Samsung has unveiled the company's third generation flagship smartwatch dubbed as the Gear S3, couple of days ahead of the IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin) 2016.
The new Gear S3 comes in two models—classic and frontier, a rugged variant for outdoors. They house almost same hardware, but differ in a few aspects. The latter boasts LTE support and built-in speakers, wherein users can activate voice messaging and listen to their favourite tunes, whereas the former lacks these two aforementioned features.
Furthermore, the classic model has minimalistic look, while the frontier features rugged exterior design, best suited for people who love trekking. Rest of the key specifications such as display, battery, RAM, storage, fitness tracking sensor and OS remain same.
They come with a 1.3-inch circular super AMOLED display with AOD (Always-On-Display) feature, 1.0GHz dual-core processor, 768MB RAM, 4GB inbuilt storage, heart rate monitor, IP68 water-and-dust resistant certification and 380mAh battery, which can keep the device running for close to four days.
The Gear S3 series also boasts of NFC (Near Field Communication) and MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission), thus paving the way for cash-less transaction via Samsung Pay.
Another notable aspect of the Gear S3 is that it comes with safety features. Users can activate SOS and location tracking capabilities to alert family, friends and emergency professionals when faced with dire situation.
Samsung has confirmed that the new Gear S3 series are compatible with Google Android and Apple iOS devices.
As of now, Samsung has not announced the price of the Gear S3 series and also when it will be made available in the market, but it is expected to hit stores before the end of 2016.
Stay tune for more updates.
Key specifications of Samsung Gear S3:
| Models | Gear S2 frontier | Gear S2 classic |
| Display | 1.3-inch Circular Super AMOLED screen, Full Color Always On Display, Corning Gorilla Glass SR+
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1.3-inch Circular Super AMOLED screen, Full Color Always On Display, Corning Gorilla Glass SR+
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| OS | Tizen Wearable Platform v2.3.2 | Tizen Wearable Platform v2.3.2 |
| Processor | 1.0GHz dual-core CPU | 1.0GHz dual-core CPU |
| RAM | 768MB | 728MB |
| Storage | 4GB | 4GB |
| Network | 3G/LTE, | ------------- |
| Battery | 380mAh with Wireless charging (WPC Inductive) | 380mAh with Wireless charging (WPC Inductive) |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyro, Barometer, HRM (Heart Rate Monitor), Ambient light | Accelerometer, Gyro, Barometer, HRM, Ambient light |
| Add-ons | IP68 water & dust resistance certification, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi b/g/n,NFC (Near Field Communication), MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission), A-GPS/Glonass | IP68 water & dust resistance certification, Bluetooth® 4.2, Wi-Fi b/g/n, NFC (Near Field Communication), MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission), GPS/Glonass |
| Dimensions | 46 x 49 x 12.9 mm | 46 x 49 x 12.9 mm |
| Weight | 62g (without band) | 57g (without band) |
| Band | 22mm | 22mm |
