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Garmin vs. Amazfit: Step-by-step accuracy test
1 Mar
Summary
- Garmin Instinct 3 narrowly beat Amazfit T-Rex Ultra 2 in step count accuracy.
- Amazfit T-Rex Ultra 2 showed inflated elevation gain data compared to control.
- Despite accuracy win, Garmin Instinct 3 used twice the battery of its competitor.
A recent head-to-head test between the Garmin Instinct 3 and the Amazfit T-Rex Ultra 2 revealed the Garmin device as the more accurate fitness tracker, albeit by a slim margin. Both smartwatches, launched in early 2025 and February 2026 respectively, are built for outdoor enthusiasts with durable designs and GPS capabilities.
During a controlled 5,000-step walk, the Garmin Instinct 3 and Amazfit T-Rex Ultra 2 provided step counts separated by just one step. Both devices closely matched the manual count and Strava's measurement. However, the Amazfit T-Rex Ultra 2's data showed a notable discrepancy in elevation gain, overcounting by up to 60 feet.
Further analysis showed the Garmin Instinct 3 recorded a higher average and maximum heart rate but fewer burned calories compared to the Amazfit T-Rex Ultra 2. Surprisingly, the Instinct 3, known for its battery life, consumed twice as much power as the T-Rex Ultra 2 during the test. Despite these nuances, the Garmin Instinct 3 is declared the winner in this accuracy showdown.
