OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,948 independent expert reviews and 12,633 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

Samsung Gear S3 Classic LTE Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£350Screen size:1.30 inchBattery life:3 daysDisplay type:AMOLED

Samsung Gear S3 Classic LTE Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 24 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Samsung Gear S3 Classic LTE
7.2/10

Overall score

Score
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartwatch's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartwatches on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 68% of models
Score components

70%

6.7

Technical score

30%

8.4

Reviews score ( 7 · 17)

Reviews score 30% · 8.4 · based on 24 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 30%, technical score 70%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades. 3 more reviews are not scored yet.
â–²Better than 68% of smartwatches
7.7

Value for money

Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 58% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

â–²Better than 58%
6.7

Technical score

Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 62% of models
Score components

24%

3.9

Health

21%

9.3

Fitness

16%

4.6

Battery

14%

7.6

Smart features

12%

8.8

Connectivity

9%

7.8

Display & Design

4%

6.4

Hardware

â–²Better than 62%
8.4

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 85% of models
Grades by review (24)
7 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 17 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 85%
  • samsung-gear-s3-classic-lte
samsung-gear-s3-classic-lte
Best prices
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Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Samsung Gear S3 Classic LTE

Technical score
Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 62% of models
Score components:

24%

3.9

Health

21%

9.3

Fitness

16%

4.6

Battery

14%

7.6

Smart features

12%

8.8

Connectivity

9%

7.8

Display & Design

4%

6.4

Hardware

6.7
Reviews score
8.4
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 58% of models
Score components:

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

7.7
Brand name
Samsung
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 66.8% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
no
This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings. 48.2% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Show more
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 50.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 30.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
?
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
3 days
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 3 days which is shorter than that of 74.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 3.9% of smartwatches.
Up to 72 hours standby.
Battery life in training mode
8.5 h
Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
This smartwatch lasts 8.5 h in training mode which is shorter than 73.1% of smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
5 h
Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
This smartwatch lasts 5 h with GPS on which is shorter than 91% of smartwatches and equal to that of 2.8% of smartwatches.
Battery power
315 mAh
Market range: <195 mAh – >475 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 315 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 55.6% of smartwatches and equal to those in 0.6% of smartwatches.
Battery capacity varies by case size/model variant.
Charge time
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Tizen
This smartwatch runs Tizen which is more advanced than the operating system in 55.2% of smartwatches and the same as that in 2.3% of smartwatches.
Software update frequency
ended
This smartwatch has ended software update support which is less active than that of 42.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 57.5% of smartwatches.
Third-party app support
yes
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 32.4% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
yes
This smartwatch includes a cellular module. 82.2% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This smartwatch uses 1 for cellular connectivity which is more advanced than that of 2% of smartwatches and the same as that of 98% of smartwatches.
eSIM
GPS
yes
This smartwatch supports GPS. 43.9% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
no
This smartwatch does not support Galileo navigation. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
yes
This smartwatch includes a compass. 47.5% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
1.3 inch
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
This smartwatch has a screen size of 1.3 inch which is smaller than the screens of 66.8% of smartwatches and equal to those of 11.2% of smartwatches.
Display type
AMOLED
This smartwatch uses a AMOLED display type which is more advanced than that of 49.9% of smartwatches and the same as that of 50.1% of smartwatches.
Resolution
360x 360
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 360x360 which is higher than that of 50.2% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6.7% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
392 ppi
Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 392 ppi which is higher than that of 66.2% of smartwatches and equal to that of 2.7% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
1,000 nits
Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
This smartwatch reaches 1,000 nits of display brightness, which is higher than that of 59.4% of smartwatches and equal to that of 26.5% of smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
1 GHz
This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 1 GHz which is faster than that in 29.2% of smartwatches and equal to that in 31.2% of smartwatches.
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
4 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch uses 4 GB for internal storage which is larger than that of 40.4% of smartwatches and equal to that of 27% of smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more
What reviewers say

Samsung Gear S3 Classic LTE vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • Built-in cellular module
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 17.9% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 31.5% of smartwatches support maps.
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartwatch supports wireless charging, the average smartwatch does not. 24.5% of smartwatches support wireless charging.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Third-party app support
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass SR+ display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass SR+ vs mineral glass
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
    Compatible through third-party apps/workarounds.
  • Calorie tracking
    This smartwatch supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 48.6% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
  • Weight tracking
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.1% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
  • Water intake tracking
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44% of smartwatches track water intake.
    Water intake tracking may require manual logging in a companion app or widget.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
    Compatible through third-party apps/workarounds.
  • Barometer sensor included
    This smartwatch includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 49.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • Route support
    This smartwatch supports route support, the average smartwatch does not. 50% of smartwatches support route support.
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartwatch supports wireless charging, the average smartwatch does not. 24.5% of smartwatches support wireless charging.
  • Built-in cellular module
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 17.9% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 31.5% of smartwatches support maps.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.3% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass SR+ display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass SR+ vs mineral glass
  • Rugged construction
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 37.9% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
  • 400 nits higher display brightness
    This smartwatch has higher display brightness than the average smartwatch (1000 nits vs 600 nits). The average smartwatch reaches 600 nits.
    1,000 nits vs 600 nits
  • Better band material
    This smartwatch uses leather for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    leather vs silicone
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    316L stainless steel case
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • 66 ppi higher pixel density
    This smartwatch has a higher pixel density than the average smartwatch (392 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch display reaches 326 ppi.
    392 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • Third-party app support
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Tizen vs Proprietary OS).
    Tizen vs Proprietary OS
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • 15 h shorter GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (5 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    5 h vs 20 h
  • 48.5 m lower water resistance depth
    This smartwatch has a shallower waterproof rating than the average smartwatch (1.5 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch reaches 50 m.
    Based on IP immersion rating (controlled lab conditions, not a swim/diving certification).
    1.5 m vs 50 m
  • No swim mode
    This smartwatch does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 74.9% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
  • 4 days day/s shorter battery life
    This smartwatch offers 3 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    Up to 72 hours standby.
    3 days vs 7 days
  • 10.75 h shorter training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less in training mode than the average smartwatch (8.5 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    8.5 h vs 19.25 h
  • 4 year/s older release date
    This smartwatch is an older model than the average smartwatch (2017 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    May 2017
    2017 vs 2021
  • 2.69x more expensive
    Samsung Gear S3 Classic LTE is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£350 vs £130).
    £350 vs £130
  • 70.8% less popular
    Samsung Gear S3 Classic LTE has a lower popularity than the average smartwatch (3.58 vs 6.1).
    3.58 vs 6.12
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No swim mode
    This smartwatch does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 74.9% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
  • 41 fewer exercise profiles
    This smartwatch supports fewer exercise modes than the average smartwatch (39 vs 80). The average smartwatch supports 80 exercise modes.
    39 vs 80
  • 15 h shorter GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (5 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    5 h vs 20 h
  • 4 days day/s shorter battery life
    This smartwatch offers 3 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    Up to 72 hours standby.
    3 days vs 7 days
  • 10.75 h shorter training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less in training mode than the average smartwatch (8.5 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    8.5 h vs 19.25 h
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This smartwatch supports an older Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4.2 vs 5). The average smartwatch uses 5.0.
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • 48.5 m lower water resistance depth
    This smartwatch has a shallower waterproof rating than the average smartwatch (1.5 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch reaches 50 m.
    Based on IP immersion rating (controlled lab conditions, not a swim/diving certification).
    1.5 m vs 50 m
  • 12 g heavier weight
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (57 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    Weight refers to watch case without strap/band.
    57.0 g vs 45.0 g
  • 0.1 inch smaller screen size
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen size than the average smartwatch (1.3 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    1.30 inch vs 1.40 inch
  • 1.3 mm thicker watch body
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (12.9 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    12.90 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • 4 mm taller watch height
    This smartwatch is taller than the average smartwatch (49 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch height is 45 mm.
    49.0 mm vs 45 mm
  • 4 mm wider watch width
    This smartwatch is wider than the average smartwatch (46 mm vs 42 mm). The average smartwatch width is 42.0 mm.
    46.0 mm vs 42.0 mm
  • 10 °C lower max temperature
    This smartwatch handles a lower maximum operating temperature than the average smartwatch (35 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch reaches 45.0 °C.
    35.0 °C vs 45.0 °C
  • No smart alarm
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • 4 year/s older release date
    This smartwatch is an older model than the average smartwatch (2017 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    May 2017
    2017 vs 2021

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
TBK digital
≈ estimated
24/01/2017
Hands-on review · design, notifications and app limits
Verdict
Samsung Gear S3 Classic LTE is a good-looking watch that works well as a phone accessory, but limited app support holds it back.
9.5
WhatchaWearing
≈ estimated
06/01/2017
Long-term use review · interface, battery and charger
Verdict
Samsung Gear S3 Classic LTE is a fast, well-designed smartwatch with a great interface, and you can't go wrong with it right now.
4.0
Paul Richardson
≈ estimated
16/11/2016
Owner review · two days of use, returned
Verdict
Samsung Gear S3 Classic LTE lacks app support and features, so the owner is returning it after two days.
9.0
Jörgen Nilsson
≈ estimated
19/02/2017
Short hands-on review · setup, voice and call tests
Verdict
Samsung Gear S3 Classic LTE is a good watch with many functions, though the speaker and stiff leather band are weaker points.
Overview video
Not graded
Overview video
Overview video
Overview video

What reviewers agree on

Based on 10 · 11

Reviewers praise the sharp display and premium build, but find it bulky and heavy, with limited phone compatibility.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
13/11/2018
Hands-on review · Design and fitness
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 suits fitness fans who want a bright screen and long battery life, but its bulk, few apps and questionable GPS hold it back.
8.0
fonearena.com
≈ estimated
15/02/2017
Unboxing review · Features and battery
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 Classic is an understated watch that lasts up to four days without a phone, though heavy, too big for most women and limited with iPhones.
8.0
je-teste.com
≈ estimated
30/01/2017
Hands-on test · Calls and fitness
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 Classic is a stylish watch with clear calls and built-in GPS, but it can't stream phone music and lasts two to three days.
infonovice.fr
22/11/2016
Not graded yet
quechoisir.org
30/11/2016
Not graded yet
9.0
xataka.com.mx
≈ estimated
27/01/2017
Full review · Classic and Frontier
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 Classic is a traditional-looking watch that lasts nearly two days with notifications on, though calls and typing replies are awkward.
9.5
yourlifeupdated.net
≈ estimated
20/12/2016
Hands-on review · Business look
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 Classic has a Swiss watch look and lasts up to four days, suiting business wear, though it is heavy and works less well with iPhones.
9.5
focustech.it
≈ estimated
17/12/2016
Review · Premium design
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 Classic has a traditional watch look, strong battery life and standalone apps, though its 46mm case is large and iPhone support is incomplete.
9.0
gadgetgear.nl
✓ explicit
29/12/2016
Hands-on review · Tizen smartwatch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 Classic is a well-built, upscale watch that lasts about three days, but it suits larger wrists and has fewer apps than Android Wear.

Third-party reviews

What we like about Samsung Gear S3 Classic LTE

  • Intuitive navigation using the unique rotating bezel
  • Excellent battery life, typically lasting 3 to 4 days on a single charge
  • Vibrant and sharp 1.3-inch Super AMOLED display with an effective Always-On mode
  • Versatile Samsung Pay support that works with both NFC and traditional magnetic strip readers
  • Stand-alone LTE functionality allowing for calls and data without a nearby smartphone
  • Standard 22mm watch strap compatibility for easy customisation
  • Solid, high-end build quality that mimics a traditional premium timepiece

What we don't like about Samsung Gear S3 Classic LTE

  • Bulky and heavy design that may be too large for smaller or delicate wrists
  • Limited third-party app ecosystem compared to Apple's watchOS or Android Wear
  • IP68 water resistance is not suitable for swimming
  • LTE usage can significantly drain the battery, sometimes failing to last a full day
  • S Voice and older Tizen software are less capable than modern voice assistants like Google Assistant
  • Lengthy charging times, often taking up to 3 hours to reach full capacity
  • Incompatibility with the latest smartphones running Android 14 or newer

Verdict

The Samsung Gear S3 Classic LTE is a premium, circular smartwatch featuring a 1.3-inch Super AMOLED Always-On Display (360x360) protected by Corning Gorilla Glass SR+ and a signature rotating bezel for navigation. Internally, it is powered by a 1.0 GHz dual-core Exynos 7270 processor with 768MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, and a 380mAh battery that typically lasts 3 to 4 days. Key pros include its independent 4G LTE connectivity for calls and texts, built-in GPS, IP68 water resistance, and highly versatile Samsung Pay supporting both NFC and MST technology. However, common cons include its bulky 46mm stainless steel chassis that may feel oversized on smaller wrists, a lack of modern app support on the Tizen platform, and limited compatibility with newer smartphone operating systems.

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