Apple Watch 2 and Gear S3
The Apple Watch 2 and Samsung Gear S3 frontier model Apple/Samsung

Apple has launched the Watch 2 almost two years after it introduced the first version of the smartwatch with a focus on fitness tracking features to take on the existing players in the wearable market. Not long ago, Samsung also unveiled the Gear S3, its smartwatch series for 2016 to take on the likes of Apple Watch.

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The release of both the wearables so close to each other but could leave consumers spoilt for choice. While Apple Watch still cannot run without an iPhone, Samsung has made sure at least one of its Gear S3 models can run with a SIM.

IBTimes UK brings you the major similarities and differences between the Watch 2 and the Gear S3 to help you make an informed decision on which wearable to opt for. Although both companies have more than one model, we have taken the common specifications present in all models to get a holistic view.

SpecificationsApple Watch 2 Samsung Gear S3
Screen Size38mm and 42mm dials46mm dial
Display ResolutionOLED Retina display with Force Touch 272 X 340 pixels for 38mm model and 312 X 390 pixels for 42mm modelSuper AMOLED 360x360
Dial ShapeSquareRound
WeightNA62g and 57g
Protection materialSapphire crystal for stainless steel and ceramic models, Ion-X glass for aluminum modelGorilla Glass 4 SR+ glass
ProcessorS2 dual-core processor1.0 GHz dual-core Exynos 7270 processor
LTENoYes for Frontier model
StorageNA4GB
OSWatchOS 3TizenOS 2.3.2
BatteryLithium –ion with expectancy of 18 hours380mAh, lasts for 4 days
AccelerometerYesYes
GyroscopeYesYes
GPS SensorYesYes
Heart Rate SensorYesYes
Wi-FiYes (802.11b/g/n)Yes (802.11 b/g/n)
BluetoothYesYes
NFCYesYes
Water resistanceWater-resistant up to 50mIP68 dust and water- resistant up to 1.5m
PriceStarting from $369 depending on the casingTBA

As you can see from the specs sheet, Apple has stepped up its game by focusing on the watch's primary use as a fitness accessory. It has added features like a heart sensor and built-in GPS to challenge wearables like Gear S3 and Fitbit that are popular among fitness enthusiasts. Its water-resistant feature of being able to sustain underwater up to 50m of depth is unlike we have seen in any smartwatch.

The Apple Watch 2, however, falls behind the Gear S3 in terms of connectivity through LTE which means users can only use the Apple watch if they have their iPhone with them as there is no provision for cellular connectivity. Samsung, on the other hand, has introduced the feature for one of its Gear S3 models, the Frontier, and users need not carry around their phones if they want to operate the smartwatch.

Both companies have tried to include as many sensors and features as possible with Apple offering a wider range of watches under Series 2 and Samsung just two models.

Although Apple has revealed its pricing, Samsung is yet to do so, but reports say the Gear S3 Frontier, which is the higher of the two gear models for 2016, is expected to be priced close to the Apple Watch 2 basic model.