After two years, Samsung has finally released Galaxy Watch 3 which succeeds in the Galaxy Watch and it sure comes with new features such as a more compact and refined design, higher storage capacity, and more health tracking features. Featured in this comparison graph is Samsung Galaxy Watch vs Galaxy Watch 3, compare the differences on the basis of design, media, battery life, price, and otherwise to find out the differences and if an upgrade is worthwhile.
Please note: just like Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch 3 also comes in two sizes; 45mm and 41mm, both sizes are also available in Bluetooth and LTE model
Samsung Galaxy Watch vs Galaxy Watch 3 Specifications Comparison
| Product Info |
 Samsung Galaxy Watch (46mm) Full Specifications, Features and Price |
 Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 (45mm) Full Specifications and Features |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $74.95 | $94.86 |
| ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE |
| Device name | Samsung Galaxy Watch (46mm) | (45mm), Bluetooth only, Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 |
| Device type | Fitness/Classic smartwatch | Fitness/Classic smartwatch |
| Gender | Men | Unisex |
| Predecessor | Samsung Gear S3 | Samsung Galaxy Watch |
| Successor | — | — |
| Models | Bluetooth, LTE | Bluetooth only, LTE |
| Date released | August, 2018 | September, 2020 |
| DISPLAY | DISPLAY | DISPLAY |
| Display size | 1.3 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Display type | Super AMOLED, Full color | Super AMOLED, Full color |
| Resolution | 360 x 360 pixel | 360 x 360 pixel |
| Pixel density | — | 346 PPI |
| Customizable watchface | Yes | Yes |
| Input type | 2 Physical buttons, Physical rotating bezel, Touchscreen | 2 Physical buttons, Physical rotating bezel, Touchscreen |
| Always-On | Yes | Yes |
| BODY | BODY | BODY |
| Shape | Circular | Circular |
| Case material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Strap material | Leather, Silicone | Leather |
| Bezel material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Strap size | 22 mm | 22 mm |
| Color | Silver | Black, Silver |
| Screen protection | Corning Gorilla glass DX+ | Corning Gorilla glass DX+ |
| Dimension | 46 x 49 x 13 mm | 46.2 x 45 x 11.1 mm |
| Weight | 63 grams (excluding straps) | 53.8 grams |
| Waterproof rating | Yes, 5ATM | Yes, 5ATM |
| Swim-proof | Yes, recommended | Yes, recommended |
| Durability test | MIL-STD-810G | MIL-STD-810G |
| CONNECTIVITY | CONNECTIVITY | CONNECTIVITY |
| Bluetooth calling | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes, Bluetooth v4.2 LE | Bluetooth v5.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Yes, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Yes, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| MEMORY | MEMORY | MEMORY |
| RAM | 0.75GB | 1GB |
| ROM | 4GB | 8GB |
| Memory card slot | No | No |
| CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY | CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY | CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY |
| Network technology | None | None |
| SIM type | None | None |
| NOTIFICATIONS | NOTIFICATIONS | NOTIFICATIONS |
| SMS alert | Yes | Yes |
| Calls alert | Yes | Yes |
| Email alert | Yes | Yes |
| Event reminder | Yes | Yes |
| Reply messages | - | - |
| MEDIA | MEDIA | MEDIA |
| Audio | mp3/mp4 | mp3/mp4 |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth music | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | No | No |
| SENSORS | SENSORS | SENSORS |
| GPS | Galileo, Yes, GPS/GLONASS/BEIDOU | Yes, GPS/GLONASS/BEIDOU |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| HRM | Yes | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes | Yes |
| Pulse Ox. | No | Yes |
| Altimeter | No | Yes |
| Barometer | Yes | Yes |
| Compass | — | — |
| ECG | No | Yes |
| Thermometer | No | No |
| Ambient light | Yes | Yes |
| HEALTH & FITNESS TRACKING | HEALTH & FITNESS TRACKING | HEALTH & FITNESS TRACKING |
| Steps | Yes | Yes |
| Calories | Yes | Yes |
| Distance | Yes | Yes |
| Heart rate monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Floors climbed | Yes | Yes |
| Blood oxygen | No | Yes |
| Blood Pressure | No | Yes |
| Stress | Yes | Yes |
| ECG tracking | No | Yes |
| Fall detection | No | Yes |
| Menstrual cycle | No | Yes |
| VO2 Max | Yes | Yes |
| Onscreen workout | No | No |
| Preloaded sport modes | 39 | 39 |
| BATTERY | BATTERY | BATTERY |
| Battery type | Non-removable Li-ion battery | Non-removable Li-ion battery |
| Battery capacity | 472mAh | 340mAh |
| Battery life | Regular usage: 3 days+, Standby:10 days+ | Regular: 2 days, Standby :5 days+ |
| Charging type | WPC based wireless charging | WPC based wireless charging |
| Charging duration | 1-2 hours | 1-2 hours |
| Solar power | No | No |
| PLATFORM | PLATFORM | PLATFORM |
| Operating system | Tizen OS 4.0 | Tizen OS 5.5 |
| Chipset | Exynos 9110 | Exynos 9110 |
| CPU | Dual core 1.15GHz | Dual core 1.15GHz |
| GPU | — | — |
| MISCELLANEOUS | MISCELLANEOUS | MISCELLANEOUS |
| Companion app | Samsung Health App, Samsung Wearable app | Samsung Wearable app |
| Compatibility | Android 5.0+ & RAM 1.5GB+, iPhone 5+ and iOS 9.0+ | Android 5.0+ & RAM 1.5GB+, iPhone 5+ and iOS 9.0+ |
| Payment system | Samsung Pay | Samsung Pay |
| Customizable strap | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | Yes, Bixby | Yes, Bixby |
| Find my phone | Yes | Yes |
| Box content | Charger, Manual, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Straps | Charger, Manual, Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, Straps |
| Price | $74.95 | $94.86 |
What’s the Difference?
The difference between these two is that the 45mm Galaxy Watch 3 is more compact than 46mm Galaxy Watch. Its bezel is smoother and it’s slimmer than the 12.7mm thick Galaxy Watch. The 1.4 inches display of the Galaxy Watch 3 is slightly bigger than the 1.3 inches of its predecessor. It also has a higher 8GB storage capacity compared to 4GB of Galaxy Watch.
The biggest difference between the Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Watch 3 comes in fitness tracking features. Galaxy Watch 3 has more health tracking features, it features blood pressure monitoring and ECG tracking both of which are offered through the Samsung Health Monitor app. Galaxy Watch 3 also features incidental fall detection, SpO2 blood oxygen monitor, VO2 Max., and running coach all of which Galaxy Watch lacks.
As per battery life, while I got an average of 3-4 days with Galaxy Watch, I got bearly 2 days with Galaxy Watch 3. Obviously, because the Galaxy Watch has a higher 472mAh battery capacity compared 340mAh of its successor.
Should You Upgrade?
Galaxy Watch 3 is clearly better than Galaxy Watch, so it’s worth upgrading. It’s less bulky, has a higher storage capacity, and more health tracking features.
Meanwhile, Galaxy Watch is still one of my favorite smartwatches, it has a very sturdy build with long battery life, and is also a comprehensive fitness smartwatch.
Watch the video comparison of Samsung Galaxy Watch vs Active 2 vs Galaxy Watch
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