Samsung Gear S3 Frontier Review
Regarding smartwatches, Samsung is one of the top brands in the market. Their Gear S3 Frontier is a versatile and rugged wearable that has earned praise for its long-lasting battery life, intuitive navigation, and impressive features. This article will examine what makes the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier a standout device for tech-savvy individuals who love to stay active.
Design and Build
At first glance, the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is a traditional wristwatch with its circular stainless steel casing and rotating bezel. The device measures 46mm in diameter and 12.9mm in thickness, making it slightly larger than the average smartwatch but still comfortable to wear for extended periods. The watch also features a home button and two other buttons on the right side, allowing easy navigation and control.
Samsung Gear S3 Frontier
One of the standout features of the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is its water-resistant design. With an IP68 rating, the watch can withstand exposure to water and dust without any issues. The watch is also equipped with Gorilla Glass SR+ for added durability, making it an ideal choice for individuals who enjoy outdoor activities.
| Key Takeaway |
|---|
| The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is a versatile and rugged wearable. |
| It has earned praise for its long-lasting battery life, intuitive navigation, and impressive features. |
| Standout features include water-resistant design, LTE connectivity, built-in GPS and barometer, and heart rate monitor. |
| It’s an ideal choice for fitness enthusiasts. |
| Impressive battery life of up to three days is a key selling point. |
| Compatibility with Android and iOS smartphones, voice control, and interchangeable straps make it a versatile device. |
Connectivity
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier offers a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LTE. With LTE connectivity, users can make phone calls and send text messages directly from the watch without needing to connect it to a smartphone. This feature is particularly useful for individuals who prefer to leave their phone at home while exercising or running errands.
Navigation and Sensors
With the built-in GPS and barometer, the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is a reliable device for navigation during outdoor activities. Whether you’re hiking or cycling, the watch can help you track your route and elevation changes accurately. This is especially useful for those who enjoy exploring new trails and want to keep a record of their adventures.
Moreover, the Gear S3 Frontier’s altimeter and heart rate monitor are valuable tools for fitness enthusiasts. The heart rate monitor provides continuous tracking during workouts, while the altimeter tracks changes in altitude. These features help users track their progress and make adjustments to their workout routines. With the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier, users can rely on its accurate sensors to get the information they need to reach their fitness goals.
Operating System and Apps
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier runs on Tizen OS, which is Samsung’s proprietary operating system. The operating system is easy to use and offers a range of customization options for watch faces and widgets. The watch also has a variety of pre-installed apps, including S Health, which allows users to track their fitness and health goals, and Samsung Pay, which enables users to make payments directly from the watch.
Users can also download additional apps from the Samsung Galaxy Store, including gaming, social media, and productivity apps. The watch’s app store has a growing library of apps, making it a versatile device that can be used for various purposes.
Battery Life
The impressive battery life of the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is one of the key selling points of the watch. The 380mAh battery can last for up to three days on a single charge, depending on how you use it. This is a significant advantage over many other smartwatches on the market, which often need to be charged daily.
The long battery life of the Gear S3 Frontier means that you can use it for extended periods without having to worry about running out of juice. This is particularly important if you’re someone who uses the watch for fitness tracking, GPS navigation, or other battery-intensive activities. With the Gear S3 Frontier, you can use these features without having to constantly recharge the watch.
In contrast, the Apple Watch Series typically needs to be charged every day or every other day, which can be inconvenient for some users. While the Apple Watch Series offers many great features, its shorter battery life can be a drawback for those who need a watch that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
Overall, the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier’s impressive battery life is a testament to the quality of the watch’s hardware and software optimization. It’s a smartwatch that you can rely on to keep up with you throughout the day, no matter what you’re doing.
Voice Control and Notifications
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier offers voice control through S Voice, allowing users to perform tasks such as setting reminders and making phone calls without using their hands. The watch also offers a range of notifications and alerts, including text message notifications, email notifications, and social media alerts. Users can customize their notification settings to ensure that they only receive notifications that are important to them.
Straps and Customization
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier has a standard 22mm strap, but users can purchase additional straps to customize the watch’s look. The watch’s interchangeable straps make it a versatile accessory that can be worn for various occasions.
Specifications
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier has a 1.3-inch circular AMOLED display with 360 x 360 pixels resolution, providing sharp and vibrant visuals. The watch also has a universal back button, which allows users to navigate back to the home screen or previous menus easily.
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier weighs 63g and has 4GB of internal storage, with 768MB of RAM. This is sufficient for storing music, photos, and other files. The watch is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones, making it an accessible option for a wide range of users.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Tracks heart rate, steps, and sleep
- Plots data onto the Samsung Health app
- Can control volume with Bluetooth headphones
- Comes with a charger
- It can be used for swimming
Cons:
- Using Bluetooth headphones drains the battery quickly
- Cannot make emails by talking
- Samsung Pay only works if your bank supports it
- Distance from the phone may vary
Can I connect wireless headphones to the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier via Bluetooth?
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier can be paired with Bluetooth-enabled devices, including headphones and speakers, through its Bluetooth 4.2 support. This feature lets users listen to music and take calls directly from their watch without carrying their phones. It’s a convenient feature for workouts and on-the-go situations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is an excellent smartwatch that offers a range of features for individuals with active lifestyles. The watch’s rugged design, water-resistant build, and long battery life make it an ideal companion for outdoor activities. Its connectivity options and app store make it a versatile device for everyday use. The watch’s intuitive navigation, voice control, and customizable straps make it an excellent option for individuals who value both form and function in their wearable devices.
Overall, the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is a standout device that offers a high level of value for its price. With its range of features and capabilities, it’s no wonder why this smartwatch is a popular choice among tech-savvy individuals.
FAQs about Samsung Gear S3 Frontier:
Is the Samsung gear S3 Frontier still supported?
Yes, Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is still supported by Samsung. It runs on Tizen OS and has received software updates in the past few years. However, checking with Samsung for the latest software update and compatibility with newer smartphones is always a good idea.
What is the difference between Samsung Gear S3 and Frontier?
The main difference between the Samsung Gear S3 and the Frontier version is the design. The Gear S3 Frontier has a more rugged and outdoorsy look with a black finish, while the standard Gear S3 has a silver finish with a more classic and sophisticated look. In terms of features and specifications, both watches are identical.
Can you answer calls on Samsung Gear S3 Frontier?
Yes, you can answer calls on the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier. It has a built-in speaker and microphone, allowing you to make and receive phone calls directly from the watch when connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth or LTE.
Does the S3 Frontier have a SIM card?
Yes, the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier has an LTE version that comes with a SIM card slot. The non-LTE version does not have a SIM card slot and relies on Bluetooth connectivity with a smartphone for its features.
Does Gear S3 Frontier work without a phone?
While the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier requires a smartphone for initial setup and app installations, it can still function without a phone. With the LTE version, you can make and receive phone calls and send text messages directly from the watch without needing your phone nearby. However, some features may be limited when the watch is not connected to a smartphone.
Is the Samsung S3 Frontier water-resistant?
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is water-resistant with an IP68 rating, meaning it can withstand dust, dirt, sand, and water. It can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes without damage.
Pasito Tola is a tech enthusiast, writer, and engineer. He has a degree in Media Production and Telecom engineering from the University of Coventry and ISTA Ndolo. He is passionate about all things tech and has spent years exploring the latest gadgets, software, and innovations. His writing style is engaging, informative, and accessible, making even the most complex topics easy to understand. He is a valuable asset to our tech review site and we are lucky to have him on our team.
