REVIEW: KOSPET Tank T3 Ultra GPS Smart Watch

The KOSPET Tank T3 Ultra Smartwatch impresses with its rugged design and extensive features, but a few shortcomings may leave some users wanting more. Does it live up to its ultra-tough branding, or do its flaws sink its potential? Let’s take a closer look.

What’s in the Box?

The KOSPET Tank T3 Ultra comes with:

• The smartwatch itself

• A quick-release watchband

• A protective glass screen cover with cleaning pads

• A charging cable

• A user manual

Design & Features

The T3 Ultra boasts an IP69K rating, making it dustproof and resistant to high-pressure water sprays, meaning it can even be used for snorkeling. The watch includes a variety of apps covering fitness, health tracking, phone calls, and even a barometric altimeter and compass.

The band, made of soft silicone, is comfortable even when worn snugly. The included glass screen protector was surprisingly easy to apply, adding durability to an already sturdy design.

Setup & Performance

Setting up the T3 Ultra was straightforward using the KOSPET Fit app. It connected quickly, and adjusting settings such as screen brightness, vibration intensity, and watch face selection was intuitive.

The build quality is top-notch, comparable to big-name brands like Samsung and Withings. The watch has a solid feel, and the buttons offer a soft yet firm click. The screen is vibrant, sharp, and bright enough for outdoor use, making it one of the better displays in this category.

Positives of the KOSPET Tank T3 Ultra Smartwatch

• Excellent Build Quality: The T3 Ultra is sturdy and well-constructed, with a design that competes with premium brands.

• Bright and Sharp Display: The screen is clear, colorful, and remains visible even in bright outdoor conditions.

• Accurate Step Tracking: Tests show the step counter is highly reliable.

• Comfortable and Durable Band: The silicone strap is both comfortable and resilient, making it suitable for extended wear.

• Good Call Functionality: Phone calls are clear for both the user and the recipient.

• Variety of Watch Faces: A wide selection of built-in and downloadable faces provide plenty of customization options.

Where It Falls Short

Despite its many strengths, the T3 Ultra has a few notable drawbacks:

• Weak Vibration Alerts: The biggest letdown is the incredibly weak vibration intensity, which is almost imperceptible in many situations. Alarms, reminders, and notifications often go unnoticed, which is a dealbreaker for those who rely on silent alerts.

• Inconsistent Alarm Function: The built-in alarm sometimes ignores the volume settings, blasting sound at full volume even when set to a lower level. On other occasions, it fails to go off at all.

• Limited GPS Functionality: GPS tracking only works when workouts are started from the KOSPET Fit app, not from the watch itself. Additionally, an earlier issue with GPS tracking crashing the app was only resolved with an update.

• Inaccurate Heart Rate During Workouts: While resting heart rate tracking is fairly accurate, the watch struggles to register peak heart rates correctly during intense exercise.

Fitness & Activity Tracking

Step tracking is impressively accurate, with only a two-step discrepancy in a 500-step test. However, GPS tracking issues limit its usefulness for serious runners and outdoor enthusiasts.

The barometer and altimeter readings are inconsistent, with fluctuating altitude measurements that don’t align with actual changes in location. The compass, while accurate after calibration, frequently needs recalibration.

Battery Life & Charging

Charging from 50% to full takes about an hour and ten minutes. With moderate use—including calls, notifications, and workout tracking—the watch lasts around 2 to 2.5 days per charge. Lighter usage should extend battery life.

Final Verdict

The KOSPET Tank T3 Ultra is a well-built, stylish, and feature-packed smartwatch with solid step tracking, call functionality, and a great display. However, its weak vibration alerts, unreliable alarm, and limited GPS tracking significantly impact usability.

For those needing a rugged smartwatch primarily for calls, step tracking, and casual fitness monitoring, it’s a solid option. But if you rely on strong silent notifications or accurate workout heart rate tracking, this might not be the best choice. An OS update could address some of these issues, but for now, these drawbacks make the T3 Ultra a tough sell at its price point.

Price: €215.99 (with free shipping).