Samsung's new Galaxy Watch3 will raise your fitness game
UPDATE: Sept. 23, 2020, 8 p.m. EDT Samsung's electrocardiogram monitoring app is now available on the Galaxy Watch 3 and Samsung Health app
In addition to smartphones, tablets and earbuds, Samsung also unveiled its latest smartwatch during Wednesday's Galaxy Unpacked event: the Galaxy Watch 3.
The new wearable is a follow-up to the original Galaxy Watch launched back in 2018. And in case you're confused: No, the Galaxy Watch 2 doesn't exist.
The Watch 3 doesn't look all that different from its predecessor in terms of aesthetic, but it does offer a few new features under the hood. From enhanced sleep tracking to more in-depth fitness analysis, it's essentially your go-to option if you're looking for a traditional looking smartwatch that can still keep up with your workouts.
The watch will start at $399 and will be on sale from Aug. 6. Here's a rundown of all the features and capabilities of the Watch 3.
A familiar design
The Galaxy Watch3 comes in two different size options: 41mm (for those with smaller wrists) and 44mm. You can also choose between Bluetooth or LTE connectivity, depending on whether you're looking to use it as a standalone device.
Both versions are slightly smaller than the 42mm and 46mm case sizes of the first-generation version. They're slightly thinner and lighter, too. Additionally, the bezels around the display aren't as thick.
The rotating bezel is back. Credit: brenda stolyar / mashable SEE ALSO: Everything announced at Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked 2020 Both cases are made of stainless steel and available in a variety of different colors, depending on the size. The 41mm case comes in Mystic Bronze and Mystic Silver while the 44mm size is available in Mystic Black and Mystic Silver. In the box, you'll also get a matching leather watch strap with the option to swap it out for other styles.
Samsung's also brought back its well-known rotating bezel. Rather than only relying on the touchscreen display, you can use the bezel to cycle through different menus such as fitness metrics, weather, notifications, and more.
You'll have the option between a 41mm or 44mm. Credit: brenda stolyar / mashable The Galaxy Watch 3 comes in two different size options: 41mm (for those with smaller wrists) and 44mm. You can also choose between Bluetooth or LTE connectivity, depending on whether you're looking to use it as a standalone device.hat's dependent on how much or how little you use it.
A few health and fitness upgrades
When it comes to new features, the Galaxy Watch 3 has enhanced its sleep tracking capabilities across the board. While the original watch is only able to track REM sleep, the new watch is also able to track duration of sleep and time spent awake, in addition to your sleep cycles (REM, deep, and light sleep).
The Watch 3 comes equipped with Samsung's handy-dandy Running Coach. Credit: brenda stolyar / mashable Both the watch and the Samsung Health app will provide you with a sleep score each morning, as well as insights and tips on how to improve on your sleep habits.
As for fitness capabilities, the Watch 3 has support for up to 40 different exercise modes — seven of which, including running and cycling, are auto detected. It also features on-demand VO2 Max, which calculates the amount of oxygen you consume during your workouts, and has a built-in heart rate monitor.
Like Samsung's Galaxy Watch Active 2, the Watch 3 will have a Running Coach feature with audio cues that play through the speaker on the watch or through connected Bluetooth headphones. In addition to keeping you motivated throughout your runs, it'll provide you with feedback and analysis (on things like pace and form) that you can then improve on in the future.
Similar to the Apple Watch Series 5, the Watch 3 will also offer Trip Detection. If the accelerometer detects you've fallen, you'll be able to alert specific contacts via SMS.
Plenty of health tracking features. Credit: brenda stolyar / mashable Samsung alsoincluded the ability to take electrocardiogram (ECG) readings, as well as SPO2 readings and blood pressure tracking via the Samsung Health app on the Watch 3.
During its Unpacked event, the company confirmed its ECG monitor received FDA clearance in the U.S.
To take an ECG reading, you'll have to open the Samsung Health Monitor app on the watch and then rest your finger on the top button. When the reading is done, the watch will notify you if there are any signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Your results will then sync to the Samsung Health Monitor app.
Additional features now available on the Watch 3 include the ability to track oxygen saturation throughout your workout (also known as your VO2 Max), a digital running coach that gives you feedback in real-time, and trip detection.
Samsung will continue to roll out the fitness and health capabilities via gradual software updates.
Pricing and availability
Pricing for Galaxy Watch 3 varies depending on the model.
The 41mm Bluetooth version will start at $399 while the LTE model will set you back $449. Meanwhile, the 45mm case size with Bluetooth starts at $429. But the LTE pricing on the bigger model has yet to be announced.
You'll be able to purchase the Galaxy Watch 3 from Aug. 6.