Samsung Gear S2 vs S3 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Samsung Gear S3 and Samsung Gear S2 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Samsung Gear S3 rather than the Samsung Gear S2.

Why Do I Recommend The Samsung Gear S3?

  • The Samsung Gear S3 features a larger 1.3-inch Super AMOLED display for improved readability and easier interaction with notifications, compared to Samsung Gear S2’s 1.2-inch display.
  • Samsung Gear S3 has 768 MB RAM for smoother multitasking and more responsive watch face performance, while Samsung Gear S2 uses 512 MB of RAM.
  • It has a built-in GPS for accurate outdoor activity tracking and route mapping without carrying a phone, while Samsung Gear S2 has no GPS.
  • The Samsung Gear S3 comes with a 380 mAh battery for longer multi-day usage between charges during normal smartwatch use, whereas Samsung Gear S2 uses a smaller 250 mAh battery.
  • Samsung Gear S3 includes a built-in speaker for taking calls and hearing alerts directly from the watch, while Samsung Gear S2 comes with no speaker.
  • It supports an LTE variant for standalone calling and data access away from a smartphone, whereas Samsung Gear S2 has no LTE support.
  • The Samsung Gear S3 includes barometer and altimeter sensors for elevation and pressure tracking during hiking or outdoor activities, while Samsung Gear S2 lacks both sensors.
  • Samsung Gear S3 supports always-on display mode for continuously visible time and information without waking the screen, whereas Samsung Gear S2 does not support always-on display.

Maybe the Samsung Gear S2 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Samsung Gear S3. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureSamsung Gear S3Samsung Gear S2
Display Size1.3 inch1.2 inch
Display GlassGorilla Glass SR+Gorilla Glass 3
Bezel SizeLarge rotating bezelSlim rotating bezel
ChipsetExynos 7270Exynos 3250
RAM768 MB512 MB
Battery Capacity380 mAh250 mAh
Typical Battery LifeUp to 4 daysUp to 2 days
GPSYesNo
BarometerYesNo
AltimeterYesNo
LTE VariantAvailableNot available
SpeakerYesNo
Always-On DisplayYesNo
Military StandardMIL-STD-810GNot rated
Strap Width22 mm20 mm
Charging CradleLarger dockCompact dock
PriceCheck Samsung S3 PriceCheck Samsung S2 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Operating System: Both smartwatches run on Samsung’s Tizen operating system, ensuring a consistent interface, similar navigation logic, and access to the same core system features. This matters because users switching between the two models do not need to relearn how the software works.
  • Display Type: Both devices use Super AMOLED displays, which provide deep blacks, high contrast, and vivid colors. This improves readability and visual clarity in both indoor and outdoor conditions.
  • Display Resolution: Each model features a 360 × 360 resolution display, resulting in sharp text and detailed graphics. This ensures watch faces and notifications appear equally crisp on both devices.
  • Touchscreen: Both watches support full touchscreen interaction, allowing users to swipe, tap, and interact directly with apps and notifications. This makes everyday navigation intuitive and responsive.
  • Rotating Bezel: Samsung includes a physical rotating bezel on both models, enabling precise menu navigation without obstructing the screen. This enhances usability, especially during quick interactions.
  • Stainless Steel Case: Both models use stainless steel for the watch case, providing durability and a premium feel. This contributes to long-term wear resistance and a more traditional watch appearance.
  • Water Resistance: Each watch carries an IP68 rating, meaning both can handle water exposure such as rain, hand washing, and brief submersion. This allows worry-free daily use in varied environments.
  • Heart Rate Sensor: Both devices include optical heart rate monitoring for tracking basic fitness and wellness data. This supports casual health tracking without requiring additional accessories.
  • Accelerometer: An accelerometer is present in both models to detect movement and basic activity patterns. This enables step counting and motion-based activity tracking.
  • Gyroscope: Both watches include a gyroscope, which improves motion detection accuracy. This helps with gesture recognition and more refined activity tracking.
  • Ambient Light Sensor: Each model automatically adjusts screen brightness based on surrounding light conditions. This improves visibility while conserving battery life.
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth connectivity is supported on both devices for pairing with smartphones and accessories. This allows notifications, calls, and data syncing when connected to a phone.
  • Wi-Fi: Both watches support Wi-Fi, enabling internet-based features when a paired phone is not nearby. This enhances connectivity flexibility in supported scenarios.
  • NFC: Near Field Communication is available on both models, allowing contactless payment functionality. This is essential for using Samsung Pay directly from the wrist.
  • Wireless Charging: Both devices charge wirelessly using Samsung’s charging dock system. This removes the need for exposed charging ports and improves convenience.
  • Microphone: A built-in microphone is present in both watches for voice commands and call handling. This supports hands-free interactions and voice-based features.
  • Replaceable Straps: Both models support interchangeable watch straps. This allows users to customize comfort and style without replacing the watch itself.
  • Smartphone Notifications: Each smartwatch mirrors notifications from a connected smartphone. This ensures consistent access to calls, messages, and app alerts.
  • Music Control: Both devices allow basic music playback control from the wrist. This enables convenient track and volume management without pulling out a phone.
  • Samsung Pay Support: Samsung Pay is supported on both models, enabling contactless payments. This makes both watches practical for everyday transactions.

Common Features

FeatureSamsung Gear S3Samsung Gear S2
Operating SystemTizen OSTizen OS
Display TypeSuper AMOLEDSuper AMOLED
Display Resolution360 × 360360 × 360
TouchscreenYesYes
Rotating BezelYesYes
Stainless Steel CaseYesYes
Water ResistanceIP68IP68
Heart Rate SensorYesYes
AccelerometerYesYes
GyroscopeYesYes
Ambient Light SensorYesYes
BluetoothYesYes
Wi-FiYesYes
NFCYesYes
Wireless ChargingYesYes
MicrophoneYesYes
Replaceable StrapsYesYes
Smartphone NotificationsYesYes
Music ControlYesYes
Samsung Pay SupportYesYes
Price Check Samsung S3 Price
Check Samsung S2 Price

FAQ

Is Samsung Gear S3 compatible with modern Android phones?
Samsung Gear S3 can pair with many Android phones, but compatibility depends on Android version and Samsung Wearable app support. Some newer Android versions may have limited functionality or require older app versions to maintain stable syncing.

Is Samsung Gear S2 compatible with modern Android phones?
Samsung Gear S2 also supports Android phones through the Samsung Wearable app, but compatibility is more limited than Gear S3. Users may experience reduced features or connection issues on newer Android releases.

Do Samsung Gear S3 and Gear S2 work with iPhones?
Both Samsung Gear S3 and Samsung Gear S2 can connect to iPhones with limited functionality. Notifications and basic features work, but advanced features like replies, Samsung Pay, and deep app integration are restricted.

Can both Samsung Gear S3 and Gear S2 make phone calls?
Both models can handle calls when connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth, and Samsung Gear S3 additionally supports standalone calling on LTE variants. Samsung Gear S2 requires a phone connection for all call functions.

Do Samsung Gear S3 and Gear S2 support Samsung Pay?
Both smartwatches support Samsung Pay using NFC technology. This allows contactless payments directly from the watch, provided the region and bank are supported.

Do both watches have heart rate monitoring?
Samsung Gear S3 and Samsung Gear S2 both include an optical heart rate sensor for basic fitness and wellness tracking. This enables continuous or on-demand heart rate measurement during daily activities.

Are Samsung Gear S3 and Gear S2 water resistant?
Both devices carry an IP68 water resistance rating. This means they are suitable for rain, hand washing, and brief water exposure, but not intended for swimming or high-pressure water activities.

Do both models use the rotating bezel for navigation?
Samsung Gear S3 and Samsung Gear S2 both feature a physical rotating bezel. This allows users to scroll menus and notifications without touching the screen, improving usability and precision.

Can you install apps on both Samsung Gear S3 and Gear S2?
Both watches support app installation through the Tizen ecosystem. However, the available app library is limited compared to modern smartwatch platforms.

Do Samsung Gear S3 and Gear S2 support fitness tracking?
Both models support basic fitness tracking such as step counting, activity recognition, and workout logging. Samsung Gear S3 provides more advanced outdoor tracking due to additional sensors.

Do both watches support music playback control?
Samsung Gear S3 and Samsung Gear S2 allow users to control music playing on a connected smartphone. This includes play, pause, skip, and volume adjustment from the wrist.

Are the watch straps interchangeable on both models?
Both smartwatches support interchangeable straps using standard watch band sizes. Samsung Gear S3 uses 22 mm straps, while Samsung Gear S2 uses 20 mm straps.

Do Samsung Gear S3 and Gear S2 have built-in GPS?
Only Samsung Gear S3 includes built-in GPS functionality. Samsung Gear S2 relies entirely on a connected smartphone for location-based tracking.

How long does the battery last on Samsung Gear S3 and Gear S2?
Samsung Gear S3 typically lasts longer due to its larger battery capacity, often reaching multiple days of use. Samsung Gear S2 generally requires more frequent charging under similar usage.

Are Samsung Gear S3 and Gear S2 still worth buying today?
Both Samsung Gear S3 and Samsung Gear S2 can still be useful for basic smartwatch functions, but they are considered outdated. Limited app support, aging hardware, and reduced compatibility with modern phones should be carefully considered before purchasing.