Samsung watch galaxy gear s3 review. Review of the Samsung Gear S3 Classic smartwatch: it couldn't be better. With GPS support and new SoC

There is a lull in the Android Wear device camp, which Samsung has not failed to take advantage of. Back at IFA 2016, the Korean manufacturer presented the Gear S3 smartwatch, which continues the glorious traditions of the first generations. At the same time, some weaknesses were eliminated, and the advantages, on the contrary, were strengthened. The result is a larger and heavier Smartwatch, available in two versions. Moreover, even iPhone owners may like the Gear S3.

We didn't seal it. Samsung continues to work on making the company's wearable gadgets. Samsung prepared the corresponding companion application almost a year ago, but for some reason it is delayed. Now the first quarter of 2017 has been named as a possible release date. On the other hand, Android support has not changed. The Gear S3 can work with a smartphone equipped with Android 4.4 or later and 1.5 GB of RAM.

But joining the world of Gear S3 costs more than . Samsung asked for its predecessor 349 and 379 euros (Standard/Classic), in Russia prices range from 14.2 thousand rubles and from 18.0 thousand rubles. For a new watch, regardless of the version, you will have to pay 399 euros or from 22.7 thousand rubles.

Almost classic wristwatch

The price alone of the two versions of the Gear S3 is somewhat confusing. But, as with the Gear S2, the difference is limited to the appearance and material of the bracelet. The Gear S2 is being replaced by the Gear S3 frontier, and the Gear S2 classic is giving way to the Gear S3. The frontier version is a little more elegant than its predecessor; compared to the classic version, the watch looks more sporty.

With dimensions of 46.0 x 49.0 x 12.9 mm, both versions of the Gear S3 are larger than the Gear S2 models, weighing 59 and 63 g too. The case in both cases is made of stainless steel; in the frontier it is black. In addition to the color of the case, three more external differences can be counted: the bezel has more noticeable marks, the frontier buttons are not round, but oblong, Samsung used different strap materials - leather (classic) or elastomer (frontier). Both cases are protected from dust and moisture and are IP68 certified. So the Gear S3 can withstand a drop in a sink full of water, rain, or a short session in the pool. But they still cannot compete with the Apple Watch 2.

Externally, the watch looks high-quality and expensive, which was quite logical to expect, since Samsung attracted famous designers. The Gear S3 classic will look good with a suit, while the frontier version is better suited to sporty users. The bracelet of both models can be easily replaced, all 22 mm straps fit. Samsung itself offers a large number of bracelets in two lengths: 110 and 130 mm. This is good, but some women or men with thin wrists will not be as comfortable. It's all about the large case; it would not hurt the manufacturer to release a Smartwatch version with a smaller case.

Otherwise, the watch is quite comfortable to wear, comparable to classic watches of a similar size. We had no complaints about the quality of production. The bezel and buttons are quite comfortable, the resistance when turning and pressing is well chosen.

Overall, the Gear S3 feels even more like an expensive watch than the previous generation. Except that some users may find them too big.

With GPS support and new SoC

The enlargement of the case was accompanied by some changes in hardware. The display has increased from 1.2 to 1.3", it is still round and has a resolution of 360 x 360 pixels. Thus, the pixel density has even decreased, but readability is still good, despite the Pentile matrix. The display brightness is quite sufficient, it can be adjusted in ten steps, with maximum brightness the dial is readable even outdoors on a sunny day.There is also an always-on display function, where information is displayed even during inactivity.

The battery received an increase of 52%. The Gear S3 has a capacity of 380 mAh, an increase that could not have come at a better time given the new sensors. In addition to the accelerometer, heart rate sensor and gyroscope, there is a barometer and a GPS receiver. As you know, determining coordinates from a satellite requires a lot of energy.

The installed SoC was a serious step forward. The Exynos 3250, which was used in the Gear S2, has given way to one specifically designed for wearable devices. The "system on a chip" is equipped with two Cortex A53 cores instead of A7, the process technology is now 14 nm instead of 28 nm, but the maximum frequency is still 1 GHz. The SoC contains a WLAN 802.11n module, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC and . The memory capacity has increased from 512 to 768 MB, the built-in flash memory still has a capacity of 4 GB.

The watch case contains a speaker and microphone, as well as a vibration motor. The battery is charged by induction, that is, there are no usual contacts.

There are still not enough applications for Tizen

Tizen's biggest drawback continues to be its sparse selection of apps. This is the operating system Samsung has chosen for its wearable devices, but third-party support leaves much to be desired compared to Android Wear and watchOS. Of course, the range of applications is gradually increasing, but many popular programs are not available for Tizen. All this is somewhat annoying, especially considering the promises of the South Korean giant. The Spotify app was released a few days ago, but many other programs are still missing.

But even if applications appear in a timely manner, the Gear S3 smartwatch will still not be able to achieve the versatility of the Apple Watch - at least in the medium term. Even taking into account the number of initially available applications at 11,000.

Samsung itself is in no hurry to expand functionality through its own applications. Even such fundamental functions as a timer are not standard - you need to install a third-party application. There are such applications, but we come to the conclusion that even basic applications have heterogeneous design and different management concepts.

Gear S3 classic is a modern classic on your wrist, a combination of vintage design and modern technology. The marks on the bezel are applied using a laser. The pushers, made in the style of classic crowns, harmoniously complement the design of the case. The Gear S3 classic is built using 316L stainless steel alloy for a high level of protection. The Gear S3 classic is designed to last for days without needing to be recharged or connected to your smartphone. The Gear S3 classic gives you freedom.

Innovation in a rugged package

The Gear S3 classic 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 easy 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 preloaded 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 classic. 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 classic 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.). In addition, you can enjoy your favorite tracks thanks to the built-in music player.

Built-in GPS

With the Gear S3 classic, you'll never go astray again, even without your 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.

Tracks for the road

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

Built-in sensors

Gear S3 classic features a barometer and constantly monitors your 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.

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.

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.

Water and dust protection

Wear the Gear S3 classic 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)

More than 10,000 applications

You don't need a smartphone to download apps for the Gear S3 classic. Just go to Galaxy Apps from the Gear S3 classic 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)!

With some changes and improvements, both in terms of design, functions and autonomy. In this comparison of the Galaxy Watch and Gear S3, you'll find out what exactly has changed, and how the new version is better than its predecessor.

Samsung Galaxy Watch vs Gear S3: Design

Although the two models are very similar in appearance, in our opinion the Galaxy Watch looks more sophisticated and elegant than the Gear S3. But again, this depends on personal preference. For those unaware, the Gear S3 comes in two variants: Classic and Frontier. As the name suggests, the former looks more classic, while the latter looks more sporty. Both versions have a case diameter of 46 mm.

The Galaxy Watch comes in one design, but with two case sizes: 42 and 46 mm, with the 46 mm version only available in a silver case with a black bezel around the screen, and the 42 mm version in black or rose gold, which should appeal to girls and women.

One of the features of the new watch model is a realistic dial with hour hands and an imitation of the sound of a mechanical watch, thanks to which the gadget can easily be mistaken for a classic analog watch.

Galaxy Watch and Gear S3 features

In terms of functions related to activity tracking, Samsung devices have always been inferior to gadgets from such companies as Fitbit, Garmin or Polar. But with the Galaxy Watch, Samsung takes the experience to the next level by adding several new features.

The watch can automatically detect the start of a workout and can control up to 39 sports modes. To obtain more accurate data, the watch is equipped with a GPS module, so during training you can get data on speed, trajectory and route.

Another new feature is the stress management system. Combined with data from a heart rate sensor, this system can determine the user's stress level and recommend breathing exercises and meditation to reduce it. Galaxy Watch also received advanced sleep monitoring, with automatic detection of sleep depth and phases.

Another watch will help you control your calorie and water consumption, which was not the case in the previous model. The Gear S3 had some of these features, but it can't detect stress levels and can't track as many sports modes.

As for other functions, the Galaxy Watch is also equipped with an NFC module for contactless payments via Samsung Pay, but without MST, which we, unfortunately, do not support. The watch also supports the use of the Bixby voice assistant and control of other Samsung gadgets from the watch using the SmartThings application. Otherwise, with the exception of minor differences, the functionality of these two models is identical.

Samsung Galaxy Watch vs Gear S3: Specifications and Software

Like the Gear S3, the Galaxy Watch runs on the Tizen operating system (version 4.0). To pair with a smartphone, an updated application (formerly Samsung Gear) is used.

The 46mm version of the Galaxy Watch uses the exact same screen as the Gear S3. This is a Super AMOLED panel with a diameter of 1.3 inches with a resolution of 360*360 pixels. The 42 mm version has a screen with the same resolution of 360*360 pixels, but with a smaller diameter - 1.2 inches. Using protective glass, the Galaxy Watch screens are better protected from bumps and scratches than the Gear S3 with Gorilla Glass SR+.

Another change affected the processor. The performance of the Galaxy Watch is powered by a new Exynos 9110 processor with a frequency of 1.15 GHz, while the previous model runs on an Exynos 7270 chip with a frequency of 1.0 GHz. Memory in both cases: 768 MB of RAM and 4 GB of internal memory. The LTE version of the Galaxy Watch will receive 1.5 GB of RAM, but it will not be available in our market.

Samsung Galaxy Watch and Gear S3: waterproof and battery life

The autonomy of the new watch model has improved significantly. If the Gear S3 could last a maximum of 4 days without charging, then for the Galaxy Watch this time changed to 7 days, thanks to a 472 mAh battery. But this only applies to the 46 mm version. The 42 mm watch has the same autonomy as the previous model.

In terms of water resistance, the Gear S3 is IP68 rated for water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand short periods of submersion in water. The new model has a water resistance level of 5 ATM, which means they can withstand swimming and even diving to shallow depths.

Let's sum it up

The Samsung Galaxy Watch is a clear improvement over the Gear S3, but probably not enough to make you want to sell your Gear S3 and buy the new version right now. Evolution, of course, is obvious, but this is precisely evolution, and not a revolutionary leap forward.

Samsung recently expanded its smartwatch lineup with a new generation, the Gear S3, which includes two models: Classic and Frontier. The latter attracted the most attention from the audience due to their pleasant appearance, which complemented the software and hardware advantages of the series. the site tested the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier and figured out whether the device was worthy of the attention it received during the announcement.

Specifications Samsung Gear S Frontier

• display: 1.3 inches, 360R resolution, Super AMOLED, Gorilla Glass SR
• Processor: Exynos 7270 clocked at 1 GHz
• RAM: 768 MB, ROM: 4 GB
• Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 802.11n, NFC, MST, GPS
• accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, altimeter, optical heart rate sensor
• protection: IP68, MIL-STD-810G
• battery: 380 mAh
• dimensions: 49x46x12.9 mm, weight: 62 g
• OS: Tizen Based Wearable Platform 2.3.2

Appearance

Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is a sports version of the current line of smart watches from the Korean brand, which is distinguished by its massiveness and good-looking appearance. The controls are familiar from the Gear S2: a bezel rotating around the display and two keys. The latter have a relief applied to them; the buttons themselves are large, with a moderately tight and precise action. The bezel is matte, it is covered with markings, and there are serifs at the ends.

The upper part of the device, made of stainless steel, has properties similar to gloss: it quickly becomes covered with fingerprints and, even if not thoroughly wiped, retains stains. This can only be noticed when examining the case in detail from a few centimeters; in all other cases, this feature is successfully hidden by the dark color of the metal. The lower half of the case, which is adjacent to the hand, consists of a plastic form and a glass (or very similar to glass) cover, under which the heartbeat sensor is hidden.

The device is large and weighty (62 g without a strap), which will not allow people with thin hands to carry it, and the thickness is impressive. Samsung Gear S3 Frontier cannot be called a “boiler”; rather, it is a medium size, familiar from the mass segment of wristwatches. It’s especially pleasing that the gadget matches its analog counterparts not only in size, but also in appearance.

The design of the first mass-produced smartwatches could hardly be called sophisticated, and they were hardly watches. In three years, the situation on the market has not changed much, but the Gear S3, unlike most competitors, can hardly be called a wearable computer when you see them on your hand - you can’t even immediately understand that the device is smart and not ordinary mechanics.

Additionally, I am glad that the smart watch received not only IP68 protection from water and dust, but also meets the MIL-810G standard, that is, it can withstand falls from a small height (not particularly important for watches), and are not afraid of sudden temperature changes (relevant in winter) and survive light impacts. The latter is critically important for watches that constantly collide with door jambs, the surface of a table, or an unsuccessfully opened door. The standard also includes resistance to sunlight, shock and vibration - typical hazards that any watch faces.

Comfort and straps

The ease of interaction with the interface in the Gear S3 remains the best on the market, since rotating the bezel saves you from three problems at once: the screen does not get dirty, you do not need to take off your gloves, your fingers do not block the interface when interacting with the device (in some situations you have to touch the display, but this is more likely exception rather than the rule).

The control element has become tighter than it was in the Gear S2, besides, it scrolls well only if you cling to it from the side, by the notches; you can’t just move your finger along the rim from above. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage: during all testing, there were no false interactions with the interface when rubbing against clothing or other objects, but scrolling through long lists (for example, the application menu) requires several actions, since you are actually interacting only with a third of the bezel . The last inconvenience is minor, and it is present only now, while the jacket is an obligatory part of the wardrobe: it will disappear in the fall or summer.

The main achievement of the Gear S3 Frontier in comparison with the Gear S2 can be called the abandonment of proprietary strap fastening and the transition to a standard 22 mm solution: from now on, the user can buy a new version in almost any watch store. Yes, it will not have the Gear S3 embossed on the inside, but the choice is not limited to the options that Samsung itself will offer or several third-party companies that will risk mastering the mount for one or two models on the market.

The Gear S3's everyday usability has also improved over the previous generation thanks to its larger screen.

Display

Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is equipped with a 1.3-inch display with a resolution of 360 pixels in diameter. The pixel density has dropped slightly compared to the Gear S2 due to the larger diagonal, but strong pixelation is not visible on the screen, but larger elements are easier to see without raising the hand to the nose, and now in rare cases when you need to touch the display, your finger does not cover all space.

Other characteristics of the screen, traditionally for flagship Samsung devices, are excellent: the maximum brightness is so strong that even the brightest sun does not disturb the picture, the color richness and contrast are high. Black is the main background color of all programs, which not only consumes less energy due to the AMOLED display, but also has a positive effect on readability.

The best thing is the introduction of the Always On Display in the Gear S3. Another advantage of analog watches has disappeared. Moreover, this is not just a pale display of time, but nice, slightly simplified versions of the main dials.

Always On Display

The brightness in this mode is reduced, but it is still enough to clearly see the time. The downside is that even the reduced brightness is clearly visible at night, which makes it difficult to sleep in a watch that automatically tracks the user's sleep.

Functionality

The capabilities of the Samsung Gear S3 are largely the same. At the same time, there are a number of innovations that made the Gear S3 better than its predecessor.

Improvements

The sports component has evolved, which is in line with the trends in the smartwatch market. The device received an altimeter that allows you to measure the number of floors passed: an additional activity in S Health, another tool to reward the user for movement.

Sensitivity has increased significantly - the sensors almost perfectly determine the moments when the user changes the type of activity. So, the device automatically found out the exact time of fast walking - the duration of this activity was manually tracked on the Apple Watch, and the Gear S3 Frontier was simply on the hand. When the activity stopped, the Samsung device reported that the duration of the "workout" was 10 minutes 7 seconds, when in fact it lasted 10 minutes 18 seconds.

The highest accuracy is observed with all types of activity, and automatic detection paired with data reliability produces very detailed and correct information in S Health statistics

Engineers added a speaker to the watch, meaning the user can now make calls and answer incoming calls. Useful for answering in situations where it is inconvenient to take the phone: when you are leaving the store and your hands are full, when you cannot find your smartphone, when your hands are dirty (for example, while cooking). You won’t be able to have a full conversation, but quickly saying where you are or how long it will take you to get to the meeting place works great.

Voice input

The voice input function remains the most convenient way to interact with the watch (at this stage of development) to perform complex scenarios that cannot be described with buttons. These include creating notes, setting reminders, entering addresses and searching through large lists, for example, in contacts.

Voice recognition has improved: The Gear S2 was frustrating when dictating sentences longer than three words, but the Tizen update significantly improved the situation on the previous generation. The new product works even more accurately - now you can respond to a message in detail directly from the watch. Other voice-based functions also work well, except that the assistant's speech is still too robotic.

The system also received reminders that can be set by voice. The implementation is still lame: the device cannot understand both the text of the task and the due date in one request. For example, “Remind me to eat in 40 minutes” triggers task creation, after which the watch asks what the user wants to name the task.

There is also a bad scenario - the watch completely ignores “10 minutes” (and “an hour and a half”) in the voice request, which is why when the phrase “remind me to turn off the gas in 10 minutes” it creates a reminder with the text “turn off the gas in 10 minutes” and They set it an hour after the task is created. It gets more fun from there - when the user says a task is saved incorrectly, the watch prompts you to say "edit" or "cancel" to perform the appropriate action. When you say “cancel,” the device repeats the same question and will do so until the owner says “cancel cancel” (yes, repeating the same thing twice).

Sometimes a voice request using a similar pattern sets an alarm - in this case, the Gear S3 is able to understand both the time of the task and the name in one command. It is not clear, however, why the same command calls different functions.

Third party apps and store

The amount of software for Tizen smartwatches continues to grow, but the pace is still not encouraging: many popular programs have not arrived on the platform, but Android functionality allows the watch to respond to notifications without software companions, except perhaps viewing a sent picture or sticker. But what the Gear S3 really has a lot of are watch faces, those who like self-expression will like it.

Standard variations:

The software store has become much better than six months ago: cards now indicate whether a program is installed, content loads much faster, cataloging has become better, and sections have appeared with all programs from one developer. However, there is still something to work on, especially with regard to the smoothness of the interface, which noticeably slows down on:

The Gear app store on Samsung runs especially smoothly (no) pic.twitter.com/JYicNPKkjx

However, some changes are noticeable here (the main page is updated, the top pages regularly show new hits), in contrast to Apple’s similar section for smart watches. Yes, Samsung still has significantly fewer programs, but at least some progress is underway. In the future, the difference will become smaller and smaller, even to the point of Samsung's subsequent leadership if Apple continues to do nothing.

Gear S3 as a smart watch

Samsung Gear S3, like an analog watch, copes with most tasks: it always displays the time, supports standard straps and looks presentable. Autonomy is still not given to smart watches on the same level as traditional devices, but this is the price to pay for a bunch of additional features.

The device perfectly performs two main tasks of any smartwatch: it counts physical activity and shows notifications, some of which can be answered (if you use an Android smartphone) directly from the Gear S3. The lack of messengers on Tizen is frustrating, because it is from them that the bulk of notifications come, but the standard implementation displays text, and stickers and other additional content rather interfere with quick communication (or require a thoughtful response, that is, it is still more convenient to take out a smartphone).

The software from the store does not please with the assortment, but all the main programs are there: world time, timers, programs for ordering a taxi and other utilities, the functionality of which can be performed with one or two touches

Controlling the interface using the headband remains the most convenient implementation, since the screen gets dirty noticeably less, and there is no need to take off gloves in cool weather. The best part is that this method of interaction does not require getting used to: it is logical and simple thanks to the logic originally built for the round screen.

Autonomy

Samsung Gear S3 Frontier received a 380 mAh battery, which in loaded mode with an active Always On Display provides 42-43 hours of battery life. For example, almost the same number of people live, but without a constantly active display. If you disable the main feature of the Gear S3, then the autonomy increases to 65-70 hours, but this is the case when it is worth sacrificing autonomy for the sake of functionality.

The watch is charged from the docking station using the inductive method; the process of full energy recovery takes a little more than two hours. Externally, the charger completely replicates that of the previous generation, only slightly larger in size (which is expected due to the larger screen diagonal). Both generations of docks fit both new and old watches.

Competitors

The main competitor of the Gear S3 Frontier is the Samsung Gear S2: the earlier model almost completely replicates the functionality of the Gear S3, while being suitable for more people due to its compactness. In addition, their cost is lower than the new one - 6999 UAH. They don’t look that cool, you won’t be able to make a call, the straps have a proprietary fastening, and the battery life of the device is worse, but the main features (showing notifications, Always On Display) work perfectly.

LG Watch Sport and Huawei Watch are also competitors. The first watch is notable for being developed in conjunction with Google and using Android Wear 2.0, but there are problems: they cost $349 in the US excluding taxes, and are also not available in domestic retail. Huawei Watch is still available in official stores, its cost is 8500-9000 UAH. This watch will receive Android Wear 2.0 soon. Buying an Android Wear watch instead of a Gear makes sense in two cases: you're hoping to save money, or you want a more feature-rich system (Wear 2.0). The latter, however, will be of little use in the coming months, since developers will have to release programs that support new features.

Apple Watch Series 2 can hardly be called a direct competitor to the Gear S3, since some do not work with anything other than an iPhone, and although the second has learned to interact with Apple smartphones, it is not yet possible to fully use this combination (we’ll talk more about this in comparison). However, the two competing camps are largely equal, but the Gear S3 performs much better as a regular watch, while the Apple Watch is much closer to the term “multifunctional computer.” You can choose between Gear S3 and Apple Watch only based on the OS on which the smartphone runs - this is the only parameter that matters in this case.

Conclusion

The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier looks great: chunky but neat, smart but classic. A standard strap holder and an always-on display make the device closer to analogue solutions in terms of convenience. The smart component is also pleasing, especially with regard to the fitness functions and the convenience of the headband for interacting with the interface. The device can safely be called the best product in this category in principle.

The Gear S3 Frontier still doesn't get the point across why the masses should buy a smartwatch, but within existing devices it looks like one of the most attractive options. Great popularity will be prevented only by the cost of 9999 UAH, which is not high for everything that the device provides, but prohibitively high for those who buy a much more necessary device for less money - a smartphone.

The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier makes a great gift for any owner (with a medium to large wrist) of a flagship Android smartphone, and technology enthusiasts will also rejoice at this purchase. Other users can only wait until smartwatches reach a critical mass of usefulness and become significantly cheaper.

3 reasons to buy Samsung Gear S3:

• excellent appearance, protection according to IP68 and MIL-810G standards
• always active display
• the most convenient mechanism for working with the OS

3 reasons not to buy Samsung Gear S3:

• Not everyone needs a smart watch
• the potential owner has a small wrist
• you are not mentally ready to spend 10 thousand UAH on a smartphone companion

The Samsung Gear S3 is without a doubt one of the best smartwatches in the world. Their secret to success is very simple: great looks and lots of useful features. If a lot of different information (photos and video reviews) has already been written about the first one on the Internet, then little has been said about the smart capabilities of the watch. This Galagram article covers all the secrets and tips for setting up the Gear S3 smartwatch.

This instruction will be useful for both beginners who have just purchased a gadget and confident watch users. We think everyone will be able to learn something new for themselves and use the device to the maximum.

How to turn on Samsung Gear S3

To turn on your watch, press and hold the Power (Home) button until the screen lights up and the Samsung logo appears. If the device does not turn on, connect it to a power source for at least 15 minutes and then try again. Perhaps the watch was simply discharged at “zero percent.” To turn off the watch, also press and hold the Power button. In the menu that opens, select “Shutdown” or Power off. Everything is simple and clear here!

How to connect Gear S3 to Android and iPhone

The watch connects to Android (Android 4.4 and above) smartphones and Apple iPhone (iOS 10 and above) via Bluetooth. So this instruction is suitable for both operating systems. To connect your Gear S3 to your smartphone, install the Samsung Gear app from the Google Play Store or AppStore. It is worth noting that some functions may not be available on the watch depending on the smartphone model. Of course, phones from the Samsung Galaxy line work best with the gadget.

• Turn on the clock
• On your smartphone, open the Samsung Gear app
• If necessary, update the Samsung Gear app to the latest version
• Click "Connect"
• Activate Bluetooth when prompted by the app
• Follow the instructions on your smartphone to complete the connection

You can also connect a Bluetooth headset or wireless headphones to the watch. To do this, follow these steps:

• On the watch screen, tap Settings
• Then select "Connections"
• Tap the Bluetooth switch to activate the connection
• Rotate the ring around the screen and tap on the Bluetooth icon
• When you see the Bluetooth headset name appear on the screen, tap on it to connect
• If you don't see your Bluetooth device, click "Scan" and then click the device name when you see it appear on the display

Well, the reverse action, to disconnect from a Bluetooth device (speaker or headset), do the following:

• On the Apps screen, select Settings
• Click "Connections"
• Click on the Bluetooth device
• Click the Settings icon
• Click "Disconnect"

How to choose a different watch face

There are many different replacement watch faces available for the Gear S3. Most of them are available in the Gear app on your Android device, you can view it directly from the app, select the one that suits you, and set it as your main watch face.

Switching between third-party watch faces can be done on the phone as well as on the watch itself. To do this without the involvement of your smartphone or app, long-tap on the current option on the screen, then swipe left or right to view preset watch faces. Once installed, you can click on the Styling tab and select the display colors and customize it as you wish.

How to pay with your Gear S3 using Samsung Pay

A very useful feature, since you do not need to carry a wallet or even a smartphone with you. Just spend hours near a compatible payment terminal. Here's how to set it up. You must activate NFC and set Samsung Pay as your default payment method before using Samsung Pay on the Gear S3

• On the Start screen with apps, rotate the frame to the Settings tab
• Tap Connections > NFC, then tap NFC to
  enable this module
• Now select the payment method “Samsung Pay”

Great, the setup is complete. Now, to pay for your purchase in the store, do the following:

• On the Apps screen, rotate the frame and select Samsung Pay (or press and hold the Back key)
• Scroll through the list of cards, select the card you want, and then
  click "Pay"
• Touch the top of the Gear S3 to the card reader
• Payment must be successful
• This is all!

How to enable Always On display

Out of the box, the Samsung watch screen is configured so that it only activates when you “request.” In order to turn on the screen, you need to either raise your hand or press a key on the body. But there is one secret to making the Gear S3 screen always active. It's something like Always On Display on . To keep your watch "active" and showing the time all the time, do the following.

• Go to "Settings"
• On your watch and select the “Style” tab
• Click "Always On"
• Ready!

How to take a screenshot on Samsung Gear S3

Continuing the topic of setting up the display, we’ll tell you how to take a screenshot on this watch. First of all, all the screenshots taken on your device are saved in the “Gallery”. You can transfer screenshots from your Gear S3 to your smartphone. Screenshots transferred to your phone will be saved in the Gear folder in Gallery.

To take a screenshot, simply press the Home key at the same time and swipe across the screen from the left edge to the right - as you can see, it’s very convenient! Go to the Gallery app to see all the screenshots.

How to set the time

There are two methods: automatic, which automatically updates the time zone. And manual - when you set the time on the Gear S3 watch yourself. Below are instructions for these two methods.

Auto:

• Go to "Device"
• Click Date and Time
• Click the Automatic tab to enable or disable the automatic date and time update feature

Manual:

• On the Applications screen, go to Settings
• Click "Device"
• Go to "Date and Time"
• If necessary, tap Automatic to turn off automatic updates
• To manually set the date, click “Set Date”
• Select year, month and day to manually set the date
• Then click "Set" (or install)
• To manually set the time, find the "Set time" item.
• Manually insert hours and minutes
• Now click "Set" (or install)

How to install apps on your watch

Since Samsung Gear S3 runs on Tizen 3.0 OS, you can install popular applications on them, such as Yandex Navigator, Google Maps and others. To download apps to your Gear S3, you must be signed into a Samsung account on your phone. If you don't have a Samsung account, select "Sign Up" and follow the instructions.

• You can download apps to your watch from your phone using the Samsung Gear app and the Samsung Galaxy Apps tab.
• Swipe left on the watch screen or rotate the frame until you reach the Get more apps icon
• Select the application you need
• Select "Install"
• Once the app has been installed, you can access it from your watch's full app list

How to download music to watch

On the home screen of your smartphone, go to Applications. Select Samsung Gear. The Samsung Gear app may be located in the Samsung folder on some phones. Then do the following:

• Go to the “Settings” tab
• Click "Submit Content for Transfer"
• Tap Select Audio Tracks (may have a different name)
• Check the box next to the audio files you want to move to the Gear S3
• Then click "Done"

To have new songs automatically sync to your Gear S3 while your watch is charging, tap the slider next to Automatic Sync to turn sync on.

How to set and reset your PIN

Since smartwatches do not yet have a fingerprint scanner, data is protected using a regular PIN code. How to install the code and what to do if you forgot it, the tips below will help you with this.

To set a PIN:

• On the Apps screen, tap Settings
• Click "Security"
• Tap Screen Lock
• Tap Screen Lock Type
• Press PIN.
• Enter 4-digit password
• Re-enter the 4-digit PIN to confirm

To reset your PIN:

• Make sure the clock is turned off
• Press and hold the power button until "Rebooting" appears on the display, then release the key.
• On the “Rebooting” screen, use the “Power” key to confirm the device reset
• After this, the watch will be reset to factory settings along with the PIN code

You should understand that a Factory Reset will result in a complete deletion of data from the watch. Use this method as a last resort if the information stored on your watch is important to you.

How to properly charge your Gear S3

The most important thing you need to remember is to always use the original charger and battery to maintain optimal battery performance throughout the life of your Samsung watch.

You can charge the watch through the original accessory that comes with the gadget. To do this, simply plug the USB cable into a power outlet and connect it to a power outlet or USB port on your computer. The device charges faster from a regular wall outlet. The charging process will be a little slower from a laptop.

Place the watch on the charging dock, making sure it is properly connected to the gadget. The device will now start charging. While charging, the watch screen will display a battery charging icon with the amount of time remaining until the battery is fully charged.

How to improve autonomy

Below are some tips to help you get the best battery life from your Samsung Gear S3. Follow these instructions and your watch will run much longer.

• Set the minimum brightness
• Turn off smart display activation
• Disable Always On Display
• Turn off continuous heart rate reading
• Disable GPS in settings
• Activate Power Saving Mode