Review of smart watches Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 with advantages and disadvantages

While there are fierce battles in the smartphone category for the largest screen and the number of main cameras, smartwatch manufacturers are racing for the most classic design. That is why the newest models are very difficult to distinguish from the good old mechanical ones.

In this competition, Samsung is making some headway - the new Galaxy Watch 3 is a perfect blend of classics, advanced sports, health tracking, and more, as we'll learn in this review!

A brief history of Samsung watches

The most famous line of Samsung watches is Gear. Its history began in the distant 2013, but the models produced so far have the "highest standard" among all smart gadgets.

This line is famous, first of all, for its sophisticated design. The designers meticulously work out the smallest details, including the buttons, bezel serifs and carvings on the side frames. This is also one of the reasons why Gear models are so expensive.

As for the Galaxy line, it has existed not so long ago. Anticipating indignation, we are talking about watches. Smartphones are not about that at all. The watch, like everything created under the name of the Korean brand, has a price of $ 250 and above. According to experts, this line will be distinguished by incredible performance and usefulness in everyday life.

We will now check this with a detailed review!

Design and ergonomics

As always, Samsung has very competently approached the design of the model. At first glance, the Galaxy Watch 3 looks like an ordinary watch, while the design is versatile and fits every hand.

To understand that the body of the future novelty will be quite massive, you can purely visually (this also indicates an impressive weight). According to preliminary data, there will be 2 versions - 41 and 45 mm.

The appearance of a smart watch will not stand out from the overall image. The dial has a classic round shape and a wide, ultra-sensitive bezel that performs several functions at once. The first is to switch menus by rotating. The second is to protect the screen from cracks (frames above the glass).

The protection of Samsung products is always at its best. The Galaxy Watch 3 features Gorilla Glass DX + composite. It implements: improved screen readability, contrast and shock resistance. Damage to the stainless steel case is also safe.

The smart watch is capable of working when submerged to a depth of 50 m (IP68). They are also not afraid of sand, industrial dust and sudden temperature changes.

The impressive characteristics already hint at the high price of this new item. It is also distinguished from cheap models by the presence of sound - the Galaxy Watch 3 can notify with a sound signal, play music and even have an alarm clock.

Equipment

As for the equipment, the brand has not introduced any innovations:

• Charging dock.
• Coupons and certificates.
• USB cable.

The models got quite natural colors: silver, gold and black.Samsung has focused on beauty, thus, the middle price category can easily mimic the luxury class, while leaving the opportunity to save money. So, for example, the watch case is compatible with any straps of 20-22 mm.

Specifications

Screen

The display in any watch, let alone smart watch, plays a crucial role, so the brand has paid a lot of attention to this aspect. It's worth starting with the ultra bright Super Amoled matrix. It guarantees excellent visibility in sunny and cloudy weather. Added the Always-on-display function, thanks to which the time is constantly displayed on the screen, while practically not wasting the charge.

Display dimensions - 1.4 inches. The value has already become an international standard, because with such dimensions there are no problems with readability or wear. Screen resolution 360 x 360, with a pixel density of 364 ppi. The characteristics of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 are very high, users can easily see all the details and will be satisfied with the brightness.

operating system

The watch is based on the Tizen-based operating system version 5.5 (announced in 2019).

Tizen OS is an open system based on the well-known Linux brand. Used in many smart TVs, watches and other gadgets since 2012. The new product has the latest firmware. Experts boldly compare the development with the IOS (Apple) operating system.

Indeed, many processes are fine-tuned here. The smartwatch does not overload while counting all data during exercise. The ability to customize the space has also been improved. With the help of an application installed on the phone, the account quickly connects with the device and transmits basic information.

Interface

The menu of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 can be intuitively mastered in no time. Most of the functions are viewed by rotating the bezel clockwise / counterclockwise. The first screen contains 10 main icons: calls, notifications, purchases, sport modes, settings, etc.

Swiping to the left opens the music player. The same can be done by shifting the frames.

The users were surprised by the collaboration with many popular applications such as Spotify (already launched in Russia), Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, etc. More relevant VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, WhatsApp and Viber will probably be added for the Russian market.

It is also possible to change the interface. At the moment, only 5 themes are known, but it is possible that their number will exceed 10 by the time of release. Everyone can find a design to their liking among such styles as cyberpunk, natural patterns, minimalism, animation, etc.

Do not forget that this is a smartwatch, not a fitness bracelet. Samsung has not skimped on modes such as cardio, strength training or swimming, but you should not wait for narrower areas (like snowboarding or climbing).

Standard features: accelerometer, gyroscope and heart rate monitor.

The new product will be able to measure pressure (Blood pressure monitor).

Autonomy and memory

Users were extremely dissatisfied with the capabilities of the battery. The capacity is 360 mAh. If, with economical use (without GPS, constant heart rate calculation), the watch will last a week, judging by the models of the same segment and characteristics, then with a link to a smartphone and notifications, the number of days without recharging is significantly reduced.However, the data has not yet been verified in practice, so you should not completely trust the discussions. The Samsung smart watch has an energy-saving matrix and additional settings that can extend the life of the model even more than 10 days.

The operating memory of the gadget is 1 GB. The value is really small for the mid-range price category, so there may be crashes and data overload. At the same time, the external memory is 8 GB. A great opportunity to load your favorite player on a long journey!

Comparison with competitive models

The Watch 3 (2020) is the most similar to the legendary Gear S3 (2016). More precisely, they are almost identical, so when choosing between 2 gadgets, we advise you to give preference to newer watches.

Firstly, they have built-in GPS, completely new features (barometer, etc.), a larger screen (1.4 VS 1.3 inches) unlike the Gear S3. Secondly, the Tizen OS firmware in Watch 3 is the last possible one, and they also have much more memory. At the same time, the price of a smart watch is only $ 40 higher, which will fully pay off due to modern capabilities.

Keep in mind that Frontier has only one color scheme, while Watch 3 has three.

The second possible competitor could be the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (2019). Due to the incomplete list of characteristics of the new item, it is impossible to thoroughly assess the strengths and weaknesses of both models. However, the 2019 watch showed good performance immediately. At the same time, the watch has identical indicators in almost all respects:

• 1.4-inch screen.
• IP68 and Glass DX + protection.
• Availability of GPS and Samsung Pay.
• Scrolling bezel.
• Roughly the same price in the $ 250-275 range.
• Body colors.

As in the case of the Gear S3, the firmware, the amount of memory, and the presence of some functions differ.

Advantages and disadvantages

• beautiful classic design;
• well-readable bright display;
• three attractive colors;
• high pixel density = high quality image;
• intuitive interface;
• the possibility of customization;
• paying for purchases directly with a watch (NFC, Samsung Pay);
• large amount of external memory;
• clock with voice acting;
• reliable protection of the case and screen from damage.

• relatively small battery capacity (rumored);
• small amount of internal memory (only 1 GB).

Outcome

Summing up this review, it is safe to say that the Koreans have not let down their loyal fans again. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 has exceptional capabilities and performance combined with a classic, expensive design. Being a universal model, the novelty will adorn both men's and women's hands, especially since the strap is easily adjustable.

Medium size will not look awkward on a thin wrist, and many functions perfectly fulfill the functions of an assistant both in everyday life and in sports.

The preliminary price in Asia will be $ 250. They will come to Russia with a surcharge, which in 2024 could reach $ 50.

Happy shopping!