Smartwatches

Hands on with Samsung Gear S3 smartwatches: Style infused, size inflated

Hands on with Samsung Gear S3 smartwatches: Style infused, size inflated
The new Samsung Gear S3 is here, and we've taken a look at both models (Frontier left, Classic right)
The new Samsung Gear S3 is here, and we've taken a look at both models (Frontier left, Classic right)
View 14 Images
The new Samsung Gear S3 is here, and we've taken a look at both models (Frontier left, Classic right)
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The new Samsung Gear S3 is here, and we've taken a look at both models (Frontier left, Classic right)
Both watches look great, if a little big (Frontier shown here)
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Both watches look great, if a little big (Frontier shown here)
As with the Gear S2, using the rotating bezel to operate the phone feels natural and fluid (Frontier)
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As with the Gear S2, using the rotating bezel to operate the phone feels natural and fluid (Frontier)
Our Frontier test model came with a rather cheap-feeling plastic strap
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Our Frontier test model came with a rather cheap-feeling plastic strap
The watches aren't particularly thick, but they're noticeable on the wrist (Frontier)
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The watches aren't particularly thick, but they're noticeable on the wrist (Frontier)
One of the demo watch faces lets you check your heart rate with a tap (Frontier)
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One of the demo watch faces lets you check your heart rate with a tap (Frontier)
Over to the Classic, which is mostly the same apart from the aesthetics
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Over to the Classic, which is mostly the same apart from the aesthetics
Both smartwatches felt a little on the cheap side, though of course you can use any 22 mm strap you like
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Both smartwatches felt a little on the cheap side, though of course you can use any 22 mm strap you like
This black leather option came on our demo Classic smartwatch
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This black leather option came on our demo Classic smartwatch
The thickness of the Classic (shown here) looks to be identical to the Frontier
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The thickness of the Classic (shown here) looks to be identical to the Frontier
We'd like to see more heft and weight to the Gear S3, especially considering its size (Classic)
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We'd like to see more heft and weight to the Gear S3, especially considering its size (Classic)
A wide choice of straps are available from Samsung – or buy your own
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A wide choice of straps are available from Samsung – or buy your own
Samsung held an entire event just for the Gear S3, and is obviously proud of its smartwatch
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Samsung held an entire event just for the Gear S3, and is obviously proud of its smartwatch
Samsung also made much of the many customizable watch faces it's designed especially for the new Gear S3
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Samsung also made much of the many customizable watch faces it's designed especially for the new Gear S3
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New Atlas is in attendance at all this year's big press events at IFA, and we've just been getting an advance look (and feel) of the Samsung Gear S3. It's an impressive device on paper – so how does it measure up on the wrist?

We tried the Frontier first, then the Classic. Both are smooth and fluid to use, and Samsung has certainly hit on a good trick with that rotating bezel, which feels like a natural way to operate a smartwatch. We suspect others may follow Samsung's lead there.

These models are slightly bigger than last year's Gear S2, and those of you looking for a smartwatch that doesn't look rather chunky on the wrist are going to be disappointed yet again (though Samsung is keeping the Gear S2 around, so it's still an option).

Samsung held an entire event just for the Gear S3, and is obviously proud of its smartwatch
Samsung held an entire event just for the Gear S3, and is obviously proud of its smartwatch

With nearly-identical internal specs, the biggest difference between the two new models is the design, and we prefer the more rugged Frontier. Samsung has made much of wanting to make a smartwatch that looks like a watch, and the Frontier hits the mark the closest. That said, the Classic is elegant too, in its own way. It's mostly going to be down to personal preference.

The Frontier also includes LTE cellular data, so those outdoorsy types Samsung is marketing the watch towards can have the option of leaving their phones at home on their Bear Grylls-esque wilderness journeys.

Both watches look great, if a little big (Frontier shown here)
Both watches look great, if a little big (Frontier shown here)

Holding them up against each other, there wasn't any noticeable difference in dimensions (in fact they're listed as being the same), and of course you can use any of the available straps on either.

The screen quality is another plus point, as you would expect from Samsung, and there were an impressive choice of watch faces on our demo unit. From instant heart rate readings to pilot-style faces, you're going to be spoilt for choice, and it's a fun watch to play around with.

With the positives out of the way, actually wearing and handling the Frontier and Classic left us a little disappointed. Samsung has done well to get the weight of these smartwatches down but as a result they somehow lack that premium feel that comes with extra heft, both in the hand and when operating them.

The leather and rubber straps we tried veered towards the cheap side in how they felt too, although it's worth bearing in mind you can attach any 22 mm strap to the Gear S3, so you can go as expensive and luxurious as you want in this department.

Over to the Classic, which is mostly the same apart from the aesthetics
Over to the Classic, which is mostly the same apart from the aesthetics

If you take specs, sizes and features out of the equation, the Asus ZenWatch 3 that we checked out earlier at IFA feels a lot more high-end and premium on the wrist, though of course that's not top of everyone's checklist.

With that in mind it's going to be interesting to see where the Gear S3 comes in price.

In short, these watches look great, handle just as well as the Gear S2 and are packed with more features than ever before; but when we strap them on we don't quite feel like we're wearing a watch that oozes quality from every material. If you were hoping Samsung's smartwatches would continue to move in the smaller/more compact direction, you'll be disappointed too. For premium watch owners looking to switch to a smart model, both of those points could make a big difference.

Product page: Samsung

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