Samsung has a long history of smartwatches, and two popular models are the rugged Galaxy Watch5 Pro and the classic Gear S3 Frontier. Both offer unique features and appeal to different users. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which smartwatch best fits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro is the clear winner for performance, features, and modern smartwatch capabilities thanks to its newer chipset and Wear OS integration. However, the Gear S3 Frontier remains a compelling option for those seeking a stylish, durable, and more affordable classic smartwatch experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 10 | 2016, August. Released 2016, November |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 26 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), titanium frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), stainless steel 316L frame |
| Dimensions | 45.4 x 45.4 x 10.5 mm (1.79 x 1.79 x 0.41 in) | 49 x 46 x 12.9 mm (1.93 x 1.81 x 0.51 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | No |
| Weight | 46.5 g (1.66 oz) | 63 g (2.22 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810H compliant*
50m water resistant (IP68)
Compatible with standard 20mm straps
ECG certified
Blood pressure monitor
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Compatible with standard 22mm straps |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal | Corning Gorilla Glass SR+ |
| Resolution | 450 x 450 pixels (~321 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 1.18 GHz Cortex-A55 | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Exynos W920 (5 nm) | Exynos 7 Dual 7270 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 | - |
| OS | Android Wear OS 4, One UI Watch 5 | Tizen OS 5.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 1.5GB RAM | 4GB 768MB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, 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 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, thermometer (body temperature) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer |
| | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay | S-Voice natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wireless | Wireless (Qi) |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 72 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 590 mAh | Li-Ion 380 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black Titanium, Gray Titanium | Silver |
| Models | SM-R925F | - |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 210 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro
- Superior Performance
- Longer Battery Life
- Advanced Health Tracking (ECG, Blood Oxygen)
- Wear OS Integration
- Sapphire Crystal Display
- Rugged Design
- Higher Price
- Larger Size May Not Suit All Wrists
- Can be Overkill for Basic Users
Samsung Gear S3 frontier
- Classic Design
- Durable Build Quality
- More Affordable
- Rotating Bezel for Easy Navigation
- Good Battery Life (for its age)
- Outdated Chipset
- Slower Performance
- Limited App Selection
- Less Advanced Health Tracking
- Smaller Display
Display Comparison
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro boasts a larger 1.4-inch Super AMOLED display with excellent brightness and clarity, protected by sapphire crystal glass. The Gear S3 Frontier has a 1.3-inch Super AMOLED display, also vibrant, but noticeably smaller and with less robust scratch resistance. The Watch5 Pro's display is significantly more modern and easier to read in various lighting conditions.
Camera Comparison
Neither device has a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches, relying on smartphone connectivity for photography.
Performance
The Exynos W920 in the Watch5 Pro provides a substantial performance boost over the Gear S3 Frontier's Exynos 7270. Apps launch faster, animations are smoother, and the overall user experience is more responsive. The Watch5 Pro's Wear OS integration also contributes to a more fluid and feature-rich experience.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro offers significantly improved battery life, typically lasting 2-3 days with moderate use, thanks to its larger battery capacity and more efficient chipset. The Gear S3 Frontier generally lasts around 1-2 days, requiring more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro is ideal for serious athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and users who want the latest smartwatch technology, including advanced health tracking and seamless smartphone integration. The Gear S3 Frontier is a great choice for those who appreciate a classic design, robust build quality, and a more budget-friendly price point, prioritizing style and basic smartwatch functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Gear S3 Frontier still worth buying in 2024?
It depends. If you're on a tight budget and appreciate a classic design, it can still be a decent option. However, be aware of its limitations in performance and software updates.
❓ Does the Galaxy Watch5 Pro have cellular connectivity?
Yes, certain models of the Galaxy Watch5 Pro offer LTE cellular connectivity, allowing you to make calls and use data without your phone nearby.
❓ What operating system do these smartwatches use?
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro runs Wear OS powered by Samsung, while the Gear S3 Frontier runs Tizen OS. Wear OS offers broader app compatibility and Google integration.
❓ Are the watch bands interchangeable?
Yes, both watches use standard watch band sizes, allowing for easy customization with a wide variety of aftermarket bands.
