Selecting the best smartwatch from the current offering is a task that requires a detailed analysis of features, performance, design, compatibility, and health functions. Samsung Gear S3 Since its introduction, it has been one of the leading brands in the category thanks to its robustness, customization capabilities, and various advanced features. But how does it really stack up against other models, both from Samsung and its competitors, and what does it offer compared to the new advancements of the latest models?
Design and build quality: tradition and modernity
El Samsung Gear S3 It is distinguished by its circular aesthetic, which evokes the design of a conventional watch. Samsung launched two main editions to suit different tastes: the Frontier, with a more sporty and robust approach, and the Classic, which incorporates elegant details such as a leather strap and refined finishes. The use of stainless steel The case provides remarkable durability and a premium appearance. The interchangeable 22mm strap uses a universal standard, allowing for easy customization.
A differentiating element is the rotating bezel, an original and very easy-to-use control solution that improves daily usability by allowing you to navigate between menus and options without complications. Buttons and microphone are perfectly integrated, and the back case incorporates the heart rate sensor without the need for visible electrical contacts thanks to the wireless induction charging included as standard.
Compared to its predecessor, the Gear S2, this model has grown in size (from 1,2 to 1,3 inches on the screen), resulting in a bulky watch, primarily suitable for those looking for wrist presence, although it may be somewhat large on smaller wrists. Compared to other models like the Moto 360, Asus ZenWatch 3, or Apple Watch, the Gear S3 maintains its commitment to traditional watch design, while Apple opts for more modern lines and a rectangular format.
Display and visual experience: Super AMOLED technology
The screen 1,3-inch circular Super AMOLED and 360 x 360 pixels of the Samsung Gear S3 offers an excellent visual experience, with very vivid colors, deep blacks and good visibility in direct sunlight. The protection Gorilla Glass SR + It is shock and scratch resistant. The "always-on display" allows you to check the time without fully turning on the screen, saving battery life and improving its functionality as a traditional watch.
Compared to other devices, such as the Asus ZenWatch 3 (1,39″ AMOLED and 400×400 pixels) or the Apple Watch (flexible OLEDs, 390x312 pixels), the Gear S3 remains competitive in terms of quality and experience. Its brightness and contrast surpass IPS solutions like the entry-level Moto 360 in the Android segment, although the resolution is somewhat lower than the newer Samsung Galaxy Watch6 or Galaxy Watch7 models, which now exceed 450x450 pixels and offer sizes up to 1,5 inches.
Personalization is also one of its strengths. Users have access to a wide catalog of watch faces, many of which can be customized with widgets and complications to display activity data, notifications, weather, and more, which extends the display's value beyond mere aesthetics.
Internal hardware: processor, memory and efficiency
El Exynos 7270 processor The 1GHz dual-core processor, manufactured using a 14nm process, is key to the Gear S3's energy efficiency. This technological advancement allows for low battery consumption without sacrificing responsive performance, which directly impacts actual battery life.
This model has 768 MB of RAM and 4 GB of internal storage (although only about 2,4 GB is free for the user). This capacity allows you to install applications, save music, and run the operating system. Tizen 2.3.2 Smoothly. While the RAM figure may seem modest today compared to the 2GB of the newer Galaxy Watch7, it was cutting-edge at the time and continues to ensure stable operation, whether managing notifications, calls, or its own apps.
In comparison with the competition, models such as the Apple Watch Series 2 They had 512 MB of RAM and less efficient processors, while Android Wear watches usually used the Snapdragon 400 manufactured in 28 nm, which was less efficient and consumed more.
Health Sensors and Features: Advanced Quantification
The Samsung Gear S3 incorporates a battery of sensors that make it one of the most complete smartwatches for monitoring physical activity and well-being:
- Accelerometer and gyroscope,
- Optical heart rate sensor,
- Barometer,
- Ambient light sensor,
- GPS integrated in 3G/LTE versions,
- Multi-device Compatibility mobile payments (NFC and MST),
- Altimeter, very useful for mountain activities and cycling.
Automatic tracking detects steps, stair climbs, periods of inactivity, and different types of exercises, encouraging the user to move and improve daily. Thanks to GPS, it's possible to accurately record routes and metrics during outdoor runs, bike rides, or hikes, without having to carry a phone (on models with built-in GPS).
The barometer and altimeter allow you to see changes in altitude, especially useful for mountain sports or for those looking to maximize their training. Integration with Samsung health It provides detailed reports on calories, distance traveled, heart rate, and even sleep monitoring, although this last section has undergone a notable evolution in later models (such as the advanced sleep analysis function in the new Galaxy Watch).
Physical resistance and autonomy: designed for everyday use
The robustness of the Gear S3 It is certified to military standards MIL-STD-810G and the degree of protection IP68, making it shock, water (submersible up to one meter for 30 minutes), and dust resistant. It's recommended to rinse it if it has been in contact with salt water.
With regards to autonomy, the battery of 380 mAh It allows for up to two or even three days of moderate use, surpassing the segment average and several of its direct rivals. Charging is wireless via a small dock, although it takes about two and a half hours to complete the charge cycle from 5% to 100%. It's true that it doesn't reach the five days promised by other competing models, such as the Huawei Watch D2, but it does outperform most smartwatches with AMOLED displays and full functions.
Comparison with other relevant smartwatches
- Asus ZenWatch 3: Classic design, 1,39" AMOLED display (400x400), similar in design but slightly less robust and without a rotating bezel. It suffers more from battery life and lacks some advanced health features.
- Motorcycle 360: It opts for IPS instead of AMOLED and has a lower resolution; it excels in simplicity but loses in visibility, autonomy, and customization options.
- Apple Watch Series 2: Bright and flexible OLED display, waterproof, square design, better integration with iOS but without a rotating bezel and with less battery life, although the quality of the apps and their ecosystem is superior.
- L: Simple rectangular design, no heart rate monitoring in early versions, low-resolution display but robust and water-resistant.
Nowadays, models such as Samsung Galaxy Watch4, Watch5 and Watch6 have taken a leap forward in specifications, adopting more powerful processors, higher resolution screens, new health features such as bioimpedance sensor, blood oxygen tracking and electrocardiogram, Bluetooth 5.x connectivity and improved compatibility with recent Android phones. The competition of Fitbit has also made progress in health features, complementing its wearables offering.
new Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra They incorporate more sensors (temperature, SpO2, ECG), extended resistance and advanced possibilities, but also at the cost of less autonomy compared to the Samsung Gear S3 and some current Galaxy Watches.
Operating system and customization
El Tizen Operating System The Gear S3 offers great fluidity and autonomy, with access to the own app store and a wide repertoire of watch faces. It allows you to modify visual aspects such as fonts, complications, and widgets, directly from your watch or mobile phone, thanks to the app. Gear ManagerWhile the app catalog doesn't match the variety of Google Play or the App Store, it's sufficient for users who value notifications, sports, music, and customization.
One of the differentiating features of this system is the bezel navigation, especially intuitive for those who prefer physical interaction over touch controls, although you can also scroll through menus by swiping. For management and syncing, the Gear S3 is compatible with Samsung and other Android phones from version 4.4 and 1,5 GB of RAM onwards; functions are more limited on iOS and some non-Samsung Android models, especially in messaging and navigation.
Additional smart features
The speaker and microphone make it possible to make and receive calls directly on the watch (when paired with your phone), as well as listen to music independently. It's also possible to interact with the voice assistant. S Voice, although its capabilities are behind Siri or Google Assistant.
compatibility with Samsung Pay This is another of its strong points, allowing contactless payments directly from the wrist, even on older terminals thanks to MST technology, something that not all current models offer.
Notification management is efficient and customizable from the phone. While voice response or message delivery is limited compared to newer models or Apple Watches, it covers most daily needs.
Sport and quantification: a companion for an active lifestyle
The Gear S3 automatically detects activities like walking, running, stair climbing, and periods of inactivity, encouraging movement after prolonged sitting. In the app Samsung health You can configure the activity tracker for more precise measurements. GPS and the ability to store music make it ideal for runners and cyclists who want to leave their phones at home.
For swimming, the IP68 certification allows the watch to be submerged, although Samsung recommends caution, especially in salt water. Distance and calorie measurement is quite accurate compared to other competitors, although there may be slight deviations depending on the type of exercise.
Storage of up to 4GB (2,4GB available) is enough to take your playlists with you while you exercise, using Bluetooth headphones, without depending on your smartphone.
Compatibility and use with non-Samsung phones
The Gear S3 is compatible with most Android devices and, to a lesser extent, iOS. However, integration with mapping, messaging, and other services is limited outside the Samsung ecosystem, as many apps require installation on both the phone and the watch, and not all are available on Tizen.
For example, to replace Google Maps, users can choose Maps HEREIn Messaging, you can't reply to WhatsApp messages or emails via voice from a non-Samsung watch, a limitation they've attempted to address in newer Galaxy Watch models.
Evolution of the range: from Gear S3 to Galaxy Watch 7 and alternatives
The Galaxy Watch family has evolved significantly. Models like the Galaxy Watch4 Classic and Galaxy Watch5 Pro offer:
- AMOLED displays up to 1.5 inches and 480x480 pixels,
- Gorilla Glass DX or sapphire protection,
- Exynos W920 or W1000 processors (5 cores, 3 nm on Watch7),
- Up to 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage,
- MIL-STD-810H, IP68, 5 ATM certified (up to 10 ATM on Watch7 Ultra),
- Multi-band GNSS systems for greater positioning accuracy,
- Wear OS 5 for Galaxy operating system (from Watch4),
- New bioactive sensors (blood pressure, temperature, SpO2, ECG),
- Bluetooth 5.x, WiFi 5 GHz, NFC,
- Bixby Assistant and compatibility with Google Assistant.
These models offer improved battery life, screen quality, and, above all, improved health features and compatibility with popular apps and services. Integration with Android and the transition to Wear OS has allowed them to expand their app catalog (Spotify, Strava, Endomondo, etc.) and optimize the user experience for sports, health, and notifications.
Highlights include advancements in health monitoring, detailed sleep analysis, snore detection, bioelectrical impedance (for body composition), guided training programs, and in-depth analysis of athletic performance, including advanced metrics such as oxygen saturation, VO2 Max, and continuous heart rate during exercise.
Alternatives on the market and differences in the Gear S3
Competition is fierce. Models of Huaweiand Watch D2, stand out for their real-time blood pressure monitoring, tracking of multiple health indicators, battery life of up to 6 days, and great compatibility with Android and iOS devices. However, they don't offer the same integration with mobile payments or the extensive app catalogs of Samsung or Apple.
The Apple Watch They boast superior iOS integration, a wider variety of apps, advanced sensors, and excellent build quality, although they sacrifice battery life to offer more real-time features.
In the Android range, The best step counter watches of 2023 and other devices smartwatches from different brands They expand the offering for those looking for durability, sports functions or greater autonomy, although few brands manage to combine the robustness of the Gear S3 with its versatility and customization options.
Differentiating features and added value
The Gear S3 excels in:
- Physical rotating bezel for intuitive control and navigation,
- Battery life above average for smartwatches with AMOLED displays,
- Military certification and enhanced durability for intensive use,
- Wide catalog of customizable spheres,
- Mobile payments with Samsung Pay via NFC and MST,
- Broad compatibility with Android and, although limited, with iOS.
While it's been surpassed in some areas by newer models, it remains a solid choice for those looking for a balance of performance, battery life, and smart features without sacrificing the traditional experience of a classic watch.
Beyond the specs, the Gear S3's user experience is that of a mature, high-quality, versatile, and durable smartwatch, with enough battery life to keep you going without a charger for more than a day, a thoughtful selection of features, and unique navigation thanks to its rotating bezel. The evolution of the Galaxy Watch line incorporates more sensors, better displays, more efficient processors, and new features, but the Gear S3 continues to offer a valid proposition in terms of robustness, usability, and value for money in an increasingly competitive and diverse market.
