Smart watch samsung gear s3 frontier specifications. Samsung Gear S3 review: an almost mechanical smartwatch

Niche smart watch still waiting for its dream maker. Chinese companies are trying to take on the mass and the price, the Americans are trying to design and the ecosystem. What makes the watch stand out from the Korean leader in wearable electronics?

Samsung Gear S3 Frontier and Classic models were presented at IFA back in 2016. The watches differ in design, protection level and e-SIM, other characteristics are identical. This review will take a closer look at the Frontier version.

Samsung Gear S3 specifications

In the form factor of an ordinary watch, Samsung was able to fit the following components:

• touch screen AMOLED with a diagonal of 1.3 inches and a resolution of 360x360 pixels;
• dual-core mobile processor Exynos 7270 with a clock frequency of 1 GHz;
• 768 MB RAM, built-in memory 4 GB;
• modules 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, MST, GPS, GLONASS;
• accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, heart rate and light sensors;
• Li-ion battery with a capacity of 380 mAh.

The watch weighs about 60 grams, its dimensions (46x46x13) are no different from ordinary, "stupid" watches. Frontier's protection parameters comply with IP68 and MIL-810G certificates, which guarantees safety from vibration, shock, temperature extremes and dust. It is worth highlighting the water resistance of the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier, thanks to which you can freely wash with the device in the shower or sunbathe on the beach.

The operating system Tizen 2.3.2, which is a unique development, became the conscience of the watch. Samsung... The system is actively supported and developed, so there will be no problems with updates.

Gear S2 vs S3

In terms of hardware, the old model loses in almost everything: the old processor using 28 nm technology instead of 14 nm, a video processor outdated for three years, 512 MB random access memory, battery is one and a half times smaller, 3G module.

The S2 has two notable advantages - the ability to work independently (while the S3 without a smartphone becomes almost a regular watch) and one and a half times lighter weight.

Screen design and performance

The appearance of the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is not much different from the usual modern travel watch. Relatively low sales Apple Watch and similar futuristic watches have shown that users are more interested in classic models.

Smart watches are quite large and massive. The model is unlikely to suit men with thin wrists and girls. Some users who switched from Gear S2 complained of being overweight and uncomfortable.

The elastic wide strap is made of hypoallergenic material, it keeps well on the hand. Too large a size will again become a problem for people with a thin wrist: the body will constantly fall down, interfering with normal use. When playing sports, the hand under the strap sweats a lot, so for active use it is recommended to replace it with a more comfortable one.

The control is realized with the help of the movement of the rim, which selects the necessary menu items. In addition to the bezel, you can control the watch using two function buttons on the right side of the case or by directly pressing the screen. The entire front side of the case is metal, made of stainless steel 316L, with a matte finish.

Screen

In general, the characteristics of the screen are similar to those of the flagship Android - Google Nexus. The color temperature is too high, but the picture quality is excellent, without any complaints.

The watch glass is made with the use of a grease-repellent coating, so that there are practically no marks from pressing and it is easier to remove them. In addition, there is protection against glare, the viewing angles are also flawless.

By default, the user has 14 watch faces, from sports to classic. More options can be found in the in-house store, with many other versions to customize.

Complete set and assembly

The flagship watch model comes in a special cylindrical packaging with the logo and the name of the device. After unpacking, we managed to find in the box:

• Samsung Gear S3 Frontier watch;
• additional strap;
• Charger;
• wireless charging dock;
• instructions and warranty card.

The set for modern watches is typical, nothing particularly good or bad can be said about it.

Wireless charging this time comes with a powerful magnet that holds the watch in place. Smart watches can be charged by either side, no fasteners or latches are provided. The station has an indicator that displays the charging progress of the device.

The strap, unlike the Samsung Gear S2, does not serve as a replacement for the main one, it is made one size larger for the convenience of buyers with wide wrists. The replacement does not cause any problems: the mount is standard, so a strap from any manufacturer will fit the Gear S3.

Watch functionality

Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is very convenient to use for calls: today it is the main feature of smartwatches and Samsung developers have implemented it one hundred percent. Please note that in this generation, offline calls from a watch are impossible without a smartphone: mobile operators do not support e-SIM technology.

The device collects statistics about the movements and heart rate of the owner, sending data to the application S Health or any other fitness app compatible with smart watch... In addition, the system of notifications and unlocking of the smartphone is supported, listening to music and viewing images, installing additional applications for all occasions from the in-house store.

Synchronization with a smartphone

Samsung has fully implemented the watch's compatibility with both Android and iOS. Interaction on Android OS goes through the Samsung Gear app. For owners of a Galaxy smartphone, nothing else is needed. Owners of other Android smartphones will have to install three more applications:

1. Gear S Plugin.
2. Samsung Accessory Service.
3. Samsung Account.

Compared to the early Gears, this is a huge step forward, but putting 4 apps to run the watch in 2018 isn't a big deal. I would like the Korean company to fix this flaw in the next updates. For iOs, you will only need the Gear application, without additional installations.

Deep integration with Samsung services has been creating problems when using for several years third-party software... When using S Health, for example, the program will constantly send notifications about the rate of steps and water consumption, but for normal integration with Google Fit you will have to suffer.

Autonomy of work

Samsung watch Galaxy Gear S3 Frontier with active autonomous use lasts about 2 days. The battery consumption rate and application activity are detected by the same Samsung Gear, which can be configured to implement a power saving mode. If you use a smartwatch as usual, the charge will last for a distance from 4 days to a week.

Compared to competitors and the previous version, this is a noticeable step forward: the battery capacity is equal to that of competitors from ASUS and LG, and the new processor with lower power consumption has taken it one step further.

Pros and cons

Successful design, durable case, ease of receiving important calls or sending messages - all this makes the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier smart watch an excellent choice for replacing ordinary wrist watch to a smart device. However, this is not the best option for travelers: they do not like to rely on electronics that require charging every two days.

The watch is difficult to recommend to athletes: the massive dial, the lack of a constant mode of operation of the heart rate sensor and suitable software make the fitness options of the watch practically useless. A large bracelet can be a hindrance in volleyball or basketball, no swimming applications. Well, the already mentioned S Health, which, after professional pedometers, causes nothing but irritation.

The Frontier model can be recommended for those who are engaged in extreme activities within the city or often travel by car. The ability to quickly answer a call, view the schedule or send a voice message can be very convenient for truckers, industrial climbers, ambulance doctors.

We can note a slight lack of progress from the previous, second model of the line. If you already have Gear S2, you can safely skip the third version, you will not see anything critically new in it.

The new Gear S3 was unveiled to the public at IFA 2016. Like their predecessors, the curved Gear S and the first round watch Samsung Gear S2, the new watch has garnered a lot of public attention, and it's not only a big name, but also a great combination stylish appearance, advanced features and thoughtful interface.

Samsung watches, like a year ago, came in two modifications: now they are called Classic and Frointer. The differences between them are minor, but where necessary, we will mention them.

Packaging immediately tunes in the right way: it is round and restrained.

Contents of delivery pretty predictable: a smaller replaceable strap, charger, docking station, and a little instruction manual.

Design largely retained its previous features: a round case, a steel edging, a rotating bezel for control. Classic is executed a little more gracefully, Frointer is rougher, this is clearly a purely masculine version. The difference is mainly in the design of the bezel (polished metal or notches) and buttons.

At the same time, the watch has become a little larger: dimensions 6 × 49 × 12.9 mm, the weight of the Classic model is 57 g, and the Frointer - 62 g.

On the right side we see a couple of buttons through which the device is controlled.

On the left are barely visible microphone holes.

On the back there is a heart rate sensor.

The strap attachment is standard, 22 mm, so you can always easily replace it with the model you like. The clasp is also standard, strong and reliable.

There is dust and moisture protection, corresponding to the IP68 standard, Frointer is also protected from shock, shock and falls.

Display is made using Super AMOLED technology and has a resolution of 360x360 pixels on a diagonal of 1.3 inches. It is covered with Gorilla Glass SR +, designed specifically for wearable devices.

The Gear S3's screen has all the characteristics of amoles: high brightness and contrast, good viewing angles and deep blacks. All this gives the display excellent readability, sufficient even outdoors on a sunny day.

The watch also boasts a light sensor.

Control the clock is implemented conveniently: the rotating bezel is responsible for scrolling the menu, and answering calls and messages, buttons for going back and Fast passage to the home screen, and everything else can be done using the touch screen.

A prerequisite here is the installation of a corporate Samsung apps Gear, through which the clock is configured and programs are installed on them.

Operating system hasn't changed either. This is Tizen OS version 2.3.2 with a slightly increased set of software. We've already explored it in detail in the Gear S2 review. In principle, there are already enough applications for smartwatches. Without exotic and outright stupidity, but everything you need is already in the list of applications.

For a set of messages and other information, voice input is provided.

And also a lot of different dials have been developed, for every taste, color and need. Moreover, the dials can be changed at least several times a day: for work with one, for training - with another.

Speaking of training, everything is fine with fitness functions: there is sleep control, pedometer, heart rate monitor, etc.

There is support for Samsung Pay, which has recently appeared in our latitudes.

On the watch, Tizen OS has already managed to prove itself well: it works quickly and smoothly, without interruptions, and the interface, sharpened for a certain screen, looks very harmonious.

Filling hours is quite predictable: it is based on a dual-core Exynos 7270 processor, made according to a 14-nm process technology, its clock frequency is 1.2 GHz, 768 MB of RAM, 4 GB of built-in storage.

Thanks to the presence of a speaker and a microphone, the watch can broadcast calls received on the phone.

Interfaces varied and mostly familiar: Wi-Fi (802.11b / g / n), Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, GPS and GLONASS are used for navigation.

There is also a Frontier modification equipped with a 3G / LTE cellular communication module, but this option is not interesting for us at all due to the use of e-SIM technology, which is not supported by our operators.

Autonomy at 3-4 days is always good news for smartwatch owners. It is guaranteed by a 380 mAh battery.

By the way, the watch received wireless charging, but here you have to come to terms with the duration of this procedure: from zero to maximum, the battery will be charged for about 2.5 hours.

Generally Gear S3 is a really interesting step in the evolution of Samsung smartwatches: increased autonomy, stylish appearance, although not universal (yes, we admit, you can't wear such a watch with an evening dress), but very pleasant. Tizen OS can hardly be attributed to the advantages or disadvantages of the device: on the one hand, the operating system is good in itself and has a sufficient set of applications, on the other hand, it is opposed by a seasoned competitor in the person of Android Wear with frequent and impressive updates and a very large set of software.

Of course, the watch may not work for you. For example, you are the owner (face) of very thin wrists, on which such a colossus will look simply inappropriate, or you do not need a smart watch at all. Moreover, as for a simple accessory, they cost a lot: in Europe, their cost starts at 400 euros.

If smartwatches were a popular product and bought out of necessity rather than just out of curiosity, the Gear S3 Frontier could be recommended. While Apple and Google have dominated the smartwatch market, Samsung has emerged as the stealthy leader, bringing innovative functionality and unique wrist-based elements. Of course, she also had her own mistakes, like the camera in the strap of the Galaxy Gear watch. However, with each new model, Samsung improves the quality of watches, becoming a reference point for other manufacturers.

The culmination of this strategy is. They aren't perfect, but after years of experimenting with different concepts and features, the South Korean manufacturer has finally created a powerful 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 catches the eye - it is really big. The diagonal of the screen is 1.3 inches, while in the previous model the size was 1.2 inches, while the new product is 1.5 mm thicker and 10 g heavier. Obviously, Samsung isn't trying to please all users at once. However, the high price tag of $ 349 isn't just for size.

The watch is not the most stylish, but it cannot be called unattractive. Despite being massive, they are not uncomfortable. The classic round shape adds a touch of appeal, while the traditional silicone strap won't squeeze or scratch your skin like Apple watch straps. Last year's S2 watch looks sleeker, however, and it's surprising that Samsung hasn't offered a more compact version for thinner wrists.

A version of the Frontier watch was tested, which has a bright big screen stands out against the dark metal case... Large fluted bezel buttons at the edges give the watch a harsh look, making it feel like a top-tier model Casio G-Shock... Many of the shells available 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.

Solid appearance

Samsung uses 22mm contact straps to give you more options for a more stylish look. Like Apple watches, official bands can be easily swapped with one another using a tiny switch on the inside of the band that quickly disconnects the contacts from the holder.

It's not so easy to install straps from regular watches, it will take a special tool or something long and sharp and a lot of patience, but Samsung sells enough official straps, which will not be a problem to install. In addition, the silicone strap in Frontier watches has a nice pattern and looks like it is made of carbon fiber.

Samsung is again focusing on its patented rotating bezel around the edges of the screen, which is designed to enhance the visual appeal and functionality. This watch has a beveled bezel that makes it look like a diving watch, although the IP68 water-resistant standard will keep you from diving too deep. The bezel also protects the screen.

Face to face

Naturally, the main attention in the watch is drawn to the screen, and not only due to the size. It uses a 360 x 360-pixel Super AMOLED panel with Gorilla Glass. The resolution remains unchanged from the S2, 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 really affect.

As with the S2, there is an Always-on screen option hidden in the settings under Style, and when activated, it makes the smartwatch look like a regular watch. Unfortunately, even with automatic dimming turned on, the screen has a huge impact on battery consumption. It is enough for the whole day, but at night you need to put the watch on recharging, otherwise on the second day the 380 mAh battery will not be enough (in S2, the capacity is 250 mAh). If you expected the watch to last several days without recharging, you will be disappointed.

If you do not keep the screen constantly on, the clock will work for two days, but even then it is better to lower the brightness and turn off automatic heart rate monitoring. However, even after that, the clock will not last three days. Samsung uses wireless charging here.

Changes for the better

While the Gear S3 looks different from many other smartwatches, the functionality is the same. A 64-bit 2-core processor with a frequency of 1 GHz with ARM Cortex-A53 cores is used, the amount of RAM is 768 MB. The operating system is Tizen OS instead of Android Wear, but this does not seem to be a disadvantage. The system isn't quite as polished as Apple's watchOS, but Samsung's product outperforms the competition in some aspects, offering simple, intuitive navigation. Even at the first acquaintance with the watch, you usually understand what to do.

A rotating bezel helps with this, which eliminates the need to touch the screen once again. Working with it is more precise and natural than with a button Digital crown on the Apple Watch, it gives you the ability to quickly navigate apps and different screens. Scrolling through menus and text is especially easy when you rotate the frame, because it's easier to do so than clicking on small items on the screen. Even games allow you to use a frame as a control, so this watch is better suited for games.

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

What else

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

If you forget or leave your smartphone at home on purpose, you will still be in touch. Almost the only thing the watch can't do is take pictures. You can make and receive calls, receive notifications, send text messages, find out the results of sports competitions and everything else that can be done on a smartphone, if there is an application for this. Of course, the Gear S3 is not the first watch with LTE support, but here you can not only read emails, messages and call. Samsung gives you the opportunity to explore the world around you with your watch.

To this end, the developers have expanded the capabilities of the watch and turned it into a companion for outdoor activities with sensors and applications for tracking movements. The altimeter and barometer measure the height of the climb 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 may feel motivated to improve their performance.

Pay by playing

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

Payments during testing worked without problems, but naturally, they cannot be used in those terminals where the card needs to be inserted inside. Note that payment system Samsung Pay is already supported in Russia. To work with it, you do not need to be the owner of the latter Samsung smartphones... In the shop Google play Store has a Gear app that simulates operation on Galaxy smartphone S7, allowing you to save and use credit cards. In addition to Galaxy S7, Frontier watches were tested with a smartphone Google pixel, the result was much the same, apart from a number of problems with locating and receiving notifications.

Custom App-titude

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

To get developers to support the S3, Samsung has opened up a bezel-like interface, but the store is far from full. There are apps from a number of big brands like ESPN, Uber, and Spotify, but there are no in-demand apps like Facebook, Twitter, Nike, or Strava. There are a number of interesting exclusives and excellent watch shells, but many users will find the choice in the store scarce.

Samsung says about 10,000 apps in the store, but the quality is mostly poor. And there is a doubt that it will ever grow.

Should you buy a Samsung Gear S3 watch?

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

However, the uncertainty about the future of the Android Wear platform makes the S3 an even more attractive choice for smartwatch lovers. It's been over a year since the last significant Android Wear watches hit and it's not known when the next ones will arrive. Android Wear 2.0 has been delayed for several months and major manufacturers are in no rush to release new models. Samsung offers extensive functionality and it's hard to imagine that companies like or can beat these offerings.

Samsung was the first to promise to bring full smartphone functionality to the wrist and to deliver on that promise with the Gear S3. Even with a dearth of apps, the Frontier is a complete product with extensive capabilities, independent of smartphones, and an excellent optimized operating system. Someday all watches will be the same in their own right, from luxurious ones with diamonds and gold to the cheapest options.

Until these days come the best option become the Gear S3.

Pros of 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. Payment Samsung system Pay works with MST terminals

Cons of Gear S3

1. Big size
2. Lack of applications
3. Short duration autonomous work

Which I really liked then. Which was rather strange, because the previous attempts of the Koreans to make watches caused a little bewilderment.

Over the year, the opinion about the watch has not changed, but on the contrary - it has improved. For two reasons.

Firstly, after the release of the review, they pointed out to me an inaccuracy: it turned out that the Gear S2 did not know how to turn off the display and show the time all the time. It's just that this feature was buried pretty deep in the watch itself. But initially everything was limited to a monochrome picture (white on black), which looked rather boring against the background of the colored dials of watches with Android Wear. But Samsung updated the firmware, after which color dials appeared in abundance. Let me emphasize that we are talking about the color in the standby mode. In the active mode, the picture is full-color, there is an excellent Super AMOLED-screen with a resolution of 360x360 pixels.

Secondly, there are just a huge amount of watch faces for Gear 2. Tizen, let's say, is not the most common platform, and I never expected such a variety. And here both free and paid - you get tired of choosing. My heart finally sank when the Gear S2 had dials that mimic the design of the Commander's watch. Probably, this is not very good from the point of view of adherence to copyrights, but wearing smart "Commanders" on your wrist, and even constantly changing the design, is fun.

For me personally, the Gear S2 and Moto 360 of the second generation are quite equal. Both in terms of functionality and convenience. Samsung has a very convenient control with a rotating bezel, but Android Wear is not a hassle at all. In hardware, the clock is almost the same, and therefore, it probably uses up the battery in the same way. By the evening, I usually had about 60% of the charge. I don't like experiments on survival, I always put my watch on the docking station at night.

At the end of the summer, Samsung announced new model, Gear S3. From day to day they will start selling them in Russia, and I have been in them for a week and made an impression.

What is the difference?

I'll tell you right away - I studied the Gear S3 Classic, not the Gear S3 Frontier. The latter is distinguished by the presence of a SIM card inside and a radically black case. I also need a SIM card in hours, but the black case looks much better than the steel one. I hope that one day it will migrate to Classic too.

It immediately catches the eye that the Gear S3 is much larger and thicker. In numbers, the difference looks not very significant - the diagonal of the screen has increased from 1.2 inches to 1.3 (at the same resolution), and the thickness from 11.4 to 12.9 mm. The weight has grown from 47 grams to 59 (excluding the strap). Everyone loves watches in different sizes. Personally, the dimensions of the younger Moto 360 and Gear S2 seem to be optimal, but there are many men who prefer something more impressive. The Gear S3 are designed specifically for them. They are not huge, but really large, and you can see them from afar.

There are only two major hardware changes compared to Gear2.

The first is the appearance of a built-in speaker, so now you can talk on the clock without a phone in speakerphone mode. Motorists will definitely love this.

The second is a GPS receiver (also known as GLONASS). Now in Samsung watches, just like in new Apple Watch, you can run without a phone, and they will record everything.

The rest of the changes are more correctly called cosmetic. The amount of RAM has grown - from 512 megabytes to 768. It's hard to feel it. The volume of onboard flash remains the same, 4 GB. Instead of SoC Exynos 3250, there is a new Exynos 7270, but the number of cores is the same (2) and the operating frequency is the same (1 GHz). Most likely, the advantage is only in power consumption, because the clock speed is the same. Nevertheless, the Tizen platform is in full control of Samsung, and it would be a sin not to optimize it for its own hardware.

The battery capacity has grown from 250 mAh to 380 mAh. By smartphone standards, this is nothing, but by watchmakers, it is a big step forward. Samsung promises up to four days of battery life. I have a new watch, the battery has not yet been trained, so it is too early to judge the battery life unambiguously. It happens that in a day you will use up 18% of the charge, and it happens that 35%. So I can only guarantee two days on a single charge. The rest depends on the load, the watch face used and your need for the screen to be constantly lit.

Everything else in the Gear S3 is the same as in the Gear S2. IP68 moisture resistance, accelerometer, gyroscope, heart rate monitor, barometer, light sensor ... If you like the idea of ​​paying for hours, it is also present in S3, and if Samsung Pay worked only with contactless terminals in S2, then S3 also added magnetic stripe emulation ...

Personal impressions

I understand why Samsung decided to keep the same screen resolution on the larger (and more expensive) watches. For compatibility. Running after developers and persuading them to make new versions of watch faces and apps is quite troublesome (and expensive).

Still, I cannot support this decision. Watch faces with lots of detail, which look like painted on the Gear S2, show a little grain on the S3. There is nothing wrong. And, probably, if I hadn't walked with S2 for a long time before, I would not have noticed anything at all. But, given the circumstances, I notice.

The bezel grew with the watch, became heavier and more difficult to turn. Perhaps it's also the fact that on the S2, the finger strikes the teeth on the sides, which enhances traction, but here the finger slides along a wide strip of steel. A trifle again. And again - I notice.

In general, I rather like the increased dimensions. I don't have any hard preferences. In my huge collection of analog watches there are both very small and huge pieces, and everyone was in the mood for business. Perhaps (perhaps) the watch should have been thinner by about 0.5 mm. But, rest assured, there will be those who would like to add half a centimeter on the contrary.

"Full" version of the dial

"Commander" in standby mode

The Gear S3 will keep a very close eye on you by default. "Wow, you walked so many steps!", "Egegey, you climbed five floors!" This can be turned off, or you can leave it as you like. The radius in which the watch works with a smartphone via Bluetooth remains the same, and if you go beyond it, the watch will switch to Wi-Fi and continue to send notifications.

The main impression of the Gear S3 is that they are big. In terms of user experience, everything is very, very similar. However, Android Wear watches do the same thing.

Yes, it is worth clarifying that the watch works with almost any device on Android (from version 4.4) and is partially compatible with the iPhone. That is, at the level of alerts about calls and messages. Full support iOS is promised in the first quarter of 2017, but there is such a small nuance: they began to promise it at the end of 2015 ...

Price and selection

I don't know yet the official price of Gear S3 Classic in Russia. In the States, they cost $ 299 excluding sales tax, which in our money means about 21 thousand rubles. I can assume that a copy from the official delivery will cost 24,990 rubles. The version with a sim card (Frontier) costs the same.

At the same time, the official price of Gear S2 Classic in Russia is 19,990 rubles, but you can easily find it for 16-17 thousand. It is not planned to remove the last generation from production yet.

Which option should you choose? If you need a speakerphone on the clock - take the Gear S3. The same story if you run a lot and it is important to overlay routes on the map.

Otherwise, everything depends only on size. If you want more and more impressive - we take S3. Prefer the compact S2. In any case, it will not be possible to save a lot. If you are just trying on whether a smartwatch is needed in principle, the cheapest and most decent ticket to this world is.

We constantly hear that smart watches “didn't fly”, that they are not needed. But myself, being a lover of watches with considerable experience, I can already look at ordinary watches only from the point of view of a collector. And to wear - only smart ones.

Samsung Gear S3, despite significant design changes, represents a smooth evolutionary development of ideas from S2, without turning its predecessors into archaism. You can freely choose. The choice is wonderful.

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Today it is almost impossible to surprise someone with a smart watch. Many manufacturers are engaged in their release, but only a few achieve truly noteworthy results. Samsung stands out against this background, offering users quality products with excellent functionality and stunning design.

Its latest developments are no exception. We are talking about the Samsung Gear S3 collection, which includes two watch variations. These are the Frontier and Classic models. Each of them deserves attention and it's time to get acquainted with them in more detail.

Specifications

Appearance and features

The design of the devices is in many ways similar to the previous model. The rounded shape of the case is in harmony with the stainless steel frame. Complementing the picture is a bezel that can be rotated to control the watch. The Classic is characterized by a slightly more graceful execution, while the Frontier has a somewhat rough and masculine shape.

The control components are standard and are located in the already familiar places. In this aspect, the manufacturer remained true to himself and did not come up with anything new. The strap has a standard 22 mm fastening format, which, if necessary, can be replaced with any other product. The enclosures are IP68 protected. It provides solid protection against moisture and dust

The dimensions of the Samsung Gear S3 watch are completely identical. Width - 46 mm, height - 49 mm, thickness - 12.9 mm.

Frontier or Classic

Classic offers a design that is as close as possible to appearance conventional watch models. Vintage style is perfectly complemented by a leather strap. This combination makes the accessory almost indistinguishable from the beloved classics.

The Frontier looks really impressive. The contour of the bezel is supplemented with special risks. This makes the device even more attractive. The picture is complemented by a stylish and modern silicone-based strap.

The difference between the models is negligible. Frontier offers more ergonomic shape and increased button comfort. And the bezel looks more attractive. Classic has a stricter form factor that can hardly leave anyone indifferent. He is able to optimally complement the image of a business person and harmoniously fit into the style he professes.

The Frontier copes well with extreme temperature changes and fluctuations. Such smartwatches weigh only a few grams more than their counterparts. The main difference lies in the hardware. Frontier has an integrated LTE module and

Classic boasts only Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. MIL-STD 810G compliance ensures the Frontier operates efficiently and smoothly, even under the most extreme conditions.

Display

A high-quality 1.3-inch display is responsible for displaying data and contacting the user. It has a touch-sensitive performance format and a round shape. SuperAMOLED produces images with excellent brightness, color rendition and saturation. There is no distortion, data can be read without problems even with excessive ambient light. The resolution is small and is only 360x360. But this does not affect the comfort of use.

Due to the easy immersion inside the case, it is possible to protect the glass from scratches and other defects. Additional protection provided by Gorilla Glass SR +. The Always On Display option keeps the screen on at all times. But the brightness is minimal and the power consumption is quite insignificant.

Management and OS

In the context of management, it is the bezel that deserves special attention. Due to special engraving, it does not slip in the hands and excludes the slightest possibility of incorrect response to user commands. Rotating the bezel in different directions allows you to quickly get to the desired menu item and execute the required command.

In the presence of a pair of buttons of the mechanical type. They found a place on right side gadget. The touch screen makes the control process even easier. Just a couple of swipes are enough and the necessary information is already in front of the user's eyes.

The work of the system is carried out through the OS Tizen. The performance is in good order, no errors were found in the work. Everything is very simple, fast and with the maximum level of comfort. Implemented seamless integration of the watch with mobile devices... This requires iOS 9 or higher and Android 4.4 or higher.

Hardware platform

The smart watch is based on a 2-core Exynos 7270 chipset. Its frequency is 1 GHz, it supports 14 nm technology and is characterized by the lowest possible power consumption during operation.

768 MB of RAM is enough for smooth interaction with various applications. Inner memory has a volume of 4 GB, but about 1.5 GB available to the user. For personal data and musical compositions, this is quite enough.

Using the watch Samsung Gear S3 is possible not only in conjunction with mobile devices, but also in a completely independent format. This requires activation of the offline mode, which completely closes the gadget from third-party contacts. At the same time, the Wi-Fi module is used to work with applications, and via Bluetooth, you can connect headphones or external acoustics. This option will be appreciated by all lovers of training in peace and without annoying smartphone nearby.

Sports opportunities

Each of the models has a pre-installed speedometer, GPS, altimeter, heart rate monitor and even a barometer. Such equipment provides comprehensive tracking not only of the active phase of life. It is also very useful during sleep.

GPS-receiver and baro-altimeter make it possible to measure with maximum accuracy the number of steps taken, altitude relative to sea level, pressure drops that have occurred over the past 6 hours.

Viewing all received information is available in the corresponding sections of the S Health app. There you can also activate various modes of functioning, depending on the exercises performed and the load experienced.

Music and local apps

The Samsung Gear S3 smartwatch allows you to fully manage your music collection. For this, everything you need is provided. Moreover, control is possible not only for those songs that are on the smartphone, but also standalone. You can store them on the built-in storage, and the switching of tracks is carried out directly on the screen of the gadget.

I am pleased with the large number of applications that are available for integration into this device. Some of them are preinstalled even before the user's purchase of the watch, most of them can be downloaded from cloud storage or specialized resources.

There are also many games that are specially designed for these devices. They are controlled by means of the bezel. An interesting and rather original solution that will surely appeal to many.

Autonomy

The capacity of the built-in battery pack is 380 mAh. The indicator, albeit not the highest, is enough for the full functioning of the gadget for several days. With an active load of the system, the period can be reduced to about 1.5-2 days. In standby mode, this period can take days and weeks. The manufacturer has done an excellent job in this direction and undoubtedly deserves sincere praise and gratitude.

Charging is done wirelessly. The corresponding module is included in the delivery set. As a nice addition, there is an LED sensor that signals the state of charge and the level of fullness of the battery.

Guarantee

Samsung offers a standard warranty on its gadget. Its duration is 12 months, and the obligation does not apply to accidental damage or normal wear and tear of the device caused by operation.

Instead of a conclusion

The Samsung Gear S3 watch is a product that can hardly be called revolutionary or innovative. But it captivates users with its performance, well-implemented ergonomics and simply incredible functional equipment.

The high-quality design of the case and internal components allows you to count on a long and absolutely problem-free operation of the device. The price tag of the gadget can be called moderate, and the cost itself fully corresponds to the opportunities that it opens up.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the main advantages, the following deserve special attention:

• Simplicity and convenience of the interface;
• Hassle-free replacement of a standard strap;
• Long period of autonomous functioning;
• Protection of the case from moisture and dust;
• Excellent interaction with Samsung Pay.

There are also disadvantages. Although some of them can be categorized as subjective. Among them:

• Large dimensions that are not entirely appropriate on a small wrist;
• The possibility of disconnecting with a smartphone in some situations.