The second generation of Gear smart watches from Samsung were already quite balanced, with high functionality, which gave the right to call them universal. There were three watch options that were suitable for both men and girls, businessmen, and housewives. Of course, the company has not forgotten about geeks, who receive flashing lights on screens, bracelets and other places. Apparently, after analyzing the sales structure of all options, the Koreans decided that only two models of the gadget were subject to updating: Classic, Frontier. The sports version of the second generation remained available for purchase. They also have their own audience.

Design

The appearance of the watch has already been noted many times as a very successful example of a case in a premium classic style. The watch is equipped with a leather strap; it can be changed to one you like more. The body is made of 316L (special non-magnetic steel), IP68 protection level, that is, waterproof and dustproof. The dimensions are larger than those of the previous generation.

On the front side there are classic buttons for navigation, and there is also a hole with a microphone. On the back there is a speaker and three holes for it, quite loud, you can even use a speakerphone. It's quite comfortable to drive. But on the street it will look strange, a person talking with his wrist, like he stepped out of a spy movie. Moreover, the clock beeps something loudly in response. The display is covered with Gorilla Glass specially released for smart watches.

Display

The screen itself has a round shape, a Super AMOLED matrix with excellent contrast and brightness. The color rendition is pleasant, the contrast is maximum, like a regular picture. If you put one of the dials stylized to look like a mechanical one, it will be quite difficult to distinguish it from the real one offhand. If only because of the lack of shadows. A navigation ring appeared around the screen, a kind of feature Samsung Gear. The navigation is looped, you can turn it in a circle as much as you like. The thing is very convenient, if you get used to it, the buttons are almost no longer needed.

What's smart about them?

If you look back into the relatively recent past of smartphones, it turns out that the Gear S3 is very much a real smartphone, only smaller, like a watch. And not only because there is a dual-core processor, as well as enough RAM. It's a matter of software. During the existence of the line, so many applications have appeared for these watches - for every taste, there are even games. It is unclear who plays them with a resolution of 360x360, but the very fact of the existence of such games shows that there is interest in them. In addition, you imagine that the watch could include an application that calls a taxi, and this watch can navigate itself without a smartphone, since it has a built-in satellite navigation system.

So, using only the watch. You can call Uber, immediately look at the driver’s rating, evaluate traffic jams in the Yandex Maps application, and pay immediately. And all this in a watch. By the way, you can pay using the built-in NFC module. Moreover, this model is not tied only to Samsung Pay. What we can complain about is that the version has not yet acquired a digital SIM card, then it would be much more convenient, and the smartphone would not be needed so often. Although, it’s still better to talk on a real phone.

Interface

New applications are installed through an application on a smartphone, the latter can be from any manufacturer, only the model is not very ancient. iOS is still only in plans. The watch itself is also configured through the same application. From the watch itself, you can customize the backlight, connect to wireless devices, change sounds, change dials and other skins. True, new watch faces are downloaded via a smartphone.

Classic

As for the fitness functions, they haven't changed much since the last generation. Counting steps and steps, measuring heart rate, interpolating all this into calories, activity reminders, etc. That is, if you are inactive more than 90 percent of the time, the watch will remind you of this, and you will be praised for your activity.

However, the S3 Classic is still poorly suited for sports functions, but it’s still a classic. Of course, they measure everything they can, they are not afraid of dust and water, but they are not for running, firstly, they are bulky, and then they are chrome-plated. They are only in a suit, but for sports there is the S3 Frontier. The battery life of the watch is approximately 5 days.

Or even a smart cuckoo clock from the 90s. Manufacturers are ready to come up with anything to ensure that their wearable gadget does not run out of charge by the end of the day.

Today we look at the most sophisticated smartwatches on the market. And of course, who else wouldn’t make the most sophisticated watches if not Samsung. Another attempt to make your smartwatch a fashion accessory happened this year, so the Samsung Gear S3 is a logical continuation of the line.

Well, while other manufacturers are trying to create demand among techno-freaks, Samsung is doing things differently. Let a solid-looking watch still be able to do something useful.

Design

The previous version of the Gear S2 didn't look bad, especially the sports version.

The new Classic and Frontier look more respectable and go well with the suits of managers, but not directors yet. However, there is still more to come. The main feature of the Gear S3 control is the bezel - a ring around the dial.

Of course, there are also “home” and “back” buttons on the case, where would we be without them. But the bezel allows you not only to view lists and scroll through screens, but also to just spin it because it clicks cool. Spin and relax.

The Always On Display function certainly fixes this main problem all similar gadgets and always shows the time in the background. If you raise your hand, the screen even becomes brighter and this is a function that will definitely not be turned off, because with it the Gear S3, firstly, always shows the time, and secondly, practically does not use battery power.

OS

The Tizen operating system is still in place, new products appear in the application store with enviable consistency.

For example, the Lifesum application for counting calories, which I have been using for several years, is supported by the Tizen platform. Well, such useful things as Uber and similar programs are also available here.

The watch has acquired the long-awaited GPS receiver, accelerometer, gyroscope and barometer. In terms of the number of bells and whistles, this is the most sophisticated watch. There is also a heart rate sensor, which adds the function of a fitness bracelet to the watch, a very expensive fitness bracelet.

Hardware

The inside of the watch looks like this. Display 1.3 inches, Super AMOLED with a resolution of 360x360 pixels.

There is also a self-produced Exynos processor, it is dual-core, 1 GHz each core. The watch has 4 GB of internal memory and 768 MB of RAM.

But there is no point in chasing big numbers until game developers have sensed a new market. As soon as the first “Pokémon” are caught on the latest Apple Watch, the bezel wheel will immediately click in the manufacturers’ heads and an arms race will begin.

Of course, the watch has absolutely all types of connections, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, MST, etc.

The Samsung Gear S3 watch is compatible with all modern Android smartphones, this includes all versions of Galaxy smartphones.

All you have to do is download the Samsung Gear app, configure it, and everything will work. By the way, there is already a video on YouTube showing a Chinese programmer testing the Samsung Gear application on an iPhone. And if this watch is compatible with iOS, then iPhone users will have worthy alternative Apple Watch. The Classic and Frontier versions differ only in design and weight, the Frontier is 5 grams heavier.

About autonomy

Time battery life The Gear S3 has grown noticeably; it works easily for two days, taking into account the fact that on one of these days you will have an active training session using GPS.

The 380 mAh battery, both in the Classic and Frontier versions, is charged from a proprietary docking station in 2 hours from 0 to 100%.

If you look closely, you can see special holes on the watch case; these are a conversational microphone and speaker. Yes, you can talk using the Samsung Gear S3, and it no longer looks like something out of the ordinary.

In addition, the increased protection of this watch according to the IP68 standard hints to us that the intended use of this gadget can be completely diverse.

And in some situations you will need to answer the call in this way. The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier also differs from the Classic version in its protection; in addition to IP68, it has enhanced protection against shock, impact and falls. Which, in principle, distinguishes it favorably from the regular version. We must pay tribute to Samsung, they didn’t let us down with the design of the watch. If you can’t get people to pay for showing the time and notifications from their phone, then you can lure them in with design.

And the addition of fitness features and various hiking sensors expands the functionality of the device and makes a slightly more advanced audience interested in the gadget.

Eventually

So which watch should you choose, Classic or Frontier? Many may think that the choice lies in the plane of sympathy for the design, but in fact this is not the case, because these watches differ in size. If you have a thin wrist or small hand, then the Frontier may not be suitable for you because it is too big, here you will have to choose the classic version.

In addition, it is worth considering that both versions of the watch come with a very universal 22 mm strap mounting system. So if you want to attach some of your grandfather's heirloom lanyards, you can do so.

Personally, I liked the Frontier model, they look brutal, a men's gadget. Although I know many girls who wouldn’t mind trying on such a watch, just like they wouldn’t mind trying on a man’s shirt.

Gear S3 is a new generation of smartwatches from Samsung. The South Korean company has developed two versions of the Gear S3: the more aggressive Frontier for outdoor activities and the more expensive Classic for beauty. Both versions of the watch run on Samsung's proprietary Tizen operating system and are equipped with a rotating bezel.

The devices also combine:
built-in GPS to monitor sports training and send emergency SOS messages;
speaker for making calls;
“Samsung Pay” function to pay for purchases through the watch;
and a more capacious battery.

Samsung has done a lot of work on the design and features of the Gear S3. We tested this smartwatch for two weeks to determine whether Apple, Google and other companies should be wary of competition from the Gear S3.

Design

Warning for skinny people. The Gear S3 smartwatch turned out to be quite large and this immediately turns off anyone who was hoping to see something similar to the Gear S2. Their hulk size of 46 mm definitely makes the watch very brutal. They are also noticeably heavier and thicker due to additional sensors and a larger battery.

How good does the Gear S3 look on your hand? This question splits our editorial team into two camps, but we have to admit that the Gear S2 is still much better looking, so it's no surprise that Samsung kept it on sale as an alternative to the larger Gear S3 models. In short, the Gear S3 is a watch for everyone; those who love outdoor activities will definitely love the rugged steel case. And yet, even the aggressive Frontiers have something ordinary about them that makes them look inferior in design to the Gear S3 Classic, which looks much more attractive and refined.

On the subject of durability, Samsung says the Gear S3 Frontier is rated IP68, which allows the device to be submerged underwater to a depth of 1.5m for up to 30 minutes. Unfortunately, this is not enough to swim or dive with the watch. But we took a shower with the Gear S3 and the smartwatch survived, although the wet screen does not respond well to touch. Samsung has mentioned some sort of military-grade durability testing, supposedly testing the watch's performance in high and low temperatures. That sounds impressive, but it's disappointing that Samsung didn't take the opportunity to make the Gear S3 fully waterproof like Apple did.

If you want to add a personal touch, you can do so by changing the strap. The simple fastening mechanism allows you to use any 22mm straps, both from Samsung and from other accessory manufacturers such as Incipio. The original silicone strap that comes with the Frontier is quite soft, but it is quite suitable for street activities and can withstand heavy use.

One of the main differences between the Frontier and Classic models is the finishing of the bezel and buttons. The rotating bezel is raised above the dial to make it easier to rotate. The bezel also has a nice matte finish. The two physical buttons on the side are textured and slightly larger than the Classic version to make them easy to press with gloves or wet hands.

There is also a speaker on the side that allows you to make calls and listen to music, while at the back there is an optical heart rate sensor. This sensor can track your heart rate both in the background and during workouts.

Rotating bezel

With a rotating bezel, Samsung has tried to make its smartwatches easier to control, eliminating the need to constantly scroll through screens to find the function we need. We've loved this feature since the Gear S2, and we're very grateful to Samsung for keeping it in the Gear S3.

In the new generation of smartwatches, the rotating bezel is even more deeply integrated into the system. With it, you can answer/reject calls, adjust music volume, and even play some games. Although during calls, out of habit, it was easier for us to use the touch screen, like on a smartphone. Since the bezel is non-clickable, you still have to poke at the screen to complete some actions. That is, the bezel does not give full control over the smartwatch, but such control looks more natural than through a digital winding, as in the Apple Watch Series 2.

Screen

The only thing I can't fault is the Gear S3's amazing screen. Just like Samsung phones, the Gear S3's screen is very good. First of all, it is large - 1.3 inches. Resolution 360 x 360 pixels, AMOLED matrix. There is more than enough screen space to display Tizen OS.

The image on the Gear S3 screen is very bright, clear, colors are rich and saturated. Undoubtedly this is one of the best screens among modern smartwatches. Other wearable devices struggle to maintain decent image clarity, so we were pleasantly surprised to see how photos taken from the phone looked on the Gear S3's tiny screen.

Without using the bezel, the Gear S3's touchscreen is very smooth and responsive. Neither day nor night you will have any problems with image quality. To highlight the brutality of the Gear S3, Samsung protected the screen with Corning's new Gorilla Glass SR+. It is more resistant to scratches and damage, and the glass surface suppresses glare.

Tizen OS

The operating system is an important part of any smartwatch. Apple is carefully developing watchOS, Google has temporarily postponed the release of a major update to Android Wear 2.0, Pebble is also finalizing its own OS.

What about Tizen? In the Gear S3, Samsung installed proprietary OS version 2.3.1. System controls on the Gear S3 remain largely unchanged. From the main screen there is quick access to the main settings: brightness, music player, battery status (swipe down), recent activity, application notifications (right), calendar reminders, fitness data (left). Tap directly on the screen to choose a watch face style. The selection isn't as rich as the Apple Watch, but the collection of styles is pretty decent. Pressing the bottom physical button opens a neat circular interface where you can use the bezel to scroll through app icons.

In general, Tizen is a fast, simple and easy-to-manage OS. The interface provides a menu of recent applications, just like on a phone; it is possible to arrange application icons in your own way or delete unnecessary programs. You can add widgets, create shortcuts to applications or data from S Health.

The notification support is also nice. True, the Gear S3 has problems with displaying pictures in notifications, but in general SMS, mail and other notifications are conveniently grouped. Plus, there are tons of ways to control them, like twisting the bezel to rewind your notifications.

Samsung has packed a lot into the Gear S3, so you'll need to spend some time exploring and finding the modes and features that suit you. Either way, you won't have to worry about anything because Tizen itself is a really simple operating system that you can understand as you go. She lacks context Android functions Wear and some favorite elements of the Series 2, but Samsung has developed a lot of interesting features for its watch OS.

Possibilities

Samsung is different in that it seamlessly combines the functions of smartphones and smartwatches. The Gear S3 has a built-in speaker that is located on the side. It will come in handy if you connect your watch to any Samsung phone or Android via Bluetooth. After this, you will be able to make calls directly from the watch. To be honest, it looks very stupid from the outside when a person talks on the clock, but if that’s what you really want, we can say that the quality of calls through the Gear S3 is pretty decent. Just make sure the volume is set to maximum.

Replying to messages and emails is not very convenient due to the fancy input methods. The keyboard is difficult to type on, and handwriting recognition isn't as accurate as on the Apple Watch Series 2. But you can set standard templates for quick replies.

As we already mentioned, Bluetooth is needed to connect the Gear S3 to a smartphone (via the Gear Manager app), but it can also be used to connect wireless headphones. This is a useful feature considering there is 4GB of memory, which can accommodate a lot of music from your phone. The downside is that you can only transfer music through Samsung's proprietary Music application. But at least it's a very easy process.

Samsung is doing everything possible to make the Gear S3 smartwatch work as a standalone device. Therefore, the Frontier version was equipped with Wi-Fi and LTE modules (works on e-Sim card). Currently, LTE on the Gear S3 only works on certain networks and requires a separate data plan.

Payment service Samsung Pay

This smartwatch also has NFC, which provides an alternative way to connect to the Gear IconX headphones, and most importantly, activates the Samsung Pay service for paying for purchases and services through the watch. To set up Samsung Pay, you need to confirm your bank card. This can be done via SMS or by calling the bank. Please note that verification must be carried out separately for both the phone and the Gear S3. Therefore, if you call the bank, make sure that both devices are confirmed.

Then you need to set a PIN code on your watch. Here again there will be a problem due to the fact that the Gear S3 is inconvenient to type on. After several attempts to enter the code correctly, it is saved and is no longer requested unless you remove the smartwatch. Then all you have to do is hold down the top button to turn on Samsung Pay and bring the Gear S3 to the terminal.

The advantage of the Samsung Pay service in the Gear S3 is that now you don’t need a Samsung phone. The company has decided to open this platform to almost all Android phones. There is an official list of compatible devices, but it is not accurate enough, since for example the LG V20 is not on the list, but we managed to connect it to the Gear S3 and set up Samsung Pay in the standard way. Although, this service is temporarily unavailable in the UK, so if you live there, be patient.

Also, the advantage of Samsung Pay compared to Apple Pay is that it can be used with magnetic terminals. Of course, this will require a little practice to learn how to make the necessary wrist manipulations.

Expansion of the Samsung Pay payment service to the majority of Android phones- This is very bad news for Android Pay, which has not yet launched on the Android Wear OS. Google seems to be lagging behind Samsung.

Health and fitness

Like Apple and Pebble, Samsung is betting big on fitness. The Gear S3 has GPS to monitor activities like running or cycling, plus a suite of sensors that measure blood pressure, speed and heart rate. The smartwatch can automatically differentiate sets during workouts and count repetitions of movements (i.e. lunges, squats, etc.).

The Gear S3 also has fitness features: counting steps, climbing heights, burning calories, plus the device will vibrate if you sit for too long without moving. All this is possible thanks to the S Health platform, which is constantly evolving.

Being Fitbit's main competitor, Samsung is trying to produce very decent smartwatches. We compared activity tracking accuracy to the Flex 2, and the Gear S3 was pretty accurate at measuring distance, steps, and sleep quality. Inactivity notifications work well too. When it needs you to lift your butt, the Gear S3 vibrates and the screen turns on. All data is recorded in the S Health app, but even on the watch itself you can view enough statistics about your activity.

A few words about monitoring sports activity. We did a 10K run to test the accuracy of the Gear S3's GPS. For comparison, we also used the Spark 3 device from TomTom. The results made us very happy. The route was determined accurately, but a more detailed comparison showed that the average running speed was higher than according to the Spark 3. Heart rate maximums were also 9-10 beats per minute higher than on the TomTom running watch.

Automatic detection of the start of training is enabled, as promised. The Gear S3 smartwatch accurately responds to walks, runs, and even exercise on the rowing machine. True, the automatic counting of repetitions is a bit messy. We compared the Gear S3 with the Jabra Sport Coach SE and with the Atlas Wristband. It turned out that the Gear S3 does not immediately recognize repetitions, so you have to make unnecessary movements. In general, Samsung still has some work to do here.

Unfortunately, the Gear S3's heart rate sensor is far from perfect, joining the long list of unreliable optical sensors we've tested. In addition to the above test during the 10K run, we also used it several times on the treadmill and on the stationary bike (ie, with rest breaks). However, we did not notice the expected dips in the heart rate graph; the pulse was always stable (although this should not be the case, given the pauses between exercises). The Samsung Gear S3 watch significantly overestimates the heart rate, compared to the proven sensors in the TomTom Spark 3 and Polar H7.

Applications

In the Gear S2, apps were our biggest criticism, but the situation with apps has improved in the new generation of Samsung smartwatches. How much better is something everyone must decide for themselves, because... Everyone uses apps differently. Overall, the Gear S3 is clearly better, but not by much.

Samsung claims that more than 10 thousand applications are available for its smartwatches in the official Samsung catalog App Store, which can be downloaded through the Gear companion app on your phone. Certain apps can be viewed directly through the watch. There are also many preinstalled standard applications, including a player, calendar, alarm clock, weather forecast, etc. In the Samsung catalog you can even find applications for such large companies, like ESPN, CNN, BMW, Uber and Nest.

Overall, we liked working with applications on the Gear S3. Workout Trainer and Uber work great, although they are still partially phone dependent. We played a couple of games. For example, in Vampire Monster, where control occurs through a rotating bezel. It was fun and exciting. However, app support is nowhere near as comprehensive as Apple or Google. Considering this, we were very surprised that paid applications for Samsung smartwatches there are many more than free ones. The same can be said about the dials.

Again, the only problem is attracting developers to the Samsung platform. With GPS, a rotating bezel, and a clear strategy to continue making Tizen watches (for now), it seems like there's good reason for developers to look at the capabilities of Tizen and the Gear S3. We just want it to happen quickly.

Battery and charging

Thanks to its large body, Samsung has included a very large 380 mAh battery in the Gear S3, which provides up to 3-4 days of battery life. In our experience, this smartwatch worked for an average of 3 days, while we set the screen brightness to high and regularly used GPS. If you turn off the constant display backlight mode, the battery life approaches the 4-day mark. We also noticed that running for an hour with GPS takes up about 10% of the charge.

There is a pretty good energy saving mode. With it you can also achieve 4 days of battery life. The Gear S3's battery life is much improved over the Gear S2, not to mention Apple's. This is quite an achievement for a device with a screen of this size and quality.

Charging the Gear S3 from 0 to 100% takes about 2 hours. This is quite disappointing because Samsung has made impressive progress in technology fast charging on their phones.

Video

Specifications

Model: Samsung Gear S3 Frontier

Iron

• Communication: GSM, HSPA, LTE, e-SIM
• Processor: Exynos 7270, 2 cores, 1.0 GHz
• OS: Tizen
• Memory: 4 GB ROM, 768 MB RAM
• Battery: 380 mAh, lithium-ion, non-replaceable
• Autonomy: up to 72 hours (mixed load)

Screen

• Touch multi-touch
• Matrix: Super AMOLED, 16 million colors
• Size: 1.3 inches
• Resolution: 360 x 360 pixels
• Glass: Corning Gorilla Glass SR+

Physical parameters

• Dimensions: 46 x 46 x 12.9 mm
• Weight: 63 g
• Case material: stainless steel steel, 316L
• Protection: IP68

Functions

• Samsung Pay
• S Voice, voice control
• WiFi, Bluetooth
• GPS, GLONASS
• SMS, MMS, Email

Other

• Announcement date: August 2016
• Condition: on sale since November 2016
• Speaker
• Vibration
• Wireless charger

If smartwatches were a popular product and were purchased out of necessity rather than just curiosity, the Gear S3 Frontier might be recommended. While Apple and Google have been stealing the spotlight in the smartwatch market, Samsung has emerged as a quiet leader, bringing innovative functionality and unique elements to wrist-worn devices. Of course, it also had its mistakes, like the camera in the Galaxy Gear watch strap. However, with each new model, Samsung improves the quality of its watches, becoming a benchmark for other manufacturers.

The culmination of this strategy is . They're not perfect, but after years of experimenting with different concepts and features, the South Korean manufacturer has finally come up with a strong device. If Apple and Google don't pay attention to it, they could lose market share.

Big size

At first, the size of the S3 watch attracts attention - it is really large. The screen diagonal is 1.3 inches, while in the previous model the size was 1.2 inches, while the new one is 1.5 mm thicker and 10 g heavier. It's obvious that Samsung isn't trying to please all users at once. However, the hefty $349 price isn't just for size.

The watch cannot be called the most stylish, but it cannot be called unattractive either. Despite their massive size, they are not uncomfortable. The classic round shape adds appeal, and the traditional silicone band doesn't pinch or scratch the skin like Apple watch bands. However, last year's S2 looks sleeker and it's surprising that Samsung hasn't offered a smaller version for slimmer wrists.

A version of the Frontier watch was tested, in which the bright large screen stands out against the dark background metal case. The large knurled buttons on the edges of the frame give the watch a rugged appearance, making it resemble a top-tier model. Casio G-Shock. Many of the skins here are skeomorphic, showing Samsung's main strategy with the S3: it looks like a watch because it is a watch. Samsung also offers a slightly less robust Gear S3 Classic model.

Good appearance

Samsung uses 22mm straps with pin attachments, which gives them more options for a more stylish look. Like Apple Watches, the official bands are easily interchangeable using a tiny switch on the inside of the band that quickly releases the contacts from the mount.

It's not as easy to install regular watch straps, requiring a special tool or something long and sharp and a fair amount of patience, but Samsung sells enough official straps that you won't have any problems installing. Additionally, the Frontier's silicone strap has a nice pattern and looks like it's made from carbon fiber.

Samsung is once again relying on its patented rotating bezel around the edges of the screen, which is designed to enhance visual appeal while also providing functionality. This watch has a beveled bezel that makes it look like a dive watch, although the IP68 water resistance rating will keep you from going too deep. The frame also protects the screen.

Face to face

Naturally, the main attention in a watch is drawn to the screen, and not only due to its size. It uses a Super AMOLED panel with a resolution of 360 x 360 pixels with Gorilla Glass protection. Resolution remains unchanged from the S2, but the screen size has grown, so the pixel density has decreased. However, bright, saturated colors are perfectly visible even in the sun, so reducing the density by 24 pixels per inch does not have much of an impact.

As with the S2, there is an Always-on screen option hidden in the Settings section of the Style section, and when activated, it makes the smartwatch look like a regular watch. Unfortunately, even with automatic brightness turned on, the screen has a significant impact on battery drain. It lasts all day, but at night you need to charge the watch, otherwise on the second day the 380 mAh battery will not be enough (the S2 has a capacity of 250 mAh). If you were expecting the watch to last for several days without recharging, you will be disappointed.

If you don’t keep the screen constantly on, the watch will work for two days, but even then it’s better to lower the brightness and turn off automatic heartbeat monitoring. However, even after this the hours will not last three days. Samsung uses wireless charging here.

Changes for the better

While the Gear S3 may look different from many other smartwatches, the functionality is the same. Uses a 1 GHz 64-bit dual-core processor with ARM Cortex-A53 cores, volume random access memory is 768 MB. The Tizen OS operating system is used instead of Android Wear, but this does not seem to be a disadvantage. The system isn't as polished as Apple's watchOS, but Samsung's product beats the competition in some ways, offering simple, intuitive navigation. Even when you first get acquainted with a watch, you usually understand what needs to be done.

The rotating frame helps with this, eliminating the need to touch the screen again. It's more precise and natural than the Digital Crown on the Apple Watch, giving you quick access to apps and different screens. Scrolling through menus and text is especially easy when you rotate the frame, as it's easier than clicking on small items on the screen. Even games allow you to use the frame as a control, so this watch is better suited for gaming than others.

Samsung has built other functionality into the frame, allowing you to rotate it to answer calls or silence notifications, so you can be sure that this element will remain a key element in the company's future watches. The same can be said about other distinctive features of this watch, built-in GPS support and 4G LTE communication standard.

What else

Thanks to cellular support, the S3 Frontier becomes a real smartphone on the wrist, which is what many of its owners want. To stay connected, you will have to purchase an additional SIM card.

If you forget or deliberately leave your smartphone at home, you will still be in touch. Almost the only thing the watch can't do is take pictures. You'll be able to make and receive calls, receive notifications, send text messages, check sports scores, and everything else you can do on your smartphone if there's an app for it. Of course, the Gear S3 isn't the first watch to support LTE, but it does more than just read emails, messages, and make calls. Samsung gives you the opportunity to explore the world around you with your watch.

To do this, the developers have expanded the capabilities of the watch and turned it into a companion for outdoor activities, offering sensors and applications for tracking movements. The altimeter and barometer measure elevation and sudden changes in atmospheric pressure, the speedometer shows the maximum speed and distance traveled on the bike. As a result, even non-fitness and sports enthusiasts can feel motivated to improve their results.

Pay while playing

In addition to outdoor activities, Samsung is making the watch compatible with Samsung Pay. This was achieved thanks to the support of terminals with NFC and MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission) standards. This means you can use your watch where you would normally swipe your credit card.

Payments worked without problems during testing, but naturally they cannot be used in those terminals where the card must be inserted inside. Please note that payment Samsung system Pay is already supported in Russia. To work with it you do not need to be the owner latest smartphones Samsung. In the shop Google Play Store has a Gear application that simulates operation on Galaxy smartphone S7, allowing you to save and use credit cards. In addition to the Galaxy S7, Frontier watches were tested with Google smartphone Pixel, the result was almost the same, apart from some problems with determining the location and receiving notifications.

Non-standard App-titude

Samsung is clearly not averse to creating its own large application store to compete with Google, so the Gear application is only the first sign. However, how to lure third-party developers to the store is the main question.

To force developers to support the S3, Samsung has made the frame interface available, but the store is not yet full. There are apps from a number of big brands like ESPN, Uber and Spotify, but none as popular as Facebook, Twitter, Nike or Strava. There are a number of interesting exclusives and excellent watch shells, but many users will find the selection in the store meager.

Samsung says there are approximately 10 thousand apps in the store, but their quality is mostly poor. And there is doubt that it will ever grow.

Should you buy the Samsung Gear S3?

It's hard not to recommend the Samsung Gear S3, but its weak point is its size. For people with thin wrists, mainly women, the watch will be too big. Samsung still sells a smaller S2 model, but the $249 price tag seems steep for last year's technology.

However, the uncertainty of the future of the Android Wear platform makes the S3 an even more attractive choice among smartwatch lovers. It's been over a year since the last significant Android Wear watch came out, and there's no telling when the next one will arrive. Android Wear 2.0 has been delayed for several months and major manufacturers are in no hurry to release new models. Samsung offers a lot of functionality and it's hard to imagine the company like or being able to top these offerings.

Samsung was the first to promise to bring full smartphone functionality to the wrist and delivered on the promise with the Gear S3. Even with the lack of apps, the Frontier watch is a full-fledged product with extensive capabilities that works independently of smartphones, as well as excellent optimization operating system. Someday, all watches will be as independent, from luxury ones with diamonds and gold to the cheapest options.

Until those days come, the Gear S3 is the best option.

Pros of the Gear S3

1. The bezel around the edges of the screen looks great and works great
2. Built-in LTE communication standard makes the watch independent
3. Samsung Pay payment system works with MST terminals

Cons of the Gear S3

1. Big size
2. Lack of apps
3. Short battery life

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 reystaling 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.

Present in watches and 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 memory. 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 been able to use the Apple Watch, which may be why I still think Samsung line The Gear S is the best smartwatch 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.