bike computer and allows users to share planned workouts, routes, and positions directly with compatible devices. This feature was already included in the latest firmware update (Beta) for the Fenix 7 and similar models, and will therefore also be available on the Fenix 8.

• Elevate Gen 5

  While not entirely new, it’s worth mentioning the use of the fifth-generation Elevate sensor. The ECG function remains deactivated in the EU until the necessary approvals are obtained. However, the function is already activated in some regions, including the USA.

• Robust Design

  Additionally, the Fenix 8 is tested for heat, shock, and water resistance according to U.S. military standards. Unfortunately, it’s often unclear which specific tests the products have passed.

  On the side, there is extra protection for the sensors. The display glass is available in either Sapphire Glas or Gorilla Glass.

Models at a Glance

The following table shows the models that Garmin will release:

Garmin Fenix 8 – 43 mm

Garmin Fenix 8 – 47 mm

Garmin Fenix 8 – 51 mm

Garmin Fenix 8 – Model Comparison

Regarding battery life, Garmin has managed to improve solar efficiency by up to 50 percent with models featuring an MIP display.

Release Date of the Fenix 8

Initially, the release was expected to be in early September, partly due to the early listings on various online shops and the beginning of IFA 2024 in Berlin on September 6. Garmin has often used the trade show to present new products to the public.

It is now clear that Garmin will not be atttending IFA, and the official release will take place on August 27. Availability (at least of some of the models) is expected to coincide with the release as usual.

Some thoughts about the prices

The price structure is likely to be aligned with the existing models, as always. Except, this time the Fenix 8 aligns with the prices of the Epix Gen 2, while the Fenix E aligns with the prices of the Fenix 7.

Keep in mind that there may be changes prior to the release. The prices show the range starting with the more basic materials, i.e. silicon straps.

Compared to the current prices of the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro, the price difference with the Fenix 8 is quite significant. Despite the new features and the AMOLED display of the Fenix 8, the previous model will remain exceptionally attractive. The models are already being sold at large discounts.

Der Beitrag Garmin Fenix 8: Models, Specs and Prices erschien zuerst auf Fitness Tracker Test.

Once again, Garmin made a small blunder that led to information about its new GPS bike computer, the Edge 1050, being found on the internet. Although Garmin’s Taiwanese website quickly removed the information, it wasn’t fast enough to prevent users from copying press renders of the Edge 1050.

Experience shows that once a product appears on the manufacturer’s website in one form or another, its launch is imminent. I initially had my eyes on weeks 25 and 26, and with week 25 now almost over, I continue to place my hopes on the coming week. Three aspects support this:

• Appearance in Online Retail

  Apart from the Taiwanese website, online retailers are particularly careful not to leak information about upcoming products this time. However, given the large number of retailers, leaks are likely to occur — and they did…

  

  Garmin Edge 1050 listing | Screenshot: tacomabike.com

  The Edge 1050 has been listed online for the first time at Tacoma Bike & Ski, although there is no additional information or images of the product. However, the shop does confirm the price I originally set at $699.99. Additionally, the label “Device Only” hints that the Edge 1050 will also be available in a bundle, likely for $799.99.

• Start of the Tour de France (June 29)

  The Tour de France, one of the most important cycling events, starts on June 29. The media attention for cycling is likely to lead to greater public awareness. This is an ideal setting to introduce a high-end product.

• Start of Eurobike (July 3)

  Shortly after, Eurobike will open its doors, providing another suitable venue to present the Edge 1050 to the public.

These are all clues but not a definitive date. Even if it doesn’t happen next week, the launch of the Edge 1050 remains imminent.

Der Beitrag Garmin Edge 1050 – Spotted in Retail Wilderness erschien zuerst auf Fitness Tracker Test.

Last year, Garmin provided product updates for sports watches in the mid-range and high-end segments with the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965. With the Forerunner 165, the entry-level segment now sees an addition.

Garmin Forerunner 165 | Source: Garmin

Garmin Forerunner 165 – Extensive Updates in Hardware and Software

Despite the somewhat unexpected nomenclature, the Forerunner 165 is likely understood as the successor to the Forerunner 55. Garmin’s decision not to name the watch “Forerunner 65” may be due to the numerous enhancements incorporated into the Forerunner 165.

To better understand the Forerunner 165 in relation to the adjacent products Forerunner 55 and Forerunner 265, the basic specs are listed in the table above.

• Music and Non-Music Models

  Garmin offers the Forerunner 165 in two variants: In addition to the standard model, the Forerunner 165 Music features built-in storage for storing music content, which can then be played on Bluetooth headphones or speakers. As an “entry-level model,” the Forerunner 165 Music only has 4 GB of storage available. In this aspect, it resembles the Garmin vivoactive 5.

  The larger models Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965, on the other hand, offer 8 GB and 32 GB, respectively. However, the storage of the Forerunner 965 is also used to store map data.

  Given the large amount of data that can be transferred to the watch, the Forerunner 165 Music supports Wi-Fi connections, which the standard model lacks.

• 1.2″ AMOLED Display

  One of the biggest changes concerns the display. Even in the small Forerunner 165, Garmin makes the switch from transflective MIP to AMOLED display. This display, at 1.2 inches, not only is larger, with a resolution of 390 x 390 pixels, but also allows for a more contrast-rich display with vibrant colors. With this, at least in the Forerunner series, the transflective MIP display technology has been discontinued.

  Despite the larger display, the case size only moderately increases to 43 x 43 x 11.6 mm, and the weight gain to 39 grams is also not noticeable.

• Battery Life up to 11 Days

  With a battery life of up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, the Forerunner 165 doesn’t quite reach the values of its predecessor, but it also has the significantly more power-consuming display.

  When using GPS, the Forerunner 165 lasts up to 19 hours. When using all GNSS, the battery lasts up to 17 hours. If music playback is used simultaneously, the maximum runtime decreases to 7 or 6.5 hours.

• PPG Sensor “Elevate V4”

  Garmin incorporates its fourth-generation PPG sensor into the Forerunner 165. The technology, named “Elevate V4,” is mainly responsible for measuring heart rates and heart rate variability, deriving a series of metrics from them. It was expected that the Forerunner 165 would not feature the EKG-capable Elevate sensor of the fifth generation.

• Barometric Altimeter

  Additionally, Garmin integrates a barometric altimeter into the Forerunner 165. This allows the determination of altitude in addition to GPS and recording it during sports activities. In everyday life, the Forerunner 165 can also determine the number of floors climbed.

Functions

Corresponding to its performance class, the Forerunner 165 doesn’t introduce entirely new functions, but rather those that have benefited some Garmin products in the last 2.5 years.

Many of the new functions are attributed to the “Elevate V4” sensor. Although not brand new, the fifth generation capable of EKG remains reserved for premium models for now.

• Heart Rate Variability / HRV Status

  Of interest to athletes is the measurement of heart rate variability, from which Garmin derives the HRV status. A high HRV value suggests that the body can respond well to physical stress. Even impending infections can usually be detected by changes in heart rate variability.

• Blood Oxygen Saturation SpO2

  Using infrared and red LED light, the Forerunner 165 can determine blood oxygen levels. Although the data is not medically reliable, it provides indications of breathing difficulties during sleep or acclimatization at high altitudes. While data is continuously collected during sleep, daytime measurements must be initiated manually.

• Cardiovascular Fitness VO2max

  The Forerunner 165 calculates the cardiovascular fitness value VO2max not only for road runs but also for trail runs.

• Running Dynamics

  Quite surprisingly, the Forerunner 165 offers Garmin’s “Running Dynamics,” which include metrics of running efficiency. These include stride length, stride frequency, vertical oscillation, vertical ratio, and ground contact time, among others. The Forerunner 165 even calculates running performance without additional accessories.

• Morning Report

  The Morning Report provides a summary of sleep, physical condition, and upcoming appointments shortly after waking up. Because different information is important for everyone, the Morning Report can be customized to individual needs.

• Nap Detection

  Quite new is the Nap Detection, which detects short naps during the day. Garmin credits the energy gained from this to the Body Battery. This describes how much physical “energy” is available for the rest of the day.

• Simple Navigation

  Those who create routes via Garmin Connect or Komoot can display the route on the watch during exercise. However, it’s only a “dotted line” – proper map material remains reserved for the Forerunner 965 and the Epix and Fenix models. At least the watch informs when deviating from the planned route.

For a product update, in my opinion, these are indeed many and high-quality features. Admittedly, the Forerunner 265 has even more features, but for running beginners, the Forerunner 165 seems to be shaping up as the model of choice. And even when the first 5 or 10 km are completed and demands on performance and the sports watch increase, the Forerunner 165 offers many useful functions.

Differentiation from the Garmin Forerunner 265

The fact that the Forerunner 55 offers significantly fewer features due to its age and the sensors it incorporates can already be seen in the above-mentioned innovations of the Forerunner 165. However, it also lacks a few features that are only provided by the next larger model, namely the Forerunner 265:

• Multiband GPS
• SatIQ
• Training Readiness
• Training Status
• Support for Multisport / Triathlons
• More supported sport profiles
• More supported external sensors

In my opinion, these are primarily features that become more important when the demand for personal performance and targeted training increases. They are not necessarily essential for running beginners.

Prices and Availability

As previously announced, Garmin offers the Forerunner 165 for €279. For the Forerunner 165 Music, Garmin suggests a recommended retail price of €329. The watch is available in four additional color variants:

The Forerunner 165 is available from today on. Even on Amazon, which had to wait a long time for the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965 to become available, both Forerunner 165 variants may already be ordered.

Der Beitrag Garmin Forerunner 165 – Entry-level sports watch for runner unveiled erschien zuerst auf Fitness Tracker Test.

Garmin Lily 2 | Source: Garmin

Almost 3 years ago, Garmin introduced the first-generation Lily. With only 34 mm, it is the smallest smartwatch in Garmin’s portfolio. The successor Lily 2 doesn’t change that much, as Garmin equips the current model mainly with updated technology and a couple of new features.

Garmin Lily 2 – Specs

As you can see, not much has changed. With a case diameter of 35.4 mm, the Lily 2 has become slightly larger, though it maintains the weight and display size compared to its predecessor.

The 1″ display is still among the smallest in Garmin’s lineup. The resolution of 240 x 201 pixels results in a pixel density of 240 PPI. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass 3.

Anyone hoping that Garmin would replace the monochrome 16-level greyscale display with a colour OLED display will be disappointed. The Lily 2 will continue to use a greyscale display hidden behind the patterned watch face.

New and noteworthy

The development of the Lily 2 is somewhat reminiscent of the vivomove Trend, which was released last year. Here too, Garmin has equipped the watch with the latest technology, while at the same time keeping the number of new features to a moderate level.

• Aluminum Case

  Lily 2 gets an upgrade in the material used for the case and bezel. Both parts will be made of aluminum. The first-generation Lily offered aluminum only with the Sport Edition. The Classic Edition featured a stainless steel bezel.

  	Lily 2	Lily	vívomove Trend
  Material (bezel)	Aluminum	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
  Material (case)	Aluminum	Fiber-reinforced polymer	Fiber-reinforced polymer
  Material (back)	Fiber-reinforced polymer	Fiber-reinforced polymer	Fiber-reinforced polymer

• Garmin Elevate Gen 4 Sensor

  Garmin also equips the Lily 2 with a more recent version of the PPG sensor. Though it’s not the ECG-capable sensor of the 5th generation, the Lily 2 features the previous Gen 4 Elevate sensor.

  The new sensor primarily benefits the battery life, which Garmin continues to claim is up to 5 days. Unlike the first-generation Lily, Garmin no longer mentions the limitation of this battery life when measuring SpO2 at night.

• Contactless Payment with Garmin Pay

  Users of Lily 2 no longer need to forgo contactless payments at the gas station or supermarket. Thanks to the built-in NFC chip, Garmin Pay can be used with Lily 2.

• Training Mode

  Lily 2 also receives a moderate update in the available sports or training modes. Users will now have access to HIIT training sessions. The Lily 2 also offers a “Dance Fitness” sports mode.

• New Patterns on the Watch Face

  A unique feature of the Lily series is the display that is completely hidden behind the patterned watch face when not active. In addition to new colors, Lily 2 also offers newly patterned watch faces, including small diamonds, dots, waves, and large floral patterns.

Otherwise, Lily 2 strongly resembles its predecessor. I haven’t identified a compelling reason to switch from the predecessor to the current model.

Unfortunately, Lily 2 still seems to lack an integrated GPS chip. For those who still want to record the route and pace along with heart rate and step data, Connected GPS allows accessing GPS data from a paired smartphone.

The inability to create an ECG is acceptable. I would have preferred a bit of onboard storage for storing and playing music.

Assessment

If one were to consider the vivomove series and the Lily series as one big family, the Lily 2’s update to the second generation comes a bit late. Most of the improvements that Lily 2 experiences were already observed last year with vivomove Trend.

The one-year gap between the release of the vivomove Trend and the Lily 2 results in the Lily 2 already having the more up-to-date “Elevate Gen 4” sensor.

The bottom line is that with the Lily 2, Garmin continues to offer a balanced and style-oriented product that should appeal to many women, dispenses with extensive sports functions, but offers insights into fitness, health and well-being.

Availability and Prices

The Garmin Lily 2 is available in two editions: The standard edition features a silicone band, while the models of the classic edition come with leather or textile nylon bands.

The watches with a silicone strap have a retail price of €279.99. The Classic models with a textile/nylon strap are slightly more expensive and cost €299.99. The Classic models with a leather strap will be available for €349.99.

Der Beitrag Garmin Lily 2 – Revamped fitness watch for women erschien zuerst auf Fitness Tracker Test.

Despite continuous improvements in optical PPG sensors for heart rate measurement, HR chest straps remain the gold standard in terms of accuracy. It’s particularly frustrating when only comfort stands between using an HR chest strap and opting for sensors in fitness trackers and sports watches. Garmin seems to have recognized this dilemma and developed the HRM-Fit, a heart rate chest strap specifically tailored to women’s anatomy.

Garmin HRM-Fit | Source: Garmin

HR chest strap specifically for women

The HRM-Fit is a chest strap for heart rate monitoring designed to accommodate the anatomy of women, providing a significantly better fit and comfort than traditional chest straps with their loop design. To achieve this, the HRM-Fit chest strap measures 33.5 cm in length, significantly shorter than traditional straps, and eschews the loop, instead offering three clips for attaching the sensor to the lower edge of a sports bra.

In terms of functionality, the HRM-Fit closely resembles the top-of-the-line HRM-Pro Plus model. In addition to heart rate, the HRM-Fit also transmits metrics categorized by Garmin under the name “Running Dynamics,” including:

• Vertical oscillation
• Stride length
• Ground contact time

Garmin HRM-Fit | Source: Garmin

Additionally, the HRM-Fit offers:

• 1-year battery life
• Bluetooth and ANT+
• Water resistance up to 15 meters
• Tool-free battery replacement

Price and availability

At €159.99, the HRM-Fit currently stands as the most expensive model among Garmin’s HR chest straps. The HRM-Pro Plus is already available for an MSRP of €129.99. However, the chest strap is currently priced at just under €80 in stores.

Der Beitrag Garmin HRM-Fit – Premium heart rate monitor designed for women erschien zuerst auf Fitness Tracker Test.