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The Garmin Venu 3S is an attractive option for those seeking a feature-packed smartwatch under $100. Its 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen display is bright and vibrant, making it easy to read in various lighting conditions. One of its standout features is the impressive battery life, lasting up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, which is quite beneficial for those who prefer not to charge their device frequently. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities, including over 30 built-in sports apps, heart rate monitoring, stress tracking, and sleep coaching with personalized insights and tips.
The Body Battery energy monitoring feature is an added bonus, helping users understand their energy levels throughout the day based on various factors like sleep and workouts. The watch is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, allowing a wide range of users to connect their smartphones. It also offers convenient smart features such as receiving notifications, making and taking phone calls, and using a voice assistant. The Garmin Venu 3S is water-resistant, making it suitable for activities like swimming.
On the design front, it has a stylish soft gold stainless steel bezel and a comfortable silicone band, ensuring a good fit throughout the day. However, some might find the 41mm case size a bit small, depending on their wrist size. Additionally, while it has many advanced features, the user interface may take a little time to get used to, especially for those new to smartwatches. The Garmin Venu 3S offers a balanced mix of style, functionality, and affordability, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on features.
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 stands out in the under-$100 smartwatch category with its rugged design and extensive features. The 1.5-inch AMOLED display offers exceptional brightness (up to 2,000 nits), ensuring readability in all lighting conditions. It includes a night mode and glove mode for added convenience. With a battery life of up to 27 days under typical use, it excels in longevity. The watch supports over 170 fitness and sport modes, making it suitable for a variety of physical activities, along with AI-generated training plans that provide real-time performance updates.
Compatibility with both Android and iPhone is covered, and the built-in dual-band GPS paired with free downloadable maps and satellite system support ensures accurate tracking of outdoor adventures. It is also water-resistant up to 328 feet, perfect for swimming or freediving up to 147 feet. The rugged design, with a military-grade body and stainless steel bezel, can withstand extreme temperatures, adding durability.
However, the large and rugged build may not appeal to those seeking a sleeker, more stylish smartwatch. Additionally, while voice control and notifications functions are robust, they may require some getting used to for seamless use. The absence of a USB Type-C cable in the box may be a minor inconvenience. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 is a comprehensive and reliable option for fitness enthusiasts and adventure seekers looking for an affordable, feature-rich smartwatch.
The Amazfit Balance Smart Watch offers a robust set of features for its price. It stands out with its 1.5-inch AMOLED display, which is bright and easy to read. The 14-day battery life is impressive, and the watch even extends up to 25 days in battery saver mode, making it highly convenient for users who don't want to charge frequently.
Fitness and health tracking are strong points, with comprehensive features including heart rate, sleep, and stress monitoring, along with body composition measurements. The dual-band GPS provides accurate tracking for outdoor activities, and the watch supports syncing with popular fitness apps like Strava and Google Fit. Water resistance adds to its durability, making it suitable for swimming and other water activities.
However, the plethora of features might be overwhelming for some users. Despite the advanced functionalities, the interface is user-friendly, thanks to the Zepp OS 4. The built-in Alexa and Bluetooth calling add value, although the 4 GB storage might feel limited for those who want to store a lot of music or app data. The design is elegant and comfortable, with a light aluminum frame and customizable watch faces. This smartwatch is particularly suitable for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals looking for a budget-friendly option with advanced features.