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
| Feature | Samsung Gear S3 | Samsung Gear S2 |
| Display Size | 1.3 inch | 1.2 inch |
| Display Glass | Gorilla Glass SR+ | Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Bezel Size | Large rotating bezel | Slim rotating bezel |
| Chipset | Exynos 7270 | Exynos 3250 |
| RAM | 768 MB | 512 MB |
| Battery Capacity | 380 mAh | 250 mAh |
| Typical Battery Life | Up to 4 days | Up to 2 days |
| GPS | Yes | No |
| Barometer | Yes | No |
| Altimeter | Yes | No |
| LTE Variant | Available | Not available |
| Speaker | Yes | No |
| Always-On Display | Yes | No |
| Military Standard | MIL-STD-810G | Not rated |
| Strap Width | 22 mm | 20 mm |
| Charging Cradle | Larger dock | Compact dock |
| Price | Check Samsung S3 Price | Check 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
| Feature | Samsung Gear S3 | Samsung Gear S2 |
| Operating System | Tizen OS | Tizen OS |
| Display Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Display Resolution | 360 × 360 | 360 × 360 |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Rotating Bezel | Yes | Yes |
| Stainless Steel Case | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Heart Rate Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes | Yes |
| Ambient Light Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Replaceable Straps | Yes | Yes |
| Smartphone Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Music Control | Yes | Yes |
| Samsung Pay Support | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Samsung S3 Price | Check Samsung S2 Price |