Samsung watch gear s. Samsung Gear S - Specifications

At the recent Samsung presentation in New York, in addition to the Galaxy Note 9 smartphone, the company showed a new smart watch.

The new product has lost the numbers in the name and is now simply called Samsung Galaxy Watch. I've been wearing this watch for more than a week and now I'll tell you what's good about this gadget and why going back to an Apple smartwatch was very problematic.

Galaxy Watch is a real watch. The resemblance is striking

I don't want to list the technical specifications and compare the Galaxy Watch with other wearables in terms of hardware performance.

For me, as a user, The feel and ease of use of this device are important, because from early morning until late at night, the Galaxy Watch is constantly on my hand, and readability of information in bright sunlight is no less important than having a top-end processor.

Yes, in the light the screen is simply gorgeous: no glare or glare, you can see information and time in any weather and in any conditions.

At the presentation, several Galaxy Watch models were shown, which differ in size and color: a watch with a diameter of 42 mm in black and rose gold, and a larger version - 46 mm in a brutal steel version - are available to the buyer.

I received the “men’s” version of the watch, measuring 46 mm with a sporty rubber strap and a classic clasp.

The company continues to rely on classic round watch image, but in the case of the new Galaxy Watch, the engineers have literally reached a new level.

Okay, I’m already used to the fact that the dial on the Super AMOLED screen sparkles realistically if you rotate your wrist, creating the illusion of real steel. This feature was also in the previous generation Samsung watches.

But new Galaxy Watch really ticks, if you bring them to your ear. Moreover, ticking can only be heard if the installed dial has a second hand.

I agree that the presence of this feature does not in any way affect performance and other parameters, but it does have a very significant effect on the sensations.

Regarding weight: the watch is heavy, especially after the Apple AW. The body is made of 316L steel and weighs about 63 grams., so you constantly feel this gadget.

However, I like this feeling: the watch does not weigh on your hand or cause any discomfort - you just know that it is on your wrist. Nice heaviness.

The round bezel around the screen works as a navigation joystick: you twist it and switch between menu items or active screens. Such control was implemented in previous generations of Samsung smartwatches, but in the Galaxy Watch the ring has the most pleasant tactile feedback, reminiscent of mechanical “clicks”.

According to personal feelings, in the previous Samsung Gear S3 frontier the tactile feedback was different, sharper.

Rubber strap can be easily replaced with any other, fortunately, the sizes are universal: 22 mm for large Galaxy Watches, and 20 mm for small ones. To quickly replace the strap, there is a special lever on the rods, which you need to slightly move with your fingernail and remove the mount.

To control the watch, there are 2 physical buttons on one side, plus the touch screen itself, with excellent responsiveness to touch. Considering how pleasant it is to rotate the bezel around the screen, you will rarely reach for the buttons - touches and the navigation ring are enough for any action.

On the back of the watch there is a pulse sensor, which does not protrude much from the case, thanks to which the watch fits snugly to the hand. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ and is quite difficult to scratch or break ( I didn't succeed, even though I dropped them a couple of times).

Even though it is an electronic device, Samsung Galaxy Watch protected from shock, temperature changes and vibration according to MIL-810G standard, so you can ride your mountain bike off-road in them or drop them on the floor.

Or dive to a depth of 50 meters: IP68 water protection and 5 ATM water resistance are also present.

What Samsung Galaxy Watch can do

The most important thing is that this watch lasts incredibly long for a gadget with a touch screen, a gyroscope, the Allways On Display function and other battery-consuming features.

The manufacturer assures that the Galaxy Watch can last up to 7 days on a single charge. I used this watch much more actively than the average user, but on the third day, when I took screenshots of the companion mobile app, The watch charge was still at 87%, here's the proof:

This is truly impressive battery life, considering the capacity of the built-in battery - only 472 mAh.

A significant role in saving energy is played by the new 10-nanometer Exynos 9110 processor with two cores and a frequency of 1.15 GHz, which was specially created for smartwatches in the bowels of Samsung.

By putting Samsung Galaxy Watch on your hand, you can:

• monitor physical activity indicators
• watch pulse rate (heartbeat)
• see your current stress level
• do breathing exercises

This is in addition to all the other functions that you expect to get from a smartwatch on your wrist, such as viewing notifications from all instant messengers and applications, tracking sleep stages, and displaying various widgets directly on the watch face screen.

The watch runs the proprietary Tizen shell and is compatible with all Android smartphones starting with Android 5 (Lollipop).

I connected the Galaxy Watch to my iPhone X and also did not experience any difficulties - the watch transmits information to the Health application, and you can change watch faces and adjust the frequency of notifications using the proprietary Samsung Galaxy Watch application, which can be downloaded from the App Store.

I was especially pleased with the huge selection of watch faces and widgets available for installation on watches - hundreds of them! Starting from classic chronographs to the most informative digital options, with a bunch of additional data, including altimeter and barometer readings.

The watch has its own memory of 4 GB, so if you wish, you can directly download your favorite playlists from Spotify and go for a run, leaving your smartphone at home.

Something very interesting is that the Samsung Galaxy Watch has a Briefing function: when the owner wakes up in the morning, The watch recognizes the moment you wake up and automatically displays data on the screen about the current weather, upcoming plans, relevant reminders and predicted battery life of themselves.

In the evening, before going to bed, the watch also automatically shows the results of the day's physical activity and the weather for tomorrow.

How I weaned myself from the Samsung Galaxy Watch. It was a little hard

A week passed, I took off my Samsung watch and returned to my Apple watch. Square clock. Watches with preset dials, the choice of which is limited by the developers' strategy.

Remembering and analyzing my feelings from using the Galaxy Watch, I identified the main pros and cons.

Specifications

• Screen 2 inches, 360x480 pixels, OLED
• Built-in Li-Pol 300 mAh battery, up to two days of operation
• Tizen OS
• Dimensions – 39.8x58.3x12.5 mm
• Silicone strap, body color white or black
• Water and dust protection IP67
• 2G (900/1800), 3G (900/2100), microSIM
• 512 MB RAM, 4 GB internal memory
• BT 4.1, Wi-Fi b/g/n, USB 2.0
• Dual-core 1 GHz processor
• Navigation Here

Scope of delivery

• Charger combined with battery
• Instructions

Positioning

In the Gear line, the Gear S watch is already the third generation and the flagship among all devices. If the second generation of watches was a work on the mistakes of the first, and the same Gear Live is a copy of them, but only on Android Wear, then the current Gear S is a slightly different approach, an experiment in a different direction. Let's start with the fact that Samsung decided to equip the watch with its own microSIM card, that is, you can make calls on it without a companion phone. But they retained all the functionality of the previous watches - that is, you can use the watch as a companion to your phone or tablet, or you can make calls directly from it or enjoy all the benefits of civilization. This is a fundamental difference - the Gear S watch can be either an independent device that can be used without a phone, or a companion to the latter.

This opens up fundamentally different use cases for us. For example, you can take this watch to the pool and receive a call on it, without having to take your phone with you. The same goes for the beach and other similar places. The presence of a full-fledged communication module inside could not but affect the operating time when using it, as well as the cost of the device, which is the highest in the Gear line. This is the flagship among Samsung smartwatches and a rather interesting device, which implements a number of new functions.

This is not only a watch for enthusiasts, but a completely mature product for the market and ordinary consumers. On the other hand, this segment still remains undeveloped, and as a result, it is impossible to expect that anyone other than enthusiasts will pay close attention to them. Let's see what they have to offer.

Design, dimensions, control elements

Plastic case, rectangular shape - the watch is quite large, but quite thin. They look good on the hand, but it all depends on whether this shape suits you or not.

The strap clasp has changed, it is just a latch, quite reliable. The size of the strap is quite sufficient even for large hands. As in the second generation of watches, there is no electronics in the strap, it is just a regular strap. The watch is offered in white and black colors.

The strap is replaceable, it is unknown whether there will be additional colors, remembering the previous models, you should not count on it. But during the announcement of this product they showed “fashionable” straps with Swarovski crystals.

For me, this is complete bad taste - the only consolation is that you definitely won’t find this “beauty” in stores, this is more of an announcement of cooperation between companies than a real product that can be found in retail.

Putting the strap on the watch case is not difficult, but it will take a little effort. Still, the curved shape of the body has an effect.

The OLED screen is curved to fit your hand, the diagonal is 2 inches, and the resolution is already quite decent - 360x480 pixels. Due to the curvature of the screen, it sometimes glares, but in real life this does not cause problems, the picture is visible in various conditions, it is quite comfortable.

On the inside of the watch you can see a heart rate sensor, as well as a slot for a SIM card, it is of the microSIM standard. When you open the connector, the watch will automatically turn off, insert a card, and it will turn on.

IP67 protection standard is supported, which means you can not only wash your hands in the Gear S, but also swim with it, which is nice. Among the controls, there is only one button under the screen, under the screen there is a light indicator, it can adjust the screen backlight. Nearby is an ultraviolet radiation sensor; for obvious reasons, it was moved to the outer surface. There is no camera on this watch, which makes it different from the Gear 2.

The charging block looks the same as in Gear 2, charging time is about 3 hours! This is one of the most serious shortcomings of the watch. The charging current is 0.15A, and the charging base itself doubles as an external battery with a capacity of 350 mAh. That is, after charging the watch, you can take the base and, if necessary, recharge it during the day. There is an indicator on the case that shows that the base is charging the watch.

I was confused by the moment with the external battery, it seems to hint that the watch cannot work for a long time on the built-in 300 mAh Li-Pol battery. The company claims up to two days of operation, without specifically indicating in what mode and how the watch can last that long. In my case, with an installed SIM card, a connected Bluetooth phone and notifications from all programs, plus email synchronization every 15 minutes, the watch always worked for about 1.5 days. A full day is guaranteed, less is impossible, and this does not take into account the external battery.

The settings provide the ability to disable data transfer on the installed SIM card (you don’t even have to install it at all!), then the operating time increases, and noticeably - up to two days or more, while all data from the watch is received from a companion smartphone. You can also play with other settings - limit the number of notifications, leave only the most necessary ones, change the screen brightness, and so on. Those who wish will be able to achieve 2-3 days of stable operation, but no more.

I would like to separately note that despite the fact that I almost always took the external unit with me, I never used it to charge the watch. There just wasn't a need. Rather, the watch was sent to charge in the evening, when I came home, at night I put it on already charged in order to control my sleep. In real life, I would not do this, since the full-fledged radio module in this watch emits, and taking such a toy to bed and leaving it on your hand is stupid. Therefore, the sleep control function is not very popular here, at least for me.

Perhaps it is necessary to say that the watch has a vibration alert and it feels great; I prefer to set it, since vibrating the watch on my hand is the best reminder. The signal may not be heard on the street, while the vibration is always felt.

There is a gyroscope and an acceleration sensor, so they are activated the moment you raise your hand to check the time. In our video you can see that this does not happen instantly, but with a slight delay. You cannot activate the watch by tapping the screen - this is done in a number of competing models.

The connection with the phone occurs via Bluetooth (version 4.1), and the watch can only work with one phone. In order to link them somewhere else, you need to reset all data. This can be considered a serious drawback, since you won’t be able to use the watch with a tablet and phone at the same time. And this is a very common scenario. Another serious disadvantage that struck me is that you can only set up the watch with a companion smartphone, despite the fact that this is a full-fledged device in all its characteristics. But the initial setup can only be done on the Galaxy Note 4 (Note EDGE as an option), no other devices are supported yet, and it’s unlikely that older models, even flagships, will be added to this list. We're already used to the fact that Samsung makes its smartwatches compatible only with its smartphones and tablets, but in the case of the Gear S, this compatibility is quite small. For many this will be a serious limitation.

Gear Manager on your phone - settings and applications

In order to use the watch, you need to pair it with your device (phone, tablets in the future). In the Samsung Apps application store, you need to download Gear Manager and then follow the prompts on the screen of your watch or phone.

In Gear Manager you can customize your preferences and select additional programs that are installed on your watch. Convenient interface for settings, since this is not so simple and easy to do on a watch due to the small size of the screen.

One of the pleasant surprises is the archiving of all your settings, that is, by resetting the clock, you will automatically get all the settings again, you will not need to do this work a second time.

I won’t describe all the manager’s capabilities. It is worth choosing a program that will launch when you double-click the center key.

Clock interface - management and work with them

Raise your hand, and the watch turns on the screen for 7 seconds, which by default displays the time, date and weather, or simply the dial you have chosen. The backlight time can be changed to longer, then the battery consumption will be greater. You can also choose different watch faces or watches with application icons or a pedometer - you need to hold your finger on the screen for different watch faces to appear.

In the settings, you can choose the font size for both menus and messages - the function allows you to customize everything to suit yourself and your vision.

On the main screen, just swipe up from the bottom and the main menu will appear. Moving from top to bottom goes one level higher, closing the current menu. I will describe the main features of the watch.

In contacts you can see your address book, and it is sorted alphabetically of the language selected in the menu, but then followed by a second language and the ability to quickly search. A line of favorite contacts with icons appears.

In the list of calls and SMS you can see who you spoke with, dial these numbers and talk directly from the watch, using it as a headset (there is no headphone output) - you listen to the sound from the speaker and speak into the body. If you move your watch far away, the sound for your interlocutor deteriorates.

Since the Gear S has the ability to make calls from the watch itself, I was interested in how call lists would be implemented. On the watch itself, you can choose which lists to display - by default, this is a combined list from two devices, that is, you see all calls - but calls from the watch's SIM card are not highlighted separately. This may not seem very convenient to some; after all, different SIM cards, different numbers. But considering that calling from a watch is not always convenient, at least without a wireless headset, this drawback can be forgiven.

Returning to the previous menu is done by moving from top to bottom, unlike the first Gear, there are no false positives and everything works perfectly.

S Voice - in theory, this is an excellent function for voice dialing, adding things to the calendar, sending SMS - in practice it practically does not work (recognition occurs on the watch). Even in a quiet room, S Voice is practically unusable - it doesn't work. On the street you can safely forget about its use. With a Russian interface, he, moreover, does not know how to search for English names in a notebook, he simply ignores them. Compared to Google's native voice functions, this is a bit of a stone age.

Music – control the music that is stored on your smartphone or on the watch itself, here you are free to choose what you want to control. You can use the watch as a remote control for your smartphone or tablet.

During calls, you can call them from your watch and send SMS templates, this is convenient.

I want to go into a little more detail about how you can call by the clock, because it makes your head spin. Let me start with the fact that the call you receive on your watch can also be received on your smartphone, that is, it acts as a headset. The exact opposite situation is also possible, when you can receive a call received on your smartphone’s SIM card on your watch – considering that you will have to speak publicly, this is not very convenient.

I connected the Gear Circle Bluetooth headset to the Note 4 and Gear S, it can work with several devices at the same time; this trick did not work with third-party headsets. Regardless of which device the call was received on, it was possible to receive it on the headset. It was more difficult with the last number dialed; dialing occurred from the device that you connected to the headset first, it had priority. In my opinion, using a wireless headset is a convenient way to work with such a watch-smartphone if you are going to use it for calls.

On the watch you can view notifications from any program, be it a built-in mail client or SMS or Whatsapp, Skype. You can also respond to messages here - you can dictate by voice, which is inconvenient, and the quality of recognition is terrible. Or you can type on a QWERTY keyboard; it's very small in size, but you can get into it even with your big sausage fingers. It is worth enabling continuous input in the keyboard settings, then typing will become noticeably easier, more accurate and faster.

Among the new features, I would like to mention navigation from Here, it works quite simply - just type or say where you want to go, and they will build a route for you. But before you can use navigation, you will have to install the Here program on your smartphone, otherwise nothing will work (download from Samsung App Store). The navigation seemed quite slow to me, unlike Google Maps. The streets are drawn slowly on the map, although the connection is fast and there are no problems with data transfer. Apparently, this is how a bunch of software works on a watch and on a smartphone. There is almost no practical benefit from navigation using a watch - it is more convenient to take out a smartphone and look at the road on it.

A new option has appeared in S Health, this is the level of ultraviolet radiation, it shows how much radiation or, more precisely, light you received per day. A non-core feature, purely additional. The pedometer now has an accelerated pace option; it is assumed that during the day you need to take at least 100 steps with high acceleration. Data synchronization with the smartphone and the application on it is fully supported. The heart rate sensor works during rest, when you move, it usually malfunctions. Interestingly, it is possible to turn on sleep mode, then they take into account how you sleep - at this moment the watch turns off all reminders. You don’t have to hold them on your hand, you can put them on a table nearby and put them on in the morning - plus or minus, your sleep will be taken into account correctly (in time).

The Samsung Galaxy Gear S watch is the third generation of the Gear line, significantly different from the first two.

The first thing you should pay attention to is the microSIM card that Samsung specialists equipped the watch with. Therefore, they can be used to make calls even without additional devices. The fundamental difference between the new product and other generations of Gear is the ability to use this device not only independently, but also with a phone (companion). This significantly expands the scope of the watch. For example, you can wear them on the beach or in the pool and receive calls without using your phone.

This feature, naturally, affected the duration of the device’s operation without charging, as well as its price (it is the highest among all Gear representatives). In general, the model in question is the flagship in the line of Samsung smartwatches, which is a completely ready-made product for the market of ordinary buyers, and not exclusively for enthusiasts. So what does this watch have to offer?

Design

The watch has a rectangular shape, a plastic case and is quite large in size. At the same time, they are quite thin and look very nice on the hand. However, it all depends on the taste and preferences of each person.

The Samsung Galaxy Gear S strap, like previous models, is not equipped with electronics. Its length is enough even for a large hand, and the clasp is a simple but reliable latch. It is available in two colors: white and black. It remains to be seen whether we can count on a wider range of colors, but experience suggests that it’s more likely not than yes. On the other hand, in the announcement of this product, the straps were decorated with Swarovski crystals. However, it is unlikely that you will be able to find something similar in retail. The strap can always be replaced, but this will require some effort - the consequences of the curved case make themselves felt.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The OLED display with a diagonal of 2″ and a good resolution of 360x480 pixels has an arcuate shape that is comfortable for the hand. This may cause screen glare, which, as a rule, does not cause any particular problems, since the picture will be clearly visible both indoors and outdoors.

On the inner surface of the watch there is a sensor that determines the heart rate, as well as a special slot for a SIM card (micro-SIM). By opening this micro-connector, the watch is automatically turned off, and when a card is inserted, it turns on.

Gear S supports the IP 67 protection standard, which allows you to wash your hands underwater and swim in the sea without fear of damage. Among the controls, there is a single button located under the screen, which, in fact, determines the ease of use of the watch. Next to it there is an indicator that regulates the degree of illumination of the display, as well as a sensor that measures ultraviolet radiation for a more comfortable visual perception. Unlike Gear2, this model does not have a camera.

The main drawback of the watch is the long charging time (it takes about three hours):

• The charging current is 0.15A;
• charging base capacity (external battery) – 350 mAh.

This means that once the device is charged, you can take the base with you and recharge the watch as needed throughout the day. There is an indicator on the case that displays the charging process.

The presence of an external battery itself hints at the short-term operation of the watch from the built-in LiPol battery with an energy capacity of 300 mAh, although manufacturers claim that the watch can work without recharging for up to two days. True, the developers do not specify what mode the device must be in in order to last that many hours.

Experimentally, it was possible to find out that with a phone connected via Bluetooth and an activated SIM card, as well as with incoming notifications from various programs and synchronization at intervals of 15 minutes, the watch can work for no more than a day and a half. Be that as it may, the device is guaranteed to last a full day without an external battery. By changing the settings, you can increase the operating time of the Gear S to two days or even more.

The vibration alert present in this watch serves as an excellent alternative to a regular bell, since it feels excellent, while a standard signal on the street may not be heard.

The gyroscope and acceleration sensor that this model is equipped with are activated during the period of raising the arm.

The watch can only work with one phone connected using Bluetooth 4.1. This is a big disadvantage, since you won’t be able to use this device simultaneously with a tablet and a phone.

Another major drawback is that the Gear S can only be set up as a complete standalone device with a companion phone. Initial setup is only possible on Galaxy Note 4 and no other models are supported. Many have gotten used to the fact that Samsung smart watches are compatible only with smartphones and tablets of this brand, but in this case the compatibility is completely low.

Let's sum it up

The Gear S watch differs from the seemingly ideal device of the previous generation (second) both in its functionality and use. In this model, additional installed programs are easily adapted to the display, which has become significantly larger compared to previous products in the Gear line. Since design is the main thing in a watch, it is what you should pay attention to. Before purchasing this device, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with it in detail, since its cost is quite high.

Color design of Android watches Samsung Galaxy Gear S

In general, one gets the feeling that Samsung, like other companies that produce similar products, are not entirely sure of the specific area of ​​application of such devices. An example is the Apple Watch model, which does not have a single specific use case voiced by the manufacturer. They share a significant flaw with the Gear S - the target audience of this product, as well as its purpose, are not entirely clear. Apple representatives position their product as a fashion accessory. It follows from this that functionality is given a second place, if not a third place.

Samsung specialists, in turn, do the opposite: they offer multifunctional devices, the weak point of which is design. As a result, when viewed from a practical standpoint, the Gear S is an enthusiast product that will soon be replaced by new, more advanced watches.

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, we think 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.

The well-known manufacturer of consumer electronics, Samsung, at the IFA 2016 exhibition in Germany, presented consumers with two models of smart watches developed by the company’s engineers: the budget option – Gear S3 Classic and the flagship model Gear S3 Frontier. The manufacturer included all innovative developments in the design of the devices that expand the functionality and performance of the devices. Currently, sales of these gadgets have started in Russia.

It should be noted that the differences between these models are that the flagship model Gear S3 Frontier has an e-SIM module and a higher degree of protection against shock, temperature changes, and aggressive external environments. All other characteristics of the devices are almost identical. This review is dedicated to the description of the more advanced Gear S3 Frontier model, which is currently the company's flagship product.

Packing the device and its completion

The sports watch from the South Korean company Samsung is placed in a small, black plastic cylinder and held on the charger body using a magnet. In the next compartment, the boxes under a plastic cover contain:

• comfortable silicone strap;
• a small manual on using the device in English;
• warranty booklet;
• charger (voltage 5 V, maximum current 0.7 A) with Micro-USB output.

Samsung strives to meet the needs of different customers, so in addition to the main one, the package includes a different size strap. The manufacturer refused to include a spare strap, the same as the main one.

A positive point for the user is that the Gear S3 device mount allows you to install straps from different manufacturers.

The charger is provided with a magnet that holds the smartwatch while charging and is compact in size. The design and functionality of the charger are practically no different from the previous model.

Appearance of smart watches

The company's engineers created a device design that meets the standards of Swiss brands. Sports watches from Samsung no longer look bulky and awkward on your hand. Now the appearance of the device resembles the appearance of one of the Tag Heuer models. The company's specialists implemented the wishes of fans of Samsung devices and made a device whose appearance is no different from ordinary chronometers.

The appearance of the watch will emphasize the brutality and masculinity of a man. The round display of the device is devoid of dead zones, the body is made of durable steel and has a gray color. The device is controlled using a special rim (rest) or through the monitor sensor. For people with thin wrists, the Classic model is more suitable, as it is thinner.

The rotating steady rest (bezel) gives the appearance of a sports watch unique features and makes it easier to operate the device. The touch screen has good sensitivity and makes it easy to manipulate the software menu.

There are two functional buttons on the right side of the device. The top key, when pressed lightly, returns to the previous menu item, and the bottom key opens the home page tab.
At the bottom of the case, under the bottom key, there is a hole that makes it easier for sound to reach the microphone. There are three holes on the left side of the chronometer, which provide hands-free calling via the speaker.

Chronometer display

The touch monitor of the stylish Samsung Gear S3 Frontier sports chronometer is protected by a special mirror-smooth glass that is scratch-resistant. The grease-repellent display coating protects the screen from fingerprints much better than that of the Google Nexus 7 2013 model, although it is slightly inferior to this model in terms of anti-glare properties.

The display has a photo intensity rating of 131, which is 18 points higher than the Nexus 7, but reflections from bright objects on the screen create a faint bluish fringing that stretches towards the wrist. There is no air between the protective layers of the display surface, so ghosting is practically invisible. At the maximum display brightness value (manual control, scale value 10 units), the light emission is approximately 600 cd/m2, and at one division it is about 10 cd/m2.

The design of the device includes a light sensor that allows you to automatically change the brightness of the screen depending on the external lighting. Tests have shown that with brightness levels of 1,6,10 set on the adjustment scale, the brightness is automatically reduced in absolute darkness down to 10, 20, 130 cd/m2. The first two readings obtained are normal. In office lighting (about 550 Lux), the luminous flux from the screen is 10, 130, 300 cd/m2, only the average value corresponds to the norm.

The test results showed that automatic adjustment of screen brightness functions quite adequately, and the user can choose the most comfortable screen brightness mode for himself. The automation system ensures that the monitor brightness is reduced only after exiting the inactive mode. With ambient illumination of 20,000 Lux and above, even with the automatic display brightness adjustment function disabled, the monitor raises its illumination to 950 cd/m2. This brightness value will allow the user to see the image on the screen under any circumstances.

The company's engineers use an innovative active LED matrix to produce clear color images. The matrix pixel consists of 3 parts that provide the display of primary colors: red, green and blue. The brightness level of each subpixel ensures that colors of all shades are obtained.

The display of black color on the monitor is excellent from any viewing angle, and the color balance is above average. When viewing the screen at a 90-degree angle, white uniformity is remarkable. The image clarity is quite high even at very small viewing angles. Analysis of a set of indicators makes it possible to draw a conclusion about the high quality of image display on the screen.

Control system and functionality

Samsung is investing a lot of effort in developing its own Tizen operating system. All sports electronic devices produced by this company operate under the control of this software shell. At the time of writing this review, the smartwatch was running Tizen 2.3.2. and ensured their efficient operation.

The classic menu of the software shell developed by Samsung programmers consists of:

Other software products can be optionally installed using the Galaxy Apps store. It is not possible to install traditional applications from Google or Yandex Maps, but calling a taxi through the Yandex Transport application will work.

Sports chronometers are equipped with 14 different dials; if you don’t have a suitable one, you can purchase your favorite watch face in the Galaxy Apps store.

South Korean Samsung is making great efforts to develop its Galaxy Apps online platform, but, unfortunately, today it is losing in competition with the same store from Apple.

Synchronization with smartphone

The company's employees strive to create electronic devices that work with smartphones from different manufacturers and can support connections with different software shells. The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier successfully synchronizes with devices that also run the iOS software platform.

When connecting the watch with devices released for the Galaxy line, including when synchronizing with the flagship Galaxy S7 Edge model, the pre-installed Samsung Gear application is launched, which allows you to control and configure the device, as well as process data received from the chronograph. Synchronization with the LG G4s smartphone running on the Android software platform took quite a long time and required the installation of several special applications.

To connect a smart watch to an iPhone that runs on the iOS platform, you only need to install one Samsung Gear S program. Once installed on the iPhone, it allows you to effectively manage your sports watch. The smart chronometer does not support other devices running the iOS operating system.

When driving a car, the watch allows you to receive and send calls; unfortunately, the e-SIM module is not serviced by cellular companies in Russia, so synchronization with a smartphone is necessary to ensure communication.

Positive and negative sides of the gadget

It is rare to find a device that is ideal for any user and without any drawbacks.

Advantages:

• friendly and intuitive controls;
• fairly long straps that can be easily changed;
• long battery life without recharging (up to 4 days);
• serious protection from moisture and dust;
• convenient Samsung Pay application.

Flaws:

• inability to use applications not developed by Samsung;
• large dimensions that will not allow you to look beautiful on a hand with a thin wrist;
• problems connecting to a smartphone and connection stability.

The presence of shortcomings does not in any way diminish the advantages of smart watches from Samsung. This is an excellent and reliable device with a wide range of useful functions.

Conclusion

The developers of the South Korean company have created an excellent device that incorporates all the best from previous smartwatch models and many useful, innovative solutions. The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier successfully passed all tests. It is perfect for people leading an active life, because it has successfully confirmed certificates for protection against small particles and water (IP68 index) and vibration and impact resistance (MIL-810G index). This device is not afraid of either high temperatures or severe cold.
If a person is already using the previous version of the model from the line of smart chronometers: Gear S2 or Gear S, then the Gear S watch released 3 years ago has simply become obsolete and should be replaced with new ones. They have shorter battery life, they don't support 4G, and they don't have the best charging block design.

The Gear S2 model is still manufactured at the company's factories and engineers continue to improve it; now it belongs to the more budget segment of the sports gadgets market. The Gear S2 has almost the same features as the next model, the Gear S3, and is compatible with Android and iOS smartphones. Therefore, a person who loves new products and is not financially constrained needs to replace his gadget with a more productive one, and from a practical point of view, the Gear S2 is a worthy and relevant model.

The development of compact electronic devices makes a person’s life easier and better, but, unfortunately, these useful devices cannot fully replace a smartphone and are only their addition.

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