Samsung Gear S3 common quesitons and answers

• What is the difference between the frontier and classic?

Styling is the main difference. They both measure the same (46.1 x 49.1 x 12.9mm), while the Frontier is a shade weightier at 62g to the Classic's 57g. The Frontier is the more rugged looking and comes with a rubberised strap as standard, while the more classic looking Classic comes with a black leather strap as standard. However, both models can accept any 22mm standard watch strap - not just those provided by Samsung.The Frontier has larger, textured buttons, which resemble more the sportswatch-like design compared to the more protruding metal buttons of the Classic. Features are identical for both. But just because the Frontier looks the sportier model, doesn't mean it comes with a sportier feature set. Indeed both Gear S3 models are IP68 dust-proof and water-resistant, and both feature built-in gyro, accelerometer, barometer, GPS and optical heart-rate monitor. So both Frontier and Classic are capable of fitness and tracking - a feature Samsung is keen to push with its S Health app. In some territories (only in USA at the moment) a second version of the Frontier will come equipped with LTE/3G for on-the-go connectivity. The batteries are also the same so battery will be very similar. Both Gear S3 models are controlled by a combination of rotational bezel, twin buttons and touchscreen. In summary, then, the Frontier and Classic aren't hugely different at all. Their feature set only differs by the Frontier's addition of 5g weight, its different strap and the more rugged looking, sportier design.

• Is the watch really that big?

This watch is 46mm. It looks large on a man and giant on most female wrists. I am 170cm of average build and I think it looks fantastic (to my eyes) on my wrists. The S2 will still be on sale of if you want a smaller watch, that’s the choice.

• Is it easy to switch band?

Super easy, the frontier comes with silicon bands and classic comes with leather bands. There are two in the box, big and small. It’s takes standard 22mm bands so no limitation here.

• Can you make and receive calls?

Yes! It has built in speaker and microphone, both classic and frontier, LTE or non --LTE. The speaker loud and clear, but definitely not super high quality - perfect for calls, not so perfect for music. The microphone is decent, caller on the other end said it’s similar to regular phone. Non-LTE versions make calls through your phone via Bluetooth.

• Can I receive and send message?

Yes, you can receive or send using the onscreen keyboard or S-voice.

Can I read my notification? Such as emails, text messages, etc.

Yes, definitely. Also, notifications from any other apps that you choose.

• Does it have LTE?

This is where everything gets confusing. There are two versions of Gear s3, classic and frontier. The former is a definite no no. for frontier, currently only the one from AT&T in US has LTE and no LTE everywhere else, whether this can be enabled via a software update, no one knows.

• Can music be loaded onto the watch and played via Bluetooth headphone without phone?

Yes, you can load music on this. There is 4GB of internal storage for apps and music, which can be played via Bluetooth or speaker. However, only about 1.5G is available for music without installing any app.

• Dose it track sleeps automatically?

Yes, it tracks sleep automatically. 

• Will it track stairs climbed?

It tracks floors, not necessarily stairs climbed. It uses the altimeter to measure increase in elevation. 

• Will it work with an Iphone?

Yes but it’s not perfect, there is a beta Tizen\Samsung software. It does have its limitations but it will sync. 

• As an Iphone user, can I use it with out phone?

Not the best idea. The Gear S3 performs its initial set up and firmware update using an android device and was designed specifically for Samsung smartphones. It is recommended that you use a compatible device to take advantage of all the features of this device. However, once the device has gone through initial setup, it may be used alone or simply paired with Bluetooth to any device. 

• Will Samsung Pay work?

In USA, yes. UK, not yet.

• How long will the battery last during moderate use?

People definition of "moderate" varies so it's hard to say for sure. I have email, text, occasional phone calls, two 5K with GPS and it last around 2-3 days.

• Does it has Spotify?

Yes, it just become available.

• Can you connect this and a Bluetooth headphone to a phone at the same time?

Yes, I connected the watch and a BT head phone to my S7. I can play music on the phone and my watch to pause, forward or stop music and also make or answer calls.

The watch still gets notification.

• It’s there continues heart rate monitor?

Yes, at rest, it will measure heart rate every 10 minutes. It will delivery continuous tracking and heart rate readings during exercise. 

• Can it recognize workout automatically?

Yes, it will picking up walking sessions, runs and even rowing machine sessions and it’s fairly accurate. 

• Does this have a smart alarm feature or app. One that will wake you up close to a scheduled time when you are out of a deep sleep?

Yes, it does have an alarm feature which provides both sound and vibration. It should get you out of your slumber. For smart alarm, you can always download Sleep as Android.

• Can I set up and update a Samsung Gear S3 watch with a Samsung or other android tablet instead of an android watch? 

Yes, as long as you can download the Samsung gear App, You can. But the functionalities will be limited like phone calls text messages. Emails, S health, watch faces and other notifications will work.