iTech: Do we have an Apple Watch rival?

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iTech: Do we have an Apple Watch rival?
Samsung Gear S3

Published: Tue 10 Jan 2017, 9:16 AM

Last updated: Sun 15 Jan 2017, 10:45 AM

OFF THE BAT, you have to agree the new Samsung Gear S3 looks absolutely fantastic. Far from being a scaled down computer on your wrist, the kind of device you'd get on your 8th birthday and think you were the coolest kid in school for wearing, the styling that has gone into this product, we think, is the best out there. It resembles a normal classic watch, which sounds like a simple touch, but is one we have to applaud. Who knew creating a timepiece in the shape of a timepiece would count in its favour?
Except, as with all wearable's, this is more than a timepiece. It's a Samsung smartphone-compatible, app-ready GPS, messaging and music-listening/ call making device. Reacting to public opinion it is much bigger than its predecessor, the S2, as well. A frame of 4.6 cm makes it a chunky bit of kit - something Samsung have attempted to play up claiming it and the even more rugged S3 Frontier are for the outdoorsy, 'paintballing in Sharjah' types. Having said that, you won't be leaping off ravines into rivers, unlike with the new Apple Watch, given the S3 is only water resistant, not water proof. Granted, it's a niche example but as we enjoy tracking losing those festive pounds while swimming, it was a minor disappointment. FYI the S3 does work in the shower though and that was a totally scientific experiment, not just because we forgot we had it on.
Points we really liked on the S3 included the always-welcome rotating bezel to select apps and the fact you can do the whole Secret Service thing and make calls by talking into it. Admittedly you look a bit of an idiot, but since when has that bothered us? You can also play music out loud through the same speakers, but to do so is an affront to public decorum, so please don't. Especially on the Metro. Attach some Bluetooth headphones!
Things we liked
. Great styling
. Physical bezel to select elements
. GPS to track distances run

Things we didn't
. Not waterproof
. (Apparently) a bit too big for smaller wrists
. Only Samsung compatible 
Conclusion
Does it rival the new Apple Watch? It's close and the S3 possesses a couple of better features, notably the styling and physical bezel,  but overall we have to say the square one still has the top dog status at the moment given what you can do with it. 
david@khaleejtimes.com

By David Light

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