The Samsung Gear S2 Classic and Asus Zenwatch 3 represent distinct approaches to the smartwatch market. The Gear S2 Classic, released in 2015, prioritized a traditional watch aesthetic and wireless charging, while the 2016 Zenwatch 3 focused on performance improvements with Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear 2100 and a significantly faster wired charging solution. This comparison dissects their core differences to help you determine which smartwatch best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing convenience and a classic look, the Samsung Gear S2 Classic remains a compelling choice thanks to its wireless charging and refined design. However, the Asus Zenwatch 3 offers a noticeable performance boost with its quad-core processor and faster charging, making it ideal for those who demand quicker responsiveness and don't mind a wired connection.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, August. Released 2015, October | 2016, August. Released 2016, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), stainless steel frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), stainless steel 316L frame |
| Dimensions | 43.6 x 39.9 x 11.4 mm (1.72 x 1.57 x 0.45 in) | 45 x 45 x 10.8 mm (1.77 x 1.77 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 42 g (1.48 oz) | 48 g (1.69 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Compatible with standard 20mm straps | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 mins)
Compatible with standard 18mm straps |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 360 x 360 pixels (~302 ppi density) | 400 x 400 pixels (~287 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.2 inches | 1.39 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED | AMOLED |
| | Always-on display
Rotating bezel | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Exynos 3250 Dual | Qualcomm MSM8909W Snapdragon Wear 2100 |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | Adreno 304 |
| OS | Tizen OS 2.3.2 | Android Wear OS 2.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 4GB 512MB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.1, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| 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 |
| | S-Voice natural language commands and dictation
MP3/M4A/AAC/WAV player
Photo viewer
Voice memo/dial/commands
Samsung Pay | MP3 player
Voice dial/commands |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless (Qi) | 18W wired, 60% in 15 min |
| Stand-by | Up to 48 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 250 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 341 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, 18K rose gold, Platinum, ceramic bracelet | Gunmetal, Silver, Rose gold |
| Models | SM-R720, SM-R732 | - |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 230 EUR |
Samsung Gear S2 classic
- Classic, timeless watch design
- Convenient wireless (Qi) charging
- Unique rotating bezel interface
- Slower processor compared to Zenwatch 3
- Slower charging speeds
- Older chipset architecture
Asus Zenwatch 3 WI503Q
- Faster quad-core Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor
- Rapid 18W wired charging (60% in 15 min)
- More power-efficient chipset
- Requires wired charging
- Less traditional watch aesthetic
- May lack the premium feel of the Gear S2 Classic
Display Comparison
Neither device's specifications detail display technology beyond being smartwatch displays. However, the Gear S2 Classic's rotating bezel provides a unique interaction method absent on the Zenwatch 3. While both likely feature similar resolutions given their size constraints, the Zenwatch 3 benefits from a more modern chipset potentially allowing for smoother animations. The Gear S2 Classic's focus on a traditional watch face design may prioritize legibility over peak brightness.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is known for its camera capabilities, and detailed camera specs are unavailable. Smartwatches generally prioritize functionality over photographic excellence. Any camera features on these devices are likely intended for quick, casual snapshots rather than serious photography. Given the market segment, image quality will be comparable and not a deciding factor for most buyers.
Performance
The Asus Zenwatch 3's Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon Wear 2100, a quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 processor, represents a significant architectural leap over the Samsung Gear S2 Classic's Exynos 3250 Dual, a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7. The increased core count and slightly higher clock speed in the Snapdragon Wear 2100 translate to demonstrably faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. The Exynos 3250, while adequate for basic smartwatch functions, will likely exhibit more noticeable lag when handling complex tasks. The Zenwatch 3's processor also benefits from Qualcomm's optimizations for wearable devices.
Battery Life
While specific battery capacities aren't provided, the Asus Zenwatch 3's 18W wired charging with a 60% charge in 15 minutes is a clear advantage. The Gear S2 Classic relies on slower wireless (Qi) charging, which, while convenient, is significantly less efficient. The Snapdragon Wear 2100 in the Zenwatch 3 is also generally more power-efficient than the Exynos 3250, potentially offsetting any capacity differences. Users prioritizing minimal downtime will strongly favor the Zenwatch 3's rapid charging capability.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Gear S2 Classic if you value a timeless, traditional watch design and the convenience of wireless Qi charging. It's perfect for users who prioritize style and don't heavily rely on demanding applications. Buy the Asus Zenwatch 3 WI503Q if you prioritize performance and quick charging. This is the better option for users who frequently use apps, track fitness activities, or simply want a smartwatch that's ready to go quickly after a top-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 3250 chip in the Gear S2 Classic overheat during prolonged use, like GPS tracking?
The Exynos 3250, being a dual-core processor, is less prone to overheating than more powerful chips. However, extended use of GPS or other demanding features may cause some warmth. The Zenwatch 3's Snapdragon Wear 2100, while more powerful, also incorporates thermal management features to prevent overheating.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Zenwatch 3 compatible with standard phone chargers, or does it require a specific adapter?
The Zenwatch 3's 18W charging is compatible with many standard USB-C phone chargers that support USB Power Delivery (USB-PD). However, to achieve the full 18W charging speed, it's recommended to use a charger specifically rated for USB-PD. Using a standard 5W charger will still charge the device, but at a much slower rate.
❓ Can I use a wireless charging pad that isn't Samsung-branded with the Gear S2 Classic?
Yes, the Gear S2 Classic supports the Qi wireless charging standard, meaning it's compatible with any Qi-certified wireless charging pad, regardless of the brand. However, charging speeds may vary depending on the wattage output of the charging pad.
