Samsung Gear S3 (2016)

215 reviews

Dec, 2024

Positive
usability (109)
design (100)
battery (82)
performance (42)
size (20)

Negative
software (62)
portability (20)
price (16)

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 215 reviews of Samsung Gear S3 (2016). The average rating for this product is 4.2/5, compared to an average rating of 4.1/5 for other products in the same category for all reviews. Reviewers really like the reliability and performance. The battery and design are also mentioned favorably. Opinions about the price and size are different, while many are less positive about the portability and software.

usability, design, battery, performance, reliability

software, portability

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other products in the same category the Samsung Gear S3 (2016) is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 87/100 = Very good quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 215 reviews)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 178 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (35)

Expert review by : Julian Chokkattu (digitaltrends.com)

Samsung Gear S3 review

Samsung's Gear S3 rules the wrist with a slick rotating bezel and LTE connectivity.

Simple interface with rotating bezel ; Easily replaceable 22mm bands ; More than a day of battery life ; Water resistant ; Works with Samsung Pay

Too big and bulky for smaller wrists ; Not enough third-party app support ; Android phone connection sometimes spotty

Samsung’s Gear S3 (Frontier) isn’t revolutionary and if you think smartwatches are useless and unnecessary, this one won’t change your mind. You’ll get access to notifications and you can act on some of them, but the device is more a limited extension...

May, 2017

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Expert review by : Scott Stein (cnet.com)

With Gear S3, Samsung tries to throw it all on a watch, but it doesn't all stick

The Gear S3 has tons of features, and it's even a phone. But it isn't the best.

Well-constructed; attractive design; clever spinning bezel interface. GPS, speakerphone, optional stand-alone LTE phone service and work-anywhere Samsung Pay. Spotify app streams music on the go. Works with most Android phones, and even iPhones to a...

It's big. Tizen-based software has less app support than Apple Watch or Android Wear. iOS connection works, but it's very buggy. Few killer apps take advantage of stand-alone LTE services.

Samsung's watch survives, for now, as one of the better options for Android phone users.

Jan, 2017

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Expert review by : Sascha Segan (pcmag.com)

Samsung Gear S3

Though it sounds impressive on paper, the Samsung Gear S3 is more smartwatch than almost anyone needs.

Clearer interface than Android Wear. Supports calls and texts. Accurate step counting. Waterproof.

Bulky. Expensive. Samsung Pay requires you to lock the watch with a PIN. Doesn't sync with popular fitness apps.

If we were just tallying features, the Samsung Gear S3 would get a higher rating than you see at the top of the page. But our view on smartwatches is that smaller, simpler, and clearer is better. Pebble's watches fit that bill, but Pebble is now gone....

Dec, 2016

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Expert review by : Mark Peters (letsgodigital.org)

Samsung Gear S3 series with LTE and Bluetooth models

Samsung Gear S3 smartwatch series : Samsung Electronics America announced the forthcoming pre-order availability of Gear S3 LTE and Bluetooth models, a striking and innovative smartwatch that further solidifies Samsung as a leader in connected...

The Samsung Gear S3 smartwatch puts convenience at your wrist, with Samsung Pay providing the ability to make mobile payments virtually anywhere you can tap or swipe a credit or debit card. With Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) and Near Field...

Nov, 2016

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Expert review by : Mark Peters (letsgodigital.org)

Samsung Gear S3 SmartWatch

IFA 2016 Show news : Samsung Electronics presents the all-new Gear S3, a innovative smartwatch that further solidifies Samsung's leadership in the wearables category. Inspired by traditional timepieces and the art of watch making, the Gear S3 combines...

In a quest to uncover what truly defines a watch, Samsung drew inspiration from manufacturers around the globe, paying particular attention to the skills and craft of assembling a delicate, yet highly complex timepiece. Influenced by the craftsmanship...

Sep, 2016

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Expert review by : Jason Cipriani (zdnet.com)

Using a Gear S3 with an iPhone: Too many concessions

Last week, Samsung released the iOS version of its Gear S app . With the app, users can use the Gear S2 or Gear S3 smartwatch with an iPhone for the first time.

Jan, 2017

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Expert review by : Matthew Miller (zdnet.com)

Samsung Gear S3 first impressions: Much improved over the S2, but with potential to be the best smartwatch

Samsung continues to push the limits of technology, with the best LTE smartwatch available today. The Gear S3 can be even better once the advertised capability is released to the public.

Nov, 2016

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Expert review by (zdnet.com)

Strap Studio Gear S3 bands hands-on: Stylish and affordable genuine leather collection

The included black rubber Gear S3 strap is functional, but thankfully there are affordable leather band options in various colors and styles. Strap Studio brings high quality leather bands for just $30 and $40.

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Expert review by : Ryan Whitwam (androidpolice.com)

Samsung Gear S3 review: A good smartwatch, but probably not enough to win over smartwatch skeptics

Let's get this out of the way first: smartwatches have not been the big sellers that many technology firms were hoping they would be. Android Wear is

Design ; It looks classy and like a real watch. ; Display ; Completely round AMOLED with great colors and brightness. ; Samsung Pay ; Contactless payments with the Gear S3 are super easy and work almost everywhere. ; Battery life ; About two days with...

Design again ; It's a little on the large side, and is pretty explicitly a men's watch. ; Setup ; Getting all the Samsung stuff installed on a non-Samsung phone is a bit of a pain. ; S Voice ; It's no match for OK Google or Assistant. ; Notifications ;...

I'm still not convinced that a smartwatch is something most people need. It's still a novelty for people who are very into technology and gadgetry. Even among smartwatch fans, the $350 Gear S3 will be a tough sell. However, you do get a very nice...

Dec, 2018

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Expert review by : Brian Heater (techcrunch.com)

Samsung’s Gear S3 goes a little too big

Samsung's never shied away from going big. Big phones, big TVs, big watches. In fact, that was one of the defining characteristics for the first few generations of the Gear line, the first few of which were really more wrist-worn tablet than smartwatch

Samsung’s had a few generations more than much of its competition to refine its smartwatch experience. Last year the company finally hit upon a winning formula with the S2, a great combination of design, functionality and software refinement.

Dec, 2016

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