Updated

Updated · ZDNet · Sep 22

Amazfit Debuts 1.32-Inch T-Rex Dual Solar Watch With 40-Hour GPS, Testing Solar AMOLED Trade-Off

Updated

Updated · ZDNet · Sep 22

Amazfit Debuts 1.32-Inch T-Rex Dual Solar Watch With 40-Hour GPS, Testing Solar AMOLED Trade-Off

Q: Can a smartwatch truly be considered rugged if its water resistance claims fall short of actual diving standards?

Not entirely. A smartwatch can fairly be called rugged for hiking, camping, impact resistance, dust, and surface water use, but if its water claims do not meet recognized diving standards, it should not be treated as a true dive watch. That distinction matters for the Amazfit T-Rex Dual Solar. Its 10ATM rating and stated support for diving to 50 meters signal strong water resistance for swimming, snorkeling, and some recreational underwater use. But water-resistance numbers are usually based on static lab pressure, not real-world motion, temperature shifts, saltwater exposure, or aging seals. Experts routinely note that 10ATM/100m-style ratings on general sports watches are not the same as formal dive certification. A true dive watch is usually judged against stricter standards such as ISO 6425, which requires more than a depth number: over-pressure testing, underwater legibility, shock and saltwater resistance, and features like a timing device. General water-resistant watches often follow ISO 22810 instead, which does not make them suitable for scuba by default. Even Apple draws this line, reserving diving use for its Ultra models despite broad water-resistance claims across the lineup. So “rugged” is not a false label here, but it is incomplete if buyers interpret it as “dive-ready.” In practice, rugged should mean durable across harsh outdoor conditions, while diving credibility depends on specific certification, maintenance of seals, and clear manufacturer limits.

3 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Sep 22

ZDNET’s early hands-on says the T-Rex Dual Solar pairs a 1.32-inch AMOLED screen with solar charging for the first time in a sports watch, but targets a narrow group of users who spend long stretches off-grid.
A 660 mAh battery is rated for 40 hours of precision GPS or 25 days of typical use; Amazfit says three hours of front charging adds up to five days, while rear-panel charging can extend that to 42 days.
That solar gain comes with compromises: the display is smaller than the 1.5-inch T-Rex Ultra 2, and the large rear solar panel works best when the watch is taken off the wrist and mounted facing the sky.
At 51.4 mm and 69 grams, the rugged watch adds a titanium bezel, sapphire crystal, 10 ATM water resistance, color maps, offline voice control, speaker and mic support, but still lacks native subscription music apps and broad third-party software.