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With the latest round of smart watches launching now or coming soon, I am curious as to what type of people are buying the latest products. Since this is in the Samsung Gear S3 forum, I would imagine most, if not all of you, are interested in Samsung's latest offering. So my question is are you upgrading to this watch or would this be your first smart watch?
I currently have the first gen Moto 360. What drew me to the Moto 360 is the fact that it had a circular screen and Android Wear intrigued me. I've been happy with the Moto 360, but it is starting to show its age. I didn't think I would consider the Samsung Gear S3, but the looks and 3-4 days battery life definitely peaked my interest. I am not 100% sold on the Tizen OS yet, but from what I have seem so far there is a very good chance this will be my next smart watch.
Please post your response in the poll and share your thoughts below including your current smart watch.
3 or 4 days battery life but with screen Off like all other wear watch no ?
I have also the Gear S (first) it say also 3 or 4 day but in reality more one day than ..... or more if you do not use the watch
I get a full day with Screen always on with my S2. The S3 should give a few hours beyond that.
Upgrading from LG Watch R to Samsung Gear S3 Frontier
ttown said:
With the latest round of smart watches launching now or coming soon, I am curious as to what type of people are buying the latest products. Since this is in the Samsung Gear S3 forum, I would imagine most, if not all of you, are interested in Samsung's latest offering. So my question is are you upgrading to this watch or would this be your first smart watch?
I currently have the first gen Moto 360. What drew me to the Moto 360 is the fact that it had a circular screen and Android Wear intrigued me. I've been happy with the Moto 360, but it is starting to show its age. I didn't think I would consider the Samsung Gear S3, but the looks and 3-4 days battery life definitely peaked my interest. I am not 100% sold on the Tizen OS yet, but from what I have seem so far there is a very good chance this will be my next smart watch.
Please post your response in the poll and share your thoughts below including your current smart watch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would be upgrading from a Gear S2 3G. I like the Gear S3's design better and its improvements to AOD. Also, the inclusion of Samsung Pay MST.
With Always-on activated from 6 am to 11 pm, I finish the day with about 35% battery left. The Gear S3 should be even better.
Sent from my SM-G935U using Tapatalk
My Huawei watch is at 50-60% by the time I put it on the charger about midnight each night. I wear it from 7am until midnight. So pretty darn good battery. I am interested in the GS3 because it seems to be more on the premium level finally. I had bought the S2 a couple months after having the Huawei, but returned it. The reason I didn't like the S2 was the cheap feel of it compared to the Huawei and I couldn't use other apps for text/email other than stock Samsung apps. Definitely interested to gety hands on the S3. My biggest reason for wanting Samsung is the e-sim. Not having to have a phone along could be a really nice option at times.
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA-Developers mobile app
I've stopped wearing my Moto 360 afer not seeing any benefit wearing it. Oh and the menu was also very laggy.
But I'm very interested in a new smartwatch which could replace my phone during sports with GPS and a heartrate sensor, so hardware wise the S3 seems like a good fit but the software was holding back the previous Samsung watches in the past from what I've read.
I'll probably wait for the first reviews / sofware updates and then decide if it's worth another try....or wait for the Gear Fit 3
I've been in the market for a smart watch since the first iWatch. So much so, I've debated jumping ship just to get a half-decent smart watch. I just simply couldn't justify locking myself down into a cookie cutter phone, no matter how stable and fluid it is, just for a watch. So, I've been trolling here, other sites, and all developments of wearables. When I found out the S3 is featuring MST, and that it doesn't depend on the phone to have it (Looking at you S2), I just knew I had to have it. Then with the later reported music streaming apps, a true map app for the wearable, and how sleek and casual, yet classy, the S3 is, I just KNEW I had to get it. I didn't even hesitate.
On 24 hours now with it and besides the lack of music streaming apps (December can't come fast enough. I hate spotify, but hey, streaming is streaming) and FULL support for Google Messenger (stock texting sucks ass, even more so for group messaging) i absolutely LOVE this watch. I've tried Samsung Pay, it works. It's amazing. I think it's silly you can only do 5 transactions when in standalone mode, but I can kind of understand the reasoning behind it, to a degree even though it is still silly in my eyes (security issues).
If you've thought about getting this watch for ANY reason, stop thinking about it and go get it. You will love it. I'm SO glad I waited for the s3 and didn't rush into any other wearable.
Upgrading from the Gear S
Sent from my SM-N930T using XDA-Developers mobile app
I was interested in the Gear S2 when I read it had Samsung Pay, but found out it was not MST capable so I decided against it. Then I stumbled upon the Gear S3 details and anxiously awaited until its release. Now I feel safer using it to pay because I don't have to pull out my phone or my wallet.
Naturesretard said:
I've tried Samsung Pay, it works. It's amazing. I think it's silly you can only do 5 transactions when in standalone mode, but I can kind of understand the reasoning behind it, to a degree even though it is still silly in my eyes (security issues).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you actually triggered the 5 transaction limit? What does it say when it happens?
First smart watch and will probably return it next week for a refund as:
1. Basically it does not work as a watch as the turn on gesture is not sensitive enough. I do not want AOD as that will kill the battery and lessen the screen life / burn in.
Looking at a blank screen instead of the time is frustrating I suspect this is true for all smartwatches though with wake up gesture not just the S3.
2. Notifications are too unreliable.
3. Samsung Pay is not available in the UK - I knew this before I purchased but Samsung will not state when it will be available if ever.
This will be my third. Had a galaxy gear and currently wearing the gear 2. Still 1 week to wait here in the Netherlands.
I enjoy the notifications on my watch and don't really expect much else. So I'm easy to please
Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G928F met Tapatalk
This will my 4th upgrade. I missed 2 things from the Gear S2: a speaker to let people know I'm fumbling to get my phone out; and Samsung Pay. I love how strong the vibration setting is on the S2 and hope it will be just as great on the S3.
Now what REALLY bothers me though is that this watch is completely geared for males. I don't mind the size - but goodness gracious Samsung - do we just count for nothing???? I will not rock the robust look of the Frontier. So I'm just left with a silver Classic Bluetooth only version and very masculine bands with the original order. I have the S2 in Rose Gold and a white leather band and LOVE the look!
afblangley said:
Have you actually triggered the 5 transaction limit? What does it say when it happens?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not, I was merely reporting documentation I've come across.
"Make at least 5 payments on your Gear S3 without a Galaxy smartphone nearby after initial setup. Number of transactions varies by card network and bank. Reload payment capability by connecting to a Galaxy Smartphone via Bluetooth. Only compatible with select cards, carriers and Android smartphones; see the Samsung Pay Support page at www.samsung.com/us/ support/owners/app/samsung-pay#compatibility for compatibility information." Found at the bottom of this link denoted by the 2.
What this means is after you setup Samsung pay to the Gear s3, you can then depending on bank, make up to 5 or more* transactions without needing to sync your phone via bluetooth to the watch. After that, you apparently will be unable to make any more payments until the S3 is then resycned to the phone.
* denotes bank and card limitations, defaults to 5.
Naturesretard said:
I've been in the market for a smart watch since the first iWatch. So much so, I've debated jumping ship just to get a half-decent smart watch. I just simply couldn't justify locking myself down into a cookie cutter phone, no matter how stable and fluid it is, just for a watch. So, I've been trolling here, other sites, and all developments of wearables. When I found out the S3 is featuring MST, and that it doesn't depend on the phone to have it (Looking at you S2), I just knew I had to have it. Then with the later reported music streaming apps, a true map app for the wearable, and how sleek and casual, yet classy, the S3 is, I just KNEW I had to get it. I didn't even hesitate.
On 24 hours now with it and besides the lack of music streaming apps (December can't come fast enough. I hate spotify, but hey, streaming is streaming) and FULL support for Google Messenger (stock texting sucks ass, even more so for group messaging) i absolutely LOVE this watch. I've tried Samsung Pay, it works. It's amazing. I think it's silly you can only do 5 transactions when in standalone mode, but I can kind of understand the reasoning behind it, to a degree even though it is still silly in my eyes (security issues).
If you've thought about getting this watch for ANY reason, stop thinking about it and go get it. You will love it. I'm SO glad I waited for the s3 and didn't rush into any other wearable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for the only being able to do 5 transactions with the s3 on standalone. With the phone if you have no service I believe you can only do 10 transactions. Because it stores tokens to use with s-pay, and once those are used you have to replenish them
---------- Post added at 07:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:47 PM ----------
I upgraded from the Huawei watch, to the s3. The Huawei looks plain and boring compared to it.
Started with pebble from Kickstarter, then pebble steel, then pebble time then pebble time steel.
Moved to Apple watch when I was issued an iPhone for work.
Also played with most of the FitBit range with a fit bit on one writs and either a pebble or apple watch on the other.
Recently trialling a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge phone for work and have now move the the Gear S3 Frontier as a companion
Ok, before I start, I have to say that my S3 Frontier is the best Smart Watch I have ever owned. I have had an apple watch. I own an LG Urbane, Gear S2 and now the S3 Frontier LTE version.
Now I have to say that this is an awesome watch but I have been having several issues that are bugging me but I am sure they can be fixed with software updates so I'm hanging in there but here are my issues and they are getting annoying:
Watch constantly locks, thinking I took the watch off my wrist. If I tighten it real tight it won't. The heart beat sensor constantly tells me to reposition the watch on my wrist or clean the sensor. I have to move it or tighten it several times before I can get a reading. The altimeter is always all over the place. I can recalibrate it in the same spot every time and get everything from - 100 feet to 200 feet. Mind you I live at sea level. The barometer stays at 30 and never moves even though I am sure the barometric pressure is changing. The GPS doesn't lock very quickly so using it as a standalone GPS isn't really feasible yet. Locks great with phone hooked up. Samsung Pay does not integrate with the phone version. Works great but when I pay with my watch, I don't get rewards points. Also, I kept my S2 for a more sporty look and when I was going somewhere that I didn't want to mess up my frontier. I connected to my S2 the other day and when I connected back to my s3, Samsung Pay had to be set up all over again. That is to inconvenient for those of us who would like to switch between watches. The gear app does a good job at being able to switch seamlessly but messes up Samsung Pay every time you switch. I only use it to impress people or don't have my phone with me but honestly Samsung Pay on the watch has been more of a hassle than it's worth for me. Now if Samsung were to integrate the promotions and the gear app wouldn't keep deleting my cards every time I switched watches, Samsung Pay would be dope.
Now you may say that I have defective sensors but upon trolling the net, I see others are having some of the same issues. I am sure that with some updates it will improve. I see that there has already been one update that improves the GPS but unfortunately I have to wait for Tmobile to push it out since I have the Lte version and have noticed that with my S2, you have to wait for updates if you have the LTE versions.
Now please don't get me wrong. I loved my S2 and am loving my s3 even more but still needs some improvement.
I still think it's the best on the market! Some say there is a lack of apps but there is an app for all my needs and between all the watch face apps and gear designer, I have even designed my own faces. I think hands down it even beats android wear in the watch face designing department. I also think this is definitely an apple watch killer. Only wish they would have made it a little more water resistant so I could swim with it but it's all good.
This watch has a lot of potential and I hope Samsung starts working on updates to fix its shortcomings but for now it's the best smart watch in my opinion.
Just curious (because you seem to use the watch all the time), how's the quality of the bezel? It became in time slightly loose and it's clicky when you tap on it?
I recognize your story but the love prevails for now, probably until a better S4 or Huawei Watch comes out.
Don't use Samsung pay but I don't recognize your GPS comment. Maybe I live under a satellite cause mine locks in about 3 to 5 seconds.
Btw coming from the doomed Pebble, I had a time steel and backed (%|#!) a time 2, I'm glad to find the S3 does the same plus more and looks like a proper watch. So I'll just have to live with it's quirks.
Edit: Been thinking about this. If Garmin would release a smaller Fenix 4 I'll probably get that, I like always on reflective displays better than oled.
reglaspv said:
Just curious (because you seem to use the watch all the time), how's the quality of the bezel? It became in time slightly loose and it's clicky when you tap on it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't had any problems and actually I like the smoothness and it hasn't gotten loose on me. I have heard complaints about the behalf but I think it's perfect.
blackspp said:
I recognize your story but the love prevails for now, probably until a better S4 or Huawei Watch comes out.
Don't use Samsung pay but I don't recognize your GPS comment. Maybe I live under a satellite cause mine locks in about 3 to 5 seconds.
Btw coming from the doomed Pebble, I had a time steel and backed (%|#!) a time 2, I'm glad to find the S3 does the same plus more and looks like a proper watch. So I'll just have to live with it's quirks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have the Bluetooth or LTE version? It is my understanding that there was an update that improved the GPS lock on the Bluetooth version. I'm still waiting for the update.
I am sure most if not all these quirks will be fixed with updates. Samsung did a good job fixing several issues with the S2 so I am confident they will do good with the S3. I just hate having to wait a few extra months because I have the LTE version but at the same time I use the standalone features with call forwarding and tmobile digits looks promising.
Trust me, I'm still more on the love side.
Sirdragonx said:
Do you have the Bluetooth or LTE version? It is my understanding that there was an update that improved the GPS lock on the Bluetooth version. I'm still waiting for the update.
I am sure most if not all these quirks will be fixed with updates. Samsung did a good job fixing several issues with the S2 so I am confident they will do good with the S3. I just hate having to wait a few extra months because I have the LTE version but at the same time I use the standalone features with call forwarding and tmobile digits looks promising.
Trust me, I'm still more on the love side.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bluetooth...
Sirdragonx said:
I haven't had any problems and actually I like the smoothness and it hasn't gotten loose on me. I have heard complaints about the behalf but I think it's perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, your watch is nothing like this: https://youtu.be/QoqKgXq-KRA?t=12m15s
(min 12:18 if it doesn't load ok)
reglaspv said:
So, your watch is nothing like this:
?t=12m15s
(min 12:18 if it doesn't load ok)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried tapping mine and mine is fine. Not like the video. Not loose at all.
blackspp said:
Bluetooth...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the update included the GPS fix.
Mine taps too just like several others I checked. Very annoying but probably ok. I guess...
I switch between the gear s and gear s3 and have no problems with having to restart samsung pay. And you do get the points using the watch also.
blackspp said:
Mine taps too just like several others I checked. Very annoying but probably ok. I guess...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just don't know and I'm trying to make up my mind if I should return it or not.
The watch is fine otherwise but I'm thinking that MAYBE is just a bad luck and if I change it, everything it will be fine (like the one of OP).
I asked in a Samsung service about this problem and the technician said that at this point he has no clue if this is expected or not but that all the Gear S2 that he saw, had this little clicky thing.
Then I asked if the bezel is changed without disassembling the watch and he said that the bezel is attached to the watch face and it is changed as an entire unit, basically removing the bottom and the electronics and inserted into the new one.
Mine (in just 4 days after unpacking) is more than clicky when I tap it, the bezel is also slightly loose and there is enough lateral and vertical movement (when I press one side, the other is just slightly moving up).
I can't imagine that in time, it will be better but I can imagine all the dust and hair that it will be stuck under the bezel.
My watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iQd2AA8XPo
reglaspv said:
I just don't know and I'm trying to make up my mind if I should return it or not.[/URL]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have any doubt, return it. If only for peace of mind. You can always buy it again.
Mine is less loose but It's loose a bit nevertheless...
I'm going back to the shop tomorrow but I doubt i can swap it...
Title sums it up, just curious what those most familiar with the device thinks? Seems to me to be pretty solid device still but I would hate to buy one in the next couple of months and the the S4 drop.
If there is a thread on here like this I missed, my bad. I did search and didnt find one.
Samsung introduced a new model a few weeks ago at IFA rather than update the Gear S3. So the Gear S4 may be a year away. Not much is happening on the Android Wear front, the iWatch still isn't compatible with non Apple devices, the new Fitbit looks like a bust. So there isn't much competitive pressure for Samsung to update it's flagship watch.
After wearing the watch everyday for almost a year, I don't think there is much Samsung can do to improve the hardware, except increase battery life. They could add enhancements to Tizen, encourage more 3rd party app development, improve Gear Manager. But none of this requires new hardware. I don't have a crystal ball, Samsung could do something shocking with the S4 like give it a rectangular screen or make it AW compatible. But I doubt they will do anything along those lines. I think improvements in the S4 will be a minor.
Sounds spot on. Ordering one in the next few weeks....thank you!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
I had the same dilemma, until I was lucky to discover a weekend offer at Samsung UK online, that had the S3 discounted by 100 pounds. There was the answer for me. So far, absolutely no regrets! BTW, I fully agree with afblangley's post above (#2).
I just got a used S3 frontier with LTE for $190 from eBay ... so I would say now is a good time as the price is coming way down.
Looking into the LTE vs Bluetooth only version. Read several threads and since I have never had the option not to take my phone and stay connected its hard to say if it would be worth it for me personally. The slower or non-existent software upgrades (I am speculating) from AT&T would be a concern. I am not sure I would want to be stuck with bugs and less features as a trade off to have LTE.
If you have the BT version, do not have your phone with you, and are not near a wifi will you get any messages you missed while disconnected the next time you attach to wifi? Im guessing not and the only way you will know about those messages is the next time you have your phone and check...is this correct?
gocats7 said:
Title sums it up, just curious what those most familiar with the device thinks? Seems to me to be pretty solid device still but I would hate to buy one in the next couple of months and the the S4 drop.
If there is a thread on here like this I missed, my bad. I did search and didnt find one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want a good smartwach, buy it. You can wait for s4, s5 and still are without a smartwach. Bought mine yesterday. Was not sure if it is the right decision had s3, s sport and fitbit ionic in mind. Now, after one day I am pretty sure s3 is the right choice.
Gesendet von meinem SM-G955F mit Tapatalk
I was concerned about this as well. Luckily I was given $150 in giftcards to Macy's and I used it on the watch at $299. I gave up wearables when I sold my Series 2 Apple Watch because there was nothing that interested me. Let me tell you, people say the Apple Watch is king, but no no....the S3 is so nice. I've had it less than a week and I LOVE it. It looks great, does all and more than the AW does. I am mostly sad that I didn't get the watch during the 8 months or so I had the S8+ because I think it pairs better with Samsung phones. I have it connected to a V30. It gives all I want it this way though.
Taking into consideration the s3...After selling my trustworthy gear s...
But the gear 2 and neo were launched at mwa at the beginning of the year...February. ..its already November. ..
What are the chances of a s4 launch in February?
According to most reviews gear sport is not a follower of s3..but a part between the gear s and gear fit..
Sent from my GT-N5120 using Tapatalk
Buy a watch with android wear from a brand that care about their customer more than their business plan from their board room.
this laggy ****ty watch need a mayor overhaul. me needed to remind it constantly to connect to simple things like wifi and bluetooth earplugs is making me feel like a retard.
Samsung phones is a no go from S3/S4 cause of the poor quality, now this.
I hate companies making ****, dropping beta software into it and start developing the next gen **** to put beta software into.
Well just bought the Gear S3 Wifi BT. Went to bed 98% woke up 94%. Before I went to bed I turned off the AOD. Then back on during the day. I don't keep wifi on. No clue what "Redman77" is talking about. I LOVE this thing. I have a Android Ware v2. I can understand why some would want Aware vs Samsungs. But "laggy"? I cant see it at all. Customer care.. please.. one can say that about ANY company. So far.. not a problem at all. I feel for those that do have problems.
Android ware v2 didnt offer what I wanted. Walking running driving "speed" sleeping.. yeah.. kicks right in. LOVE THIS watch. Best I have ever had.
And be sure that all of your devices now and future have supported apps ready to roll on tizen.
Realy anoying to find out that android wear have all the goodies and you stuck with old/no supported apps at best, and no app support on others.
Redman77 said:
And be sure that all of your devices now and future have supported apps ready to roll on tizen.
Realy anoying to find out that android wear have all the goodies and you stuck with old/no supported apps at best, and no app support on others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What kind of goodies? I came from AW 2. Never looked back. The whole UI is much better. And the apps I used are also on tizen. Any specifics? See if I can look into AW in future.
First thing comes to mind is Sonys camera app. And of course a Samsung rep would blame Sony.
But that changes nothing. Software that fewer customers use will always be prioritized last if ever.
---------- Post added at 10:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:06 PM ----------
My wifi connection is not seamlessly going to different networks.
Spotify hangs, need restart of watch.. Not enough to close app from reason apps. Probably related to wifi.. But should start when wifi gets going
Can't find the forum but anyone else ordered one? Not expecting it until 6th.
bonerp said:
Can't find the forum but anyone else ordered one? Not expecting it until 6th.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already ha e mine.
I don't think it's getting a forum? I should be getting my 46mm today.
Bum the previous gears do.
You guys us? Let us know how you find it...
Any links to buying unlocked LTE galaxy watch
Tidbits said:
I already ha e mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Feedback?
The reviews from people who have purchased it are mixed. Everyone to seems to love the watch, fit and finish. Lots of people complaining it doesn't have MST and reducing stars on it for that reason in reviews. I mean, you must know that it doesn't have MST before you buy it, right? It was known well before release. Apparently, Best Buy lied and UPS turned it over to USPS so I will be getting it tomorrow. Luckily, I don't care about MST, I don't plan to pay from my watch, I still find it more convenient to pop my debit card into the chip reader lol. I've been behind people waving phones and apple watches over the terminals and taking way too much time. I'd rather not inconvenience those behind me for no reason.
jah said:
Feedback?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love it overall. I am replacing my Gear S2 with it. Already lasts longer than that is all I could hope for.
I'm surprised I can't find a Galaxy Watch forum either. I absolutely love the watch though.
I came from using a Fitbit Ionic and while that was decent, this is just miles ahead. The biggest thing for me, as dumb as it is, I love the fact that it looks like a real watch and not a funky square. I got a stainless steel band on Amazon for around 15 bucks and it makes it look even better.
Rev_Nev said:
I'm surprised I can't find a Galaxy Watch forum either. I absolutely love the watch though.
I came from using a Fitbit Ionic and while that was decent, this is just miles ahead. The biggest thing for me, as dumb as it is, I love the fact that it looks like a real watch and not a funky square. I got a stainless steel band on Amazon for around 15 bucks and it makes it look even better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the Gear Fit2 Pro. I can't wait for my watch to arrive tomorrow. I know it will be a huge upgrade.
i had the frontier s3 lte and the galaxy watch now. both 46 mm.
out of the gate the new watch has a much longer battery life. the longest i had it off charge was 2 days of use. this is with all radios on, max screen brightness (10) and not disabling anything. when i put it on charge at the end of day 2 it still had 40% left. the s3 would have died a day ago.
the build quality is upped over the s3 and it looks damn good. bezel rotation seems improved over the s3.
i knew about mst well before i purchased the watch. its a bummer since i was used to it on the s3, but its not a big enough CON to keep me from purchasing it. more and more sites I go to use the newer tech anyway so its not been an issue.
Bwahahaha. Smart watches. Carry on.
Semantics said:
The reviews from people who have purchased it are mixed. Everyone to seems to love the watch, fit and finish. Lots of people complaining it doesn't have MST and reducing stars on it for that reason in reviews. I mean, you must know that it doesn't have MST before you buy it, right? It was known well before release. Apparently, Best Buy lied and UPS turned it over to USPS so I will be getting it tomorrow. Luckily, I don't care about MST, I don't plan to pay from my watch, I still find it more convenient to pop my debit card into the chip reader lol. I've been behind people waving phones and apple watches over the terminals and taking way too much time. I'd rather not inconvenience those behind me for no reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree man. It's a pain when they have to wave their gadgets two, three or even more times at the reader
It's even worse with the starbucks cards !! Use your credit card for christ sake!
...end of rant, aaah so refreshed. :laugh:
Jesiah said:
I totally agree man. It's a pain when they have to wave their gadgets two, three or even more times at the reader
It's even worse with the starbucks cards !! Use your credit card for christ sake!
...end of rant, aaah so refreshed. :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:laugh::laugh: right? I got my watch today, already in love with it! Gear Fit2 Pro was nifty, but this is a whole new world!
I have the LTE 46mm version. Although it is supposed to work stand alone it requires a paired digits plan @10 bucks/mo and can only have the LTE service activated if you have a samsung S7 or better. Spent over 4 hours with store employees and T-Mobile tech support before they figured it out. IPhone LTE support will be added sometime in the future. Unfortunately I have a Note Edge (essentially a note 4) so I'm screwed as far as getting LTE activated. T-Mobile is a pain. If it can work stand alone it should be able to be activated. Other than the LTE issue I do like it.
i have the 46mm lte galaxy watch. i dont need the main phone to be with it.
the watch has its own REAL phone number. ive called people and have had people call me directly on the watch.
i had this same setup with the s3 frontier.
rickpub said:
I have the LTE 46mm version. Although it is supposed to work stand alone it requires a paired digits plan @10 bucks/mo and can only have the LTE service activated if you have a samsung S7 or better. Spent over 4 hours with store employees and T-Mobile tech support before they figured it out. IPhone LTE support will be added sometime in the future. Unfortunately I have a Note Edge (essentially a note 4) so I'm screwed as far as getting LTE activated. T-Mobile is a pain. If it can work stand alone it should be able to be activated. Other than the LTE issue I do like it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn't they just use a demo to get you started? Like just pop your sim in a S8 set it up and switch back to a note 4 and be out the door?
80 hours in on my first charge and 52% battery left. This thing is nuts. I have wake up gestures on, NFC/Bluetooth on and brightness at 8. Its crazy good.
Tidbits said:
Couldn't they just use a demo to get you started? Like just pop your sim in a S8 set it up and switch back to a note 4 and be out the door?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would think so but apparently their demos are just that, demos. Also my sim is too large to fit so they would have to change sims. Still, you would think it would be easy enough.
I've received a delivery notification and its this I'm waiting for from Samsung - comes tomorrow. Was scheduled for 6th following pre order.
First of all, thanks again so much to all of those who helped me with my question of whether I should upgrade from my Gear S3 - your input was greatly appreciated, and my ultimate decision in no way invalidates it - I agree with all of the points you made. But after finally pulling the trigger and picking up a GW4 Classic 46mm, all I can say is... meh.
Nothing about the watch 'wowed' me. In fact, there wasn't even anything that I really liked, unlike my Gear S3. OK, maybe having Google Maps is cool, and I'm sure once we get Google Assistant - but right now, out of the box - meh. Plus, there were too many things that irritated me.
This watch is expensive - even with a $100 Best Buy discount - and that skinny, cheap @$$ed band (in only one size too!) really irritated me (although, TBF, it is comfortable). I've realized the health features are more of a gimmick to me than actually useful features (and the main ones aren't even natively available in Canada).
I hated the look of the Wear interface. I hated that the number pad is not optimized for a round watch like in Tizen. I couldn't find one watch face I really liked. Not one. (And what's with that stupid initial that's always present on the stock watch face, even when you customize your initials??)
I love the punchy, blue Frontier face on my Gear S3 - those mostly greyscale stock GW4 watch faces don't do anything for me. Sure, I might be able to find one from a dev, make one, etc. - but I shouldn't have to, and when I shell out big $$ for a piece of tech, I expect it to have at least something I love, and a few things I really like.
The GW4, at least in it's current state, does nothing (or perhaps more accurately, nothing that I need) that my Gear S3 doesn't do. My Gear S3 will continue to suit my needs just fine for the foreseeable future.
I completely understand why others might like it's design, features, etc. - but, for me, I realize now I was just eyeing it and buying it because it's new and shiny and, for my money, it's got to do more than that. It should at least impress me, 'wow' me somehow, in some way - and it doesn't. It's going back. Sorry guys.
*UPDATE* OK, so - I decided to keep it after all. Well, I did return the first one, but then they went on sale for a lower price in addition to the $100 trade-in discount, so I couldn't resist at that price. And I figured I should give it more time, and see how things go. Not gonna lie, I tried out the Google Maps navigation on the bike today, and was thoroughly impressed, with the directions on my wrist and voice turn-by-turn through my Galaxy Buds - so, finally a 'wow' feature.
*UPDATE #2* GBoard is a treat too - the swipe typing and voice input are so much better/easier to use than T9.
Anyway, thanks again everyone for all the advice, your experiences etc. - let's see how Samsung and Google do with this thing.
Have you heard of paragraphs? I don't think anyone is going to read that unformatted wall of text.
shawkes said:
Have you heard of paragraphs? I don't think anyone is going to read that unformatted wall of text.
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Yeah, sorry - I guess I'm not used to writing such long posts, and it's kinda hard to break up a rant - but good point, fixed that.
Thanks for the writeup.
Interesting to see everyone's reviews, quite a few have your take on it. Personally, I upgraded from a gen 1 Moto 360 so I this was a definite nice upgrade.
While it would be nice to have Google assistant, I rarely use it (and don't see using Bigby either) so it's not a game changer for me. Love being able to use Gpay on it though. I was having issues with Riru and being able to use Gpay on my phone for a while so being able to pay with the watch was a life saver.
Having upgraded fro Gwa2 to gw4c, I must say that the watch is indeed an upgrade, save for the battery life though. I was charging my Gwa2 every 3 4 days for the first 1.5years of ownership and once every 2 3 days the last months before it died on me while swimming.
Considering tho that I only spent 75euros to get the gw4c 46mm (I got a credit from Samsung for the cost of the Gwa2, instead of them repairing it, which was WAY too perfect for me since it happened one month before the gw4 official release), I can only say good things for the watch; if I could only stretch the battery to charge it every two nights, for the time being it barely makes it.
rmiles7721 said:
Thanks for the writeup.
Interesting to see everyone's reviews, quite a few have your take on it. Personally, I upgraded from a gen 1 Moto 360 so I this was a definite nice upgrade.
While it would be nice to have Google assistant, I rarely use it (and don't see using Bigby either) so it's not a game changer for me. Love being able to use Gpay on it though. I was having issues with Riru and being able to use Gpay on my phone for a while so being able to pay with the watch was a life saver.
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Yes, I was looking forward to using GPay (in addition to Samsung Pay) as I have a credit card linked to GPay that Samsung Pay won't accept - but it turns out that GPay can't use that card for tap payments either.
I do think Google Assistant will be useful for starting navigation, making calls etc., as it is simply so much better and accurate than Bixby.
thanito said:
Having upgraded fro Gwa2 to gw4c, I must say that the watch is indeed an upgrade, save for the battery life though. I was charging my Gwa2 every 3 4 days for the first 1.5years of ownership and once every 2 3 days the last months before it died on my while swimming.
Considering tho that I only spent 75euros to get the gw4c 46mm (I got a credit from Samsung for the cost of the Gwa2, instead of them repairing it, which was WAY too perfect for me since it happened one month before the gw4 official release), I can only say good things for the watch; if I could only stretch the battery to charge it every two nights, for the time being it barely makes it.
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I know my rant may leave the wrong impression for a lot of folks, so I just want to be clear that there is no question that the GW4 is an upgrade over its predecessors, especially my old Gear S3 - what I was really trying to say is that my Gear S3 does all the basic things I need it to do (notifications and calls while my phone is in my daypack on the bike, and Samsung Pay, even with international phones that can't use Samsung Pay). And I like the look and feel of it and Tizen better.
But beyond that, the folks who provided advice as to whether to upgrade or not were absolutely right, the GW4 is definitely an upgrade - I just struggle with justifying the cost when the Gear S3 does what I need it to do already, and so many things about the GW4 bugged me. Samsung is imitating Apple more and more it seems, and being cheap as f*ck doing it, too (i.e., just compare the Gear S3 box to the GW4, the chargers, the straps - and for less money!).
I should add that battery life and charging times were two areas where I was pleasantly surprised. I was expecting the worst, but I found that the watch charged fairly quickly, and battery life wasn't as bad as I was thought it would be (although nowhere near the 3+ days I get on the Gear S3 of course).
You already know from my previous post I did the same transition and did have similar thoughts about the differences between the Gear S3 and the GW4 but for me it was worth the change. From reading across XDA and Reddit on the GW4 it is definitely not meeting everybody's expectations. There is a good deal of room for Samsung to improve the software (not unexpected for me given the Tizen journey) and this is an area it is not fulfilling expectations. Battery life is another as again there does appear room for better optimisation but I am not very optimistic about that.
More than happy with my transition, the benefits of working Samsung Pay, physical size and feel and fulfilling all the uses I put the Gear S3 to makes it a win for me. The only drawback thus far has been the slightly less (on average about 12 hours less than the Gear S3) battery life.
Getting a £115 trade in for the Gear S3 also tipped the balance in terms of overall value of the change.
Regards
spangelaregreat said:
You already know from my previous post I did the same transition and did have similar thoughts about the differences between the Gear S3 and the GW4 but for me it was worth the change. From reading across XDA and Reddit on the GW4 it is definitely not meeting everybody's expectations. There is a good deal of room for Samsung to improve the software (not unexpected for me given the Tizen journey) and this is an area it is not fulfilling expectations. Battery life is another as again there does appear room for better optimisation but I am not very optimistic about that.
More than happy with my transition, the benefits of working Samsung Pay, physical size and feel and fulfilling all the uses I put the Gear S3 to makes it a win for me. The only drawback thus far has been the slightly less (on average about 12 hours less than the Gear S3) battery life.
Getting a £115 trade in for the Gear S3 also tipped the balance in terms of overall value of the change.
Regards
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Yes, thank you so much spangelaregreat, your posts were very helpful, especially your review under Review/Comparison (Gear S3) & Mods. I definitely wondered (and still wonder, as I haven't actually made the trek back to Best Buy yet) if I shouldn't give it more time. I may still change my mind, not least because I know you're right, the GW4 is still new, and will no doubt improve rapidly, and I know I might regret it if I take it back. I'll be sure to let folks know if I do. Thanks again!
No problem.
I just rec'd my GW4-44mm late yesterday afternoon. I quickly set it up and swapped out my GA2 for it. I'd agree there's very close to zero wow factor since they are so similar physically, and One UI makes them operate similarly too. I purchased the GW4 because of the things Tizen can't do...namely Google Maps (when you're out walking or biking), Google Pay (my cards aren't supported on Samsung Pay), Google Keep. The display also seems a bit blacker/sharper but it's subjective.
So, it does what I expected it to, but it's a point upgrade. Unlike with Tizen, the watch can actually get better if there are more and different apps.
mickliq said:
I just rec'd my GW4-44mm late yesterday afternoon. I quickly set it up and swapped out my GA2 for it. I'd agree there's very close to zero wow factor since they are so similar physically, and One UI makes them operate similarly too. I purchased the GW4 because of the things Tizen can't do...namely Google Maps (when you're out walking or biking), Google Pay (my cards aren't supported on Samsung Pay), Google Keep. The display also seems a bit blacker/sharper but it's subjective.
So, it does what I expected it to, but it's a point upgrade. Unlike with Tizen, the watch can actually get better if there are more and different apps.
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Agreed - and this is something I was very conscious of as I weighed my decision - that is, as much as I like Tizen, it's a dead end, whereas as much as I dislike Wear OS, it can only (hopefully) get better.
I will be very disappointed however if Samsung and Google don't sort out the bugs, and bring Google Assistant to the GW4.
mickliq said:
I just rec'd my GW4-44mm late yesterday afternoon. I quickly set it up and swapped out my GA2 for it. I'd agree there's very close to zero wow factor since they are so similar physically, and One UI makes them operate similarly too. I purchased the GW4 because of the things Tizen can't do...namely Google Maps (when you're out walking or biking), Google Pay (my cards aren't supported on Samsung Pay), Google Keep. The display also seems a bit blacker/sharper but it's subjective.
So, it does what I expected it to, but it's a point upgrade. Unlike with Tizen, the watch can actually get better if there are more and different apps.
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How did you get Google Keep to work, mine just keeps saying syncing?
I didn't do anything special. I went into the Watch Play store, picked "apps on phone", selected Keep (among others), and when I first launched it, it asked me what account I wanted to sync.
Returned mine Watch 4 as well. Not much improvement over my Galaxy Watch 3. It maybe has sharper display, but I would love slightly bigger display area.
carlitos66 said:
Returned mine Watch 4 as well. Not much improvement over my Galaxy Watch 3. It maybe has sharper display, but I would love slightly bigger display area.
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I would definitely hang on to a Watch 3 for a while - my Gear S3 is 5 years old! I have swapped out the battery though - not sure how easy that is to do on the Watch 3. Yearly upgrades are out of the question for me, regardless.
See my update in the original post above - decided to keep the GW4 after all, and see how it goes.
jtOttawa said:
*UPDATE* OK, so - I decided to keep it after all. Well, I did return the first one, but then they went on sale for a lower price in addition to the $100 trade-in discount, so I couldn't resist at that price. And I figured I should give it more time, and see how things go. Not gonna lie, I tried out the Google Maps navigation on the bike today, and was thoroughly impressed, with the directions on my wrist and voice turn-by-turn through my Galaxy Buds - so, finally a 'wow' feature.
*UPDATE #2* GBoard is a treat too - the swipe typing and voice input are so much better/easier to use than T9.
Anyway, thanks again everyone for all the advice, your experiences etc. - let's see how Samsung and Google do with this thing.
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I have to agree with you on the Google Maps integration. I did not believe I would ever use this when I got watch. Without even thinking about this I was getting directions on my phone to a destination 3.2 miles from me in Chicago last weekend. I was walking. I was holding up my phone and walking and when I got to the street where I needed to turn at the watch vibrated. I looked at the watch and it showed that I needed to turn. I quickly realized I did not have to have my phone out at all. So nice to just walk along without holding up my phone glancing at my watch whenever it vibrated.
Thankfully there is option to turn off auto launch when driving. To me this is annoying as hell
fliptwister said:
I have to agree with you on the Google Maps integration. I did not believe I would ever use this when I got watch. Without even thinking about this I was getting directions on my phone to a destination 3.2 miles from me in Chicago last weekend. I was walking. I was holding up my phone and walking and when I got to the street where I needed to turn at the watch vibrated. I looked at the watch and it showed that I needed to turn. I quickly realized I did not have to have my phone out at all. So nice to just walk along without holding up my phone glancing at my watch whenever it vibrated.
Thankfully there is option to turn off auto launch when driving. To me this is annoying as hell
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Thanks fliptwister - I'm thinking this will also be particularly useful when travelling and exploring a new city, etc. - not having the phone out in some cities would be a lot safer, as well as easier and less distracting.
BTW, I should receive that AliExpress watch band you posted about by Monday - when I do I'll be sure to upload a pic and let you know what I think in that thread about the bands. EDIT: Just got it, in fact - should be able to post about it in a few minutes.
carlitos66 said:
Returned mine Watch 4 as well. Not much improvement over my Galaxy Watch 3. It maybe has sharper display, but I would love slightly bigger display area.
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This is where I'm leaning. I'm tempted by the SpO2 sleep monitoring, so I may trial to see if that's accurate enough. But that seems to be the only improvement over GW3. Well, and I'm really interested to see if two of my WearOS apps work, except it sounds like most apps aren't compatible without some development tweaking to work with WearOS3.
So waiting to see if Google/Fitbit have cooked anything up. Otherwise, I guess maybe I'll wait for the GW5...