Samsung Gear S3 Classic Complete Specs Pricing & Insights

Design and Build

The Samsung Gear S3 Classic is distinguished by its elegant and timeless design reminiscent of traditional watches while incorporating modern technology. With dimensions of 49 x 46 x 12.9 mm and a weight of just 59 grams, the watch achieves a balance between robust construction and comfortable wear. The use of stainless steel 316L for the frame and the protection of the front with Corning Gorilla Glass SR+ ensures durability and resistance against scratches and impact. The Classic variant specifically shines with its polished, silver finish, offering a premium look suitable for both formal and casual occasions.

Display

The Gear S3 Classic boasts a 1.3-inch Super AMOLED display, capable of rendering vibrant colors and deep blacks that enhance readability and visual appeal in various lighting conditions. The display resolution of 360 x 360 pixels, with a pixel density of approximately 278 ppi, offers sharpness and clarity that make interactions with the smartwatch satisfying and effective. The Corning Gorilla Glass SR+ not only protects the display but also helps in maintaining touch sensitivity and responsiveness.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Gear S3 Classic is powered by the Exynos 7 Dual 7270 chipset, built on a 14 nm process, ensuring efficient power consumption while maintaining decent performance for smartwatches. The dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, paired with 768MB RAM, allows smooth navigation through the Tizen OS interface, effective multitasking, and operation of various apps designed for the watch. Although limited in storage with 4GB internal space and no card slot for expansion, it suffices for storing essential apps and data for daily use.

Operating System and Software

Running on Tizen OS 5.5, the Gear S3 Classic provides a unique user experience through a customizable and feature-rich interface. Tizen OS supports a broad range of applications, combining both utility and entertainment, including fitness tracking, music control, and notification synchronization with smartphones. The operating system's continual updates ensure the watch remains secure, stable, and compatible with new features over time.

Connectivity and Communication

The Gear S3 Classic offers essential connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.2, enabling reliable and broad wireless communication capabilities. With GPS and GLONASS support, the device allows accurate location tracking which is pivotal for fitness applications and navigation. Additionally, the NFC feature enables contactless payments via Samsung Pay, leveraging secure transactions for convenience without the need for a physical wallet.

Battery Life

The smartwatch houses a 380 mAh Li-Ion battery, non-removable yet designed to provide endurance suitable for daily usage. The battery can last up to 72 hours with typical usage before requiring a recharge, a commendable uptime for smartwatches in this category. The inclusion of Qi wireless charging simplifies the process of recharging the watch, adding to the user convenience and modern feel of the device.

Sensor Technologies

Equipped with a multitude of sensors, the Gear S3 Classic enhances user interactions and experiences. An accelerometer, gyroscope, and barometer facilitate accurate tracking of movement, elevation, and activity levels, crucial for health and fitness enthusiasts. Additionally, a heart rate monitor provides real-time tracking of heart rate, enabling users to optimize their workouts and track cardiovascular health more effectively.

Audio and Notifications

For audio output, the Gear S3 Classic includes a built-in loudspeaker, essential for listening to calls, alerts, and other audio outputs when not connected to external devices. While it lacks a 3.5mm jack, the Bluetooth connectivity compensates by allowing wireless headphones or speakers for private listening. The seamless integration of notification alerts with paired smartphones ensures users stay connected to important calls, messages, and app alerts.

Conclusion

Though officially discontinued, the Samsung Gear S3 Classic remains a significant contribution to the landscape of smartwatches, blending traditional aesthetics with smart functionality. Its robust design, rich feature set, and user-friendly interface continue to attract both tech enthusiasts and those seeking the elegance of classic timepieces augmented by modern technology. The Gear S3 Classic was priced around 260 EUR, offering a compelling choice in its time for an attractive and capable wearable device.