Galaxy Watch 3 review The Galaxy Watch 3 was a fantastic smartwatch with a sleek appearance, a spinning bezel, and robust health and fitness tools when it originally arrived. As we enter 2024, technology has evolved significantly; more recently introduced smartwatches have appeared with even more features and capabilities. Still, many people select the Galaxy Watch 3 because of its timeless look and durability despite these advances.
Present in a classic shape are all of its fundamental health-tracking functions: heart rate monitoring, sleep analysis, and fall detection—which fit those who enjoy a more traditional watch style. Given current technology, this review will look at whether the Galaxy Watch 3 still performs competitively against more recent versions and whether it still makes a smart investment.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 price and availability
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3’s sales began on August 6, 2020. Those searching for the new smartwatch have a few choices and sizes. Starting Watch 3 at $399 will get you the 41mm model either in Mystic Bronze or Silver. Matching the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Buds Live, which debuted concurrently, the later choice is Samsung’s hallmark colour. Starting at $429, the larger, 45mm model is Mystic Black or Mystic Silver.
Though it will cost more, it is also available in a titanium variant. If you want a Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 with LTE so it can answer texts and phone calls while your smartphone is out of Bluetooth range, then expect to add $50 to the base price. Using our Samsung coupon codes, we might be able to save a few bucks on whichever model you decide on.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 review: Design
Galaxy Watch 3 review Back in the bezel, dear. We tested the mechanism in our first Samsung Galaxy Watch review and thought the physical bezel was intriguing and useful. Spinning the dial worked brilliantly and offered a good replacement for finger-probing the circular display with both side buttons. The bezel holds up a second time around but feels even better since Samsung streamlined the Galaxy Watch 3. It is 14% thinner and 8% smaller than the first Galaxy Watch and weighs 15% less. Though we are measuring millimetres here, there is a clear difference in anything you wear on your wrist. Still, the 1.7-ounce, 41mm Mystic Bronze variant I tested seems chunky relative to my Apple Watch 5.
The trade-off is that, compared to a high-tech watch, it more resembles a classic one. Though I might throw my Apple Watch for a lovely meal or date night, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is a trendy accessory. Better still, unlike the fitness-oriented Galaxy Watch 2, the Galaxy Watch 3 features actual leather straps that accentuate the colour of the case and provide a more refined appeal. However, I would change the leather with sporty ones since it does not hold up against sweat or water if I continued using the Galaxy Watch 3 as my daily driver.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 review: Display and watch faces
Galaxy Watch 3 review Although that’s not what brought me in, the constantly on, sharp, brilliant Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 360 x 360-pixel screen is visible in direct sunlight. The complications of the Apple Watch annoy me. I wish there were more options even now; I feel driven to use five different faces at once to see all I could need all day.
Now enter the Galaxy Watch 3 with 80,000 different watch faces from 40 complexity choices. Though I’m a sucker for weather-centric backgrounds, it took me some time to find whatever blend of style and data made me comfortable on the Galaxy Watch 3. I’m not sure why I never check the temperature before leaving the house; if seeing rain animations on my wrist doesn’t help, nothing will.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 review: Performance
Galaxy Watch 3 review Though it still lags behind Apple’s watchOS, Samsung’s Tizen program shows a notable development over Google’s erratic Wear OS. Apart from being relatively flexible and loaded with practical apps, activating and switching between the several menus of the Galaxy Watch 3 feels sharp too. Together with the dual buttons to get where I needed to go, the bezel makes browsing easy and something I depend on. Conversely, for me, the motion gestures lacked real force. I felt a bit foolish when I could get them going.
The T9 keypad on the Galaxy Watch 3 is not horrible; I rely on it for texting more often than I would have thought. Though I realize typing on such a small screen sounds ludicrous, I valued the opportunity to send messages under conditions where voice-to-text was inadequate. The Apple Watch should replace Scribble with a bespoke, tiny keypad.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 review: Fitness and health features
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 records 40 total activities, seven of which can be tracked automatically; so, you won’t always have to choose what kind of activity you are doing prior. I needed this as my active 85-pound black lab wouldn’t stop so I could start a walk tracker on our many travels around our town.
Based on the dog’s preferred motion in circles, the onboard GPS of the Galaxy Watch 3 accurately tracked my daily course—roughly 1.2 kilometres. I had the same experience riding the watch bicycling and running; the latter was guided by on-demand VO2 Max readings. I didn’t set any alarms as I’m not an endurance runner; but, more committed runners will find great benefit in this function throughout training.
They might, however, not value the leather straps. I most certainly did not. It was strange to get them wet with sweat, and even with the 5ATM classification for water resistance, I never thought about bringing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 near a pool. If you intend to use the Galaxy Watch 3 for anything more than light exercise, I would advise acquiring silicone bands; otherwise, you could want to look at one of the finest fitness trackers.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 review: ECG readings and blood pressure monitoring
As the Apple Watch can, the FDA-approved ECG monitor incorporated inside the Galaxy Watch 3 will help the new wristwatch precisely identify atrial fibrillation symptoms. Although the FDA-approved Apple Watch ECG sensor is already news (it debuted with the Apple Watch Series 4), Samsung has been sluggish in qualifying its version; first, it cleared the Galaxy Watch Active 2 in South Korea.
Today both of those smartwats can generate ECG readings. For its blood pressure monitor, Samsung also got approval in South Korea. The sensor will currently lie inert in The Galaxy Watch 3 until the FDA approves it. Should it get the green light shortly, this would be the first smartwatch from a credible technology company with working blood pressure.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 sleep tracking
Samsung’s collaboration with the National Sleep Institute gives Galaxy Watch 3 users in bed awareness of their REM cycle along with an early report on quality of sleep and suggestions on how to enhance sleep. I checked the nocturnal sleep tracking on the Apple Watch before bed. Apple’s native sleep monitoring program credited me with a bit more sleep and knew when I got up in the middle of the night amid heavy thunderstorms while Samsung responded with more active statistics.
The pulse oximeter of the Galaxy Watch 3, sometimes referred to as the SpO2 sensor, reveals some of these secrets. One of the main signs of sleep apnea, a SpO2 monitor can alert one to problems breathing while asleep. While I have no trouble sleeping, someone else who does could learn how to use the Watch 3 to act on modifying their sleep pattern.
Conclusion
The Galaxy Watch 3 is still a fantastic choice in 2024 even if more current smartwatches with advanced features are now on the market. For many customers, its recognizable design—which has the much-loved revolving bezel—as well as its trustworthiness in assessing health continue to be grounds for value. Though it may not have the newest technologies or capabilities featured in more recent editions, all in an attractive package it provides critical functions including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and fitness insights.
Although you prefer a classic wristwatch look and do not need the most cutting-edge technologies, the Galaxy Watch 3 nevertheless demonstrates amazing performance and value thus suggesting that it is still worth considering in the present tech environment.
FAQ
Q1: The Galaxy Watch 3 stands particularly out for what?
The Galaxy Watch 3 is noted for its elegant look; its spinning bezel makes navigating easier. Included also are comprehensive health monitoring capabilities including heart rate control, sleep analysis, and fall detection. Its solid build quality and support of many workout forms also attract.
Q2: Of more recent versions, how does the Galaxy Watch 3 stand in 2024?
Though it lacks some of the complex functions of more recent models, the Galaxy Watch 3 still runs well in 2024. Although it lacks the most recent technology, it is a fantastic choice even if it provides consistent performance and required health tracking capabilities if you do not need the most recent features.
Q3: Is the Galaxy Watch 3 compatible with the most recent smartphone running systems?
The Galaxy Watch 3 is really compatible with both Android and iOS devices. However, it depends on Samsung’s Tizen OS, which could not connect as well with more modern features and apps as Wear OS revealed in more recent versions.
Q4: Galaxy Watch 3 is better than more modern smartwatches in how many ways?
The simple and fulfilling classic appearance of the Galaxy Watch 3 with a spinning bezel appeals to many of its customers. It also provides solid construction and required health and fitness tracking tools without the complexity of more current, more intricate iterations.