Samsung Watch Deals & Offers

hotukdeals' Guide to Samsung Gear S3 Deals

These days, everyone seems to be strapping smart tech around their wrists, providing connectivity, fitness monitoring tools, and plenty of other capabilities. But choosing the right smartwatch can be a tricky process, with plenty of sub-standard (but seductively cheap) models available to buy.

So, what do Samsung's flagship Gear smartwatches bring to the party? Samsung smartwatch S3 models deliver best-in-class features, comfort, and style – while featuring reliability levels that you'd expect from the Korean tech giant. And they go beyond Apple or Garmin competitors in key areas that we'll get onto in a moment.

This buyer's guide will explain what S3 Gear watches have to offer, the various models available, and how to find the very best Samsung Gear S3 price and Samsung Gear S3 deals. But before we get to that, let's run through the story of the Gear range, and put Samsung's little wonder-workers into perspective.

A Quick History of the Samsung Gear Family

Samsung itself has been around for over 80 years, producing TVs, radios, computers, audio tech and, most famously of all, some of the finest smartphones around. But the Gear collection is now competing with the Galaxy family of smartphones for the crown of Samsung's flagship range, and it's easy to see why.

The family started out in 2013 with a chunky Galaxy-branded smart watch, one of the first of its kind anywhere in the world. This initial offering impressed with a tiny but perfectly practical AMOLED display and a massive (for the time) 4GB of onboard storage. After the success of the fist model, Samsung spun out the Gear range into its very own category, adding cameras, and refining the design to switch from blocky square-based form factors, to sleek, classically rounded models.

A key shift happened in 2015, when the S2 landed, dividing the range into the Gear S2 and the S2 Classic, which sought to fuse cutting edge tech with retro-flavoured design. Then the S3 landed in 2016, with its division into Frontier and Classic models. Since then, the watch range hasn't stood still. Firmware and Android systems have continuously been updated, keeping both watches close to the top of the smartwatch tree.

However, 2018 saw the Galaxy Watch hit stores, offering an extra purchasing dimension for Samsung fans. We'll check out what the Galaxy Watch has to offer later, but don't discount the Frontier or Classic models. They still have plenty for smart watch wearers to get excited about.

Samsung Gear S3 Features

Both major models of Gear S3 come with rounded bezels and standard straps, with the result that they closely resemble conventional watches. The aim here isn't to offer a radical reinterpretation of the watch as a fashion accessory, but to take the traditional format and combine it with radical technology on the inside. And here's what buyers enjoy on that side of things:

• Make or Receive Calls – Perhaps most importantly, wearers can make or receive phone calls by twisting the bezel. There's no need to even have your phone with you. Just use the watch controls, and the onboard speaker will allow you to chat to contacts.

• Navigation – The onboard GPS is one of the most accurate and sensitive around, and pairs up with numerous apps to enhance your experiences. For instance, it can combine with golfing apps to give you instant readouts of driving distance and how far you have left to the hole. And, naturally, there are plenty of navigation apps to help you get around unfamiliar towns.

• Extremely Long Charge Times – One of the great strengths of the Gear range is its long battery life. With these watches, users enjoy 4 days of uninterrupted battery life, so you won't need to recharge them at the end of every day, even if you've been using apps, making calls, or listening to music.

• Easy App Installation – If you have a smartphone, you can instantly pair it up with a Gear S3 watch, and transfer apps with no problems at all. Users aren't restricted to Samsung phones, so don't worry about compatibility. As long as your phone has Android 4.4 or iOS 9.0 and above, you'll be able to configure your apps and set up your watch however you desire.

• Display – The Gear S3 has a 1.3” display, with a rugged Gorilla Glass surface, so it should be totally resistant to scratches, while the 360 x 360 resolution offers clear definition, making text easy to read, even on the small screen.

• Gear S3 Apps – The range of apps available is vast. Create your own custom watch-faces with Facer, access huge music libraries with Spotify, check your health with Samsung Health or PEAR Sports, use Here WeGo to find the best route to your destination, check the news with FlipBoard, or keep track of your parking location with FindMyCar. All can be downloaded from the Samsung Galaxy Store, where thousands of options are ready to explore.

Samsung Gear S3 Specs

Here are the core specifications of the Samsung Gear S3 Watch:

• Dimensions: 46 x 49 x 12.9 mm (both models)

• Weight: 59g (Classic) 63g (Frontier)

• Display: 1.3-inches, Corning Gorilla Glass

• Resolution: 360 x 360pp

• CPU: Exynos 7270, dual 1.0 GHz

• OS: TizenWearable OS 2.3.2

• Wifi: BT4.2, Wi-Fi b/g/n, NFC, MST, GPS/Glonass

• Memory: 768MB + 4GB

• Battery: 380mAh (4 days charge with normal usage)

Is Gear S3 Waterproof?

Customers will be happy to learn that the Samsung Gear S3 is well-protected against water and dust. It comes with an IP68 rating, which guarantees that the watch can withstand immersion in 1.5m of water for 30 minutes at least. So if you forget to take it off before diving in a swimming pool or you dunk it in the washbasin accidentally, that shouldn't be an issue.

Different Models of Samsung Gear S3 Watches

As we've noted already, the Samsung Gear S3 was launched in two different styles, the Classic and the Frontier. While the two are similarly powerful and stylish, there are some important differences, so it's worth detailing what they have to offer.

• The Samsung Gear S3 Classic – The Classic is built for urban living, and offers a degree of “luxury” and elegance that you don't really see with the Frontier. On the outside, it looks every inch an executive watch, with leather-style strap and silver bezels. But with a quick twist, the display switches instantly into digital mode, opening up the device's huge range of apps. The watch face itself is built around metallic elements, with slightly different button designs to the Frontier, but that's about as far as the differences go.

• The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier – With the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier UK customers can enjoy a more outdoors-oriented smartwatch experience. This time, the leather-style strap has been dispensed with, being replaced by a rugged fabric strap. The metallic buttons have also been swapped out for larger plastic ones, helping to make the watch face more durable.

As you can probably see, there really isn't that much to choose between the two models, aside from a 4g weight differential and the more durable features of the Frontier. The Classic and the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier price points should be similar. In a Gear S3 Frontier v Classic comparison, it's just a case of finding a style that suits your tastes and the activities you enjoy.

Before we move on, it's important to note that Samsung Gear S3 watches can be purchased either new or refurbished (which means that they are second hand, but have been carefully checked by retailers to ensure they work). Refurbished models can deliver big savings, but check that the retailer you buy from is reputable, and that they offer a warranty to cover any flaws.

Samsung Gear S3 Reviews: What Has the Press Said About Samsung's Watches?

Back in 2016, the Samsung Gear S3 really made waves with tech commentators, mainly due to the aesthetic achievements they represented. Tech Radar summed up the industry response, praising its relatively large display, quality apps, water resistance, excellent battery life. However, it didn't award the S3 Gear full marks, citing the use of Tizen OS, instead of Wear OS, which meant that the S3 Gear lacked compatibility with many Android apps. The reviewer also mentioned the relatively high price point of both S3 Gear watches, although that could often be resolved via the Samsung Gear S3 deals at hotukdeals.

However, returning to the watch in 2018, Expert Reviews noted that the prices had decreased considerably, rendering the S3 Gear an “absolute bargain”. The battery life remained best-in-class, apps like Samsung Health still remained head and shoulders above the competition, and the look of the watches had not been bettered. So 2 years after launch, the Samsung Gear S3 had in some ways become even more appealing.

Is that still the case? Possibly. There's no doubt that the Samsung Gear S3 has plummeted in price, and is now a mid-range option that smart watch fans need to consider. The sector hasn't moved on at express speed since 2016, and the watch was ahead of its time when it launched, so users won't feel let down. The question for some buyers will be, is the S3 Gear as attractive as the Galaxy Watch? And that's where we need to turn next.

Comparing the Gear S3 vs Galaxy Watch Models

The Galaxy Watch debuted in August 2018, as a competitor, but not an outright replacement for the Samsung Gear S3. Available in 40, 42, and 46mm models, the Galaxy Watch offers more flexibility than the Gear S3, and much lighter weights – with one model weighing in at a featherweight 25g. Memory levels aren't much different to the Gear S3, although the Exynos processor has been updated, but the Gorilla Glass 360 x 360pp display remains at the heart of things. So have Samsung really offered enough to justify spending extra on a Galaxy Watch?

If you're really into tech and want a premium smartwatch, the answer is yes. The Galaxy Watch fuses the style and ruggedness of the two S3 models, which is a slight step up, while the smaller watch faces will appeal to people who prefer smart devices which mimic the proportions of conventional watches. The Gear S3 wasn't clunky or ugly, but the smaller versions of the Galaxy Watch are definitely more elegant to wear. They are more waterproof (now certified to 50m depths), and the Galaxy Watch comes with different colour options, including rose gold.

However, there are some plus points regarding the Gear S3. For instance, the Gear S3 is adapted for MST payments, while the Galaxy Watch currently isn't. So users of the older watch may actually have expanded payment options via their watch – a major bonus when shopping or using contactless transport payment points.

Overall, the Galaxy Watch isn't a revolutionary overhaul, but it is superior. The S3 remains a superb smartwatch, and is often available at very affordable prices, but if customers have the resources and want the best watch available, they would probably opt for the Galaxy version.

Samsung Gear S3 Accessories

With smart watches, as with smartphones, the user experience is often only as good as the accessories that come with it. In the case of the Samsung Gear S3 watch, customers may want to add in the following accessories when making a purchase via hotukdeals:

• Gear S3 Straps – Users of the Gear S3 can swap out their original straps for any other 22mm designs, giving them plenty of flexibility. So why not have a collection of styles available to harmonise with your outfits? Samsung offers a variety of coloured silicon varieties, which are guaranteed to fit perfectly, and have excellent resilience. But shop around via merchants like Amazon, which hosts various smartwatch accessory brands, including Moretek, iBazal, and Yayuu. They include extra-comfortable cushioned straps, which may well be preferable to those shipped with the regular Gear S3 watch.

• Gear S3 Charger Accessories – Although the Gear S3 has industry-leading battery life, it isn't a miracle device, and will still need charging from time to time. Samsung's Gear S3 Charging Block is an excellent addition to any user's collection, fitting the watch seamlessly, and offering a handy charging gauge to see how much energy is still required. If you already have a dock, it's worth picking up a replacement as well. There's always the possibility of failure, just when you need to give your watch a jolt of extra power.

• Gear S3 Watch Face Cases – If you want to extend the life of your Samsung Gear S3 watch, give it the right protection with a specialist Gear S3 case. Brands like Siruibo have come up with some elegant cases which clip directly onto the S3, protecting it against smears and dust, while leaving essential buttons ready for use.

How and When to Make a Samsung Gear S3 Purchase

By now, you should have a pretty good idea of what the Samsung Gear S3 has to offer, and whether to go for the Frontier or Classic model, or whether to spend a little bit more on a Samsung Galaxy Smart Watch. If you choose the S3, you're sure to benefit from a high-quality smart watch, which still keeps pace with the competition. And while prices have decreased since launch, the watch is still a fairly expensive investment, with prices of at least £150 from major retailers. So finding Samsung Gear S3 deals is essential. And hotukdeals has the answer.

At hotukdeals, smart watch buyers can scroll through current discounts from major UK tech merchants. You'll find huge savings on Frontier and Classic watches from merchants like Amazon, Laptops Direct, Argos, eBay, eGlobal Central, GearBest, and Samsung's own online store. New and refurbished watches are available to buy, often bundled with chargers, cases, and straps. So browse all of the discounts to be sure of finding the best Samsung Gear S3 price available.

Timing your purchase can also make a huge difference. Sales take place for smart tech all the time, but expect huge spikes around Black Friday and Christmas, as well as the New Year. All of those events are excellent chances to snap up a Gear S3 deal. When sales appear, you'll find the details straight away at the hotukdeals Samsung Gear S3 listings.

Mix Style and Smart Tech With a Samsung Gear S3 Purchase From hotukdeals

Samsung is more than just a world-class smartphone and TV manufacturer. Its range of smart watches has developed quickly in recent years, and the Gear S3 has acquired a cult following. Introduced in 2016, this elegant watch lets you take calls, use apps, navigate cities, track your exercise, and much more. Find the lowest possible prices and smarten up your timekeeping with a Samsung Gear S3 purchase from hotukdeals.