What can the Samsung Gear S3 watch do? Samsung Gear S3 review: an exemplary smartwatch. Changes for the better

Samsung designers did everything to make the Gear S3 frontier difficult to distinguish from a classic watch. This particular model is reminiscent of the brutal Casio G-Shock. Many people like it, and so do I. For those who don't like this, there is the more discreet Gear S3 Classic.

There is no fault with the quality of assembly and execution. The case is made of steel, the display is protected by Gorilla Glass SR+. I didn’t pick at it with sharp objects, but I did touch the walls and iron handrails in subway cars several times for hours. Result: no chips or scratches during testing.

The watch is not afraid of dust and water - it has protection according to the IP68 standard. The gadget can be submerged to a depth of 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, but do not take this as a guide to action. Waterproofing is not waterproofing. If liquid leaks inside, repairs will not be covered under warranty. The watch is also not afraid of shocks and is resistant to high (up to +70) and low (up to -40) temperatures. The latter is very relevant for Russia.

Gear S3 frontier looks great: metal, glass and maximum similarity to a regular watch.

There are problems with usability. Firstly, the watch case is very thick - it spoils the sleeves of clothes by stretching them. If the sleeves do not stretch, then the S3 frontier has to be put on clothes. Looks especially enchanting with a leather jacket.

Secondly, although the gadget looks cool, it feels bulky, and the silicone strap included in the package (along with it the S3 frontier weighs 85.3 grams) puts pressure on the hand and does not allow air to pass through - the skin sweats. But at least it’s easy to replace - any regular watch strap with a standard width of 22 mm will do.

First day with S3 frontier: acceptance stage – hard and uncomfortable. Second: the stage of humility. Third: the stage of incredible relief that you feel when these handcuffs finally go out for charging.

Alexey Vedernikov

Editor of the “Smartphones” section of the website

The interface of the Gear S3 frontier is a success: it not only looks beautiful and stylish, but also works quickly and stably. Whatever one may say, the proprietary Samsung Tizen operating system on which this watch runs is better optimized than the “mass” Android Wear from Google. It’s logical: you can do whatever you want with your own software, but Google doesn’t allow you to modify its system for wearable devices.

The disadvantage of Tizen is still the same: third-party developers are less willing to write applications for this system than for Android Wear. But Samsung motivates them in every possible way, investing heavily in promoting Tizen. In general, there are fewer programs here, but there is equally little that is truly useful in both Tizen and Android Wear.

It is convenient to manage the clock. You can switch between applications in the Gear S3 frontier using the rotating bezel around the screen. Plus, the display itself is touch-sensitive, and there are two buttons on the side. One confirms the action, the second cancels it.

The watch is equipped with a Super AMOLED screen, which is very cool. There are a whole bunch of advantages: rich colors, very deep blacks, wide viewing angles and moderate power consumption.

The AMOLED screen in the watch couldn’t come at a better time: the picture is clearly visible in bright sunlight, and there is an Always On function.

There is an “Always On Display” function. In sleep mode, it displays a dim image of the dial on the S3 frontier display. In smartphones it is better to turn it off (it eats up 15-20% of the battery per day), but in watches it looks extremely appropriate.

The screen diagonal is 1.3 inches, the resolution is 360x360 pixels, which gives a density of 278 pixels per inch. The image comes out very clear.

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Samsung positions the Gear S3 frontier as a gadget “for active users and fans of extreme sports.” Unfortunately, we cannot say that this is a watch for athletes. Rather, they are specifically for “active users” who like to collect various statistics.

The watch automatically measures speed and distance traveled - in steps, kilometers and flights of stairs. You can also choose from several dozen types of activities, from running and twisting to kitesurfing and yoga. S3 frontier, using built-in sensors, will calculate the time, the number of repetitions and build the route along which you moved if, for example, you were jogging or cycling.

There is a built-in altimeter: it tracks altitude and displays the readings in the form of a graph. This is useless in the city, but during a walk in the mountains or a hike it will come in handy. The Gear S3 frontier can also measure atmospheric pressure. Knowing its level in advance, a weather-dependent user will be able to better plan his day. If your blood pressure has dropped, then it is better to go to bed early and try to be outside more. If it has increased, then it is better to minimize physical activity. These are just a couple of examples.

GPS and motion sensors work correctly, but there are constant problems with measuring heart rate. Even if you tighten the watch on your wrist very tightly to increase the contact of the sensor with the skin, the heart rate monitor does not always work, and the data is not particularly accurate.

The Gear S3 frontier is not suitable for professional athletes. GPS and motion sensors work well, but the heart rate monitor is disappointing.

The Gear S3 frontier has a microphone and speaker. First of all, this is necessary for the South Korean modification of the watch: there you can attach a SIM card with your number to it and go jogging lightly without a phone. The gadget will receive calls, voice the interlocutor's voice and convey to him what you say. But this function will not work in Russia - this is official information. So, in fact, the speaker and microphone are only useful for listening to music and voice commands. You can talk on the clock only if the phone is nearby and connected via Bluetooth.

The Gear S3 frontier has all the necessary modules and technologies (NFC and MST) to pay for purchases using the Samsung Pay payment system, which recently launched in Russia. I would like to believe that the function will be added in one of the future firmwares. There is no official confirmation of such plans yet.

By smartwatch standards, the Gear S3 frontier lasts for a really long time. I have it in pedometer mode without playing sports, with the Always On function disabled, but with a bunch of notifications they lasted exactly the same stated 4 days.

There is only one charging option - wireless. There are no connectors on the watch body, and this is probably for the best. The small docking station is lightweight and doesn't take up much space. True, it’s easy to accidentally forget it at home or in the office, and for some reason it is equipped with a microUSB connector that is becoming a thing of the past. S3 frontier charges from 0 to 100% in exactly 2 hours.

Gear S3 frontier at the charging station

The Gear S3 frontier can actually last 4 days, but with moderate use with Always On turned off. Active users should expect 2-2.5 days without recharging.

Opinion site

If you play sports seriously, then the capabilities of the Gear S3 frontier are unlikely to suit you: it is still a gadget, not a measuring device. The main disadvantage: problems with measuring pulse - the sensor does not always work and is not particularly accurate. But for simple collection of average statistics about activity, the watch is quite suitable. Unless, of course, you are not afraid of the price: they cost the same as a good smartphone - 25,000 rubles.

Lead an active lifestyle with the Gear S3 frontier. Smart watches combine exceptional style and reliability. Equipped with a 316L stainless steel alloy body, shockproof, they work even in high and low temperatures. Laser engraving on the knurled bezel of the Gear S3 frontier not only highlights its unique design, but also enhances its usability.

Innovation in a rugged package

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

Always active screen

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

Control with one movement!

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

Call from your smart watch!

Let the Gear S3 frontier be your smartphone. The built-in speaker and microphone allow you to make and receive calls without your smartphone and listen to voice messages and reminders. (Voice calls require a Bluetooth connection to your smartphone and the Samsung Gear app on your phone.) Plus, you can enjoy your favorite tracks with the built-in music player.

Built-in GPS

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

Built-in sensors

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

Tracks for the road

Connect your Bluetooth headphones and listen to your favorite tracks during workouts and trips! 4 GB of internal memory in the Gear S3 frontier allows you to take your favorite music with you, even without a smartphone. Listening to music from online resources is possible if Wi-Fi is available.

4 days without recharging!

Thanks to the capacious battery, you can go without charging for up to 4 days! Battery charge time may vary depending on usage and settings.

Water and dust protection

Wear the Gear S3 frontier in any weather, in any situation. IP68 water and dust protection allows the watch to withstand immersion in fresh water to a depth of 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes. (Not suitable for diving and swimming)

SOS messages quickly and easily

Simply press the Home key three times to instantly send your location to your selected contacts. They will be able to track your movements in real time. The service is provided by the Glympse platform. Available services may vary by country and region.

More than 10,000 applications

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

Setup and compatibility with smartphones

Setting up the Gear S3 is as easy as it is using it. To connect the Gear S3 to your smartphone, open the Samsung Gear App on your smartphone and follow the onscreen instructions. Gear S3 is compatible with many other smartphones. Gear S3 connects to smartphones running Android 4.4 or higher and equipped with more than 1.5 GB of RAM, as well as iPhone 5 and newer smartphones running iOS 9.0 and higher. (Some Samsung features may not be available on smartphones from other manufacturers)

Samsung Pay

Make purchases with your Gear S3 using Samsung Pay! The Samsung Gear S3 device fully supports the payment service, allowing you to pay for purchases at terminals that accept regular bank cards. All you need to do is connect the Gear S3 to your smartphone (a smartphone running Android 4.4.4 or higher, compatible with the Samsung Gear app with Samsung Pay functionality on the Gear S3)!

The smartwatch niche is still waiting for its dream manufacturer. Chinese companies are trying to take over by mass and price, Americans - by design and ecosystem. What makes a watch from the Korean leader in wearable electronics stand out?

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

Specifications Samsung Gear S3

In the form factor of a regular watch, Samsung was able to fit the following components:

• AMOLED touch screen 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, and in terms of dimensions (46x46x13) it is no different from an ordinary, “stupid” watch. Frontier's protection parameters comply with IP68 and MIL-810G certificates, which guarantees safety from vibration, shock, temperature changes and dust. It is worth highlighting the water resistance of the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier, thanks to which you can freely wash in the shower or sunbathe on the beach with the device.

The watch is powered by the Tizen 2.3.2 operating system, which is a unique development from 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 is inferior in almost everything: an old processor with 28 nm technology instead of 14 nm, a video processor that is three years outdated, 512 MB of RAM, a battery that is one and a half times smaller, and a 3G module.

The S2 has two noticeable advantages - the ability to work autonomously (while the S3 without a smartphone becomes almost an ordinary 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 ordinary modern watches for travelers. Relatively low sales of the 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 upgraded from the Gear S2 complained of extra weight and inconvenience.

The elastic wide strap is made of hypoallergenic material and fits well on the hand. Too large a size will again become a problem for people with thin wrists: the case 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.

Control is implemented using the movement of the rim, which selects the desired 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 316L stainless steel, with a matte finish.

Screen

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

The watch glass is made using a grease-repellent coating, so there are practically no traces of pressing and they are easier to remove. In addition, there is protection against glare, viewing angles are also flawless.

By default, 14 watch faces are available to the user, from sports to classic. More options can be found in the internal store, with many other versions for customization.

Equipment and assembly

The flagship watch model comes in a special cylindrical package with the logo and name of the device. After unpacking the box I found:

• 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 is equipped with a powerful magnet that holds the watch in place. The smart watch is charged from either side; no fastenings 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. 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 this is the main feature of smart watches and Samsung developers have implemented it to their fullest. Please note that in this generation, offline calls from a watch without a smartphone are impossible: Russian mobile operators do not support e-SIM technology.

The device collects statistics about the owner’s movements and heart rate, sending data to the application S Health or any other fitness app compatible with your smartwatch. In addition, it supports the system of notifications and unlocking of the smartphone, listening to music and viewing images, installing additional applications for all occasions from the internal store.

Synchronization with smartphone

Samsung has fully implemented the compatibility of the watch with both Android and iOS. Interaction on Android OS takes place through the Samsung Gear application. Galaxy smartphone owners won't need anything else. 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 earlier models of the Gear line, this is a huge step forward, but installing 4 applications to operate a watch in 2018 is not serious. I would like the Korean company to correct this defect 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 third-party software for many years. When using S Health, for example, the program will constantly send notifications about your step rate and water consumption, but for normal integration with Google Fit you will have to suffer.

Autonomy

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

Compared to competitors and the previous version, this is a noticeable step forward: the battery capacity is equal to rivals from ASUS and LG, and the new processor with lower power consumption allows us to take another step forward.

Pros and cons

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

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

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

One can note a slight lack of progress since the previous, second model of the line. If you already have a Gear S2, you can safely skip the third version; you won’t see anything critically new in it.

The first generation of smartwatches looked like an attempt to transfer some of the capabilities of a smartphone to a wristwatch. Since then, these devices are often perceived as an exotic gadget and generally raise many questions. However, smartwatches today are a far cry from what they were even three years ago. Their functionality and concept have changed noticeably. But to answer the question “Why do we need a smartwatch?” It's still not easy. After a month with the Samsung Gear S3, I decided to try this, while simultaneously sharing my impressions of the device itself. I mainly used the Gear S3 as a regular watch, as a fitness tracker, as a sports watch, and also for solving small tasks using third-party applications.

Wristwatch for every day

When choosing a wristwatch, you can spend an eternity deciding which dial is better, because you can’t change it without changing the watch itself. There is no such problem in the Gear S3; the round 1.3-inch Super AMOLED watch display with a resolution of 360x360 pixels allows you to change the dials at your discretion. The Samsung Apps store offers a wide variety of watch face designs, from funny cartoon watch faces to replicas of famous classic watches.

Of course, this is not the most important thing in a smartwatch, however, it’s nice that you can “adjust” it to your style or mood. The same applies to the straps; in the Gear S3 they are standard - 22 mm, so they are easy to change to any compatible ones.

One cannot help but recall the design of the Samsung Gear S3, which, although larger than the previous version, in my opinion, looks better on the hand. At the same time, the round design of the model does not give away an electronic device, and the ability to make the screen constantly active bridges the gap with a regular watch.

Most often, people perceive the Gear S3 as a wristwatch, and this is actually good, because it is designed for everyday use.

Physical Activity Tracking

Initially, smartwatches did not try to compete with fitness bracelets, but after the latter began to acquire displays, it became clear that these were devices of the same category. Accordingly, Samsung paid special attention to this functionality. The Gear S3 uses a number of sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, heart rate monitor) that allow the watch to count steps, floors climbed, total activity minutes, heart rate, and automatically track sleep. In addition, the Gear S3, for example, understands when you ride a bike and records the corresponding activity.

All this data is stored in the S Health app and can be synchronized between different devices. Sure, a smartwatch can't make you walk more or sleep longer, but it does encourage you to do so. At the same time, this is done in a light playful way. For example, the Gear S3 displays all your daily activity as a filling circle, and you need to try to keep it to a minimum of gray segments that appear if you do nothing.

In addition, S Health allows you to compete with friends or other users of the service. In this way, the watch encourages you to be more active, including periodically reminding you that it’s time to go for a walk. S Health creates a report weekly, which you can also use to track your progress.

Initially, it seemed to me that there was no big difference between a regular fitness bracelet and this system, but in the end it was very addictive, including due to greater clarity. When you see that, for example, you have to walk another 2000 steps to achieve a result, you try to take yourself a short walk. Oddly enough, smart watches can motivate, if, of course, you have a desire to lead a more active lifestyle.

Sports activities

A pedometer is just the basic functionality of a smartwatch. But in a model like the Gear S3, it's complemented by the ability to track sports activities. The watch has a built-in GPS module, which allows you to more accurately measure the distance traveled, for example, while running, as well as running without a smartphone. In total, the Gear S3 allows you to track 15 exercises, including those on simulators. There is also an item for “other” physical activity, that is, for those exercises that are not highlighted separately.

All results are synchronized by S Health, so they can later be viewed on your smartphone. I've mostly done outdoor running with the Gear S3, so I'll focus on that functionality. And in the watch it turned out to be at the level of such popular running applications as Runkeeper, Endomondo, Nike+ Run Club, Runtastic and others. The Gear S3 also tracks distance, time and pace, but the watch also measures your heart rate and provides guidance during your workout. For example, depending on the chosen goal of jogging, Gear S3 suggests when you need to speed up or, conversely, slow down.

The heart rate while running is measured relatively accurately, but only if you fix the watch correctly. They should be at least two centimeters from the wrist and fit snugly to the skin. In this case, the error compared to chest sensors will be small, and you can build on this data while running, choosing a pace that will allow you to stay within your comfortable heart rate zone.

All information from a run is saved in S Health, where the user can see the time spent, distance, pace, route on the map, as well as speed, heart rate and elevations.

In general, running with the Gear S3 is convenient; you can leave your smartphone at home and listen to music through wireless headphones directly from the watch, having previously downloaded music files to it. In addition, functionally S Health is almost in no way inferior to specialized programs for runners.

Applications

One of the most important features of smartwatches is support for third-party programs that expand their functionality. Since Samsung smartwatches run on its own Tizen platform, which was not previously famous for the large number of available applications. However, now the situation has begun to improve, especially in terms of programs that allow you to work with local services or obtain local information. So, what can you use on the Gear S3?

To begin with, it is worth noting the standard programs. Right out of the box, the watch allows you to view your calendar, create reminders, and view the weather forecast and world time. In addition, they show alerts and messages from your smartphone, and also allow you to receive and make calls. But this already quite broad functionality can be expanded through third-party applications.

It so happened that I used programs on the Gear S3, which can be divided into three categories: transport, finance, delivery. Let's see what happened in each of them.

Transport

Uber and Uklon

These applications allow you to literally call a taxi in a couple of clicks without taking your smartphone out of your pocket. At the same time, it is worth praising Uklon, their program is more convenient and works faster.

"Yandex.Transport"

The program shows the nearest stops, the public transport that stops at them, the frequency with which it runs, as well as the waiting time for the nearest bus or trolleybus. Unfortunately, this is all the functionality of the application on the Gear S3, and it does not allow you to see what route the vehicle is traveling on. However, sometimes this helps to get to the desired point in the city.

"Yandex.Navigator"

A very loud name for a program that simply shows the level of traffic jams in the city on the clock. That’s right, there is no navigation in this application, but it shows traffic congestion and makes a projection of them several hours in advance.

Finance

"Privat24"

An application for PrivatBank clients, which allows you to view your current and bonus accounts and see the latest card withdrawals. But, most importantly, it itself can turn the Gear S3 into a payment card that works via NFC. If you select the appropriate settings in your smartphone, then by placing your watch on a compatible terminal, you can use it to pay for purchases. I have a MasterCard so couldn't check if this works with Visa.

The program allows you to find the nearest ATMs and see where they are on the map. In this case, you can select in the settings which ATMs of which banks should be shown.

"Currency FinanceUA"

A convenient application with which you can quickly view current exchange rates on the interbank market, in banks and exchange offices.

Portmone

The program allows you to quickly top up your mobile number or pay a bill from previously saved templates.

Delivery

"Nova Poshta"

A delivery service application through which you can find out where the package is, call a courier, or show your loyalty card.

In conclusion, I note that almost all local applications for the Gear S3 can be called useful, since they allow you to transfer some of the smartphone’s tasks to the watch and solve them without taking it out of your pocket.

In the end

Like me, in my opinion, the Samsung Gear S3 is the best smartwatch for Android so far. For me, the main things in them were the fitness and sports functions, as well as applications from local services. It will be good if Samsung continues to develop its line in this direction. I hope this material helped you understand what smartwatches in general, and the Gear S3 in particular, can be useful for.

In September, at IFA 2016, Samsung presented two versions of its new smartwatches: Gear S3 Frontier and Gear S3 Classic. We have already talked in the news about their key innovations compared to the previous version. Now that the watch has officially gone on sale in Russia, it’s time for detailed testing.

It is worth saying that this time Samsung decided to make the Classic and Frontier versions very close in almost all respects. The models have the same set of technical characteristics and differ, in fact, only in the presence of e-SIM. In addition, the Frontier version is claimed to be more protected: it is impact-resistant and resistant to high and low temperatures. It was the Frontier version that came to our test.

Specifications Samsung Gear S3

• CPU @1 GHz (2 cores)
• Touch round display 1.3″ Super AMOLED, 360×360, 302 ppi
• Random access memory (RAM) 768 MB, flash memory 4 GB
• Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n
• Bluetooth 4.2 LE, NFC, GPS/Glonass
• Microphone
• Gyroscope, accelerometer, heart rate sensor, light sensor, barometer
• 3G/4G (e-SIM support for Frontier variant), call transfer to smartphone via Bluetooth
• Li-ion battery 380 mAh
• Tizen operating system
• Degree of protection: IP68 (from moisture and dust), MIL-810G (the Frontier version claims protection from shock, temperature and vibration)
• Dimensions: 46×46×12.9
• Weight 57 g (Classic version) or 62 g (Frontier version)

For clarity, we compared the Gear S3 with previous versions of Samsung smartwatches, as well as with their competitors, the Apple Watch.

Packaging and equipment

The Gear S3 Frontier comes in a medium-sized black plastic box, shaped like a cylinder.

The watch in the box lies sideways and is magnetized to the docking station.

Under the plastic circle there is an additional silicone strap, a charger with a Micro-USB output (5 V 0.7 A), a small warranty booklet and a quick user manual in English.

Samsung traditionally puts a different size strap in the box along with the watch. Unfortunately, with the third generation of its smartwatches, the South Korean company decided not to have an additional main-size strap (as was the case with the Gear S2), so if something happens to the main strap, you'll most likely have to buy a new one. However, it is worth noting that the Gear S3 is compatible with absolutely any strap from various watch manufacturers, so you can choose the one that suits you best.

The wireless charging dock is good for its compact size and the presence of a magnet, thanks to which the watch is held while charging. In fact, the dock design is similar to what we saw in the Gear S2, so we won't repeat it.

Design

Let's take a closer look at the watch itself. They look great, it feels like you’re wearing not a smartwatch, but some kind of Tag Heuer. And this comparison is not accidental: the Gear S3 looks exactly the same as one of the models of the famous Swiss brand. However, Samsung is not at all shy about this and says that one of the goals when creating the Gear S3 was its similarity to a regular watch. All those who complained that smartwatches look somehow ridiculous can breathe easy.

The Frontier version looks brutal. Like the Gear S2, the watch screen is round and has no dead spots. Steel body, grey. You can control the Gear S3 either using the rim (bezel) or by “flipping” on the screen itself. If you have thin hands, you might want to take a closer look at the Classic version - it's a few millimeters narrower. For example, on the hand of the author of the article, Frontier looked too bulky.

Like the Gear S2, the main design element is the rotating bezel. Operating the watch is really very comfortable: every step in the menu is felt, so it’s really very difficult to miss the right item. When you control it using the bezel, you get real aesthetic pleasure: at such moments you understand that this is exactly how a smartwatch should be controlled.

There are two function keys on the right; they are easy to press. The bottom button allows you to exit to the home menu, the top button allows you to return to the previous menu or screen. Below the bottom button is a microphone hole. On the left there are three speaker holes - the watch can be used as a hands-free headset, which is very convenient if you are, for example, driving.

Screen

The front surface of the screen is made in the form of a glass plate with a mirror-smooth surface that is scratch-resistant. On the outer surface of the screen there is a special oleophobic (grease-repellent) coating (effective, noticeably better than that of Google Nexus 7 (2013)), so fingerprints are removed much easier and appear at a lower speed than in the case of regular glass. Judging by the reflection of objects, the anti-glare properties of the screen are slightly worse than those of the Google Nexus 7 2013 screen. For clarity, here is a photograph in which a white surface is reflected when the screens are turned off:

The screen of the Samsung Gear S3 is a little brighter (brightness according to photographs is 131 versus 113 for the Nexus 7). Note that from bright objects reflected in the screen, there is a not very pronounced bluish halo, more elongated along the wrist. The reflection ghosting is weak, which indicates that there is no air gap between the layers of the screen. When manually controlling the brightness and displaying the white field in full screen, the maximum value (10 on the scale) of brightness was about 600 cd/m², the minimum (1 on the scale) was 10 cd/m². You can enable automatic brightness adjustment based on the light sensor, which is presumably located under the screen. Depending on the adjustment value (we present the results for 1, 6 and 10), in complete darkness the auto-brightness function reduces the brightness to 10, 20 and 130 cd/m² (the first two values ​​are normal), in an office illuminated by artificial light (about 550 lux) sets to 10, 130 and 300 cd/m² (only the average value is suitable). It turns out that the auto-brightness function works adequately and to some extent allows the user to customize their work to individual requirements. Note that the brightness decreases only after the screen is turned off and on. In very bright environments (from bright day lighting conditions outdoors but without direct sunlight (20,000 lux) and brighter), the brightness always increases to an incredible 950 cd/m², regardless of whether auto-brightness is turned on or not. This ensures that the user can always see what the watch is showing him.

In the graphs of brightness (vertical axis) versus time (horizontal axis), only for low brightness can one see significant modulation at 50 Hz.

As a result, at low brightness there is a visible flicker of the image, but the modulation phase somehow changes depending on the coordinate on the screen, which significantly reduces the noticeability of the flicker.

This screen uses a Super AMOLED matrix - an active matrix on organic light-emitting diodes. A full-color image is created using subpixels of three colors - red (R), green (G) and blue (B) in equal numbers, as confirmed by a fragment of a microphotograph:

For comparison, you can see the gallery of microphotographs of screens used in mobile technology.

We observed a similar “structure” of the screen, for example, in the case. The spectra are typical for OLED - the primary color areas are well separated and appear as relatively narrow peaks:

Accordingly, the coverage is noticeably wider than sRGB, and there are no attempts to reduce it:

Note that the colors of regular images optimized for devices with sRGB screens appear unnaturally saturated on screens with a wide color gamut without appropriate correction:

Pay attention to the tomatoes and the shade of the girl's face. The color temperature of the white and gray fields is approximately 7500 K, and the deviation from the black body spectrum (ΔE) is 2 units. Color balance is acceptable. Black is just black from any angle. It is so black that the contrast setting is simply not applicable in this case. When viewed perpendicularly, the uniformity of the white field is excellent. The screen has excellent viewing angles with a much smaller drop in brightness when looking at the screen at an angle compared to LCD screens. In general, the quality of the screen can be considered very high.

Interface and functionality

Like previous generations of smartwatches and other Samsung fitness devices, the Gear S3 runs the Tizen operating system. The South Korean company continues to believe in its OS and is actively developing it. At the time of writing, the watch was running Tizen OS version 2.3.2.

The user is greeted with a traditional menu consisting of the following applications: Settings, S Voice, Music, Weather, S Health, Contacts, Phone, Messages, Phone Finder, Gallery, Brief News, World Clock, Alarm Clock, Calendar, Reminders, Baroltimeter. You can install other applications from the Galaxy Apps store. You are unlikely to find Google and Yandex.Maps applications there, but it is quite possible to download Yandex.Transport or order a taxi using the watch.

As for the dials, there are 14 options available out of the box. If for some reason you don’t have enough of them, then welcome to the store. You can see the available watch faces in the screenshots below.

Of course, the Galaxy Apps store is developing, but it is still very difficult for it to compete with the similar Apple product.

Smartphone operation and compatibility

Samsung is actively working to ensure that its smartwatches reach as many users as possible. Literally at the time of writing this article, compatibility with iOS was implemented.

First, let's test how the watch works in tandem with the flagship smartphone Galaxy S7 Edge.

On any of the Galaxy devices, you already have the necessary application to work with the clock, it’s called Samsung Gear. The principle of its operation has not changed since the Gear S2, so we will not repeat it and describe it in detail - if you want, take a look at our Gear S2 review. It’s much more interesting to check the operation of the Gear S3 with other devices: for example, we tried connecting the watch to the not-so-new LG G4s.

You won't be able to simply connect your watch to the LG G4s (or any other Android device). You will need:

1. The Samsung Gear app itself
2. Gear S Plugin
3. Samsung Accessory Service

Moreover, after installing them, you can only connect the watch. To get the full experience, you'll need a Samsung Account (to download apps), and if you want to use S Health on your Android device, you'll also need to download it separately.

Of course, progress compared to the Gear S2 does not stand still, and this time we were able to “make friends” of the watch with an LG smartphone, but the connection process took us quite a long time.

As for connecting to iOS devices (we are talking about the iPhone, since the Gear S3, unfortunately, does not work with other iOS devices), here to work with the watch you only need the Samsung Gear S application. After you install it on your iPhone, you can fully manage your watch: install and uninstall applications, as well as track other important information.

The watch can be used to receive and send calls. This is very convenient if you are, for example, driving and reaching for your phone is not very comfortable at the moment. Unfortunately, unlike the Gear S (the first generation of Samsung smartwatches), you won’t be able to use the Gear S3 as a standalone device: it must be paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Currently, virtual e-SIM is not supported by Russian mobile operators.

Battery life

On average, when using the Gear S3 in conjunction with a Samsung device, the watch lasts about 2 days. This is a good indicator, especially considering that the display, Bluetooth, GPS and Wi-Fi are always on. In “normal” mode, where the screen turns on only when you use the watch, the Gear S3 can last up to 4 days.

Conclusions

Samsung Gear S3 is a logical continuation of the line of smart watches from the South Korean company, which is certainly worth a closer look if you are planning to purchase this type of device. The Frontier version that we tested is recommended for everyone who leads an active lifestyle: the watch has various degrees of protection, is not afraid of shocks, high and low temperatures, so it is almost impossible to break it. But if you have small hands or lead an “office” lifestyle, we would recommend checking out the Classic version.

A logical question immediately arises: is it worth taking the Gear S3 if I have a Gear S2 or Gear S? In the case of the Gear S, it’s definitely “yes” - after all, this device came out three years ago and is already obsolete. The Gear S has a smaller battery capacity, no support for fourth-generation cellular networks, and a very controversial charger concept. But with the Gear S2, not everything is so simple: the model appeared in 2015, but Samsung is still actively working on its development: the fact that it was not removed from the market, but made into a cheaper version, speaks volumes. From a software point of view, the Gear S2 is almost as good as the Gear S3: it can also connect to other Android devices or iPhones. Therefore, in this case, you should be guided only by your desire and financial capabilities: if you have the funds to buy a new toy, great, you can go to the store to buy it. No - you have a good, current model, and you may well miss the new product.