OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartwatches Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v3.0

Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE review: 127 specs compared

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

Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE Review: Compare 127 technical specifications and 58 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE
7.7/10

Overall score

Score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 73% of models
Score components

35%

6.7

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

8.5

Reviews score

10%

10

Sentiment score

▲Better than 73% of smartwatches
8.0

Value for money

Value for money
8.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 60% of models
Score components

70%

7.7

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

▲Better than 60%
6.7

Technical score

Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 58% of models
Score components

24%

4.1

Health

21%

8.9

Fitness

16%

5.2

Battery

14%

7.6

Smart features

12%

8.4

Connectivity

9%

7.9

Display & Design

4%

6.0

Hardware

▲Better than 58%
8.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.5/ 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. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 86% of models

80%

8.3

Average grade

20%

9.2

Popularity

Grades by review (58)
28 reviews + 30 videos, average 8.3/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 86%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • samsung-gear-s3-frontier-lte
  • samsung-gear-s3-frontier-lte
  • samsung-gear-s3-frontier-lte
  • samsung-gear-s3-frontier-lte
samsung-gear-s3-frontier-lte
samsung-gear-s3-frontier-lte
samsung-gear-s3-frontier-lte
samsung-gear-s3-frontier-lte
Where to buy
    N/A~ £350
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE

Based on 8 · 12

Reviewers like the battery, display and rotating bezel, but find it too big and heavy, with phone compatibility a common complaint.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE

Based on 214 owners sharing their experience in online comments

64%positive11%mixed25%negative

Owners love its rugged design, payments and standalone features, while battery life and phone-dependent software cause the most frustration.

What owners dislike

  • Battery drains faster after the One UI update, often lasting about a day with always-on display or heavy use. Owners say Tap to Wake helps.19
  • LTE setup and automatic call forwarding often fail when the watch loses Bluetooth, showing an error or missing the option on some carriers and phones.12
  • S Voice often misunderstands commands and dictation, and some owners say voice input stopped working after an update.9
  • Some features, such as certain apps, voice recorder and companion apps, are missing or unavailable on non-Samsung phones like LG, Xiaomi and iPhone.8
  • Owners say messages are missing or only partly shown, especially WhatsApp messages, and some cannot reply to text at all.8
  • Owners say call audio fails or the watch cannot hear or speak through its speaker. Call handoff to a Bluetooth headset also fails.8
  • After a software update, owners say sensors, the always-on display, alarms and some watch faces stopped working, and Samsung did not fix them.7
  • Owners say the rotating bezel scuffs or fades over time, and the textured rubber buttons may wear.6
  • Owners say heart-rate and step sensors stopped working, and the heart-rate monitor does not read well for some people with tattoos.5
  • Owners find it bulky for smaller wrists and for everyday wear, and some say it is too large for daily use.5

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE

Technical score
Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 58% of models
Score components:

24%

4.1

Health

21%

8.9

Fitness

16%

5.2

Battery

14%

7.6

Smart features

12%

8.4

Connectivity

9%

7.9

Display & Design

4%

6.0

Hardware

6.7
Reviews score
8.5
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 60% of models
Score components:

70%

7.7

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

8.0
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 9.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 69.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 18.2% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
no
This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
HRV tracking
no
This smartwatch does not support HRV tracking. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.5% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 46.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 28.9% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
no
This smartwatch does not include a cadence sensor. 32.9% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 3.7% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
Battery life
3 days
Market range: <1 day – >20 days
This smartwatch lasts 3 days on a charge, which is shorter than 76.7% of Smartwatches and the same as 3.5% of Smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
16 h
Market range: <6 h – >48 h
This smartwatch records workouts for 16 h on a charge, which is shorter than 56% of Smartwatches and the same as 1.6% of Smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
10 h
Market range: <6 h – >46 h
This smartwatch lasts 10 h with GPS on, which is shorter than 76% of Smartwatches and the same as 4.7% of Smartwatches.
Battery power
380 mAh
Market range: <200 mAh – >500 mAh
This smartwatch has a 380 mAh battery, which is larger than 68.2% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.4% of Smartwatches.
Charge time
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Tizen
This smartwatch runs Tizen, which is more advanced than the system in 53.8% of Smartwatches and equal to 2.1% of Smartwatches.
Software update frequency
ended
This smartwatch has ended software update support which is less active than that of 46.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 53.9% of smartwatches.
Third-party app support
yes
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 48.5% 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. 30.8% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
yes
This smartwatch includes a cellular module. 83.5% 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. 40.3% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
no
This smartwatch does not support Galileo navigation. 43.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Dual-frequency GPS
no
This smartwatch does not support dual-frequency GPS. 15.1% of Smartwatches offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
1.3 inch
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.83 inch
This smartwatch has a 1.3 inch screen, which is smaller than 67.1% of Smartwatches and the same as 10.8% of Smartwatches.
Display type
AMOLED
This smartwatch uses AMOLED, which is more advanced than the screen in 46.9% of Smartwatches and equal to 53.1% of Smartwatches.
Resolution
360x 360
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 360x360 which is higher than that of 47% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6.1% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
392 ppi
Market range: <213 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 392 ppi, which is higher than 66.9% of Smartwatches and equal to 2.5% of Smartwatches.
Display brightness
1,000 nit
Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
This smartwatch has a screen brightness of 1,000 nits, which is higher than 53.5% of Smartwatches and equal to 27% 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 30.1% of smartwatches and equal to that in 30.1% of smartwatches.
Processor model
?
RAM
0.75 GB
Market range: <0.5 GB – >2 GB
This smartwatch has 0.75 GB of RAM, which is less than 67.7% of Smartwatches and equal to 3.6% of Smartwatches.
768 MB RAM
Internal storage
4 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch has 4 GB of internal storage, which is more than 39.8% of Smartwatches and equal to 25.5% 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

Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • Built-in cellular module
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 16.6% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 34.4% of smartwatches support maps.
    Supports offline maps.
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartwatch supports wireless charging, the average smartwatch does not. 23.4% of smartwatches support wireless charging.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • 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. 46.6% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
    Compatible through third-party apps/workarounds.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.5% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • 21.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.5/ 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. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 86% of models

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    9.2

    Popularity

    Grades by review (58)
    28 reviews + 30 videos, average 8.3/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.5 vs 7.0
  • 33.3% higher sentiment score
    10.0 vs 7.5
  • Calorie tracking
    This smartwatch supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 48.7% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
  • Weight tracking
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 41.9% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Weight tracking may rely on manual app entry or smart-scale sync.
  • Water intake tracking
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44.1% 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. 46.6% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
    Compatible through third-party apps/workarounds.
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartwatch supports wireless charging, the average smartwatch does not. 23.4% of smartwatches support wireless charging.
  • 75 mAh larger battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a larger battery than the average smartwatch (380 mAh vs 305 mAh). The average smartwatch has a 305 mAh battery.
    380 mAh vs 305 mAh
  • Built-in cellular module
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 16.6% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 34.4% of smartwatches support maps.
    Supports offline maps.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.5% 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. 41.2% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
    Rugged design supported by MIL-STD/military-grade durability claim.
  • 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
  • 2 mm slimmer strap
    This smartwatch has a slimmer strap than the average smartwatch (20 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch has a 22 mm strap.
    20 mm vs 22 mm
  • 66 ppi sharper screen
    This smartwatch has a sharper screen than the average smartwatch (392 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi.
    392 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • 250 nits brighter screen
    This smartwatch has a brighter screen than the average smartwatch (1,000 nits vs 750 nits). The average smartwatch peaks at 750 nits.
    1,000 nits vs 750 nits
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • 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 VO2 max measurement
    This smartwatch does not measure VO2 max, the average smartwatch does. 51.3% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 69.6% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 68.7% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No swim mode
    This smartwatch does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 76.9% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
  • 11 h shorter GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time with GPS on than the average smartwatch (10 h vs 21 h). The average smartwatch lasts 21 h with GPS on.
    10 h vs 21 h
  • 4 days shorter battery life
    This smartwatch runs for less time per charge than the average smartwatch (3 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    3 days vs 7 days
  • 5 years older
    This smartwatch was released earlier than the average smartwatch (2016 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    November 2016
    2016 vs 2021
  • 3.18x more expensive
    Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£350 vs £110).
    £350 vs £110
  • No VO2 max measurement
    This smartwatch does not measure VO2 max, the average smartwatch does. 51.3% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 69.6% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 68.7% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • 5 years older
    This smartwatch was released earlier than the average smartwatch (2016 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    November 2016
    2016 vs 2021
  • No swim mode
    This smartwatch does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 76.9% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
  • 51 fewer exercise types
    This smartwatch includes fewer exercise types than the average smartwatch (39 vs 90). The average smartwatch includes 90 exercise types.
    39 vs 90
  • 11 h shorter GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time with GPS on than the average smartwatch (10 h vs 21 h). The average smartwatch lasts 21 h with GPS on.
    10 h vs 21 h
  • 4 days shorter battery life
    This smartwatch runs for less time per charge than the average smartwatch (3 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    3 days vs 7 days
  • 4 h shorter training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time in training mode than the average smartwatch (16 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h in training mode.
    16 h vs 20 h
  • Less current Bluetooth version
    This smartwatch uses a less current Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4.2 vs 5).
    4.2 vs 5
  • 18 g heavier
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (63 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45 g.
    Weight refers to watch case without strap/band.
    63 g vs 45 g
  • 0.1 inch smaller display
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen than the average smartwatch (1.3 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    1.3 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • 1.2 mm thicker
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (12.9 mm vs 11.7 mm). The average smartwatch is 11.7 mm thick.
    Some sources mention variant-dependent thickness values.
    12.9 mm vs 11.7 mm
  • 4 mm taller case
    This smartwatch has a taller case than the average smartwatch (49 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch is 45 mm tall.
    49 mm vs 45 mm
  • 3.5 mm wider case
    This smartwatch has a wider case than the average smartwatch (46 mm vs 42.5 mm). The average smartwatch measures 42.5 mm across.
    46 mm vs 42.5 mm
  • 10 °C lower heat tolerance
    This smartwatch tolerates a lower temperature than the average smartwatch (35 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch is rated up to 45 °C.
    35 °C vs 45 °C
  • No smart alarm
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support smart alarms.

Video reviews

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

9.0
Shane Symonds
≈ estimated
01/06/2019
Long-term review · daily use and value comparison
Verdict
Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE is still a well-built value pick that holds up well in daily use.
9.0
Gadget John
≈ estimated
16/06/2017
Long-term review · three months of mixed phone use
Verdict
Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE is the best smartwatch right now for Android users, though iPhone users get far fewer features.
8.0
MobileTechReview
≈ estimated
17/01/2017
Hands-on review · features, apps and battery
Verdict
Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE is feature-rich and well built, but its limited apps and large size narrow who it suits.
6.0
Pocketnow
≈ estimated
30/12/2016
Hands-on review · one week of daily use
Verdict
Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE has superb hardware, but it is a tough recommendation unless you own a Samsung phone.
9.0
SmartWatch Ticks
≈ estimated
28/12/2016
Hands-on review · build, weight and Samsung Pay
Verdict
Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE has left the reviewer very happy, with build quality, weight and features that make it worth the price.
9.0
Bossy Texas Chick♥️
≈ estimated
24/12/2016
Long-term test · 3 weeks of daily use
Verdict
Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE has a frustrating learning curve and hard-to-find apps, but overall it is an excellent smartwatch.
5.0
Grant Likes Tech
≈ estimated
14/12/2016
Full review · daily use with a non-Samsung phone
Verdict
Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE has great hardware and display, but it is missing key apps and is too expensive right now.
8.0
Andrew Marc David
✓ explicit
11/12/2016
Hands-on review · LTE testing and daily use
Verdict
Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE is one of the best smartwatches you can buy now, though its size and limited app selection are drawbacks.
8.0
MrMobile [Michael Fisher]
≈ estimated
30/11/2016
Hands-on review · one week of daily use
Verdict
Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE is a strong Android alternative with a great display and payments, but the LTE version is too expensive.
9.0
Tech Reviews & Tips
≈ estimated
22/11/2016
Hands-on review · design, bezel and week-long battery test
Verdict
Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE looks like a real watch, feels comfortable and is well built, with battery life that suits daily use.
8.0
The YouTube Tech Guy
≈ estimated
18/11/2016
Hands-on review · battery, apps and Samsung Pay tests
Verdict
Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE is the best smartwatch for Samsung owners, but Android users may want to wait for Android Wear 2.0.
9.0
Tech Zilla
≈ estimated
17/11/2016
Hands-on review · build, screen, storage and app tests
Verdict
Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE is the reviewer's favourite smartwatch so far, highly recommended despite small usable storage and limited apps.
More graded video reviews (8)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
tomsguide.com
✓ explicit
18/11/2019
Review · LTE and running
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier lets you leave your phone at home thanks to LTE and GPS, but its app choice is thin.
7.0
techadvisor.com
✓ explicit
04/12/2017
Full review · Rugged build
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier has the best build of any smartwatch so far, but it adds little beyond GPS to the Gear S2, so it is not essential.
8.0
wristreview.com
≈ estimated
18/11/2016
Two-week test · Everyday wear
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is tough, fast and scratch-resistant, but its battery life is short and its water rating does not cover swimming.
8.0
pickr.com.au
✓ explicit
17/02/2017
Long-term review · Battery and durability
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier lasts two to four days and survives daily knocks, but its movement tracking and call handling let it down.
8.0
mobosdata.com
≈ estimated
04/02/2019
Retrospective review · Display and features
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is a well-made watch with a bright screen and useful SOS alert, but it is heavy and lasts two days only with always-on turned off.
7.0
wired.com
✓ explicit
05/12/2016
Two-week test · Rugged Android watch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE is a well-built Android watch with a rotating bezel and good battery life, though its bulk and unreliable wake-ups hold it back.
8.0
netzwelt.de
✓ explicit
23/01/2017
Hands-on test · App support
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier suits hobby athletes with an Android phone, thanks to its SOS alert and heart rate tracking, but missing apps and iPhone limits hold it back.
9.0
handyhase.de
≈ estimated
20/03/2019
Long-term test · Rugged outdoor watch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is a rugged watch that keeps working without a phone and lasts about three days, though it is chunky and has few apps.
10
bergwelten.com
✓ explicit
06/03/2017
Hands-on test · Rotating bezel
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier suits tech fans who want calls on the wrist, but it struggles with an iPhone and is too big for small wrists.
9.0
laufliebe.org
≈ estimated
20/07/2019
Six-week test · Running watch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is a stylish running watch with accurate tracking and good battery life, though it is heavy and not built for extreme sports.
9.0
frandroid.com
✓ explicit
20/09/2023
Hands-on review · Battery and apps
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 is a comfortable watch with a bright screen and up to four days of battery life, though it is heavy and has no confirm button.
9.0
unsimpleclic.com
≈ estimated
22/05/2017
Hands-on test · Rotating bezel
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier upgrades the Gear S2 with GPS and water resistance, but its size only suits larger wrists.
8.0
infonovice.fr
≈ estimated
22/11/2016
Hands-on test · Unboxing and setup
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is a clear step up from the Gear S2 but not a revolution, suiting geeks and sports fans.
9.0
avismobiles.fr
≈ estimated
Not Dated
Hands-on test · Design and display
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is a classic-looking watch with a bright, sharp screen and IP68 water resistance, but it has few health and sport apps.
darty.com
08/12/2017
Not graded yet
8.0
xataka.com.co
✓ explicit
26/07/2017
Hands-on test · Battery and fitness
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier looks like a traditional watch, offers strong customization and lasts nearly three days, but it is heavy for daily wear.
9.0
tecnorecensioni.com
✓ explicit
07/04/2017
Long-term test · Fitness tracking
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is a precise daily tracker that is comfortable to control with its bezel, but its battery falls short of the four-day claim.
8.0
tuttoandroid.net
✓ explicit
04/02/2017
Hands-on review · Sports and GPS
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is a bright, easy sports watch with standalone GPS, but its bulk and 1.5 to 3.5 days of battery life hold it back.
8.0
idealight.it
≈ estimated
08/01/2019
Long-term review · Fitness watch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is a reliable running watch with useful sports screens, but its loose bezel and slow warranty repairs are real drawbacks.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE

  • Intuitive rotating bezel interface for easy navigation
  • Vibrant and sharp 1.3-inch Super AMOLED always-on display
  • Excellent battery life, typically lasting 2 to 4 days on a single charge
  • Rugged and sturdy build quality with IP68 water and dust resistance
  • Standalone LTE capability allows for calls and texts without a phone
  • Versatile Samsung Pay support using both NFC and MST technology
  • Compatible with standard 22mm watch straps for easy customization

What customers don't like about Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE

  • Large and bulky 46mm design can be uncomfortable on smaller wrists
  • Limited third-party app ecosystem compared to Apple Watch or Wear OS
  • Not fully swim-proof; rated only for shallow submersion
  • Slower charging times, taking up to 3 hours for a full charge
  • Limited functionality when paired with non-Samsung or iOS devices
  • Heart rate monitoring can be inconsistent during high-intensity exercise
  • LTE usage significantly drains battery life compared to Bluetooth-only mode

Verdict

The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE is a rugged, military-grade (MIL-STD-810G) smartwatch featuring a 1.3-inch circular Super AMOLED always-on display with 360 x 360 resolution and a distinctive rotating navigation bezel. Powered by a 1.0 GHz dual-core Exynos 7270 processor with 768MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, it offers standalone cellular connectivity, integrated GPS, and a suite of sensors including a heart rate monitor, altimeter, and barometer. Main advantages include its durable IP68 water-resistant build, versatile Samsung Pay support via NFC and MST, and a reliable 380mAh battery typically lasting 2–4 days. However, its bulky 46mm chassis may feel oversized on smaller wrists, and the Tizen-based OS suffers from a more limited third-party app ecosystem compared to modern platforms.

Compare Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE with other Smartwatches

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Samsung Gear S3 Frontier LTE and other Smartwatches

No results found