The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 – Apple’s Latest Opponent

Introduction

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is the latest opponent to the Apple Watch Series 6. Specifically, it’s trying to offer its users an all-in-one device that you can use for fitness tracking through to controlling your home’s smart technology. 

This watch was unveiled with the Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Buds Live back in August (2020). It comes in 41mm and a slightly larger 45mm with optional LTE connectivity.

Looking at the specifications, it’s a subtle upgrade from the predecessors with the addition of new features, rather than any development on the firmware. Notably, the addition of blood oxygen reading and a few design enhancements. Potentially, through a software update it will also be able to track your blood pressure in the future. Read more about how blood pressure smartwatches work and why it is important.

So, really, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 isn’t an overwhelming upgrade, especially compared to the Series 6. Nonetheless, it’s still a strong non-Apple offering.

Design

The main attraction to the Samsung Galaxy Watches is how they have the look of a traditional timepiece. Unlike the uniquely designed Apple Watch, which screams “technology”, Samsung offer a rounded touch screen with an OLED panel that looks like a classic timepiece.

Specifically speaking, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 offers a 360 x 360 resolution display, housed within a metal rotating bezel. Then, outside is a metallic main frame with two side buttons on the right. Ergonomically speaking, this is a really intuitive design.

Although it is possible to interact with the device solely through the touchscreen, some people like the addition of texture. So, the top right button has a stop-start function and the bottom is your input, back-to-home button and in-list scrolling. Finally, your bezel is how you switch between the menu screens from your home screen as well as scrolling lists once you’ve selected on.

Altogether, the design gives the watch a premium feel.

Sensors

What’s more, you get an impressive array of sensors on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3. 

Namely:

• Accelerometer
• Barometer
• Gyro sensor
• Light and optical heart rate sensors 
• GPS/Galileo/GLONASS/Beidou
• NFC

And you get 8GB built-in storage. Altogether, the spec of this device gives any Garmin a run for its money. 

Finally, it has an IP68 rating, meaning it’s reasonably waterproof against small splashes and sweat.

Software and Apps

Software

Galaxy Watches are the only devices you’ll find with Samsung Tizen software inside. For illustration, this is what they use inside their TVs and some smart devices. Meaning, you have access to the apps found in the Samsung Galaxy Store.

In itself, you’d think this would be enough to blow rivals out the water, but sadly, the current state of Wear OS limits this. To clarify, the support for apps is no competition to Apple. But, with Tizen you do get an app for everything you need, be it travel or weather. What’s more, there is support for apps you love like Spotify, and you can use the watch for contactless payments.

Tracking

Speaking of tracking, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is pretty capable. Whilst it doesn’t have top-of-the-range tracking data or an extensive list of activities like you’d see on a Garmin, but we are talking about a smartwatch, not a sportswatch.

However, it does track all the basics; walking, running, swimming, indoor and outdoor cycling, weights, etc. Also, it has a nice coach feature. Including a running coach that’ll offer advice as you run based on performance data.

The running feature is great for newbies to jogging and offers advice to keep you going as well as offering advice on what to do. Now, this isn’t as in-depth as the Garmin or Fitbit offering, but remember once again, this isn’t a designated sportswatch. 

To illustrate, tracking is not as detailed as, say, the Garmin Fenix 6 Solar, but it is on par with the likes of the Fitbit Versa 3. 

Finally, it’s worth noting that, whilst it is a smartwatch, there are some excellent wellbeing features, such as fall detection. As with the Apple Watch, it works much in the same way. Plus, it’ll alert your emergency contact, which is really handy for people with any health issues, or elderly users.

Battery Life

Here we reach the section where the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 doesn’t match up to the rivals. Whilst the battery life isn’t amazing, specially if you’re using GPS and fitness features regularly, it also isn’t bad.

The 45mm version has a 340mAh cell and they claim this will give you 2 days between charges. Luckily it has wireless charging.

Should I buy a Samsung Galaxy Watch 3?

If you’re not keen on an Apple Watch, or want something specifically for Android users, then the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is one of the best options out there for you.

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Last Updated on March 23, 2021