- 1. Rating
- 2. Specifications
- 3. Packaging and accessories
- 4. Design and ergonomics
- 5. Display
- 6. Interface
- 7. Compatibility
- 8. Performance and functionality
- 9. Autonomy
- 10. Conclusion
- 11. Video review of Samsung Gear S3 Frontier
- 12. Pros and cons
At IFA 2016, Samsung presented the third generation of its Gear smartwatch line. The new model received two branches: Classic and Frontier. The first option is designed for a mass audience, while the second has expanded functionality and a more expressive appearance. The review of the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier will tell you about the main functions of the device and summarize the efforts of the Korean company to improve the already popular S2 smartwatch.
Information about Samsung Gear S3 Frontier
8.0 Rating
Packaging and equipment
The contents of the delivery set are neatly packed in a stylish cylindrical box. The accessories are separated by several cardboard partitions for better stability during transportation. The watch is already magnetized to the charging station out of the box. 
Inside:
- Samsung Gear S3 Frontier;
- Dock station;
- Power unit;
- microUSB cable;
- Silicone strap;
- Documentation.
The cost of the Frontier version in Russian online stores is about $375.
Design and ergonomics
The developments of the previous generation S2 in the new model were embodied in a more aggressive appearance. The round body of the Frontier has increased slightly in diameter and acquired a corrugated edging. The toothed ring is also an important functional element - it can be used to turn pages in the menu and receive notifications. 
Despite the sporty design, the S3 may well suit formal business attire. To do this, you need to choose the appropriate dial and strap. There will definitely be no problems with the latter; Samsung produces straps in three sizes (S, M and L) for a 22 mm mount on the case. You can also use any other strap from a third-party manufacturer with your watch. A designer line of accessories from fashion designer Arik Levi is expected to be released soon. 
The body of the device is predominantly made of 316L steel with a matte finish. Only the back cover with sensors is made of glass. Frontiers are bulky and may not fit the tight sleeves of some shirts. For such cases, it is recommended to take a closer look at the Classic model. It is lighter and smaller than the older version. 
Samsung does not hide the fact that when developing the appearance of the S3, they were guided by the elite TAG Heuer Connected watch. There are no “dead spots” with plastic inserts on the device’s touch screen; the displayed information occupies 100% of the allotted area. In addition to the bezel, you can control the menu with two keys on the right side of the case. 
On the left are three small holes for the earpiece. The Frontier does a great job as a wireless headset. The watch allows you to safely talk while driving without being distracted from the road. 
Despite the sports-oriented model, using the S3 in training is quite problematic. The device is too bulky and hinders sudden movements of the wrist. In addition, the heart rate sensor does not always correctly read the body’s indicators.
Display
S3 Frontier displays information on an AMOLED matrix with a resolution of 360*360 pixels. Considering the small diagonal (1.3 inches), the pixel density still does not reach the level of modern smartphones - 278 dpi allows you to distinguish individual points on the screen, but the quality of the screen as a whole can be called high. On top of the matrix there is a protective glass Corning Gorilla Glass SR+ with a good oleophobic coating. 
The clock display works in tandem with a light sensor. The brightness changes smoothly and correctly. S3 can also display basic data with minimal power consumption in AlwaysOn Display mode. A similar function is available in the flagship Galaxy S7 smartphones. 
The picture on the screen is perfectly visible from almost any angle. Considering your current heart rate or the number of steps taken while running is not difficult. The disadvantages include the excessive sensitivity of the orientation sensor. You have to constantly turn the watch away from you so that the display is not backlit again. The situation is aggravated by the heavy case, which, if the strap is not too tight, constantly strives to slide down. 
Frontier can determine whether the device's functionality is currently being used. If the S3 is just lying on the table, the power saving mode is activated. To bring the device back to life, you just need to put the strap on your hand. In this case, you need to wait about five seconds for the screen backlight. A small, but still a flaw that should be corrected with subsequent OS updates.
Interface
Like most other miniature devices from Samsung, the S3 Frontier runs Tizen OS. This particular model comes pre-installed with Tizen 2.3.2. 
The principle of clock control has remained virtually unchanged since the previous model. As before, you can use more than just the display for navigation. The ridged navigation ring around the screen does a great job of navigating through menus, making the S3 easy to operate even with gloves on. 
Two mechanical buttons on the side of the case are responsible for going back, going to the main screen and turning off the device. In normal mode, the watch always displays the watch face. Rotating the bezel to the left opens notifications, and to the right – a menu of widgets. A light swipe from top to bottom displays options and the current state of Frontier. 
Initially, 14 preset watch faces are available to the user. The range is expanding almost endlessly with new additions from the Galaxy Apps store. The entire interface is built on the Circle UI principle, icons are placed in a circle and occupy the maximum amount of free space.
Compatibility
Frontier was created for maximum audience coverage; immediately after the release of the watch, the developers implemented the ability to synchronize it with iOS devices. Samsung smartphones paired with S3 work perfectly. The flagship Galaxy S7 and S8 already have a pre-installed application for synchronizing with the clock. But owners of other Android devices will have to tinker a little. 
First you will have to download Samsung Gear, Gear S Plugin and Samsung Accessory Service. Then you need to register your account (Samsung Account). It will be used for the correct operation of the S Health health tracker. On iPhone, the process is slightly simplified; you only need to install the first application from the specified list. 
The watch is equipped with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC and GPS/GLONASS modules. The built-in microphone and speaker mean you don't have to take your smartphone out of your pocket to take every call. S Voice dialing is supported for convenient sending of messages. In the settings, you can specify automatic connection mode via Bluetooth without unnecessary notifications.
Performance and functionality
The Frontier hardware platform is represented by a 14nm Exynos 7270 processor with a maximum clock frequency of 1 GHz, 768 MB of RAM and four gigabytes of internal memory. Compared to the previous generation, there is a noticeable increase in performance even when flipping through the interface. All menus open without delays or sagging. 
You can respond to incoming messages with a pre-prepared phrase, text or emoticon. Pre-installed apps include Calendar, S Voice, S Health, Player and Phone. The Samsung Apps store is constantly updated with new programs, so there should be no problems with updating the software. 
The internal service S Health has expanded its capabilities. Now there is a fitness and sports mode. The first one reads information about steps taken, heart rate, fluids drunk and number of hours of sleep. Based on this data, the application builds interactive activity graphs. If a person sits in one place for more than an hour, the watch begins to vibrate, warning about the need for a walk. 
Sports mode monitors running, squats, jumping and a whole range of other exercises. At the same time, the pulse, movement speed, and distance traveled are monitored. You can choose the number of calories to burn, then Frontier will inform you about the desired pace of exercise. The built-in altimeter gives you an idea of the change in altitude above sea level.
Autonomy
The built-in 380mAh battery allows you to use the watch for approximately 3-4 days in normal mode without rigorous training. Active sports with GPS tracking will drain the battery in two days. If you need more autonomy, pay attention to budget ones.
To power the S3 Frontier, a docking station with inductive charging technology is used. Simply place the device on a special platform; it will independently charge the battery to 100% in about 2 hours.
Conclusion
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is still one of the few smartwatches with adequate battery life and functionality. The device copes well with all the tasks assigned to it. The only drawback can be considered the excessive massiveness of the S3, due to which they will not be comfortable for those with thin hands. Otherwise, this is a great accessory for anyone who is constantly on the go.
Video review of Samsung Gear S3 Frontier
You can find more interesting smart watch models in our selection: ""
- Waterproof IP68
- Availability of Always On Display
- Universal strap holder
- Convenient control
- Ability to receive phone calls
- High price
- Massive body
- Complex synchronization with third-party smartphones
Until recently, the leading position in the smart technology market was occupied by the AppleWatch 2. However, their significant drawback was that they could only be compatible with the iOS base. Today, everything has changed; smart watches produced by Samsung, which are supported by the Android platform, are becoming increasingly popular. The Samsung Gear s3 watch became such equipment.
Style direction of watches
Today the company produces two types of smartwatch models. These are Samsung Gear s3 Classic, Samsung Gear s3 Frontier. The latter are designed in a classic style and weigh five grams more than their classic counterpart. They have a durable strap made of silicone. It is important to note that the sports Gear s3 is designed with a 3G/LTE type module.
Smartwatches with any type of module are comparable in their external characteristics to the classic Samsung Gear s2 model. The only difference is that the latter have a smaller screen diameter - 46 millimeters. Hence, it is logical to assume that the Samsung Gear s3 Frontier looks out of place on a hand with a small wrist. Thanks to its round shape, the Gear s3 has a direct resemblance to regular wristwatches. This model will perfectly complement a classic, strict look due to its solid appearance.
The design of the dial can be changed. The consumer is presented with several preset options to choose from; a more expanded selection is presented in an additional application, which is a companion to the watch.
The design is high quality, the level of assembly fully corresponds to the price - no less than 23,000 rubles. Samsung Gear s3 is made of similar material to Samsung Gear s2. This is steel that is not afraid of rust. In addition, the smartwatch is protected by the IP68 system. This allows you to use them in water. However, it is worth considering that the immersion depth should not exceed one meter.
The dial is protected by a new model of protective glass, which easily resists mechanical damage of any complexity. Do not be afraid that the watch will stop functioning due to sudden changes in natural temperatures. They perfectly perform all their functions in the equivalent of +70 to -40 degrees.
The strap is made of material that is comfortable and pleasant to the touch. It is important to pay attention to the fact that it gets dirty quickly. But this problem can be solved by simply replacing it with any other one. The strap width is 22 millimeters. Due to the thick case, smart watches are most often worn on the sleeves of clothing (the hot period is not taken into account).
The right side of the case is equipped with two buttons. Visually, they are not too flashy, which is undoubtedly a plus. The top button is “Back”, the bottom button is “Home”. The display has a resolution of 360 by 360 pixels. The Gear s3 is slightly larger than the Gear s2, so there may be fewer pixels. However, this will not affect the image or its quality in any way. All colors remain bright and saturated.
Manufacturers of the Samsung Gear s3 smart watch have transferred to the system software a function that is inherent in all models of the company's smartphones. This is Always On Display. Thanks to it, the screen has a constant, slightly darkened backlight.
You can see the dial without any problems, but at the same time a minimal amount of energy will be spent. The factory settings provide a function for the backlight to operate at full power when the smart watch is brought close to the face. If necessary, the function is disabled. Samsung Gear s3 is made in compliance with already established traditions. Therefore, there is no doubt about their practicality and beauty.
Rotary type bezel
The time setting regulator (bezel) is similar in appearance to classic wristwatch models. During its operation, you can hear a sound reminiscent of the operation of a combination lock. The main task of the bezel is to switch, twist the screen, interface.
It is important to note that you should handle it with care, as a high level of sensitivity may scroll further than required. The bezel of the Gear s3 smartwatch is not very comfortable to use. This is mainly due to the fact that it is impossible to control it with one hand. This flaw of the developers pushes this model several points lower than other designs of watches with intelligence.
Voice control function is present. The S Voice program helps with this. In the process of “communicating” a person with a watch, he can set the time, an alarm clock, a reminder of an important event/date, open the required application, make a call and much more.
It is important to note that during testing of the smartwatch, one significant drawback was identified. This is a violation of synchronization with smartphones on the Android platform of any other brand except Samsung. For example, commands to delete/read messages or notifications are not executed.
Samsung Gear s3 is equipped with the function of dialing SMS messages, while other smartwatches do not have this option. Undoubtedly, this function is very significant, but due to its minimal size, the keyboard is inconvenient to use for people with large fingers.
The entire notification notification system is not bad, but only if the smart watch is used together with any other Samsung gadget. In tandem with other devices, synchronization errors cannot be avoided.
However, when working with native smartphones, not everything is smooth either; certain applications may not work correctly or require constant adaptation. Based on all of the above, we can safely say that the price of this device is overpriced.
You can leave your phone at home
By purchasing the Samsung Gear s3, you can afford to give up using a regular smartphone. Absolutely any function can be used on a smartwatch. To create an extended playlist, the user has 4GB of memory inside the watch. In addition, GPS, calls, and messages also remain available. Thanks to the Wi-Fi function, you can safely access the Internet.
As for the sound quality, it remains high even at the maximum volume level. During the conversation, no interference or sound distortion was detected. However, to listen to audio recordings, you should still give preference to a Bluetooth headset.
Today, the Gear s3 is the only watch that supports the Samsung Pay app. Therefore, paying with a plastic card from any bank has become even more convenient. It is important to note that the application has a limit of 10 payments, after which you will have to re-verify each card.
But you don’t have to count every purchase; the smartwatch will notify you in advance of the required procedure. In addition, the level of security is quite high. Without entering your personal PIN, the Samsung Pay app will not work. Of course, spending hours paying in a store is still not quite common, but the usefulness and convenience of such a function are invaluable.
Battery
Samsung Gear s3 is equipped with a high-power battery. The charge level can last four days. But if you actively use many functions and applications, you will have to charge your smartwatch every one and a half to two days.
Even so, the Gear s3 differs significantly from other smartwatches due to its very long battery life. If the smart watch is in standby mode, its charge level will decrease at a minimum speed.
The Samsung Gear s3 comes standard with a wireless charging kit. The LED indicator will tell you about the status of the battery level.
Other functions
Before starting work, the smartwatch will offer to install an additional application that will help monitor your physical activity. These include:
- amount of water consumed;
- at what frequency do heartbeats occur;
- number of steps taken, etc.
It is important to note that testing of this feature showed that it is able to show the exact number of steps taken. But at the same time, the number of pulse beats was measured incorrectly, but the error was minimal. In automatic mode, running movements, cycling, swimming in water, etc. can be measured.
The conclusion of this study will be the following - the S Health application on the Samsung Gear s3 works perfectly. The indicated errors in some measurements are insignificant; in general, all readings were correct.
Therefore, smart watches can be used during sports activities. Manufacturers claim that Gear s3 is simply indispensable for a person with an active lifestyle who maintains a sports lifestyle, but they are unlikely to be suitable for a professional athlete.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any other gadget, the Samsung Gear s3 is endowed with a number of positive and negative characteristics. The positive features of the device include:
- user-friendly interface;
- straps (22 mm), which can be easily replaced;
- operation in “autonomous” mode can continue for two to four days;
- protection against moisture penetration into the internal structure of the watch;
- ability to use the Samsung Pay application.
Along with such significant advantages, there are still some disadvantages. These are:
- large size, which is not suitable for people with narrow wrists;
- third party applications may not be supported;
- disruption of synchronization and connection with the connected smartphone.
In any case, the device is worthy for all fans of Samsung gadgets.
Guarantee
Samsung did not break established traditions, so the warranty for the Samsung Gear s3, both classic and sports style, is the same as for other modern devices - one year.
Conclusion
Today, the Samsung Gear s3 smartwatch can hardly be called a gadget that has changed the needs of mankind. This is due to the fact that many people do not need to use this type of device in everyday life. Although the Gear s3 gives its owner fairly quick access to most of the necessary applications, it cannot become an absolute replacement for a standard smartphone. Today, smart watches can only be an addition to a gadget.
Gear S3 is a new generation of smartwatches from Samsung. The South Korean company has developed two versions of the Gear S3: the more aggressive Frontier for outdoor activities and the more expensive Classic for beauty. Both versions of the watch run on Samsung's proprietary Tizen operating system and are equipped with a rotating bezel.
The devices also combine:
built-in GPS to monitor sports training and send emergency SOS messages;
speaker for making calls;
“Samsung Pay” function to pay for purchases through the watch;
and a more capacious battery.
Samsung has done a lot of work on the design and features of the Gear S3. We tested this smartwatch for two weeks to determine whether Apple, Google and other companies should be wary of competition from the Gear S3.
Design
Warning for skinny people. The Gear S3 smartwatch turned out to be quite large and this immediately turns off anyone who was hoping to see something similar to the Gear S2. Their hulk size of 46 mm definitely makes the watch very brutal. They are also noticeably heavier and thicker due to additional sensors and a larger battery.
How good does the Gear S3 look on your hand? This question splits our editorial team into two camps, but we have to admit that the Gear S2 is still much better looking, so it's no surprise that Samsung kept it on sale as an alternative to the larger Gear S3 models. In short, the Gear S3 is a watch for everyone; those who love outdoor activities will definitely love the rugged steel case. And yet, even the aggressive Frontiers have something ordinary about them that makes them look inferior in design to the Gear S3 Classic, which looks much more attractive and refined.
On the subject of durability, Samsung says the Gear S3 Frontier is rated IP68, which allows the device to be submerged underwater up to 1.5m for up to 30 minutes. Unfortunately, this is not enough to swim or dive with the watch. But we took a shower with the Gear S3 and the smartwatch survived, although the wet screen does not respond well to touch. Samsung has mentioned some sort of military-grade durability testing, supposedly testing the watch's performance in high and low temperatures. That sounds impressive, but it's disappointing that Samsung didn't take the opportunity to make the Gear S3 fully waterproof like Apple did.
If you want to add a personal touch, you can do so by changing the strap. The simple fastening mechanism allows you to use any 22mm straps, both from Samsung and from other accessory manufacturers such as Incipio. The original silicone strap that comes with the Frontier is quite soft, but it is quite suitable for street activities and can withstand heavy use.
One of the main differences between the Frontier and Classic models is the finishing of the bezel and buttons. The rotating bezel is raised above the dial to make it easier to rotate. The bezel also has a nice matte finish. The two physical buttons on the side are textured and slightly larger than the Classic version to make them easy to press with gloves or wet hands.
There is also a speaker on the side that allows you to make calls and listen to music, while at the back there is an optical heart rate sensor. This sensor can track your heart rate both in the background and during workouts.
Rotating bezel
With a rotating bezel, Samsung has tried to make its smartwatches easier to control, eliminating the need to constantly scroll through screens to find the function we need. We've loved this feature since the Gear S2, and we're very grateful to Samsung for keeping it in the Gear S3.
In the new generation of smartwatches, the rotating bezel is even more deeply integrated into the system. With it, you can answer/reject calls, adjust music volume, and even play some games. Although during calls, out of habit, it was easier for us to use the touch screen, like on a smartphone. Since the bezel is non-clickable, you still have to poke at the screen to complete some actions. That is, the bezel does not give full control over the smartwatch, but such control looks more natural than through a digital winding, as in the Apple Watch Series 2.
Screen
The only thing I can't fault is the Gear S3's amazing screen. Just like Samsung phones, the Gear S3's screen is very good. First of all, it is large - 1.3 inches. Resolution 360 x 360 pixels, AMOLED matrix. There is more than enough screen space to display Tizen OS.
The image on the Gear S3 screen is very bright, clear, colors are rich and saturated. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best screens among modern smartwatches. Other wearable devices struggle to maintain decent image clarity, so we were pleasantly surprised to see how photos taken from the phone looked on the Gear S3's tiny screen.
Without using the bezel, the Gear S3's touchscreen is very smooth and responsive. Neither day nor night you will have any problems with image quality. To highlight the brutality of the Gear S3, Samsung protected the screen with Corning's new Gorilla Glass SR+. It is more resistant to scratches and damage, and the glass surface suppresses glare.
Tizen OS
The operating system is an important part of any smartwatch. Apple is carefully developing watchOS, Google has temporarily postponed the release of a major update to Android Wear 2.0, Pebble is also finalizing its own OS.
What about Tizen? In the Gear S3, Samsung installed proprietary OS version 2.3.1. System controls on the Gear S3 remain largely unchanged. From the main screen there is quick access to the main settings: brightness, music player, battery status (swipe down), recent activity, application notifications (right), calendar reminders, fitness data (left). Tap directly on the screen to choose a watch face style. The selection isn't as rich as the Apple Watch, but the collection of styles is pretty decent. Pressing the bottom physical button opens a neat circular interface where you can use the bezel to scroll through app icons.
In general, Tizen is a fast, simple and easy-to-manage OS. The interface provides a menu of recent applications, just like on a phone; it is possible to arrange application icons in your own way or delete unnecessary programs. You can add widgets, create shortcuts to applications or data from S Health.
The notification support is also nice. True, the Gear S3 has problems with displaying pictures in notifications, but in general SMS, mail and other notifications are conveniently grouped. Plus, there are tons of ways to control them, like twisting the bezel to rewind your notifications.
Samsung has packed a lot into the Gear S3, so you'll need to spend some time exploring and finding the modes and features that suit you. Either way, you won't have to worry about anything because Tizen itself is a really simple operating system that you can understand as you go. It lacks the contextual features of Android Wear and some of the beloved elements of the Series 2, but Samsung has built a ton of cool features into its watch OS.
Possibilities
Samsung is distinguished by the fact that it seamlessly combines the functions of smartphones and smartwatches. The Gear S3 has a built-in speaker that is located on the side. It will come in handy if you connect your watch to any Samsung or Android phone via Bluetooth. After this, you will be able to make calls directly from your watch. To be honest, it looks very stupid from the outside when a person talks on the clock, but if that’s what you really want, we can say that the quality of calls through the Gear S3 is pretty decent. Just make sure the volume is set to maximum.
Replying to messages and emails is not very convenient due to the fancy input methods. The keyboard is difficult to type on, and handwriting recognition isn't as accurate as on the Apple Watch Series 2. But you can set standard templates for quick replies.
As we already mentioned, Bluetooth is needed to connect the Gear S3 to a smartphone (via the Gear Manager app), but it can also be used to connect wireless headphones. This is a useful feature considering there is 4GB of memory, which can accommodate a lot of music from your phone. The downside is that you can only transfer music through Samsung's proprietary Music application. But at least it's a very easy process.
Samsung is doing everything possible to make the Gear S3 smartwatch work as a standalone device. Therefore, the Frontier version was equipped with Wi-Fi and LTE modules (works on an e-Sim card). Currently, LTE on the Gear S3 only works on certain networks and requires a separate data plan.
Payment service Samsung Pay
This smartwatch also has NFC, which provides an alternative way to connect to the Gear IconX headphones, and most importantly, activates the Samsung Pay service for paying for purchases and services through the watch. To set up Samsung Pay, you need to verify your bank card. This can be done via SMS or by calling the bank. Please note that verification must be carried out separately for both the phone and the Gear S3. Therefore, if you call the bank, make sure that both devices are confirmed.
Then you need to set a PIN code on your watch. Here again there will be a problem due to the fact that the Gear S3 is inconvenient to type on. After several attempts to enter the code correctly, it is saved and is no longer requested unless you remove the smartwatch. Then all you have to do is hold down the top button to turn on Samsung Pay and bring the Gear S3 to the terminal.
The advantage of the Samsung Pay service in the Gear S3 is that now you don’t need a Samsung phone. The company has decided to open this platform to almost all Android phones. There is an official list of compatible devices, but it is not accurate enough, since for example the LG V20 is not on the list, but we managed to connect it to the Gear S3 and set up Samsung Pay in the standard way. Although, this service is temporarily unavailable in the UK, so if you live there, be patient.
Also, the advantage of Samsung Pay compared to Apple Pay is that it can be used with magnetic terminals. Of course, this will require a little practice to learn how to make the necessary wrist manipulations.
The expansion of Samsung Pay to most Android phones is very bad news for Android Pay, which has yet to launch on Android Wear OS. Google seems to be lagging behind Samsung.
Health and fitness
Like Apple and Pebble, Samsung is betting big on fitness. The Gear S3 has GPS to monitor activities like running or cycling, plus a suite of sensors that measure blood pressure, speed and heart rate. The smartwatch can automatically differentiate sets during workouts and count repetitions of movements (i.e. lunges, squats, etc.).
The Gear S3 also has fitness features: counting steps, climbing heights, burning calories, plus the device will vibrate if you sit for too long without moving. All this is possible thanks to the S Health platform, which is constantly evolving.
Being Fitbit's main competitor, Samsung is trying to produce very decent smartwatches. We compared activity tracking accuracy to the Flex 2, and the Gear S3 was pretty accurate at measuring distance, steps, and sleep quality. Inactivity notifications work well too. When it needs you to lift your butt, the Gear S3 vibrates and the screen turns on. All data is recorded in the S Health app, but even on the watch itself you can view enough statistics about your activity.
A few words about monitoring sports activity. We did a 10K run to test the accuracy of the Gear S3's GPS. For comparison, we also used the Spark 3 device from TomTom. The results made us very happy. The route was determined accurately, but a more detailed comparison showed that the average running speed was higher than according to the Spark 3. Heart rate maximums were also 9-10 beats per minute higher than on the TomTom running watch.
Automatic detection of the start of training is enabled, as promised. The Gear S3 smartwatch accurately responds to walks, runs, and even exercise on the rowing machine. True, the automatic counting of repetitions is a bit messy. We compared the Gear S3 with the Jabra Sport Coach SE and with the Atlas Wristband. It turned out that the Gear S3 does not immediately recognize repetitions, so you have to make unnecessary movements. In general, Samsung still has some work to do here.
Unfortunately, the Gear S3's heart rate sensor is far from perfect, joining the long list of unreliable optical sensors we've tested. In addition to the above test during the 10K run, we also used it several times on the treadmill and on the stationary bike (ie, with rest breaks). However, we did not notice the expected dips in the heart rate graph; the pulse was always stable (although this should not be the case, given the pauses between exercises). The Samsung Gear S3 watch significantly overestimates the heart rate, compared to the proven sensors in the TomTom Spark 3 and Polar H7.
Applications
In the Gear S2, apps were our biggest criticism, but the situation with apps has improved in the new generation of Samsung smartwatches. How much better is something everyone must decide for themselves, because... Everyone uses apps differently. Overall, the Gear S3 is clearly better, but not by much.
Samsung claims that there are over 10,000 apps available for its smartwatches on the official Samsung App Store, which can be downloaded through the Gear companion app on your phone. Certain apps can be viewed directly through the watch. There are also many standard applications pre-installed, including a player, calendar, alarm clock, weather forecast, etc. In the Samsung catalog you can even find applications from such large companies as ESPN, CNN, BMW, Uber and Nest.
Overall, we liked working with applications on the Gear S3. Workout Trainer and Uber work great, although they are still partially phone dependent. We played a couple of games. For example, in Vampire Monster, where control occurs through a rotating bezel. It was fun and exciting. However, app support is nowhere near as comprehensive as Apple or Google. Taking this into account, we were very surprised that there are much more paid applications for Samsung smartwatches than free ones. The same can be said about the dials.
Again, the only problem is attracting developers to the Samsung platform. With GPS, a rotating bezel, and a clear strategy to continue making Tizen watches (for now), it seems like there's good reason for developers to look at the capabilities of Tizen and the Gear S3. We just want it to happen quickly.
Battery and charging
Thanks to its large body, Samsung has included a very large 380 mAh battery in the Gear S3, which provides up to 3-4 days of battery life. In our experience, this smartwatch worked for an average of 3 days, while we set the screen brightness to high and regularly used GPS. If you turn off the constant display backlight mode, the battery life approaches the 4-day mark. We also noticed that running for an hour with GPS used up about 10% of the charge.
There is a pretty good energy saving mode. With it you can also achieve 4 days of battery life. The Gear S3's battery life is much improved over the Gear S2, not to mention Apple's. This is quite an achievement for a device with a screen of this size and quality.
Charging the Gear S3 from 0 to 100% takes about 2 hours. This is quite disappointing as Samsung has made impressive progress in fast charging technology on its phones.
Video
Specifications
Model: Samsung Gear S3 Frontier
Iron
- Communication: GSM, HSPA, LTE, e-SIM
- Processor: Exynos 7270, 2 cores, 1.0 GHz
- OS: Tizen
- Memory: 4 GB ROM, 768 MB RAM
- Battery: 380 mAh, lithium-ion, non-replaceable
- Autonomy: up to 72 hours (mixed load)
Screen
- Touch multi-touch
- Matrix: Super AMOLED, 16 million colors
- Size: 1.3 inches
- Resolution: 360 x 360 pixels
- Glass: Corning Gorilla Glass SR+
Physical parameters
- Dimensions: 46 x 46 x 12.9 mm
- Weight: 63 g
- Case material: stainless steel steel, 316L
- Protection: IP68
Functions
- Samsung Pay
- S Voice, voice control
- WiFi, Bluetooth
- GPS, GLONASS
- SMS, MMS, Email
Other
- Announcement date: August 2016
- Condition: on sale since November 2016
- Speaker
- Vibration
- Wireless charger
There are more and more “smart” watches, almost all major manufacturers already have one or two or three models in their assortment, and in the vast expanses of China there are an incredible number of them, mostly from “no-name” manufacturers. Well, okay with China, they have every right. That's not what we're talking about today. Samsung presented at IFA 2016 the third generation of its Gear S3 watch. The previous S2s turned out to be very successful and functionally rich. The third generation watches are even more advanced (which is natural) and are available in two versions: Samsung Gear S3 Classic and Frontier. We are reviewing the Frontier model, which is designed for more active users.
What is it and how is it different from the Gear S2?
Samsung Gear S3 is a Samsung smart watch on Tizen, compatible with Android smartphones running at least 4.4 OS with at least 1.5 GB of RAM (like the previous generation), there are rumors that there will be compatibility with iOS. The watch is equipped with a round SuperAMOLED display with a diagonal of 1.3 inches and a resolution of 360x360 and automatic backlight adjustment (the previous generation was equipped with 1.2-inch screens). Instead of Gorilla Glass 3, Gorilla Glass SR+ is used to protect the screen, which is created specifically for wearable electronics. There are Wi-Fi, Bluetooth modules for pairing with smartphones and headsets, NFC, accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, heart rate sensor, lighting, and now also its own GPS, which makes the watch more independent. In addition, an external speaker has appeared, the watch can be used for conversations. Samsung Gear S3 is also protected from dust, dirt and water according to the IP68 standard, which allows you to stay at a depth of up to 1.5 m for 30 minutes. That is, it is still not worth fully swimming in them. The Frontier model is additionally protected in accordance with military standards MIL-STD-810G (protection from vibration, shock and temperatures from -40 to +70 ° C). Of course, there is more powerful hardware inside, and the battery capacity has increased from 250 to 380 mAh
What do they look like?
The Gear S3 has become even more like a “regular” watch. In the previous line, the Classic model could boast of this, while the “basic” one looked more futuristic (though I wouldn’t say that’s a bad thing). Both versions of the Gear S3 really look like regular wristwatches. The Classic version is more suitable for a suit, while the Frontier looks more brutal and aggressive. Of course, I liked this option better. The watch case is made of 316L stainless steel. The controls continue to be a touchscreen, a rotating bezel with small teeth around the perimeter, and two physical buttons on the side (Home and Back). In the Frontier model they are large, with a texture for more comfortable use, for example, with gloves, in the Classic they are small and round. In addition to Gorilla Glass SR+, there is one more precaution: the screen is located in a recess and the likelihood of accidentally breaking it is reduced:
The Classic comes with a leather strap, the Frontier comes with a more wear-resistant and practical silicone strap, they can be changed, Samsung produces a bunch of options from different materials, different colors and with a variety of patterns, so there’s plenty to choose from:
The set includes an absolutely neutral black strap; at IFA 2016 you could see a bunch of other options, including bright red ones. The mount is standard, 22 mm, so you can use not only branded options. The strap can be removed very easily using small latches on the inside:
The strap clasp has a classic shape that has been proven over the years. Branded straps come in different sizes: S, M and L. The watch came to our editorial office with a strap of size L, which was just right for me, although I have a thin hand:
On the back of the watch there is all sorts of technical information, the model name, 316L steel markings and an optical heart rate sensor, which the company claims is improved over the Gear S2. I used the previous generation for just a couple of days, so I won’t compare the accuracy and speed of work for objective reasons. On the side, near one of the mechanical buttons, a small hole is visible. This is a built-in microphone.
Unlike the Gear S2, the new model is equipped with a microphone and speaker, so you can now talk directly through the Gear S3 Frontier. The speaker holes are on the left side. Of course, the function works when the smartphone is connected via Bluetooth. A version of the watch with eSIM and LTE support is available abroad, which actually makes the Gear S3 Frontier a completely independent device.
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is quite large, significantly larger than the Gear S2. This also applies to the Classic version, which is actually similar to the Frontier in size, and only slightly lighter (59 g versus 63 g). For a fragile girl, the watch will be too big and heavy, so it’s better to try it on, maybe the Gear S2 will fit better. Moreover, the Gear S3 is not a replacement, but a more advanced and expensive addition to the line. Samsung is not going to discontinue the second generation watches and the models will be sold in parallel to each other.
From a male point of view, the appearance of the Gear S3 Frontier turned out to be as attractive as possible. Maximum visual proximity to a regular wristwatch plus an aggressive sporty design did the trick. Of course, the watch is perfectly assembled from high-quality materials, and there is a steel case. For the fair sex they may seem too big/rough, for such cases there is the Gear S2.
What about the screen and hardware?
Samsung Gear S3 is equipped with a high-quality 1.3-inch SuperAMOLED touchscreen display with a round shape, without any cut off pieces like MOTO. The resolution is the same as the previous generation: 360x360, but the pixel density has decreased due to the increase in screen size: 278 versus 302 ppi, although in this case this is absolutely not significant. The screen is very bright, with rich colors and (of course) maximum viewing angles. Always On Display is supported so the watch face can be displayed at all times. Of course, the battery will run out faster, but it will look even more impressive. In inactive mode, the current dial is displayed with reduced brightness, but it is enough to see the current time on the street:
Another useful thing is the increased screen sensitivity mode. It really works great and the watch interacts with gloves in winter without any problems.
The hardware in such devices is not as critical as in smartphones. Moreover, Tizen is a lightweight and very well optimized OS, also thanks to the very small number of devices on it. However, Samsung has installed updated hardware: it uses a dual-core 14nm Exynos 7270 processor with a frequency of 1 GHz (FinFET) instead of the Exynos 3250, inside 768 MB of RAM (in the previous line there was 512 MB). The amount of built-in memory remains the same: 4 GB, about 1.5 GB is available to the user, which is enough to install additional applications and a small selection of music for jogging.
Various sensors and wireless modules include an accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, heart rate sensor, light sensor, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC and GPS/Glonass. According to subjective feelings, it all works accurately, properly, without any problems. Although for users who are seriously involved in running/cycling and so on, it is still worth getting a more accurate chest heart rate monitor.
What about charging and battery?
Like previous Gear S2s, the current model charges from a wireless charging pad, which is very convenient. Much more convenient than all sorts of clamps with contacts, although the charging speed suffers. The stand has a magnet for faster and correct installation of the watch. There is an LED indicator at the bottom that lights up red while charging and green when charging is complete.
The charger is connected to a power source (for example, a PC) using an absolutely standard MicroUSB cable, so if you lose the included one, there won’t be any problems.
The increased size and weight are partly due to a significantly larger battery: instead of 250 mAh, a 380 mAh battery is used. They promise 3-4 days of battery life. In real conditions, with the Always On Display function enabled, a constant connection via Bluetooth and constant notifications from absolutely all applications on the smartphone (plus automatic regular heart rate measurement), a pedometer, and so on, the watch lasts for 2 days, which is very good with such a filling. Without Always On Display you can easily get 3 days. I haven’t done any races without a smartphone and memorizing the route using the Gears S3’s own GPS module. There is a suspicion that such a use case will significantly reduce battery life.
What about the software?
There are more and more “smart” watches, platforms for them have also proliferated, the situation is reminiscent of “smart” TVs: most manufacturers are promoting their own solution. Apple continues to release its square “Tamagotchis” on watchOS, Pebble use their own PebbleOS (more precisely, they used it, judging by the recent news), a number of manufacturers have settled on Android Wear, which is an attempt at at least some unification, but is not very convenient yet, and numerous Chinese manufacturers are even experimenting with stripped-down versions of “full-fledged” Android or their own creations. Samsung continues to promote its own Tizen both in TVs and smart watches, and it is worth saying that it is really convenient, but software developers are very sluggish in releasing new applications (although they exist, including really useful local ones like Privat24, Uklon, Uber, Eda.ua, Tickets.ua and so on). Samsung Gear S3 runs on Tizen Based Wearable Platform OS version 2.3.2. In general, the organization and logic of the interface is very similar to a typical smartphone.
There is a main screen (essentially a selected watch face), which, depending on the type, displays all sorts of useful information and controls:
There are enough of them pre-installed, plus the store has a huge number of different third-party options, both paid and free, starting with classic options and ending with animated ones in the style of “Terminator” or Pip-Boy from Fallout. Some of the dials support customization (choice of colors):
By turning the bezel counterclockwise (or swiping across the screen from left to right), the notifications section opens. In it you can read incoming messages, reply (there are certain templates), view missed calls, open a message in the corresponding application on your smartphone, and so on. They can be removed by swiping from bottom to top:
Scrolling clockwise switches between some sort of widgets with S Health information (steps, floors, heart rate), calendar, alarm clock, and so on. They can be sorted in the same way as transferring widgets to Android: hold your finger on it and move it to the desired location. The last tab is reserved for adding new widgets:
The application menu is organized as in the previous version, with icons in a circle. You can scroll through them either with the bezel or with your finger. The first in the menu is the application manager, like in a smartphone:
In the settings section, you can change the dial, screen brightness (10 gradations), screen timeout, turn on (or turn off) Always On Display, adjust the sound volume (or turn it off), vibration intensity, the function of double-pressing the Home button, and so on:
For full operation, you need to install 4 applications at once: Gear S Plugin, Samsung Accessory Service, Samsung Gear, S Health. The first two are for service purposes, the second two are for direct work with the Gear S3 Frontier. Samsung Gear allows you to view the current status of the watch (battery and memory), go to the application store, customize watch faces, notifications, manage applications, transfer music and pictures to the watch, set up emergency calls and messages, and check for new firmware. There is a function for searching and blocking watches (the opposite is also available on the S3 Frontier itself):
All data on physical activity is transferred to S Health: the number of steps taken, floors, see the dynamics over the entire time, readings from the heart rate monitor (you can set the frequency of changes or start it from the watch when needed), track the amount and quality of sleep. There is also a competitive aspect. You can make virtual friends in S Health and compare achievements. “Achievements” are awarded for some personal achievements:
You can also install quick widgets for different exercises. Some of them are monitored for hours in automatic mode and automatically start recording. Strength, for obvious reasons, is not tracked and when you launch the widget, you can simply start the timer, so, for example, with the bench press, the native application will help little. For more advanced features in the gym, a third-party Workout Trainer application is supported:
What can they do?
“Smart watches” are increasing their functionality, this also applies to the Samsung Gear S3/S3 Frontier, although they still cannot be called mass-produced due to the impressive cost and the fact that the average user is completely satisfied with the functionality of a cheap fitness tracker, of which there are a huge number on the market . For now, smartwatches remain a more geeky device.
Among the usual features, the watch can count the distance traveled, measure the speed of movement, remind you that it’s time to warm up, automatically determine the type of physical activity (applies to cardio exercises, of course), count calories burned, and there is a separate “Walk” mode. Of course, before starting a workout, you can manually start the corresponding mode on the watch. Gear S3 Frontier can measure heart rate, both automatically and manually. Of course, there is a function for tracking sleep (both its quantity and quality depending on the time of restless and sensitive sleep). It is possible to manually add data on the amount of water and coffee you drink to S Health. Among the more unusual and useful functions is a baro-altimeter, which shows the current pressure and altitude above sea level.
Everyday features include notifications from your smartphone and information about an incoming call; you can reject a call, send a message, or answer directly from your watch (speaker and microphone allow). Notifications can be read in full and a number of messages can be responded to immediately from the Gear S3, for this there is S Voice, templates/emoticons and an on-screen keyboard. It is possible to control the smartphone’s camera and its music player. Or upload music to the watch’s internal memory and use a Bluetooth headset to listen to. There are pre-installed applications for weather forecast, notes, calculator, news aggregator, calendar and stopwatch. There are already a decent number of third-party applications to expand functionality, starting with ordering a taxi and pizza, navigation HERE, Navitel, booking tickets, Privat24 and ending with simple toys (this is for those who know a lot about perversions).
Bottom line
Samsung Gear S3 Frontier has become even more functional and technologically advanced than the previous generation. They look even more stylish and are really very similar to regular watches. They are equipped with the current maximum range of different sensors, sensors and wireless modules (with the exception of support for mobile networks in versions for our market, although a version with LTE exists and, in fact, makes the Gear S3 a completely autonomous device). Branded software has already become truly useful and functional. At the moment, Gear S3/S3 Frontier are the most technologically advanced on the market. Plus they are made of very high quality from appropriate materials and look great. The main disadvantage has not changed since the previous generation: it is a high price, for which the user receives a very technologically advanced device, but limited in functionality/use.
5 reasons to buy Samsung Gear S3 Frontier:
- Chic design, materials and build quality;
- the maximum number of various sensors, sensors and wireless interfaces;
- convenient control and Tizen interface;
- functional and convenient S Health and Samsung Gear software;
- an ever-increasing amount of useful software, including local software.
1 reason not to buy Samsung Gear S3 Frontier:
- high price tag.
| Specifications Samsung Gear S3 Frontier | |
|---|---|
| Display | 1.3 inches, 360x360, Super AMOLED, Gorilla Glass SR+ |
| Dimensions | 49x46x12.9 mm |
| Weight | 63 g |
| operating system | Tizen Based Wearable Platform 2.3.2 |
| CPU | Dual-core 14nm (FinFET) Exynos 7270 processor @ 1GHz |
| RAM | 768 MB |
| Built-in memory | 4 GB |
| Heart rate monitor | optic |
| Communications | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS, Glonass |
| Protection | IP68, MIL-STD-810G (protection from vibration, shock and temperatures from -40 to +70 °C) |
| Additionally | Always On Display |
| Battery | 380 mAh |
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier smartwatch was released at the end of 2016. This is a device that makes it much easier to use a smartphone for active people, drivers and sports enthusiasts. The watch can not only show the time and work as a pedometer. They have many applications and capabilities.
In the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier review, we will show all the features, advantages and disadvantages of the smartwatch and compare it with its competitors in key indicators. In the writing process, not only technical information was used, but also real customer experience.