Samsung Gear S3 Frontier Smartwatch - UK Version

I purchased my Gear S2 just a couple of weeks before Samsung announced their plans to release the Gear S3, so whilst the S3 had considerable improvements I couldn't see myself justifying finding the funds to make the upgrade so soon after, so I was lucky to get a good deal on this one.There was a tech website that recently posted an article claiming that smartwatches were already dead in the water, that the extra features didn't warrant the drawbacks, i.e. cost and battery life, over the simple need of being able to tell the time; I have to disagree, I've bought several watches over the last few years and I've found that after about two weeks they end up gathering dust because the discomfort of something strapped around my wrist was too much to put up with, the extra features of the Gear watches have actually changed that, for me.So, does the S3 do a better job than the S2? Short answer, yes, long answer, read on.The display is one of the most obvious upgrades, being noticeable larger it has more real estate to display information, i.e. the weather widget now has enough space to also display precipitation chance along with UV index, below that it even manages to squeeze up/down arrows to cycle through other locations that you may have setup. That's the next noticeable improvement, how responsive the screen is on the S3, on my S2 there were times it would struggle to respond to even gross actions like screen swipes up, down, left and right; the S3, however, I can easily tap on the small arrows on that weather display, despite having pretty large fingers that can have trouble hitting individual letters on my phone's keyboard. One other feature that I've noticed is improved is the "turn on" response when you turn your arm to see the watch, the S2 was really unreliable and would often require flicking my wrist back and forth several times to make it illuminate (I have a suspicion that the S2 is actually set up to be worn on the inside of the wrist, as it responds much more readily when placed there), the S3 turns on much more reliably, often turning on even when you've already half-raised and turned your wrist in preparation of turning your head to look at it.Apps on the phone, I'm finding myself using things like S Health a lot more readily than on the S2, I suspect mainly down to the improved responsiveness of the watch in general; I'm a pretty lethargic person, if I'm honest, and I'm actually finding myself following the inactivity prompts to get up out of my office chair and walk around, or stretch out. So, despite being a lazy person, I'm actually finding the small nudges are actually making a difference, which has really surprised me. Doing Dick Tracy impressions is a bit of fun, talking to someone via your watch, the practicality is debatable as you really do need to hold your wrist fairly near to your head, no waving it around and trying to do something else at the same time, but there are occassions when it's handy, i.e. comfortably sitting across the room from your phone, or holding something in your arms and it's easier to swipe your watch screen than dig your phone out of your pocket, just be aware that you're using a speakerphone and not something which only you can hear.Battery life is yet another improvement: the S2 really did need to be recharged every three days, you could try squeezing a fourth day out of it but it would almost certainly need to be switched into low-power mode before you got home, or, just as likely, it would switch itself off; the S3, meanwhile, I'm finding easily goes four days and you can usually risk a fifth day without too much concern, I haven't had to switch it to low-power mode yet as it was late enough in the day when it starts prompting you that I still had plenty of time left to get home and put it on its charger.Build quality is as good as the S2 despite one extremely slight drawback, because of the larger build the turnable bezel makes more noise if you happen to tap on it with your finger; it makes the bezel sound as if it sits a lot more loosely on the body of the watch, but in reaility when you turn it it feels just as snug fitting and the ratcheting is just as smooth. One point I would like to make about the buttons: if you happened to look at Samsung's renders of the watch, it makes the buttons look huge and that they stick about 5mm out of the watch body; I had wanted to get the Frontier version of the watch, because of this, with it's flat buttons, but in reality they're really quite snug and haven't caused any problems, even when I've been working out on a rowing machine.One noticeable change between the S2 Classic and the S3 Classic is the supplied watch straps: the S2 had fairly refined leather straps, two types of layered leather that were stitched together; the S3, however, is a solid chunk of cowhide, almost 3mm thick in places, extremely utilitarian and stiff at first. For the first day or two I could feel the strap gripping the sides of my wrist like a vice, but then it started to ease off and break in, it's now one of the most comfortable watches I've ever worn.So, to finish, should you upgrade from an S2 to an S3? If it doesn't stretch your ability to budget, I can wholeheartedly recommend it as a great improvement and would say to make the jump now, you will not be disappointed. If money is tight, I would still recommend it, but wait until you can afford it or happen upon a good deal that doesn't hurt your pocket as badly.

I have waited a couple of weeks since receiving the watch in order to fully get to grips with it before writing my review. I am also an owner of the s2 classic smartwatch.First impressions – packaging and contents:The packaging is very stylish with a high quality cylindrical box encased in shiny acetate film.Inside the box, the watch is presented neatly and all its shiny bits were protected with film – which I always enjoy removing from new gadgets!Enclosed in the box with the watch is a magnetic wireless charging base and micro-usb hard wired mains plug which is nice and compact.Also enclosed is a smaller wrist band. The larger band is already fitted to the watch. A flick of the quick release stud on the back of the strap and it comes off easily. Fitting the strap is done the same way.The straps on the Frontier are made of a very soft, flexible black silicone material which is very comfortable. I find the only downside over a traditional leather strap is that it can make your wrist a bit hot after prolonged use.Charging:The watch battery came pre-charged to 77% out of the box.While charging the watch sits snugly and securely on the magnetic charging base and charges wirelessly. From nearly empty the watch charges in about an hour.When charging beside the bed at night the red/green charging light on the base unit is a little bright for my liking so I have to turn it away.Switching on and first use:The watch is powered on by holding in the bottom button on the right side of the watch. After a short startup sequence you are ready to go.The watch quickly connected to my phone’s Bluetooth connection and on opening the gear manager app which I downloaded in advance, the time, date and regional settings were transferred to the watch.First impressions – wearing the watch:It is BIG. A lot bigger than the s2. I have fairly small wrists and needed to use the small strap. Coming from the s2 I initially thought that I wouldn’t get on with this watch. How wrong I was! Once I got used to the bigger screen I would not go back. Seriously. The screen is stunningly clear and bright with vibrant colours and the watch really stands out. I get the impression that Samsung has gone big and bold and firmly targeted the male market with this watch. It is not feminine in any way.The one downside of the size of the watch is that it gets caught on close-fitting shirt cuffs and this can be a bit annoying.Features:Health. The watch integrates fully with s-health on the phone and syncs steps, heart rate, a range of activities (walking, running, working out) and floors climbed.Apps – are a bit limited but the store has a lot more choice than when the s2 first came out. The watch integrates with Facebook notifications and WhatsApp messages without a dedicated app, and has apps for texts, emails, calls, calendar, fitness, weather, news, alarm and more. Make sure you download the calculator, speedometer, stopwatch, timer, alti-barometer – all made by Samsung.Text input - is achieved with a range of pre-programmed responses, typing on a small t9 keyboard or, if you select US language, on screen hand-writing recognition – which is pretty cool. S-voice is also available for various functions but I have really tested this out as I never have much luck with my accent.Hardware – the bezel. Its best feature. Rotate to move around menus, accept calls, accept calendar notifications, dismiss alarms – really intuitive. Two buttons on the side with a knurled texture are useful – the top button goes back, the bottom button opens the app drawer and doubles as the power button when long pressed. The touch screen – works just like your phone. A useful gesture is swiping down quickly to go back. Speaker and mic - allows you to make and receive calls via the watch, you can also set ringtones and notification tones.Watch Faces - compared to the s2 the fitness themed watch faces are better and more varied, but I feel the traditional watch faces lack the range of customisation options available in comparison to the s2. That said, the faces look good but for me, do not have the customisation options I wanted. However, watch faces is one thing the gear store has a great choice of – both free and paid.Battery Life:With the Always On Display set, a 1 minute screen timeout, occasional exercise and regular checking throughout the day I get a solid two days with some room to spare. With AOD off but everything else the same I get 3 days – which is pretty good.In summary:Pros:It is big – and the screen is stunningThe build quality is superbThe hardware / software interaction is intuitive and responsiveThe battery lasts 2-3 days with heavy useThe strap is comfy, easy to change and the watch is compatible with any standard 22mm strap.Great choice of watch faces in the Gear storeCons:It is big - it gets caught on clothing occasionallySilicone strap makes your wrist hotApps are limited in the Gear store, but choice is improving