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

Sony Smartwatch 3 Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£140Screen size:1.60 inchBattery life:2 daysDisplay type:Transflective LCD

Sony Smartwatch 3 Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 53 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony Smartwatch 3
5.9/10

Overall score

Score
5.9/ 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
Score components

70%

5.2

Technical score

30%

7.9

Reviews score ( 9 · 44)

Reviews score 30% · 7.9 · based on 53 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. 33 more reviews are not scored yet.
â–¼Worse than 77% of smartwatches
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 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
Score components

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

â–¼Worse than 78%
5.2

Technical score

Technical score
5.2/ 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
Score components

24%

2.2

Health

21%

7.8

Fitness

16%

3.8

Battery

14%

6.5

Smart features

12%

5.7

Connectivity

9%

7.7

Display & Design

4%

3.0

Hardware

â–¼Worse than 82%
7.9

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.9/ 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
Grades by review (53)
9 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 44 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 54%
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Sony Smartwatch 3

Technical score
Technical score
5.2/ 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
Score components:

24%

2.2

Health

21%

7.8

Fitness

16%

3.8

Battery

14%

6.5

Smart features

12%

5.7

Connectivity

9%

7.7

Display & Design

4%

3.0

Hardware

5.2
Reviews score
7.9
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 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
Score components:

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

7.1
Brand name
Sony
Heart rate monitor
no
This smartwatch does not include a heart rate monitor. 89.6% 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
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
no
This smartwatch does not include a barometer. 49.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 30.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
no
This smartwatch does not include a cadence sensor. 31.2% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
Battery life
2 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 2 days which is shorter than that of 79.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 4.6% of smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
5 h
This smartwatch lasts 5 h in training mode which is shorter than 90.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 3.6% of smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
4.5 h
This smartwatch lasts 4.5 h with GPS on which is shorter than 94.1% of smartwatches.
Battery power
323 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 323 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 58.1% of smartwatches.
Charge time
53 min
This smartwatch charges in 53 min which is faster than 95.1% of smartwatches.
Approximate value from reported charging range: 53 minutes.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Wear OS
This smartwatch runs Wear OS which is more advanced than the operating system in 79% of smartwatches and the same as that in 16.6% 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
no
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 18% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
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
1.6 inch
This smartwatch has a screen size of 1.6 inch which is larger than the screens of 74.5% of smartwatches and equal to those of 1.7% of smartwatches.
Display type
Transflective LCD
This smartwatch uses a Transflective LCD display type which is less advanced than that of 65.1% of smartwatches and the same as that of 2.1% of smartwatches.
Resolution
320x 320
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 320x320 which is lower than that of 57% of smartwatches and equal to that of 2.7% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
283 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 283 ppi which is lower than that of 65.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 4.7% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
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
0.5 GB
This smartwatch has 0.5 GB of RAM which is smaller than the RAM in 75.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 24.9% of smartwatches.
Internal storage
4 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

Sony Smartwatch 3 vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • 67 min shorter charge time
    This smartwatch charges faster than the average smartwatch (53 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch charges in 120 min.
    Approximate value from reported charging range: 53 minutes.
    53 min vs 120 min
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Wear OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Wear OS vs Proprietary OS
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.3% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Calorie tracking
    This smartwatch supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 48.6% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
  • Rugged construction
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 37.9% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
  • 44.5% more popular
    Sony Smartwatch 3 has a higher popularity than the average smartwatch (8.84 vs 6.1).
    8.84 vs 6.12
  • Calorie tracking
    This smartwatch supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 48.6% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
  • 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.
  • Route support
    This smartwatch supports route support, the average smartwatch does not. 50% of smartwatches support route support.
  • 67 min shorter charge time
    This smartwatch charges faster than the average smartwatch (53 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch charges in 120 min.
    Approximate value from reported charging range: 53 minutes.
    53 min vs 120 min
  • 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 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs mineral glass
  • Rugged construction
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 37.9% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
  • 1.6 mm thinner watch body
    This smartwatch is thinner than the average smartwatch (10 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    10 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • Better band material
    This smartwatch uses silicone, stainless steel for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    silicone, stainless steel vs silicone
  • 0.2 inch larger screen size
    This smartwatch has a larger screen size than the average smartwatch (1.6 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    1.60 inch vs 1.40 inch
  • 15 °C higher max temperature
    This smartwatch handles a higher maximum operating temperature than the average smartwatch (60 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch reaches 45.0 °C.
    60.0 °C vs 45.0 °C
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel, plastic for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel, plastic vs polycarbonate
  • 6 mm narrower watch width
    This smartwatch is narrower than the average smartwatch (36 mm vs 42 mm). The average smartwatch width is 42.0 mm.
    36.0 mm vs 42.0 mm
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Wear OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Wear OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Third-party app support
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • 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 multi-sport mode
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 68.4% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • No heart rate monitor
    This smartwatch does not include a heart rate monitor, the average smartwatch does. 89.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No elevation tracking
    This smartwatch does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
  • 15.5 h shorter GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (4.5 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    4.5 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 coaching features
    This smartwatch does not support coaching, the average smartwatch does. 54.6% of smartwatches support coaching.
  • 6.1% worse value for money
    Sony Smartwatch 3 has a lower value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (7.09 vs 7.5).
    7.09 vs 7.52
  • 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 heart rate monitor
    This smartwatch does not include a heart rate monitor, the average smartwatch does. 89.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No cycle tracking
    This smartwatch does not support menstrual cycle tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • No multi-sport mode
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 68.4% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • No elevation tracking
    This smartwatch does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
  • No coaching features
    This smartwatch does not support coaching, the average smartwatch does. 54.6% of smartwatches support coaching.
  • No voice feedback
    This smartwatch does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 61.9% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
  • 15.5 h shorter GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (4.5 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    4.5 h vs 20 h
  • 14.25 h shorter training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less in training mode than the average smartwatch (5 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    5 h vs 19.25 h
  • 5 days day/s shorter battery life
    This smartwatch offers 2 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    2 days vs 7 days
  • Basic battery type
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • No iOS compatibility
    This smartwatch offers less complete iOS compatibility than the average smartwatch (no vs yes).
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This smartwatch supports an older Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4 vs 5). The average smartwatch uses 5.0.
    4.0 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
  • Basic display type
    This smartwatch uses Transflective LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    Transflective LCD vs AMOLED
  • Less practical form
    This smartwatch uses a rectangular form, while the average smartwatch uses round.
    rectangular vs round
  • 43 ppi lower pixel density
    This smartwatch has a lower pixel density than the average smartwatch (283 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch display reaches 326 ppi.
    283 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • 6 mm taller watch height
    This smartwatch is taller than the average smartwatch (51 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch height is 45 mm.
    51.0 mm vs 45 mm
  • 2 mm wider band
    This smartwatch has a wider band width than the average smartwatch (24 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch band is 22.0 mm wide.
    Uses proprietary/non-standard band connector.
    24.0 mm vs 22.0 mm
  • No call answering
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 58.1% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 7 year/s older release date
    This smartwatch is an older model than the average smartwatch (2014 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    November 2014
    2014 vs 2021
  • 0.5 GB less RAM
    This smartwatch has less RAM than the average smartwatch (0.5 GB vs 1 GB). The average smartwatch includes 1 GB of RAM.
    0.5 GB vs 1 GB

Video reviews

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

7.0
Tech Jamo
≈ estimated
10/03/2017
Long-term review · two years of use and software outlook
Verdict
Sony SmartWatch 3 is still a decent watch, but it is only worth buying at a good discounted price.
9.0
Dr Jake's Very British Reviews
≈ estimated
06/01/2017
Hands-on review · battery, pairing and app tests
Verdict
Sony SmartWatch 3 is worth buying for its battery life and build, though pairing with an iPhone noticeably reduces its functionality.
9.0
ALLCHECKOUT
≈ estimated
30/10/2016
Hands-on review · daily use, features and screen protection
Verdict
Sony SmartWatch 3 is not top-notch, but it is a sturdy smartwatch with decent value at its lower price.
9.0
EpicDroid
≈ estimated
10/09/2016
Long-term review · two years of daily use
Verdict
Sony SmartWatch 3 is still a great watch two years on, with a low price and strong waterproofing, despite a dust-prone strap.
8.0
GaVo*
≈ estimated
27/04/2016
Owner review · daily use and a second purchase
Verdict
Sony SmartWatch 3 is a satisfying companion to the phone, though the price is steep and the bracelet collects dust.
4.0
Sander Marskamp
≈ estimated
23/01/2016
Long-term review · about a year of use, then returned
Verdict
Sony SmartWatch 3 was enjoyable at first, but overheating and short battery life made it unreliable, so it was sold.
8.0
TechMagnet
≈ estimated
22/12/2015
Hands-on review · two weeks of daily use
Verdict
Sony SmartWatch 3 is an enjoyable Android Wear watch with a strong battery and fast charging, though the design and missing heart-rate sensor hold it back.
9.0
Michael Swaim (RFMike)
≈ estimated
27/09/2015
Long-term test · 90 days of field use
Verdict
Sony SmartWatch 3 stayed durable and reliable over three months, with the band clasp as its main weak point.
9.0
Tech with Jerad (How I Use This)
≈ estimated
31/08/2015
Hands-on review · daily use, display, battery and features
Verdict
Sony SmartWatch 3 is a great entry to mid-level Android Wear watch, especially for active users who sweat.
9.0
Jordan Keyes
≈ estimated
16/06/2015
Long-term test · 6 weeks of daily use
Verdict
Sony SmartWatch 3 is a very good watch and a clear recommendation despite minor drawbacks such as battery life and charging.
7.0
Pete B
≈ estimated
14/04/2015
Hands-on review · home automation and everyday use
Verdict
Sony SmartWatch 3 is a good Android Wear watch, but its home automation is not ready for everyday use.
8.0
Sander Marskamp
≈ estimated
02/04/2015
Hands-on review · cycling, GPS and music tests
Verdict
Sony SmartWatch 3 works well for cycling and music, but its battery drains fast and two days is not realistic.
More graded video reviews (16)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

What reviewers agree on

Based on 11 · 12

Reviewers love the built-in GPS and smooth performance, but the heart rate sensor and strap disappoint, and opinions on the screen split.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
techadvisor.com
✓ explicit
22/02/2017
Hands-on review · Built-in GPS
Verdict
The Sony SmartWatch 3 suits runners who want GPS without a phone, though it still needs a phone for directions and lasts only two days per charge.
8.4
rehab.va.gov
✓ explicit
05/09/2017
Device review · Task memory aid
Verdict
The Sony SmartWatch 3 can help someone with a mild brain injury follow multi-step tasks, though it only suits users who can read the small screen.
8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
25/06/2018
Hands-on review · Square fitness watch
Verdict
The Sony SmartWatch 3 suits sporty buyers who want built-in GPS and a clear screen, though it looks plain next to round watches.
7.0
androidcentral.com
≈ estimated
19/11/2019
Hands-on review · Running with GPS
Verdict
The Sony SmartWatch 3 is a decent Android Wear sports watch for regular runners, but without a running habit, the built-in GPS is hard to justify.
gadgetguy.com.au
15/01/2015
Not graded yet
futurefive.co.nz
25/05/2015
Not graded yet
7.0
frandroid.com
✓ explicit
20/09/2023
Hands-on review · Sports watch
Verdict
The Sony SmartWatch 3 is a sporty Android Wear watch with built-in GPS and two days per charge, but its design is less suited to the city.

Third-party reviews

What we like about Sony Smartwatch 3

  • Built-in GPS allows for standalone activity tracking without a smartphone
  • Transflective display remains highly legible in direct sunlight
  • Standard micro-USB charging port eliminates the need for proprietary docks
  • IP68-rated water and dust resistance makes it suitable for swimming and showers
  • Smooth performance thanks to a quad-core processor and 512MB of RAM
  • Decent battery life, often lasting up to two days with normal usage

Verdict

The Sony SmartWatch 3 (SWR50) is a sport-focused wearable featuring a 1.6-inch transflective LCD (320x320) that remains highly legible in direct sunlight. It is powered by a 1.2GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor with 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage for offline music, and a 420mAh battery offering up to two days of use. Key highlights include built-in GPS for phone-free tracking, NFC, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a high IP68 water and dust resistance rating. Its main advantages are the convenient micro-USB charging port (no proprietary cradle needed) and its robust fitness capabilities. However, notable drawbacks include the lack of a heart rate monitor, poor viewing angles and color vibrancy on the display, and a silicone strap that often attracts lint and dust.

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