Samsung watch gear s3 frontier review. Samsung Gear S3 Review

Video review of Samsung Gear S3 Classic

Samsung Gear S3 Classic - new or restyling?

New flagship smartphones are released once a year, despite what changes have been made, the new model receives a new digital index. But in the automotive industry, everything is a little different. For example, let's take BMW, they don't release a new 7 every year. They do this once every 6–7 years. Of course, during this time, many new technologies are being developed and implemented in the auto industry, and BMW understands that the 7 needs to be updated, but it still does not match the new index. This is how restaling models appear. They improved it a little here, adjusted it a little there, and now - a new car. But in reality it's still the same old 7.

This is the analogy I see in relation to the gadget that we will look at today. The manufacturer assures everyone that this is a new model, but it seems to me that it is just a restyling of last year’s device. Whether this is true or not is up to the buyer to decide. And all I can do is test drive the new product - Samsung Gear S3 Classic - today in our review.

Design and ergonomics of Samsung Gear S3 Classic

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to compare the Gears S3 head-on, since I tested from the previous generation, and now I have a classic watch on test. But nevertheless, the differences are noticeable. The hours have become larger. If the Gear S2 Classic was 40 millimeters in diameter, then the Gear S3 Classic grew to 46 millimeters. Now the previous generation can be called female, since now the watches have become truly masculine, large and heavy. And since the size has increased, the mass has increased accordingly. Now it's 57 grams, instead of 42 grams excluding the strap.

The main part of the watch case, as before, is made of stainless steel. Outwardly, they resemble high-quality Swiss watches. The materials are chosen very well, and the leather strap complements all this splendor. It is removable and has a standard watch mount. Thanks to this, you can use any 22mm strap with the S3 Classic.

As before, the main part of the watch is occupied by the display. As the dimensions of the watch have grown, so has the display. It has become 15% larger. In terms of management, everything is the same as before. There is a rotating ring around the display. On the right side there are two mechanical keys “Back” and “Home”, as well as a microphone, on the left side there is a speaker. The bottom of the watch is covered with black plastic, on which there is a heart rate sensor and a connector for wireless charging.

Display and control

I already said that the display has become 15% larger, but now let's talk about this element in more detail. The diagonal has increased from 1.2 inches to 1.3 inches. But the resolution remains the same - 360x360 pixels. The pixel density has dropped to 278 ppi. But even with this density, the pixels are impossible to see. AMOLED matrix, everything is unchanged here. If you know the features of the AMOLED matrix, then it is already clear to you that the screen is good. Contrast, brightness, color saturation, viewing angles - everything is in place.

The Gear S3 Classic has 10 backlight levels. I, as before, use level 7. I feel comfortable with him at any time of the day. And for those who can’t decide on the brightness level or often switch it depending on the situation, there is an auto-brightness sensor that behaves quite correctly and does not raise any questions. The display is protected by special protective glass Corning Gorilla Glass SR+.

Like Samsung's flagship smartphones, the watch now has the Always On Display feature. Your display will always be on in clock mode. For example, my main dial is yellow with black accents, and when the watch goes to Always On, the colors are inverted. The dial turns black with yellow numbers and hands. And since the black color in the AMOLED matrix is ​​achieved by turning off the pixels, the battery charge is practically not consumed. What is this for? For example, I’m driving or typing on a laptop, the clock is in my field of vision and, glancing at it, I see the time. Previously, you had to make a characteristic hand movement to turn on the screen.

In terms of management, everything remains the same. You have a rotary ring, which has become even more functional, a touch display and mechanical keys.

Interface

In terms of the interface, everything remains almost the same, only cosmetic changes have occurred. The main screen is the clock, this is logical. At the top there is a curtain that contains the battery level, brightness settings, sound profiles, enabling Do Not Disturb and Airplane modes, as well as launching the music player.

All notifications are collected to the left of the clock, widgets are located to the right. Pressing the Home key takes you to the main application menu. In the third generation of Gear S, Samsung focused on sports. The Gear S3 Classic has GPS and GLONASS modules. Thanks to them, you can track your activity during a workout, and things like a barometer, altimeter and speedometer will determine the level of atmospheric pressure, altitude and your speed while jogging or cycling. This way, you no longer need to take your smartphone to training.

Let's continue the theme of sports in watches. The S Health app is well integrated with the one on your smartphone. You can measure your heart rate, steps, time, get data on running, cycling, and so on. Surprisingly, the watch measures heart rate quite accurately, although there is still some error. You can also use the watch to track the number of cups of water and coffee you drink.

The watch also has an NFC chip, thanks to which you can make purchases using Samsung Pay. Since Samsung's payment system does not work in the Ukrainian market, do not think that you do not need NFC at all. Just install the Privat24 application on your watch and pay for purchases with a Privat Bank card.

It is worth noting the presence of moisture and dust protection according to the IP68 standard. You can not only wash your hands, but also take a shower without taking off your watch. But there is no 3G module in the classic version of the device. The Gear S3 Classic can only be used as a smartphone headset. This is convenient when you are driving.

What we couldn't test was the watch's integration with BMW's Connected service. Samsung says that using BMW's proprietary app, you can receive notifications on the Gear S3 about upcoming trips, information about gas levels, open/close the car using the watch, and much more.

Connection and notifications

In this regard, everything is quite familiar for wearable devices from Samsung. To connect the Gear S3 Classic, you will need a smartphone with Android version 4.4 or higher, 1.5 gigabytes of RAM and Bluetooth 4.1 or Wi-Fi for remote connection. The Samsung Gear application itself also received cosmetic changes, but this did not affect the functionality in any way. In the application you can see brief information about the watch: battery charge, information about permanent and RAM. Below is a selection of watch faces and apps from the store. The second tab contains everything for setting the clock. Select and style your watch faces, manage notifications, manage apps, send files to your Gear, and more.

On your watch, you can not only read and delete notifications, but also interact with them. For example, you can reply to an SMS using your voice, a preset phrase, or the built-in keyboard. You can also interact with e-mail clients, instant messengers and many other applications.

Autonomy

Compared to the previous generation, the Gear S3 Classic received a larger battery, but this had virtually no effect on operating time. The watch has a 380 mAh battery and its autonomy depends on your usage style. My S3 Classic works for 2 days, this is with Active Display activated, but without GPS. If you also turn on GPS, autonomy will drop to 1 day. But if you turn off both GPS and Active Display, you can count on 3-4 days of work.

The watch also has an energy-saving mode. As before, the Gear S3 Classic will turn off all smart functions, the display will turn black and white and the smart watch will turn into a pumpkin, or rather, into a regular watch. The Gear S3 will be prompted to activate this mode when the charge drops to 15%. Then it will remind you again at the 10% and 5% marks.

conclusions

Summarize. I still haven't gotten around to using the Apple Watch, which may be why I still consider Samsung's Gear S line to be the best smartwatches on the market. I used to say this about the second generation, but now about the third. If you are going to join the world of smart wearable devices, if you need a high-quality and beautiful watch, if you are ready to pay ₴10,000 (about $380) for it, the Samsung Gear S3 Classic is exactly what you need. But if you already have a Gear S2, then I don’t see much need to buy a new watch. As I said at the beginning of the article, the Gear S3 is just a restyling of the Gear S2. And if they were called, for example, Gear S2s, it would be justified.

Prices in online stores

It is possible to display similar models if this one is not in the catalog for your region.

Samsung Gear S3 Frontier review | Introduction

Finally, you can leave your smartphone at home! Samsung Gear S3 Frontier($349 in the US and 24,990 rubles in Russia) with built-in LTE module, heart rate monitor, Wi-Fi and GPS (not to mention the mobile wallet function and voice control) - this is the first smartwatch that can work completely autonomously. The watch itself, as a device for measuring time, also looks great and is quite reliable. Still, the execution of the 4G module and the application ecosystem must be considered far from perfect.

Samsung Gear S3 Frontier review | Design and construction

It's no secret that most smartwatch models are designed for wide wrists, and Samsung Gear S3 Frontier not an exception. The front measures 46 x 49mm, and the watch itself weighs 62.3g without the strap. That's more than double the weight of the Apple Watch Series 2, which weighs 28g.

Samsung Gear S3 Frontier They don't have as flashy a look as the Fossil Q Founder, which is my favorite look, but their stainless steel body is quite attractive. I especially liked the fine serrations on the rotating bezel, which not only look cool, but also make it easier to turn the bezel. They look like parts of an expensive timepiece - in contrast to the straightforward and boring Apple Watch.

Wherein Samsung Gear S3 Frontier significantly larger and heavier than the Apple Watch and Gear S2, which will undoubtedly put off people with thin wrists.

Our test sample came with a fairly basic silicone strap, but it's fairly easy to swap out for any other 22-point strap. Samsung sells replacement bands starting at $22.99.

There are two buttons on the right side of the S3's body: the top one acts as a universal back button, and the bottom one takes you back to the home screen or app menu.

Design Samsung Gear S3 Frontier able to withstand some of the vicissitudes of fate. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass, and compliance with the MIL-SPEC-810G standard means it can withstand drops from a height of about one and a half meters. The watch can also spend up to 30 minutes underwater at a depth of 1.5 meters without affecting performance. However, Apple Watch Series 2 is designed for immersion to a depth of 50 meters.

Samsung Gear S3 Frontier review | Display

Samsung Gear S3 Frontier equipped with a 1.3-inch AMOLED display, bright enough for reading at any time of the day. The resolution of 360 x 360 pixels was sufficient for comfortable viewing of the photos that appeared in the Flipboard news: they were so sharp that you could see the numbers on the athletes' uniforms. The colors were also extremely saturated.

IN Samsung Gear S3 Frontier There is an option for an always-on display, and the dimmed light mode is not particularly different from the operating mode at full brightness. For example, the chronograph screen looks almost identical in both modes; only the second hand disappears, instead of which a white “ticking” mark is displayed, moving along the edge of the dial. The same goes for other watch screens: some small accents disappear, but most of the colors and details remain visible.

Samsung Gear S3 Frontier review | Interface

Instead of Android Wear, the Gear S3 Frontier uses Samsung's own Tizen operating system. In some ways, it looks like a hybrid of Apple and Google operating systems. This is both good and bad. For the most part, I find it significantly more useful than Android Wear, but you can't use S3 with iOS devices. Despite all their shortcomings, Android Wear smartwatches still retained some functionality when connected to an iPhone.

Tizen OS user interface has two layers. From the home clock screen, swiping left or right lets you access notifications and recently launched apps, create reminders, get weather forecasts, and check health information, among other things. If you press the bottom side button on the watch body, the screen will switch to the application menu mode: here you will see round application icons located along the edge of the screen. Only eight of them are visible on each page, but additional pages are automatically added as programs are installed.

Like the Gear S2, Samsung Gear S3 Frontier There is a rotating bezel that allows you to quickly scroll through menu items, applications, etc. You can achieve the same result by swiping across the screen, but it's nice to have a choice. Each turn of the bezel has a subtle click and is done with just the right amount of force - it reminded me of the wheel on the Nest Learning thermostat.

I also liked that I could reply to notifications and messages in Samsung Gear S3 Frontier in countless ways. For example, this watch doesn't have the Facebook Messenger app - and we'll get to that in a moment - and if I receive a message while the S3 is paired with my phone via Bluetooth, I can respond to it with either a pre-recorded message, or by typing a new one, or dictating it. Even cooler was the ability to draw letters on the screen - much like on the Apple Watch - to write the answer. I wouldn't use this method to type long emails, but it's fine for writing multi-word messages.

Although I have my own problems with Android Wear, of the functions available there in Samsung Gear S3 Frontier I missed the automatic execution of tasks depending on the location of the device (so-called context awareness). It would be great if the Gear S3 could automatically provide driving directions for home at the time I usually get ready from work, or if it could send me notifications and directions based on my calendar entries. There's hope that Samsung is working on a similar smart assistant for the Galaxy X8, but I wouldn't buy an S3 knowing that they might not have such a feature until sometime in the indefinite future.

Samsung Gear S3 Frontier review | Where are the applications?

The main problem with the Tizen operating system is that Samsung will have to convince others to create applications for this platform. And so far, no matter how hard they try, they can't come up with anything similar to the work done by Apple or Google.

Alas, a year after the release of the Gear S2, little has changed. In the Health & Fitness app category, Fear doesn't have any of the big players - MapMyFitness, MyFitnessPal, Strava, etc. You'll have to use S Health instead. In itself, this is a good application, but the fact that there is no choice is depressing.

When Samsung unveiled the Gear S2, they said apps for Twitter, eBay and Groupon were on the way. A year later, we only have an eBay app. There is an app to control the Nest thermostat, but it costs $1.99 and is written by a third party. Even though the Spotify logo is prominently featured on the Samsung Gear S3 product page, there is no app for the service either. (There is an app for iHeart Radio, however).

The rest of the categories are no better: I found programs for Yelp, Uber, Wall Street Journal, Weather Channel and NPR. But there are no clients for Facebook Messenger, Twitter, or any service from Google. As of this writing, ESPN Companion for Gear only works with the previous S2 model.

After pairing with a Samsung Galaxy S7 via Bluetooth, I was able to receive and respond to Facebook Messenger notifications. But when the smartphone leaves the contact zone, you lose all connection with this social network.

Thanks to the screen Samsung Gear S3 Frontier The maps for the Gear look extremely detailed. Using the rotating bezel, you can zoom out or zoom in and see everything from subway stations to individual streets. Unfortunately, without connecting to a phone, the S3 cannot work as a navigator. Obviously, this is another missed opportunity, considering that this watch has both a modem and a GPS receiver.

Potential Benefit Samsung Gear S3 Frontier The difference between other smartwatches is that you can install the application directly into S3, you don’t need to download it to your smartphone first. However, I wish you good luck in finding applications. On the Get More Apps screen there are only 15 items, and of various types: from the Korean Air client and the Fruit Ninja Plus game to a utility that makes the dial white.

With some changes and improvements, both in terms of design, functions and autonomy. In this comparison of the Galaxy Watch and Gear S3, you'll find out what exactly has changed, and how the new version is better than its predecessor.

Samsung Galaxy Watch vs Gear S3: Design

Although the two models are very similar in appearance, in our opinion the Galaxy Watch looks more sophisticated and elegant than the Gear S3. But again, this depends on personal preference. For those unaware, the Gear S3 comes in two variants: Classic and Frontier. As the name suggests, the former looks more classic, while the latter looks more sporty. Both versions have a case diameter of 46 mm.

The Galaxy Watch comes in one design, but with two case sizes: 42 and 46 mm, with the 46 mm version only available in a silver case with a black bezel around the screen, and the 42 mm version in black or rose gold, which should appeal to girls and women.

One of the features of the new watch model is a realistic dial with hour hands and an imitation of the sound of a mechanical watch, thanks to which the gadget can easily be mistaken for a classic analog watch.

Galaxy Watch and Gear S3 features

In terms of functions related to activity tracking, Samsung devices have always been inferior to gadgets from such companies as Fitbit, Garmin or Polar. But with the Galaxy Watch, Samsung takes the experience to the next level by adding several new features.

The watch can automatically detect the start of a workout and can control up to 39 sports modes. To obtain more accurate data, the watch is equipped with a GPS module, so during training you can get data on speed, trajectory and route.

Another new feature is the stress management system. Combined with data from a heart rate sensor, this system can determine the user's stress level and recommend breathing exercises and meditation to reduce it. Galaxy Watch also received advanced sleep monitoring, with automatic detection of sleep depth and phases.

Another watch will help you control your calorie and water consumption, which was not the case in the previous model. The Gear S3 had some of these features, but it can't detect stress levels and can't track as many sports modes.

As for other functions, the Galaxy Watch is also equipped with an NFC module for contactless payments via Samsung Pay, but without MST, which we, unfortunately, do not support. The watch also supports the use of the Bixby voice assistant and control of other Samsung gadgets from the watch using the SmartThings application. Otherwise, with the exception of minor differences, the functionality of these two models is identical.

Samsung Galaxy Watch vs Gear S3: Specifications and Software

Like the Gear S3, the Galaxy Watch runs on the Tizen operating system (version 4.0). To pair with a smartphone, an updated application (formerly Samsung Gear) is used.

The 46mm version of the Galaxy Watch uses the exact same screen as the Gear S3. This is a Super AMOLED panel with a diameter of 1.3 inches with a resolution of 360*360 pixels. The 42 mm version has a screen with the same resolution of 360*360 pixels, but with a smaller diameter - 1.2 inches. Using protective glass, the Galaxy Watch screens are better protected from bumps and scratches than the Gear S3 with Gorilla Glass SR+.

Another change affected the processor. The performance of the Galaxy Watch is powered by a new Exynos 9110 processor with a frequency of 1.15 GHz, while the previous model runs on an Exynos 7270 chip with a frequency of 1.0 GHz. Memory in both cases: 768 MB of RAM and 4 GB of internal memory. The LTE version of the Galaxy Watch will receive 1.5 GB of RAM, but it will not be available in our market.

Samsung Galaxy Watch and Gear S3: waterproof and battery life

The autonomy of the new watch model has improved significantly. If the Gear S3 could last a maximum of 4 days without charging, then for the Galaxy Watch this time changed to 7 days, thanks to a 472 mAh battery. But this only applies to the 46 mm version. The 42 mm watch has the same autonomy as the previous model.

In terms of water resistance, the Gear S3 is IP68 rated for water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand short periods of submersion in water. The new model has a water resistance level of 5 ATM, which means they can withstand swimming and even diving to shallow depths.

Let's sum it up

The Samsung Galaxy Watch is a clear improvement over the Gear S3, but probably not enough to make you want to sell your Gear S3 and buy the new version right now. Evolution, of course, is obvious, but this is precisely evolution, and not a revolutionary leap forward.

It's been a while since we've had a review! Last time, the Oukitel A58 came into the laboratory, and if it was a watch, it was definitely not the smartest one.

Today our guest is a more prominent product in the industry - the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier. This is already the third generation of wearable gadgets from the Korean manufacturer, and we managed to look at these models at the exhibition, which we described in a separate article.

In it, my colleague called the new product “an improved and modified version of the Gear S2,” however, in my opinion, there are fundamental differences between the models that can easily push users to change their predecessor to the new version.

And Samsung itself highlights new products by slightly changing the naming; the classic version remains “Classic”, and the eccentric modification received the Frontier label. Let's see what has changed in terms of technical characteristics.

Specifications Samsung Gear S3 Frontier

The most important change affected the SoC. The outdated and completely inappropriate cores of the Cortex-A7 architecture were replaced with more energy-efficient Cortex-A53. Their number has not changed, but this is for the better. Coupled with a more refined technical process, this should significantly improve the level of autonomy of the watch.

The manufacturer has added a GPS module that can work with the watch without a smartphone, recording user actions. This will be useful, for example, when jogging - you don’t need to take your smartphone with you every time to measure the distance traveled. The noticeably “fat” battery is also pleasing, which should further affect the autonomy of the device. True, the mass has increased significantly.

Packaging and equipment Samsung Gear S3 Frontier

Alas, the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier came to us without packaging, but judging by the information from the network, the package consists of the following accessories:

• Documentation;
• Charger (dock);
• Power unit;
• MicroUSB cable.

Overall, this is a typical setup for most smartwatches.

The docking station is quite compact, it is equipped with a weighting material, so it should not fall off the table due to a draft.

The watch can be installed on it in any direction; there are no latches - the case is magnetized to the surface. The docking station is equipped with an LED charging progress indicator that changes color as the process progresses.

The charger in our case has a non-removable wire. Connection to the docking station occurs via the MicroUSB port. Output current: 0.7 A at 5 V.

Gear S3 classic is a modern classic on your wrist, a combination of vintage design and modern technology. The marks on the bezel are applied using a laser. The pushers, made in the style of classic crowns, harmoniously complement the design of the case. The Gear S3 classic is built using 316L stainless steel alloy for a high level of protection. The Gear S3 classic is designed to last for days without needing to be recharged or connected to your smartphone.
The Gear S3 classic gives you freedom.

Innovation in a rugged package

The Gear S3 classic combines the best of traditional watches with innovative devices. One glance is enough to appreciate their stunning design. A comfortable strap, a unique rotating bezel, a clear dial and a powerful battery make the smartwatch so easy to use and allow you to use it for up to 4 days without recharging.

Always active screen

The updated full-color always-on screen is virtually indistinguishable from the classic watch face. Choose the interface that suits you. The watch comes preloaded with 15 screen designs, and you'll find even more in Galaxy Apps!
Make your watch truly unique!

Control with one movement!

Enjoy the ease of use of the Gear S3 classic. Manage notifications, adjust volume, answer calls by simply rotating the bezel left or right. You can easily operate your watch even with wet hands or gloves.

Change your style
changing straps!

Find a strap that's right for you. The Gear S3 classic features a universal mount that's standard on traditional watches. Samsung replacement bands are durable and elegant. Emphasize your unique style!

Dark blue leather strap

Call from
smart watch!

Let the Gear S3 classic be your smartphone. The built-in speaker and microphone let you make and receive calls without your smartphone and listen to voice messages and reminders*. In addition, you can enjoy your favorite tracks thanks to the built-in music player.

Built-in GPS

With the Gear S3 classic, you'll never go astray again, even without your smartphone. Thanks to the built-in GPS, you can build walking routes, calculate the distance to your destination, and even find the best cafes and restaurants nearby.

*GPS navigation without a smartphone or Wi-Fi connection will require downloading apps or maps,
do not require an Internet connection and may incur a download fee.

Tracks for the road

Connect your Bluetooth headphones and listen to your favorite tracks during workouts and trips!
The Gear S3 classic's 4GB of internal memory lets you take your favorite music with you, even without a smartphone.

* Listening to music from online resources is possible if Wi-Fi is available.

Built-in sensors

Gear S3 classic features a barometer and constantly monitors pressure, keeping you informed of any unexpected or expected changes in as much detail as needed to help you plot a new route. An altimeter and speedometer help you track your speed and show your current altitude.
Smart watches allow you to always be one step ahead.

4 days without recharging!

Thanks to the capacious battery, you can go without charging for up to 4 days!

*Battery charge time may vary depending on usage and settings.

SOS messages quickly and easily

Simply press the Home key three times to instantly send your location to your selected contacts. They will be able to track your movements in real time.

* The service is provided by the Glympse platform. Available services may vary by country and region.

SOS messages

Press the Home key three times to send your location to selected contacts.

Water protection
and dust

Wear the Gear S3 classic in any weather, in any situation. IP68 water and dust protection allows the watch to withstand immersion in fresh water to a depth of 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes.

*Not suitable for diving or swimming.

More than 10,000 applications

You don't need a smartphone to download apps for the Gear S3 classic. Just go to Galaxy Apps from the Gear S3 classic screen and download the apps you trust, the ones you can't live without, or the ones you've always wanted to try!
Easier than ever!

• Compact version of Translator for smart watches. Say something in Russian, English, Ukrainian or Turkish - and the application will show the translation on the screen. You can translate into any of the 85 languages ​​known to the Translator. Among them are English, French, Spanish, German, Turkish, Tatar. The application works on its own, without a smartphone - as long as there is Internet.
• The navigator determines where you are and helps you quickly assess traffic congestion in the city. The main screen of the application shows the current traffic score, and the other screens show the forecast for the next 5 hours. Add Traffic Jams to the widget panel so that your current score is always visible.
• Compact version of Transport for watches on the Tizen platform. The application selects the five stops closest to you and shows when and what kind of transport will arrive at them. For example, this way you can find out if a suitable bus stops nearby. Or check whether it is worth walking to the next stop or whether it is better to wait for the bus here.
• A taxi makes it easy and quick to place an order - you don’t need to call anywhere to call a car. The application will tell you when and what kind of car will arrive at your location. The built-in map will tell you where the driver is waiting for you.