Mike Wuerthele
On Wednesday, Samsung updated its Tizen-based smartwatch offerings with the LTE-connected Gear S3 Frontier and wi-fi Gear S3 Classic, promisimg iOS compatibility for both at some point.
The Gear S3 smartwatch is powered by a dual-core 1.0 GHz processor driving a 1.3-inch circular 278 ppi AMOLED display. Both models have 4 GB of storage, and 768 MB of application RAM.
Connectivity is provided with 3G/LTE wireless on the Gear S3 Frontier. Both models have Bluetooth 4.2, 802.11n wi-fi, and NFC. Sensors included on both models are an accelerometer, a gyro, a barometer, a heart rate monitor and an ambient light detector.
The new devices are large at 12.9mm thick, and either weighs 57g or 62g depending on model. For comparison, the Apple Watch 42mm model is 10.5mm thick and weighs 50g.
Both watches use the newly-announced Corning Gorilla Glass SR+, specifically designed for wearable devices. Samsung notes that both devices meet IP68 standards for water resistance.
Samsung claims that both the Gear S3 Classic and Gear S3 Frontier will be iOS compatible. However, Samsung also declared that iOS support would come to the older the Gear S2, and that has yet to materialize.
Pricing or release dates have not yet been announced. Apple is rumored to update the Apple Watch in the forthcoming "See you on the 7th" event, scheduled for Sept. 7, but a LTE radio is not among the expected upgrades.
Andrew Orr
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73 Comments
Now you can blow up your ear ánd your wrist!
Here is the proof that Tim and Jony's Apple is an elephant that can't dance.
And why this sole Samsung related story is being reported on Apple Insider...
how long does the battery last... ? 3 hours?
Say what you will, its a good looking watch. It may be the photography, the presentation, or the lack of scale on someones wrist, but its not a bad looking watch. I imagine it doesn't look that good in person, but A for effort to Samsung, they are pushing hard and competition is good.