The IFA is currently underway in Berlin, Germany and Samsung have used the venue to showcase their new brand new Tizen-powered Gear S3 smartwatches. The South Korean company unveiled two versions of the Gear S3, a toned down, minimalistic Classic and the more versatile and rugged Frontier.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynTB211p1PQ
While both differ in styling they feature the same specifications. Both pack 1.3-inch Super AMOLED always-on displays protected by scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass SR+, 1 GHz dual-core Exynos processors that are backed up by 4GB worth of storage and 768MB RAM, as well as built-in GPS for navigation. Both smartwatches feature 390 mAh batteries that according to Samsung should last for up to 4 days on a single charge. Furthermore, both smartwatches are water resistant and are rated IP68 in terms of durability.
The one difference is that the Frontier has the extra feature of LTE to let you handle calls and reply to texts without the need for a smartphone. The Gear S3’s signature rotating bezel has been enhanced with new features. Without touching the screen, users can accept or reject a call or snooze an alarm. In addition, by writing or drawing on the display, messages will automatically convert to texts and emojis, because who doesn’t like emojis? Furthermore, users can also create short reminders and to-do lists to manage even the most hectic schedules with the Reminders application.
“With the Gear S3, we sought to integrate tradition and technology, bringing to the forefront an immensely intelligent smartwatch. The large watch face was inspired by styles emerging from the world’s most premium watch brands. A classic timepiece combined with the latest innovations in technology, the Gear S3 is bound to withstand the test of time”
-Yvan Arpa, the Switzerland-based luxury watch designer involved in the Gear S3 design process.
The Gear S3 also features Samsung Pay, letting users add a credit card or debit card for making mobile payments. Safety is also an important feature of the Gear S3, with users having the option to activate an SOS signal and GPS tracking to notify friends and family.
Compared to the S2, the S3 is slightly thicker and weighs a bit more, due to the added features. This means that it won’t sit on your wrist as the S2 did but it’s a small price to pay.
A number of straps, including leather options, will be available letting you customise your watch’s appearance to your satisfaction.
