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Samsung has just introduced its seventh smartwatch, the Gear S3 along with its two variants, Classic and Frontier. The newest model comes with some amazing features and makes several improvements over last year’s watches. Here we are going to compare these two exceptional watches so that you can better analyze which one to buy and which one to ignore. So, let’s start with the side by side comparison of Samsung Gear S3 and Gear S2.
Variant 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 variants of Samsung Gear S3 are Gear S3 Classic and Gear S3 Frontier. Overall, there’s not a huge difference between the two forms, except for the style and weight of the strap and the Frontier with LTE built in. By contrast, Samsung Gear S2 alternatives were dubbed Gear S2 Basic and Gear S2 Classic.
Design Comparison:
The design of the Samsung Gear S3 is elegant, unique and strong, but it is not suitable for women due to its larger size and wrist style. The appearance of the Samsung Gear S3 Classic version is almost similar to the LG Watch Urbane than the S2 Classic.
In general, the S3 comes in a dress watch style compared to the S2, which looks more like a sports watch due to its sporty plastic curves. The rubber strap was updated with a leather strap and 22mm pin on a metal body similar to the S2 Classic.
It’s more accurate to compare the S3 Classic to the S2 Classic, which had a standard 20mm leather strap. However, the S2 Classic smartwatch offers more visual features compared to the S3 Frontier. The Frontier version of the S3 is sportier, according to most people.
Size Comparison:
When it comes to size, the Samsung Gear S3 is one of the largest smartwatches on the market today. The 46mm size is too big for people with smaller wrists. While on the other hand, Gear S2 were the smallest.
Weight comparison:
With extra size, the Samsung Gear S3 is also bulky, almost 30% heavier than its predecessors. The Frontier version is even 8-10% heavier than the Classic. Due to its larger size and weight, S3 is not suitable for people with smaller wrists. And it won’t attract women either.
Screen Comparison:
The screen size of both variants of the Samsung Gear S3 is larger than its predecessors. S3 has a 1.3-inch 360×360 pixel Always-On AMOLED display with a pixel density of 278ppi. Although the larger screen size is convenient for reading, it also increases the overall dimensions and weight, as well as decreases the pixel density of the device. , which is not a good thing. With body weight increased by up to 30% on the current model over previous versions, the screen size has also increased by 15%. As far as the display material is concerned, both Samsung watches use Corning Gorilla Glass. The S3 uses the SR+ compound, which is more resistant to damage.
All in all, the Gear S2 technically has a brighter but smaller screen. By comparison, the S3 can display more on its always-on display, which also keeps color intact instead of going grayscale and offers the best customization.
Performance comparison:
When it comes to performance, Gear S3 is much better than its predecessor. With the powerful processor, improved operating system and more RAM, S3 is outperforming S2 in almost every department. It offers 50% more memory and battery compared to its predecessor.
Battery Comparison:
Now let’s move on to one of the most important considerations of any device, the battery. Samsung Gear S3 is charged with ambient light 380mAh but a powerful battery that provides an additional 24 hours than Gear S2’s 250mAH battery, and stays connected for up to 4 days. However, it may vary depending on the use of the device.
Software Comparison:
If you experience the operating system on the Samsung Gear S3, you’ll know it’s the same as what was active on the S2 smartwatch, except now you can rotate 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 buying these powerful and impressive smart watches, and it would also be your main concern. Well, the basic model of Gear S2 costs 299 USD and the S2 Classic is available at 349 USD. On the other hand, the opening price of the Gear S3 is 499 USD. Through a reputable comparison shopping engine; you can get your favorite smartwatch at the cheapest price while reducing additional fees and taxes. These types of price check sources provide the best deals from major retailers in any particular location.
Comparison of other features:
Waterproof
Both smartwatches are completely waterproof and provide great protection against splashes, rain and water drops with an IP68 dust and waterproof rating. IP68 waterproof means you can place it underwater up to a meter deep and for up to 30 minutes. It is much better than the Apple watch which cannot be worn in the rain or when swimming.
wireless charging
Both Samsung smartwatch models support wireless charging.
Speakers
Unlike the Gear S2, the speaker and microphone are pre-installed on the S3, allowing you to call more freely.
GPS and connectivity
GPS is only active on the 3G variants of the Samsung Gear S2. By contrast, all S3 models have built-in GPS. Plus, 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 your phone.
samsung pay
Samsung Pay has been added to the Gear series since 2016. However, the 2015 models were NFC-only, so retailers had to use an additional NFC scanner to accept payments. The 2016 models have NFC and MST technology, so you can buy from anywhere. When shopping online, try to compare prices to get the cheapest deals.
Last words:
With a bigger screen, bigger RAM, and bigger battery, the Samsung Gear S3 has already given the Gear S2 a hard time, but that doesn’t mean the S3 is replacing the Gear S2. Both models have their own ups and downs. Therefore, choosing 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 its larger size, it is not suitable for those with smaller wrists. At first glance, it seems that the S3 is made only for men. On the other hand, S2 is perfectly sized and includes all the main features of a well-equipped smartwatch. But it does not offer LTE. Therefore, it is worth spending some time to compare the features and prices of these two watches and choose one according to your preferences.