The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is s much-needed upgrade to the businesss flagship smartwatch, and its huge on both style and features.
The follow-up to 2018s Samsung Galaxy Watch, it likewise the Watch Active 2, which struck a sweet spot in regards to style and functions.
It will pique the interests of Android users trying to find a premium smartwatch with major health qualifications that just cant utilize the Apple Watch, and iPhone users put off by the Series 5s square style. Thats a significant market to focus on.
However its not focused on those trying to find a cheaper option. At $399 for the 41mm Galaxy Watch 3, and $429.99 for the bigger 45mm, Samsung is going head-to-head with Apple.
Weve been dealing with the Galaxy Watch 3 to see if Samsung has managed to make one of the finest smartwatches even better.
The Galaxy Watch 3 goals to bring a big dose of health tracking includes to those looking enviously at the Apple Watch, together with a major dosage of style.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3: Design and bezel
The 45mm mystic black, stainless-steel variation we had to evaluate still feels a little big for our preference, though the more soft appearance of the rotating bezel offers it the feel of something that sits smaller sized on the wrist.
With the Watch 3, it seems like its tried to tone things down, however not necessarily for the even worse. It still has that feel of a dressier watch than the Active 2, but it feels like its been influenced by the more streamlined appearance of the sportier Samsung smartwatch.
With the previous Galaxy Watch, Samsung had drawn a clear line in terms of distinguishing its most costly smartwatch from its less expensive, sportier sibling. It went bigger on size, intended to provide classier, more traditional watch styling which now signature rotating bezel stood more plainly around the display.
Whether youre twisting it to check alerts or scrolling through your stream of post-workout data, its an excellent feature to have accompany that touchscreen display screen.
Lets talk about that bezel. While Samsung chose to ditch it for the Active and after that brought back in a various kind on the Active 2, its back in all of its physical goodness on the Watch 3.
Theres no real big surprises to find that it measures in lighter and slimmer than its predecessor in both size alternatives, though slashing off weight and size was an offered.
That begins with the size options that are now offered. Youve got your pick of 45mm or 41mm case sizes, which is a drop down from the 46mm and 42mm options you can choose the Galaxy Watch up in. The Active 2 is available in 40mm and 44mm case sizes.
While it doesnt dominate the look of the watch like it did previously, it stays the standout design feature that Samsung has brought to the table and it still works fantastic.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3: Screen and band
While some may argue the modifications feel little, we definitely welcome the more refined look of the rotating bezel and the fall in size.
Around the back is where youll discover its optical heart rate screen while you can expect to discover a familiar puck-style charging cradle in the box that magnetically clips to the back of the watch.
Its a bit disappointing to discover that Samsung doesnt consist of that additional sportier strap though, when you consider the price and the kind of function set it provides for tracking exercise.
To finish the way you can browse the watch, theres still two physical buttons on the right hand side that are ways to rapidly release features like Samsung Pay or leap into the app drawer.
Samsung partners up the Watch 3 with a leather band that is the 22mm kind for the bigger Galaxy Watch 3. Its a good quality band and fortunately very simple to change and remove with something sportier when its time to work out with it.
Thats the very same quality screen discovered on the Galaxy Watch and it stays an intense, vibrant and vibrant location to glance at.
When its time to go to sleep, there is an always-on display choice and a beneficial Goodnight mode. Though it must do a better job of advising you to turn that off when its time to wake up.
That display screen is still a beaut also. On the 45mm Watch 3 youll find a 1.4-inch, 360 x 360 resolution AMOLED display screen and a 1.2-inch one on the 41mm design offering the exact same resolution.
It does a better job of showing images like album cover art or YouTube thumbnails, however in its main job to be a place you can see inside your home and outdoors in more tough light, it passes the test.
Nothing has actually changed on the waterproofing front with Samsung providing the same 5ATM ranking that makes it safe for a shower or going for a swim (pool and open water) approximately 50 metres depth. Simply ensure you take that leather strap off first.
We ended up having to explore our box of wearables to obtain one from another smartwatch to put its sports tracking powers to the test.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3: Smartwatch features
Above is a sample of run that included a mix of roadway and off roadway running. What it reveals is what we discovered in basic.
With the Galaxy Watch 3, it appears like more of the very same without any mention of declared battery life from Samsung this time. We do know that the capacity of the batteries mirror what youll find on the little and big Galaxy Watch Active 2 designs.
Advanced running metrics.
Run tracking.
The enhanced style, added software application features and promise of major health monitoring make it a little much easier to deal with the underwhelming battery life. However, anyone purchasing the Galaxy Watch 3 will have to accept that ECG and blood pressure have not been switched on and theres no ETA. But in terms of style and includes its the very best smartwatch for Android users and it an excellent alternative to the Apple Watch too.
Youve got your choice of 45mm or 41mm case sizes, which is a drop down from the 46mm and 42mm options you can choose the Galaxy Watch up in. Samsungs most current watch runs on its Tizen OS, which is suitable with Android and iPhones but is clearly a much better fit for the previous. Weve taken a sample of running metrics that are offered both on the Galaxy Watch 3 and Garmins pod. Anybody buying the Galaxy Watch 3 will have to accept that ECG and blood pressure have actually not been turned on and theres no ETA. In terms of design and features its the finest smartwatch for Android users and it a terrific alternative to the Apple Watch too.
Heart rate accuracy.
Heart rate from simple run: Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 (left) and Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar (ideal).
For tension tracking, Samsung is utilizing heart rate irregularity measurements to produce those readings. In our experience however, taking measurements didnt display any information on the watch or inside of the Samsung Health app.
Thats a 340mAh battery on the 45mm Watch 3 and a smaller 247mAh one on the 41mm model. You likewise have the a Watch mode to press things even more but likewise restrict what you can in fact use.
We do naturally require to speak about apps, which stays a bit of aching area for Samsungs Tizen platform. You can access its storefront from the watch or from your phone.
High strength HR test: Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 (left) and Polar H9 chest strap (right).
We took it for some stable running and average BPM readings was normally 1-2bpm out from a Polar H9 chest strap when it comes to exercise.
For anyone that used it for more than light usage it tended to last a number of days. So, while it may have the minor edge over an Apple Watch, it still cant match what you can get from a Fitbit or Garmin smartwatch.
When youre finished with your swim, Samsung uses a similar water ejection system that you discover on the Apple Watch, which is a little louder to do, but ideally does the job to keep those parts safeguarded.
One huge brand-new function is the innovative running metrics. If you appreciate running technique and kind, Samsung states it will now serve up insights such as ground contact time, flight time and vertical oscillation. Sports watches require an extra sensing unit like a chest strap or foot pod sensing unit to produce comparable metrics.
One irritating element that remains with this smartwatch is that youll need to download two apps and a couple of plugins to get it establish and to make the most of the health and wellness functions
While readings seemed to match up with a pulse oximeter, we often found it challenging to get a reading on the first measurement effort.
Theres also still some work do in terms of execution of the tracking experience on the watch. By that, we indicate much better connecting Samsung Health, physical fitness tracking and seeing your data in a really instinctive method.
This started on the Watch Active when it promised the ability to measure high blood pressure from the wrist. On the Active 2, it included an ECG sensing unit to match Apple and Withings in bringing medical grade-like heart rate monitoring.
Delve into the Samsung Health app on the watch and continuous heart rate readings felt really reliable. You can see your week of readings to get a sense of whether that resting heart rate has actually remained constant or has unexpectedly increased or dropped.
If youre major about your workout and hope you can rely on that heart rate information being dependable, you might be left a little dissatisfied.
We cant speak about smartwatch features and not discuss watch faces, and Samsung does an excellent task here.
In genuine time, that asymmetry screen changes from stating youre doing excellent or bad as you advance through your run. Post run, you can see those additional metrics in the Samsung Health app along with a host of extremely complicated looking graphs.
Youve got a rich mix of digital and analogue options, some with excellent animations and most with room to fit in information issues like action counts, sleep, heart rate, UV index or present temperature level.
Based in our screening with the 45mm model, we say youre probably going to get two days out of it, but if you use power hugging features, it will be closer to a 1.5 days.
Weve taken a sample of running metrics that are available both on the Galaxy Watch 3 and Garmins pod. The average vertical oscillation score was lower on the Samsung as was the average ground contact time. Weve come to rely on Garmins wearable for trustworthy advanced running metrics, and it looks like Samsung comes up a bit short.
Swim tracking.
There does not seem to be any genuine wholesale modifications as far as how Tizen works and what youll find in those buddy apps. You can utilize the bezel or touchscreen to glide through the different screen widgets and whatever seems to reside in the same location much like it did on the last Watch.
Smart assistants on watches arent completely that well integrated across the board, however Samsungs still feels like it needs some operate in regards to its usefulness. It still feels extremely minimal.
Samsung does not desire limit its appeal or onboard sensors simply to people who want better data for their bootcamp sessions or sleep time. Its likewise increase the capability to use more serious health monitoring feature.
The Spotify app works well on Samsungs smartwatches and is an action up in terms off the method it provides offline playlist assistance in comparison to similar support on Garmins watches.
SpO2 compared: iHealth Air pulse oximeter (left) and Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 (right).
Something you can try is taking blood oxygen measurements though as Samsung plainly discusses, its a function tied to fitness and wellness over spotting indications of a major medical condition.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3: Health functions.
We d like to release a plea to Samsung to just put this all in one app. We mostly used it with an Android phone and as soon as that overdrawn pairing setup is completed, syncing data and using functions like notices worked without concern.
Swim tracking compared: Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 (left and middle) and Form Swim Goggles (ideal).
Swimming with Samsungs smartwatches on the whole has been a strong enough experience in the past. The drop in size certainly makes it a much better watch to take for a dip and fortunately information on the entire appeared dependable too.
We d say the very same applies to the heart rate sensor on the Galaxy Watch 3.
When youre ready to track more than a walk down the shops, Samsung equips the Galaxy Watch 3 with everything you get on the Galaxy Watch and Watch Active 2 with a few notable additions.
Action tracking compared: Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 (left) and Garmin fitness tracker (right).
In regards to precision, weve been wearing it together with a Garmin fitness tracker and we found it tended to offer us approximately the exact same daily step counts and distance covered.
You still have Samsung Pay and there is obviously Bixby, the smart assistant that still has a lot of maturing and growing to do.
In the last Galaxy Watch it fell under the bracket that numerous wrist based sensors fall into. It was excellent for on the spot measurements and general exercise, however as quickly as you cranked up the strength it struggled for accuracy.
The native apps currently preinstalled offer a decent range consisting of Spotify, Microsoft Outlook, a convenient voice recorder and calendar.
By Samsung.
For optimal heart rate readings however, it tended to be 4-5 bpm out. Thats enough to put you in another heart rate zone.
Its clear that if youre using functions like GPS, constant heart rate monitoring, cranking the screen brightness up and animated watch faces, the drain is noticeable.
When these functions are switched on for everyone, Samsung truly will have a serious health tracking device on its hands and on your wrist.
Before you get moving, you can opt for a basic or target-based pick the swimming pool and swim size. Theres assistance for as much as six information fields and data consists of typical speed, range, duration, variety of lengths and heart rate. The guide frequency can be changed here too, which will send a vibration to the wrist to upgrade you on development.
There are some extra settings to dabble prior to you session, like amounting to six information fields, setting a target goal based upon time or distance and you can customise those workout screens. When the countdown gets going, its best to deal with those settings prior to you get running as well as Samsung gives you little time to make modifications.
The experience on the watch during a run is typically good. If you pick up the rate, its a bit more fiddly to use the bezel to skip through exercise screens, however normally its a good screen to soak up data.
Sleep tracking compared: Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 (left) and Garmin fitness tracker (right).
We put it up versus the very same Garmin fitness tracker and the screenshots above will offer you a photo of the kind of data we tended to see for a nights sleep. Overall sleep time tended to be within 30 minutes to an hour of the Garmin, though sleep breakdown tended to suggest a much shorter sleep time.
For some more focused, high intensity intervals, it struggled to stay up to date with the chest strap and as anticipated, posted a greater optimum heart rate reading. Unfortunately, you cant pair it up with external heart chest straps to rectify this.
You can bring the heart rate keep track of into play to determine effort levels. Theres no ANT+ connectivity assistance, which restricts combining it up with additional sensors.
Health features not switched on.
Battery life not fantastic.
Some undecided heart rate data.
Leather strap just consisted of.
The blood pressure tracking, which needs calibrating with a devoted high blood pressure display requires the essential Samsung Health app support presently just offered in Korea.
You do still get a built-in music gamer letting you take advantage of a portion of the 8GB of storage available to move over you own music. That likewise uses to supported music streaming services that does still include Spotify.
To fill in the gaps though, you typically need to make an app purchase for the some features you d find are complimentary on other smartwatch platforms like Apples watchOS and Googles Wear OS.
We lay the blame partly on the leather strap not being that ideal to getting a tight fit.
Advanced running metrics compared: Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 (left and centre) and Garmin Running Dynamics Pod (right).
Samsung does a good task of discussing what all of these metrics imply and even provides workouts to resolve weaknesses. The concern is however, are these metrics really reputable? We put it versus Garmins Running Dynamics Pod and discovered possibly not.
Run tracking compared: Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 (left and centre) and Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar (ideal).
We invested a fair amount of time keeping up the Galaxy Watch 3 and we d still state this watch is constructed for the sort of runner that might do a few runs a week rather than marathon training with it.
On the Galaxy Watch 3, both those functions make the cut in addition to the capability to determine blood oxygen levels through the on trend SpO2 sensor. The problem is, a lot of people will not be able to utilize these features simply yet.
When it concerns sleep tracking, you can see newest sleep information on the watch and then explore Samsung Health to see info such as sleep breakdown consisting of REM sleep, overall bedtime, sleep ratings, typical wake up times.
Its a comparable story for ECG where its just be turned on in Korea. Samsung has stated ECG has actually gotten FDA clearance, so it might not be too long prior to it can start rolling out to other territories.
An hours running using GPS knocked around 15-20% off the battery. Charging time feels a little on the laboured side too, typically taking a couple of hours to receive from 0-100%. How it could do with some quick charging on board here.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3: Battery life.
Samsung made big claims about the original Galaxy Watch being able to last for a few days short of a week. That claim was based on light use.
With the Watch 3, youre getting something that guarantees to be your fitness tracker, sports see and health tracking all in one.
Lets start with physical fitness tracking where youll be able to do the fundamentals like count steps, track sleep, screen tension levels, switch on constant heart rate monitoring and keep track of your stress. Theres the heart-shaped activity tracking widget to view day-to-day development and it also inherits the more helpful idle alerts Samsung presented on the Active. So instead of just informing you youve been non-active, it will advise workout to get moving once again. Its up there with among our preferred features.
In regards to those core smartwatch features, alerts support still works well and messaging has now been elevated by the capability to let you see images in messages sent out and they feel well optimised on the display screen.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3.
To test accuracy, we put it up versus Forms Swim Goggles in a 25m indoor swimming pool, which we discovered to be the most accurate swim tracker. It managed to catch the very same range, average speed and number of lengths.
Samsungs latest watch operates on its Tizen OS, which is suitable with Android and iPhones however is clearly a better suitable for the previous. You have the option to pick up either size with LTE if you wish to utilize features like music streaming and messaging sans smart device. That undoubtedly comes at an additional cost.
Its disappointing that Samsung hasnt managed to make improvements in this department, specifically when the likes of Huawei, Fitbit and Amazfit are handling to optimise those power starving functions, so they dont visible dent the time it lasts between charges.
On the watch, this is represented by a screen that displays your asymmetry. Theres currently no way to display the extra metrics available. Those metrics are asymmetry, contact time, flight time, regularity, vertical oscillation and tightness.
The finest method we discovered to get tracking was to rotate the bezel to the right to discover the workout screen. From here you can track core sports like running, cycling, swimming and dive deeper for gym-based activities and outside pursuits like hiking. Again, it varies what type of real-time metrics you can anticipate to see and core sports are definitely much better catered for.
Samsung does naturally include an optical heart rate screen thats utilized to power constant heart rate tracking, stress tracking and for much better determining effort levels throughout exercise.
Smaller sized, lighter design.
Loaded with functions.
Good physical fitness tracker.
Bezel control is still terrific to have.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3: Fitness and sports tracking features.
There are more deals with to be found in the app shop though youll need to put some work in to find some good ones.
