Why is S3 Gear better than iWatch

[AC Question]

Is there anything that S3 does not do that iWatch does? I don't really care about music or some of the other apps, but I do want time, calendar, email, GPS, and perhaps some of the fitness apps. I also like the customizable watch faces. Will the Bluetooth version of the S3 accommodate these wishes?

 

[B. Diddy]

Moved to the Gear S3 forum.

 

[11B1P]

Welcome to AC Central. Please create an account so we can better assist you.

Your question is too generic, as the Apple Watch Series 2 has functions the older Apple watches don't. I have a Gear S3 and my wife has the Apple Watch Series 1. Her Apple watch does not have a built-in GPS, my S3 does. So for fitness you'll need to carry your phone with you on runs/walks. My S3 is the BT only and that's all I need. It tracks my fitness just fine.

They both have calendars, email, text, etc.

Watch faces galore are available for my S3; not sure how many are available for the Apple watch.

 

[tech_fan]

So I had the Apple watch since it came out. I had both the Series 1 and 2. Before that I had the Samsung Galaxy series, the LG Urbane and the Moto 360.

They all have their pluses and minuses. I like the bigger display and the assortment of watch faces. If I still owned an iPhone I would have the Apple watch. Now that I own the Galaxy s8+ I have the gear S3. Just like with my Galaxy I have the ability to customize the S3. With the Apple products you don't. Flossy Carter on YouTube did a S3 review and he does compare the S3 to the Apple watch.

Also the menu system on the Apple watch is sort of weird. The dial in the face of the S3 is much better. I also like the assortment of bands I can get for my S3. Yes there were band assortments for the Apple watch to a certain degree you were restricted. Also with the S3 you have the ability to have the cellular radio which allows the S3 to operate as a standalone device.

 

[tech_fan]

Oh also I like the Samsung health app better than the Apple health app. Thought it had more meaning to it.

 

[psurob55]

considering this to replace my Microsoft Band 2 since Microsoft has abandoned it's loyalists.

The main knock on Tizen seems to be apps, but since I'm using an S8 phone, might that help ease that gap?

Looked briefly at the Huewei watch 2, but the quality of the S3 just seems superior.

My main concerns are:

1) If using a non-default text app (textra), will that impact my notifiations?
2) does it support google music?

 

[11B1P]

considering this to replace my Microsoft Band 2 since Microsoft has abandoned it's loyalists.

The main knock on Tizen seems to be apps, but since I'm using an S8 phone, might that help ease that gap?

Looked briefly at the Huewei watch 2, but the quality of the S3 just seems superior.

My main concerns are:

1) If using a non-default text app (textra), will that impact my notifiations?
2) does it support google music?

I too had a Band 2 and loved it. I originally pre-ordered the S3. Couldn't get a definitive date on delivery so I canceled it and bought a Garmin Fenix 3hr. Bought the S3 and sold the Garmin. Couldn't be happier with the S3.

So far the stock texting app is the only compatible texting app for full notifications for the S3.

As far as the music, I assume it does. I haven't loaded any music on my S3 nor do I stream music.

 

[psurob55]

this really needs Google Assistant / music. S-voice is garbage.

 

[Ca_lvn]

I use Textra and it works fine.....

 

[psurob55]

4 days of use in. still need to protect the face with tempered glass, which I have and just need to install.

any advice on protecting the dial / watch parts? decent metal watch band?

coming from the band 2... this blows it out of the water. Functionality, build, feel....all amazing.

 

[11B1P]

My wife's apple watch screen will not stay asleep during the night. She has the raise to wake gesture turned on, but doesn't to go back and forth turning it on/off. My S3, I can put it in do not disturb, palm the screen and it stays off for the night.

 

[45Shield]

Textra will show notifications, but not the actual received text to be read.

 

[Cowboy8467]

Textra will show notifications, but not the actual received text to be read.

This isn't true. I use Textra as my default messaging app and I can receive the texts on my watch as well as reply to them using voice or the watch keyboard.