Samsung Galaxy Watch 3

In many ways, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 sees so many improvements compared to the original. It, for sure, isn’t the perfect smartwatch but it comes with a dazzling design, a vibrant display, and a wide range of new fitness features with which you can keep track of your progress and stay motivated.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 still has that same circular display shape with a rotatable raised bezel that you can physically cycle through menus. Compared to the first-generation device, it looks better, slimmer, and lighter.

Activity tracking is improved with the new fitness features as well as some new tools like electrocardiogram and fall detection.

The smartwatch’s battery life could be better. It isn’t disappointing though. But if you are expecting it to last for weeks, you probably should look for another device.

If you want to find the best smartwatch to pair with your android phone, this might be it. If you are an iPhone owner, this can even beat the Apple Watch if you want something that is different from the trademark squared design of Apple.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Release Date

Samsung first unveiled the Galaxy Watch 3 at the virtual Unpacked event, along with the Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra on August 6. The device is now available for pre-order and sale now.

US consumers can buy the device while UK consumers will have to wait until August 20. For Australia, the watch will be available from August 28.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Price

The price of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is $399 for the smaller 31mm model while the larger 45mm model costs $329. The price is raised further for models with LTE connectivity. The 41mm version costs $449 while $479 is the price of the 45mm variant.

The base price of the Watch 3 is quite higher than that of the original Watch.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Design and Display

Compare to the original smartwatch, the design of the Galaxy Watch 3 is more refined. The design team has made another smartwatch masterpiece. The Galaxy Watch 3 is lighter, slimmer, and more comfortable to wear.

There are two sizes, a smaller 41mm and a larger 45mm version. This review will be on the 45mm model.

Both models share the same core features, just some small differences in terms of specs.

For the 41mm model, you will have a 1.2-inch while the 45mm has a 1.3-inch Circular Super AMOLED panel and a full-color always-on display.

The display has a 360 x 360 resolution, which is perfect for the 45mm model. Samsung uses Corning Gorilla Glass DX for protection. The display is vivid, bright, and easy to read regardless of the types of light. Even when you are outdoor exercising, you won’t have any problem seeing the screen.

The Watch 3 is 14% slimmer but it still has the same circular screen shape and size of the original watch. Samsung also keeps the rotating bezel with which users can navigate through the on-screen menus.

Both versions are made using stainless steel. The weight of the 45mm is 53.8g while the 41mm is 48.2g. There is an extra-light titanium variant, available in 45mm and weighs only 43g.

The Galaxy Watch 3 is comfortable to wear casually and during workouts. The 45mm model comes in Mystic Black and Mystic Silver while the 41mm variant is in Mystic Bronze and Mystic Silver.

Both come with leather straps. So ì you want to go for a more fitness0friendly silicone strap, you will have to buy it.

The 45mm goes with all 22mm straps while the 41mm one uses the 20mm straps.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Performance and Software

The Galaxy Watch 3 has the same chipset as the original Galaxy Watch. And some may feel disappointed by this.

However, the Galaxy Watch 3 can still load apps quickly, partly thanks to the 1GB of RAM.

For smartwatches, processing power is not often a major thing as there is less to run compared to a typical phone. The Galaxy Watch 3 is able to deliver great performance.

All versions have 8GB of storage. The OS as well as pre-loaded apps already use up 3.59GB. So you will have about 4GB left.

The Galaxy Watch 3 uses the Tizen software of Samsung, which has been used for the company’s smartwatches over the last few years since Samsung stopped using Google’s Android Wear platform.

With the Galaxy Watch 3, the latest Tizen OS 5.5 software is used. This is accomplished software even though Samsung’s ecosystem does not have as many third-party as Apple Watch’s watchOS.

Instead, you can use a lot of features that are already on the smartwatch or download some third-party ones from the Tizen store. Some of the missing apps include Google Maps.

It is easy to navigate around the watch with the rotating bezel. You can still use your finger to tap or swipe.

For compatibility, the Galaxy Watch 3 can connect with Android as well as iOS devices. However, you won’t be able to reply to iMessages even though notifications still pop up on the watch face. Features like “Find My Phone” don’t work either.

Only users with iPhone 5 or above with iOS 9 software or Android devices with Android 6 software are compatible.

If you want to leave your smartwatch at home, there is an LTE version that you can slip a SIM card into the slot and have an internet connection. You are able to use online features and take phone calls.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Fitness

This is a key component of the smartwatch. Although the Galaxy Watch 3 isn’t a sequel to Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Active 2, Samsung still brings some of the fitness-focused features from the Active 2 to the Galaxy Watch 3.

There are seven activities that will automatically trigger the smartwatch’s fitness tracking whether you remember to start the tracking or not. These are walking, running, cycling, swimming, rowing, dynamic workouts, and elliptical workouts.

When you are done with your workout, the smartwatch will ask if you are finished. The smartwatch can track 40 workouts in total, from crunches to yoga, pilates to deadlifts. Those that aren’t on the list can be set up within the app or through Bixby’s voice assistant. The Watch 3 also has stress tracking for heart rates and breathing exercises suggestion.

The brand-new features here include fall detection that we have seen on Apple’s Apple Watch 4 and 5 and on-demand VO2 Max readings. With the latter, the maximum amount of oxygen that your body can take in while exercising will be calculated.

The smartwatch also has electrocardiogram and blood pressure monitoring. The device is IP68 water-resistant so you can swim while wearing the smartwatch in an average pool. However, it isn’t built for saltwater.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Battery Life

The smartwatch has a 340mAh battery compared to the 472mAh of the original device. However, despite the reduced capacity, it works surprisingly well. Of course, it won’t be able to give you four to five days of usage. Instead, you will have around two to three days for general usage.

If you are someone who exercises a lot and uses heart rate monitor as well as the GPS, the smartwatch will last about a day and a half.

On average, the Galaxy Watch 3 takes an around two and a half hours to be recharged.