Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a classic smartwatch showdown: the Galaxy Gear S3 versus the Galaxy Watch 3. These two smartwatches, both hailing from the Samsung galaxy, represent significant milestones in wearable technology. While the Gear S3 was a pioneer, setting the stage for future innovations, the Galaxy Watch 3 brought a refined design and enhanced features to the table. If you're torn between these two or just curious about how far Samsung smartwatches have come, buckle up! We're going to break down everything from design and display to performance and battery life, helping you decide which one deserves a spot on your wrist.

Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two Styles

When it comes to design and build quality, the Galaxy Gear S3 and Galaxy Watch 3 showcase distinct approaches. The Gear S3, launched in two variants – Classic and Frontier – offers a rugged, sporty aesthetic. Its stainless steel case exudes durability, making it suitable for everyday wear and even some outdoor adventures. The rotating bezel, a signature Samsung feature, provides tactile and intuitive navigation through the watch's interface. The Gear S3 feels substantial on the wrist, conveying a sense of robustness that appeals to those who prioritize functionality and resilience. Whether you opt for the sleek Classic version or the more adventurous Frontier, the Gear S3 makes a statement with its solid construction and timeless design. The button tactility feels very natural and provides a better experience for the user.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch 3 embraces a more refined and sophisticated design language. Its slimmer profile and lighter build make it more comfortable for extended wear, especially during sleep. The rotating bezel, while still present, is more streamlined, contributing to the watch's elegant appearance. Available in stainless steel or titanium, the Galaxy Watch 3 exudes premium quality. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass DX, ensuring scratch resistance and durability. Overall, the Galaxy Watch 3 prioritizes aesthetics and comfort without compromising on build quality, making it an ideal choice for users who value style and wearability. The sleek design of the Galaxy Watch 3 is also more versatile, seamlessly blending into both casual and formal settings. The build quality feels very good compared to the S3. The rotating bezel gives a more premium look and feel for the user.

Display: A Visual Delight

Let's talk about the display on these smartwatches! The Galaxy Gear S3 boasts a 1.3-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 360 x 360 pixels. This screen delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making it easy to read notifications and view watch faces even in direct sunlight. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass SR+, which offers decent scratch resistance. While the Gear S3's display is impressive for its time, it's worth noting that it may appear slightly less sharp compared to newer smartwatches with higher resolutions. The super amoled display is very vibrant and very efficient.

The Galaxy Watch 3 takes the display experience up a notch. It comes in two sizes – 1.2-inch and 1.4-inch – both featuring Super AMOLED displays with a resolution of 360 x 360 pixels. While the resolution remains the same as the Gear S3, the Galaxy Watch 3's display benefits from improved brightness and clarity. Colors appear more accurate, and the screen is more responsive to touch inputs. The display is shielded by Corning Gorilla Glass DX, providing enhanced scratch resistance and durability. Whether you opt for the smaller or larger variant, the Galaxy Watch 3 offers a visually stunning experience that enhances the overall usability of the smartwatch. The smaller bezels on the Galaxy Watch 3 also contribute to a more immersive viewing experience. The display is also very good for outdoor viewing which can be beneficial.

Performance and Software: Under the Hood

Now, let's peek under the hood and examine the performance and software capabilities of these smartwatches. The Galaxy Gear S3 is powered by a dual-core Exynos 7270 processor paired with 768MB of RAM. While this hardware configuration was sufficient for its time, the Gear S3 may exhibit occasional lag or stuttering, especially when running multiple apps or complex watch faces. The watch runs on Samsung's Tizen operating system, which offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of apps and watch faces. The rotating bezel makes navigating through menus and notifications a breeze. The Tizen OS is very optimized for the watch which increases performance.

The Galaxy Watch 3 steps up the performance with a more powerful Exynos 9110 processor and 1GB of RAM. This hardware upgrade translates to smoother animations, faster app loading times, and improved multitasking capabilities. The Galaxy Watch 3 also runs on Tizen OS, but it benefits from software optimizations and additional features. The user interface feels more responsive and intuitive, and the watch offers advanced health tracking capabilities, including blood oxygen monitoring and ECG. Overall, the Galaxy Watch 3 delivers a more polished and seamless user experience compared to the Gear S3, thanks to its enhanced hardware and software. The extra RAM is very useful which makes the watch feel more snappy and responsive. The updated Tizen OS also brings many improvements which enhances the user experience overall.

Health and Fitness Tracking: Your Personal Trainer

For fitness enthusiasts, the Galaxy Gear S3 offers a comprehensive suite of health and fitness tracking features. It includes a built-in GPS for accurate distance tracking, a heart rate sensor for monitoring your pulse, and automatic activity detection for various workouts. The Gear S3 can track steps, calories burned, sleep patterns, and more. It also supports third-party fitness apps like Strava and Under Armour Connected Fitness. While the Gear S3's health tracking capabilities are decent, they may not be as accurate or advanced as those found on newer smartwatches. The Gear S3 is still a capable fitness tracker, it's a good option if you're on a budget.

The Galaxy Watch 3 takes health and fitness tracking to the next level. In addition to GPS, heart rate monitoring, and automatic activity detection, it offers advanced features like blood oxygen monitoring (SpO2) and ECG (electrocardiogram). The Galaxy Watch 3 can also detect falls and automatically alert emergency contacts. It provides detailed insights into your workouts, sleep patterns, and stress levels. With its comprehensive health tracking capabilities, the Galaxy Watch 3 is a valuable companion for anyone looking to improve their overall well-being. The advanced health tracking features make the Galaxy Watch 3 a more attractive option for those who are serious about their health and fitness. The fall detection feature can also be a lifesaver for elderly users or those who are prone to accidents. The accuracy of the sensors are also much improved compared to the Gear S3.

Battery Life: Powering Your Day

Battery life is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a smartwatch. The Galaxy Gear S3 packs a 380mAh battery that typically lasts for 2-3 days on a single charge with moderate usage. However, battery life may vary depending on factors like screen brightness, usage patterns, and enabled features. The Gear S3 supports wireless charging, allowing you to conveniently top up the battery using a compatible charging pad. While the Gear S3's battery life is decent, it may not be sufficient for users who demand extended usage or those who frequently use GPS and other power-intensive features. Disabling always on display can extend the battery life of the smartwatch. The battery life can also be affected by the age of the battery, as older batteries tend to degrade over time.

The Galaxy Watch 3 offers similar battery performance, with its 340mAh battery (on the 41mm variant) lasting for around 2 days on a single charge. The 45mm variant has a slightly larger battery. The Galaxy Watch 3 also supports wireless charging, making it easy to keep the battery topped up. While the Galaxy Watch 3's battery life is comparable to the Gear S3, it's worth noting that it may drain faster when using advanced features like blood oxygen monitoring or ECG. Overall, both smartwatches offer decent battery life that should get you through a day or two of typical usage. If battery life is a major concern, you may want to consider smartwatches with larger batteries or more power-efficient processors. Turning off notifications can also help extend the battery life of the smartwatch. Using battery saver mode can also significantly extend the battery life, but it may limit some of the watch's functionality.

Price and Availability: Finding the Best Deal

When it comes to price and availability, the Galaxy Gear S3 is typically more affordable than the Galaxy Watch 3, especially on the used market. As an older model, the Gear S3 can often be found at discounted prices, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, it's worth noting that the Gear S3 may be harder to find in brand new condition, as it has been discontinued by Samsung. The Galaxy Watch 3, being a newer model, commands a higher price tag. It is widely available through various retailers, both online and offline. While the Galaxy Watch 3 may be more expensive, its enhanced features and improved performance may justify the higher cost for some users. Checking for deals and promotions can help you save money on the Galaxy Watch 3. Also, consider buying a refurbished model to save even more money.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

So, which smartwatch should you choose: the Galaxy Gear S3 or the Galaxy Watch 3? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're on a tight budget and value durability and a classic design, the Gear S3 is a solid choice. However, if you're willing to spend more for a more refined design, enhanced performance, and advanced health tracking features, the Galaxy Watch 3 is the clear winner. Ultimately, both smartwatches offer a compelling experience, but the Galaxy Watch 3 represents a significant step forward in terms of technology and functionality. Consider your priorities and choose the smartwatch that best aligns with your lifestyle and budget.