Choosing the best smartwatch from today's market requires a detailed analysis of features, performance, design, compatibility, and health functions. Since its introduction, the Samsung Gear S3 has been a leading model in its category thanks to its robustness, customization options, and various advanced features. But how does it truly compare to other models, both from Samsung and the competition, and what advantages does it offer over the latest advancements?
Design and build quality: tradition and modernity
The Samsung Gear S3 is distinguished by its circular aesthetic, reminiscent of a traditional watch. Samsung released two main editions to cater to different tastes: the Frontier , with a sportier and more robust design, and the Classic , which incorporates elegant details such as a leather strap and refined finishes. The use of stainless steel in the case provides noticeable durability and a premium feel. The interchangeable 22mm strap uses a universal standard, allowing for easy customization.
A key differentiator is the rotating bezel, an original and incredibly easy-to-use control solution that enhances everyday usability by allowing seamless navigation through menus and options. Buttons and the microphone are perfectly integrated, and the rear case incorporates the heart rate sensor without the need for visible electrical contacts, thanks to the included wireless inductive charging .
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 Samsung Gear S3's 1,3-inch circular Super AMOLED display with 360 x 360 pixels offers an excellent viewing experience, with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good visibility in direct sunlight. Gorilla Glass SR+ protection makes it resistant to bumps and scratches. The always-on display allows you to check the time without fully turning on the screen, saving battery and improving its functionality as a traditional watch.
Compared to other devices, such as the Asus ZenWatch 3 (1,39" AMOLED, 400x400 pixels) or the Apple Watch (flexible OLED, 390x312 pixels), the Gear S3 remains competitive in terms of quality and user experience. Its brightness and contrast surpass those of IPS solutions like the basic Moto 360 in the Android segment, although its resolution is somewhat lower than the more recent Samsung Galaxy Watch6 or Galaxy Watch7 models, which now exceed 450x450 pixels and offer screen 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
The dual-core Exynos 7270 processor , clocked at 1 GHz and manufactured using a 14 nm process, is key to the Gear S3's energy efficiency. This technological advancement allows for low battery consumption without sacrificing responsive performance, directly impacting real-world battery life.
This model features 768 MB of RAM and 4 GB of internal storage (although only about 2,4 GB are available to the user). This capacity allows for the installation of apps, the storage of music, and the smooth operation of the Tizen 2.3.2 operating system . While the amount of RAM may seem modest today compared to the 2 GB of the more recent Galaxy Watch7, it was cutting-edge at the time and continues to ensure stable performance when handling notifications, calls, or running proprietary apps.
In comparison with the competition, models like the Apple Watch Series 2 integrated 512 MB of RAM and less efficient processors, while Android Wear watches usually used the less efficient and more power-hungry Snapdragon 400 manufactured in 28 nm.
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 track changes in altitude, especially useful for mountain sports or for those looking to quantify their workouts. Integration with Samsung Health provides detailed reports on calories burned, distance traveled, heart rate, and even sleep monitoring, although the latter has seen significant improvements in later models (such as the advanced sleep analysis feature in the new Galaxy Watch).
Physical resistance and autonomy: designed for everyday use
The Gear S3 's ruggedness is certified to the military standard MIL-STD-810G and IP68 protection rating , making it resistant to shocks, water (submersible up to one meter for 30 minutes), and dust. Rinsing is recommended if it has been in contact with salt water.
In terms of battery life , the 380 mAh battery allows for up to two or even three days of moderate use, surpassing the segment average and several of its direct competitors. Charging is wireless via a small dock, although it takes about two and a half hours to fully charge from 5% to 100%. While it doesn't quite reach the five days promised by some competing models, such as the Huawei Watch D2, it does outperform most smartwatches with AMOLED displays and full functionality.
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.
Currently, models like the 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 a bioimpedance sensor, blood oxygen monitoring, and electrocardiogram, Bluetooth 5.x connectivity, and improved compatibility with recent Android phones. Fitbit's competitors have also advanced in health features, complementing the wearable offerings.
The new Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra incorporate more sensors (temperature, SpO2, ECG), extended durability and advanced capabilities, but also at the cost of lower battery life compared to the Samsung Gear S3 and some current Galaxy Watch models.
Operating system and customization
The Gear S3's Tizen operating system offers excellent fluidity and battery life, with access to its own app store and a wide selection of watch faces. It allows you to modify visual aspects such as typography, complications, and widgets directly from the watch or your phone, thanks to the Gear Manager app . While the app catalog doesn't reach 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 allow you to make and receive calls directly on the watch (if it's synced with your phone), as well as listen to music independently. You can also interact with the S Voice voice assistant , although its capabilities are less advanced than Siri or Google Assistant.
Compatibility with Samsung Pay is another of its strengths, 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, climbing stairs, and periods of inactivity, encouraging movement after long periods of sitting. You can configure the activity in the Samsung Health app for more precise measurements. GPS and music storage 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 opt for HERE Maps . Regarding messaging, it's not possible to reply to WhatsApp messages or emails by voice from the watch unless it's a Samsung, a limitation they've tried to address in more recent Galaxy Watch models.
Evolution of the range: from Gear S3 to Galaxy Watch 7 and alternatives
The Galaxy Watch family has evolved remarkably. Models like the Galaxy Watch4 Classic and the 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
The competition is fierce. Huawei models , like the Watch D2 , stand out for their real-time blood pressure monitoring, tracking of multiple health indicators, up to 6 days of battery life, and broad 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.
Apple Watches boast superior integration with iOS, 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 pedometers of 2023 and other smartwatch devices from different brands 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.
