Choosing the right smartwatch can be tough, especially with Samsung's extensive lineup. We're pitting the sleek and modern Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum against the rugged and feature-rich Gear S3 Frontier LTE to help you decide which one best fits your needs and lifestyle. This comparison dives deep into design, performance, features, and more.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum offers a more refined experience with a brighter display, faster processor, and modern software. However, the Gear S3 Frontier LTE boasts a larger battery, built-in LTE connectivity, and a more robust design, making it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Active2 wins on overall usability, Gear S3 on battery and ruggedness.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - 44mm LTE version only | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 - 44mm LTE version only | 2, 4, 5 - T-Mobile |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - T-Mobile |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August. Released 2019, September | 2016, August. Released 2016, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX+), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass SR+), stainless steel 316L frame |
| Dimensions | 44 x 44 x 10.9 mm (1.73 x 1.73 x 0.43 in) | 49 x 46 x 12.9 mm (1.93 x 1.81 x 0.51 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 30 g (1.06 oz) | 63 g (2.22 oz) |
| | 50m water resistant (IP68)
Compatible with standard 20mm straps
ECG certified
Touch-sensitive bezel
MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Compatible with standard 22mm straps |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ | Corning Gorilla Glass SR+ |
| Resolution | 360 x 360 pixels (~364 ppi density) | 360 x 360 pixels (~278 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.4 inches | 1.3 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| | Always-on display | Always-on display
Rotating bezel |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.15 GHz Cortex-A53 | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Exynos 9110 (10 nm) | Exynos 7 Dual 7270 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T720 | - |
| OS | Tizen OS 5.5 | Tizen OS 5.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 4GB 768MB RAM, 4GB 1.5GB RAM | 4GB 768MB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer |
| | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay | S-Voice natural language commands and dictation
MP3/M4A/AAC/WAV player
Photo viewer
Voice memo/dial/commands
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless (Qi) |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 72 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 340 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 380 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cloud Silver, Aqua Black, Pink Gold, Phantom Violet | Black |
| Models | SM-R830 | - |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 300 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum
- Sleek and modern design
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Faster processor and smoother performance
- Rotating bezel for intuitive navigation
- Modern Tizen OS
- Shorter battery life
- Less rugged design compared to Gear S3
Samsung Gear S3 frontier LTE
- Longer battery life (2-3 days)
- Built-in LTE connectivity (calls, data)
- More rugged and durable design
- Classic watch aesthetic
- Slower processor and less responsive performance
- Less vibrant display
- Older Tizen OS version
Display Comparison
The Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum features a Super AMOLED display with a higher resolution (1.4-inch, 360x360) compared to the Gear S3 Frontier LTE's (1.3-inch, 360x360). The Active2's display is noticeably brighter and more vibrant, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. The Active2 also has a rotating bezel for navigation, a feature many find intuitive.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches, and users typically rely on their smartphones for photography.
Performance
The Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum's Exynos 9110 chipset (10nm) provides a noticeable performance boost over the Gear S3 Frontier LTE's Exynos 7 Dual 7270 (14nm). Apps launch faster, animations are smoother, and the overall user experience feels more responsive on the Active2. The Active2 also benefits from newer versions of Tizen OS.
Battery Life
The Gear S3 Frontier LTE holds a significant advantage in battery life. It typically lasts 2-3 days on a single charge, even with LTE enabled. The Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum, on the other hand, typically lasts around 1-2 days with moderate use. The Gear S3's larger battery is a major selling point for those who prioritize longevity.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum is ideal for fitness enthusiasts who prioritize a sleek design, vibrant display, and seamless integration with modern smartphones. The Gear S3 Frontier LTE is perfect for those who need extended battery life, LTE connectivity for calls and data on the go, and a durable watch for outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Gear S3 Frontier LTE require a Samsung phone to function?
While it works best with Samsung phones, the Gear S3 Frontier LTE is compatible with a wide range of Android devices. However, some features like Bixby may be limited on non-Samsung devices.
❓ Can I make calls on the Gear S3 Frontier LTE without my phone?
Yes, thanks to its LTE connectivity, you can make and receive calls directly on the Gear S3 Frontier LTE when connected to a cellular network.
