Zepp Health has rolled out a major update for the Amazfit T-Rex 3 smartwatch, expanding its fitness tracking capabilities with new metrics designed to improve running performance analysis.
The rugged and affordable smartwatch can now track ground contact time and vertical movement during runs. These measurements allow users to derive values such as the vertical ratio, which compares stride length with vertical motion. Both metrics are considered important for evaluating running efficiency, with lower values generally indicating better technique and reduced energy loss.
Ground contact time measures how long a runner’s foot stays on the ground before lifting again, while vertical movement indicates the extent of upward motion during each stride. These insights, although not flawless, provide runners with additional data points to refine their form and identify inefficiencies. The update, however, does not include ground contact balance, which could help detect imbalances between the left and right foot.
In a recent test, the smartwatch recorded an average ground contact time of 306 milliseconds and a vertical ratio of 7.3% during a moderately paced six-kilometer run. Data collection occurs every ten seconds, which is particularly useful for interval training sessions.
Users can view both instant and average measurements directly on the watch, while the companion app allows detailed charting and analysis over time. These features can be especially beneficial for long-distance runners seeking to monitor fatigue-related declines in technique.
With this update, the T-Rex 3 positions itself as a more versatile fitness tool, offering athletes and casual runners a deeper look into their biomechanics. While the precision of the measurements still requires further validation, the addition of advanced metrics at this price point adds significant value to the device.
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 continues to strengthen its appeal among outdoor and fitness enthusiasts, combining durability with increasingly sophisticated performance tracking features. This latest update further cements its role as a reliable smartwatch for users who want more than just basic health monitoring.