Samsung has just disclosed its seventh smartwatch, the Gear S3 along with its two variants, Classic and Frontier. The fresher model comes with some incredible features and makes various improvements to last year’s watches. Here, we are going to compare both of these exceptional watches so you can analyze better which one to shop for and which one to ignore. So, let’s get started with side by side comparison of Samsung Gear S3 and Gear S2.
Variants Comparison:
First, let’s discuss the variants of these two great smartwatches. Both Gear S3 and S2 come with two separate and unique designs. The Samsung Gear S3 variants are Gear S3 Classic and the Gear S3 Frontier. Overall, there is no big difference between the two forms, except its strap style and weight and Frontier with LTE built-in. Inversely, The Samsung Gear S2 alternatives were named Gear S2 Basic and Gear S2 Classic.
Design Comparison:
The design of the Samsung Gear S3 is elegant, unique, and rugged but it is not suited for women due to its bigger size and wrist styling. Samsung Gear S3 Classic version appearance is almost similar to the LG Watch Urbane to the S2 Classic.
Overall, S3 comes with a dress watch style in comparison with S2, which looks more like a sports watch due to its sporty plastic curves. The rubber strap has been upgraded with a leather strap and a 22 mm pin in a metal body similar to the S2 Classic.
It is more loyal to compare the S3 Classic with the S2 Classic, which had a standard 20 mm leather band. However, the S2 Classic smartwatch delivers more visual features in comparison with the S3 Frontier. The Frontier version of S3 is more sporty, according to the majority of people.
Size Comparison:
When it comes to size, the Samsung Gear S3 is one of the largest smartwatches in the market nowadays. 46mm size is way too big for individuals with smaller wrists. While on the other hand, Gear S2 was the smaller one.
Weight Comparison:
With additional size, Samsung Gear S3 is bulky too, almost 30% heavier than its predecessors. The Frontier version is even 8% to 10% heavier than the Classic. Due to its bigger size and weight, S3 is not suited for individuals with smaller wrists. And it will not attract women either.
Display Comparison:
The screen size of both Samsung Gear S3 variants is larger than its predecessors. S3 has a 1.3-inch 360 × 360 pixel AMOLED Always-On display with a pixel density of 278ppi. Although the bigger screen size is convenient to read it also increases the overall dimensions and the weight as well as decreases the pixel density of the device, which is not good at all. As the bodyweight increased up to 30% in the current model than the previous versions, the display size has also been increased by 15%. As far as display material is concerned, both Samsung watches use Corning Gorilla Glass. The S3 uses the SR + composite, which is more damage resistant.
All in all, the Gear S2 technically has a brighter but smaller display. In comparison, S3 can display more on its Always-On display, which also keeps color intact instead of going to grayscale and delivers the best customization.
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Performance Comparison:
Performance-wise, Gear S3 is far better than its predecessor. With the powerful processor, improved operating system, and more RAM, S3 is beating S2 in almost every department. It delivers 50% additional memory and battery comparing with its predecessor.
Battery Comparison:
Now let’s come to one of the most vital considerations of any gadget device, the battery. Samsung Gear S3 is loaded with 380mAh ambient light yet powerful battery that gives extra 24 hours than Gear S2’s 250mAH battery, and you remain connected up to 4 days. However, it may vary according to the usage of the device.
Software Comparison:
If you experience the Samsung Gear S3’s operating system then you will know that it is the same as was active on the S2 smartwatch, except now you can spin the bezel to accept or cancel calls and there are some minor visual changes. According to the manufacturer, both devices are compatible with Android and iOS.
Price Comparison:
Price is one of the most important aspects when it comes to buying these powerful and stunning smartwatches, and it would be your main concern too. Well, the basic model of Gear S2 costs 299 USD, and the S2 Classic is available at 349 USD. On the other hand, the Gear S3 opening price is 499 USD. Through a well-reputed shopping comparison engine; you can get your favorite smartwatch at the cheapest price while cutting the additional charges and taxes. These types of price check sources provide the best deals from the top retailers of any particular location.
Other Features Comparison:
Water Resistance
Both smartwatches are completely water-resistant and provide great protection against splashing, rain, and water drop with IP68 dust & waterproof rating. IP68 water resistance means you can put it under the water of up to one meter deep and for a maximum of 30 minutes. It is far better than the Apple watch that can’t be worn in rain or while swimming.
Wireless Charging
Both models of the Samsung smartwatch support wireless charging.
Speakers
Unlike Gear S2, the speaker and microphone are pre-installed in S3 that lets you call more freely.
GPS & Connectivity
GPS is only active in the 3G variants of the Samsung Gear S2. Inversely, all the S3 models have built-in GPS. In addition, the Frontier version of S3 has built-in 3G / LTE connectivity, so you can make and receive calls as well as check other activities without even using the phone.
Samsung Pay
Samsung Pay has been added into the Gear series since 2016. However, the 2015 models were NFC-only, and so retailers were required to use an extra NFC scanner to accept payments. The 2016 models have both NFC and MST technology, and thus you can shop from anywhere. While doing online shopping, try to compare prices for getting the cheapest deals.
Final Words:
With the bigger display, bigger RAM, and a bigger battery, Samsung Gear S3 has already given Gear S2 a tough time but it doesn’t mean that S3 is replacing the Gear S2. Both models have their own ups and downs. And so picking up a one between these two is not an easy decision to make. Although S3 is built with some amazing new features, it is also a bit bulky and due to the bigger size, it’s not well suited for individuals with smaller wrists. At first look, it looks like that the S3 is made only for men. On the other hand, S2 has a perfect size and includes all the major features of a well-equipped smartwatch. But it doesn’t offer LTE. So it is worth spending some time to compare the features and prices of both these watches and choose one according to your preferences.
