The Amazfit GTR 3 Pro is a classic-looking watch that integrates all the latest technology. And the most special edition of this watch is now available at its lowest price ever. You can now get the Limited Edition of the Amazfit GTR 3 Pro for only 249.99 USD. It is one of the most advanced watches of the year, competing with other models such as the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch5.
Amazfit GTR 3 Pro Limited Edition
After spending a year releasing various versions of the GTR 2 and GTS 2, such as the GTS 2 Mini, GTR 2e, and GTS 2e, Amazfit has launched its new range of smartwatches, with the Amazfit GTR 3 Pro as the high-end model. The “Pro” nomenclature suggests an upgrade at a price of $199 USD. But what does the watch offer for this price? Let’s find out in this comprehensive review.
Amazfit GTR 3 Pro: Specifications
- Model: Amazfit GTR 3 Pro
- Screen size: 1.45 inches
- Display: AMOLED
- Internal memory: 2.3 GB
- Weight: 32 g
- Heart rate sensor: Yes
- Sleep analysis: Yes
- Accelerometer: Yes
- Ambient light sensor: Unknown
- Water resistance: 5ATM
- Price: $159
Amazfit GTR 3 Pro: Design
The “R” in “GTR 3 Pro” denotes the watch’s shape. As expected, like its predecessor, it features a round design. It continues the elegant format of the model launched in October 2020. The Amazfit GTR 3 Pro features a large dial with two buttons on the right side.
The top button, slightly textured, resembles a traditional watch crown with rotation-related functions. Like the Apple Watch, you can use it to navigate menus by turning it. The bottom button is a more conventional push-button. Between the two buttons is a small hole for the microphone, while the speaker grille is on the left side.
The watch’s design is surprisingly elegant, reminiscent of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. It features a 2.5D glass screen that extends to the edges of the aluminum case. This results in a sleek design where the case seems to disappear, leaving room for the on-screen content.
The black model I tested has a dark gray brushed aluminum case. The provided strap is made of fluoroelastomer, suitable for sports use. It never bothered me, even after nearly a month of use. However, Amazfit also offers a more gold-like version with a brown leather strap at the same price. The 22mm wide strap attaches to the watch’s lugs and can be easily removed and replaced thanks to the integrated quick-release spring bars.
The main downside of the Amazfit GTR 3 Pro is its rather large 46mm case. Unfortunately, Amazfit does not offer a more compact size better suited for smaller wrists, especially for women. However, the watch’s rounded design and relatively slim profile (10.7mm) help offset its bulky appearance.
Amazfit GTR 3 Pro: Water Resistance
Finally, note that the Amazfit GTR 3 Pro is certified with 5 ATM water resistance, providing protection against splashes, sweat, rain, and even shallow water immersion.
Amazfit GTR 3 Pro: Display
For the GTR 3 Pro’s screen, Amazfit features a sizable 1.45-inch diameter display, compared to the 1.39-inch GTR 2 from last year. A larger size also means higher resolution. The Amazfit GTR 3 Pro offers a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels, compared to 454 x 454 on the previous model, resulting in a pixel density of 331 pixels per inch (PPI). While this is lower than the resolution typically found on smartphones, which usually exceeds 400 PPI, it is more than sufficient for a smartwatch display.
Like most smartwatch manufacturers, Amazfit has also incorporated an OLED panel for the GTR 3 Pro’s display. This results in excellent contrast, making it impossible to distinguish black pixels on the screen since they are completely turned off. In terms of brightness, the Amazfit watch also performs very well. While the manufacturer claims a maximum brightness of 1000 cd/m², the main takeaway is that the watch allows for easy reading of the display even outdoors under a bright blue sky.
In the dark, the brightness can be lowered enough to avoid being completely blinded by the watch’s display. The brightness can be adjusted manually or automatically using the ambient light sensor, which takes one to two seconds to change the screen’s brightness.
Amazfit also offers several always-on watch faces, allowing you to display a simple dial on your wrist even when you’re not actively checking the watch. This can be automatically disabled at night if desired, thanks to the display settings.
Do not disturb and cinema modes are also available to disable the automatic screen activation when you move your wrist. The screen can be turned on not only by rotating the wrist but also by simply tapping on it or pressing one of the physical buttons.
Amazfit initially installs eight watch faces on the watch, but more can be downloaded through the Zepp app. At the time of writing, over a hundred watch faces are available, all for free. Some of these watch faces can be customized to display steps taken, battery life, heart rate, calories burned, or distance traveled.
Amazfit GTR 3 Pro: Usage and Application
For the GTR 3 Pro, Amazfit now emphasizes the operating system used for its smartwatches. This is Zepp OS, named after both the application and Amazfit’s sister brand. However, there is no significant change from the previously used RTOS system, as Zepp OS is based on the open-source RTOS system also used by OnePlus for its OnePlus Watch.
The interface is fairly standard for a smartwatch, with a watch face on the main screen, notifications accessed by swiping up, quick settings by swiping down, app cards to the right of the home screen, and widgets to the left.
These widgets bring a breath of fresh air to the smartwatch market. Similar to Google Discover on smartphones, you can access a vertical list of important daily information such as weather, upcoming alarms, PAI scores, sleep hours, and heart rate. This list can be customized and notably includes Amazon Alexa assistant.
You can ask questions directly to your watch, with the answers displayed on-screen. It is also possible to set an alarm directly on the watch. However, I couldn’t find a way to start a workout using voice commands. Note that Alexa can be launched directly with a long press on the top button.
Top Button Functionality
The top button on the GTR 3 Pro serves to access the list of all installed applications. As usual with Amazfit watches, these applications focus mainly on sports and health, such as training, training history, heart rate, and stress levels.
Non-Health Focused Applications
There are also a few applications that are not solely health-focused, such as a calendar, alarm system, weather, and music management. The “more” option provides access to a compass, sunrise and sunset times, menstrual cycle tracking, voice memos, remote camera control, and even a thermometer. The Amazfit GTR 3 Pro features a skin thermometer, allowing it to measure skin temperature, similar to the Huawei Watch 3.
Rotating Crown and Control Limitations
Overall, while the GTR 3 Pro’s interface is well-designed, its fluidity can sometimes lag. Particularly after a running workout, the watch may struggle to respond to a swipe to go back. While it handles physical buttons well, it can have trouble understanding touch controls and the direction of different swipes.
It’s worth noting that the rotating crown, while a good addition to the GTR 3 Pro’s interface, is not always utilized. It cannot be used to switch between screens on the home screen, as it only serves to scroll through vertical lists. Even after a month of testing, the number of times the crown was used instead of a finger to scroll can be counted on one hand.
Some translation issues can be found in the watch interface, with long scrolling texts in the settings, inconsistency between menus, and unclear titles such as “Quick Access App.” However, since the beginning of the GTR 3 Pro testing, several updates have significantly corrected translation issues on the watch.
The Zepp App
To get the most out of the GTR 3 Pro, the Zepp app must be installed on the user’s smartphone. This app will collect health data and provide access to numerous features by going to “Profile” and then “Amazfit GTR 3 Pro.” Here, users can manage the list of smartphone apps allowed to send notifications to the watch and control the music that can be played locally on the watch. The music can be played through the GTR 3 Pro’s speakers or connected Bluetooth headphones.
The smartphone app also allows users to make phone calls directly from the watch. However, setting up this feature requires configuring the GTR 3 Pro as a Bluetooth headset in the phone’s settings, in addition to the watch’s standard Bluetooth connection.
The same applies to Alexa, which requires connection on the smartphone before it can be used on the watch. While the Zepp app offers numerous features, its organization and number of menus can be overwhelming and sometimes confusing.
Adding Third-Party Applications
A positive aspect of Amazfit is that users can now install additional applications beyond the default ones on the watch. The Zepp app allows users to access applications such as Home Connect, Hydration Time, BMI, Brush Teeth, and Pregnancy Assistant. However, these applications are developed exclusively by Amazfit and do not include third-party apps. Installing Strava or Spotify on the GTR 3 Pro is not possible.
Amazfit GTR 3 Pro: Health Features and Battery Life
Health Tracking Capabilities
The Amazfit GTR 3 Pro offers comprehensive health and activity tracking features. It includes the BioTracker PPG 3.0 sensor, capable of measuring both heart rate and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2).
The watch can continuously monitor SpO2, a notable advantage over other devices that only measure upon request or automatically during the night. Additionally, the GTR 3 Pro can track sleep, distinguishing between light, deep, and REM sleep phases. However, the sleep tracking accuracy may not always be perfect.
During sleep, a beta feature enables analysis of breathing quality. The Zepp app displays potential breathing difficulties and indicates whether the frequency is normal.
For easy health data access, the GTR 3 Pro has a “One-click Measurement” feature that measures heart rate, SpO2, respiratory rate, and stress level within 45 seconds. This is a convenient way to assess your physical state in addition to automatic measurements.
PAI: Main Health Indicator
The primary health indicator is called PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence). It is a score representing your activity level and health. While it considers various factors, it lacks a more objective index like step count, heart rate, or exercise tracking.
Activity and Workout Tracking
The Amazfit GTR 3 Pro is equipped to track physical activity and workouts. It has built-in tracking for 18 sports and can automatically detect when you start running. The watch also features an independent GPS, allowing you to leave your smartphone behind during workouts. Additionally, the GTR 3 Pro supports Bluetooth headphones for listening to stored music.
The GPS performance is impressive, with fast signal acquisition and accurate tracking. While third-party apps cannot be installed on the watch, Zepp can export data to Google Fit, Strava, or Relive. However, Runtastic and Runkeeper are not supported.
Battery Life
The Amazfit GTR 3 Pro has a 450mAh battery, which is said to provide up to 12 days of regular use and six days of intensive use. The GPS reduces battery life to 35 hours, but this should not be a concern during daily use.
In real-world testing with the always-on display and do not disturb mode enabled at night, the GTR 3 Pro lasted slightly over four days with a 50-minute GPS-enabled run. This is lower than the manufacturer’s claim for intensive use but still outperforms many competitors. Importantly, the battery life allows you to enjoy all the watch’s features, including sleep tracking, without frequent recharging.
Charging the GTR 3 Pro
Amazfit provides a cable with a USB-A connector on one side and a magnetic base on the other for charging the GTR 3 Pro. No charging adapter is included, so you’ll need to use your smartphone’s adapter or a computer. The watch is not compatible with Qi wireless charging.
From a completely drained battery, it took 1 hour and 44 minutes to fully charge the Amazfit GTR 3 Pro. The initial charging stage is faster, with 48% battery regained in 30 minutes and 88% in an hour. The last 12% takes an additional 44 minutes.
Amazfit GTR 3 Pro: Calls and Communication
The Amazfit GTR 3 Pro features a microphone and speaker, allowing you to make and receive Bluetooth calls directly from your wrist. The microphone quality is sufficient for clear communication, although the voice may sound slightly distant.
The watch’s microphones effectively reduce ambient noise, especially constant sounds. However, the GTR 3 Pro only has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, so you’ll need your smartphone nearby to answer calls due to the lack of an eSIM chip.
For Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the GTR 3 Pro is compatible with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 but lacks 4G and NFC compatibility, making contactless payments impossible. For geolocation, the watch supports GPS, Galileo, Glonass, BDS, and QZSS.
Price and Release Date
The Amazfit GTR 3 Pro is available in black (with a fluoroelastomer strap) or brown (with a leather strap) for $119.90 on Amazon.
Editor’s Verdict
Amazfit took a risk in competing with high-end smartwatches, but the GTR 3 Pro has a lot to offer. Its battery life, design, and health features can rival top-tier models, with special mention for the GPS performance.
However, the GTR 3 Pro has some drawbacks. It doesn’t support third-party apps, making it impossible to use Spotify or Strava during workouts. Additionally, the watch’s interface can be slow, particularly when swiping left or right.
Nevertheless, the GTR 3 Pro’s strength lies in its battery life, lasting over four days with intensive use, including notifications, always-on display, health tracking, and Bluetooth calls.
Amazfit GTR 3 Pro Pros
- Sleek design
- Efficient GPS tracking
- Comprehensive health features
- Multi-day battery life
- Quality voice calls
- Bright display
Amazfit GTR 3 Pro Cons
- Interface slowdowns
- Translation issues
- Overloaded smartphone app
- Lack of third-party apps
- Absence of eSIM model
