Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 Review: A Budget Fitness Tracker with Solid Features?
The Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 is an affordable fitness tracker that packs a solid range of features into a sleek and lightweight design. It sports a 1.6-inch AMOLED display, which is vibrant and offers good visibility in most lighting conditions, although it can struggle a bit under direct sunlight. With a 208mAh battery, the Fit 3 promises up to 13 days of use, but in practice, users report around 6 days with normal use, especially when health tracking and notifications are enabled.
Design and Build
It’s notable for its slim and lightweight design, weighing just 18.5 grams. The silicone straps ensure comfort for all-day wear, but some users find the strap mechanism a bit awkward compared to more traditional watch straps. It is available in a few colour options like grey, black, and pink, offering a minimalistic yet elegant aesthetic. Its IP68 and 5ATM rating make it water and dust resistant, ideal for workouts or outdoor activities.
Technical Specifications
- Display: 1.6-inch AMOLED, 256×402 resolution
- Battery: 208mAh, up to 13 days of life (real-world usage closer to 6 days)
- Water Resistance: 5ATM, IP68
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
- Tracking Modes: Over 100 workout modes, heart rate, stress levels, and SpO2 monitoring.
Performance
The Galaxy Fit 3 excels in fitness tracking with automatic recognition of more than 100 workout types. It covers essentials like heart rate and sleep tracking, and it also provides SpO2 monitoring. However, it lacks built-in GPS, relying on your phone’s GPS instead, which might be a dealbreaker for runners or outdoor enthusiasts. Sleep tracking includes advanced features like snore detection and a “sleep animal” classification, offering insights into sleep patterns.
User Experience
Users appreciate the Fit 3’s easy-to-navigate interface, powered by simple swipes and taps. It pairs smoothly with Android devices, though iOS compatibility is currently limited, as many users have reported difficulties in connecting to iPhones. Features like call rejection, message previews, and camera control add convenience, particularly for Samsung phone users.
Compatibility and Ecosystem
The Galaxy Fit 3 integrates best with Samsung’s ecosystem, especially when paired with Samsung phones, offering features like camera remote control and seamless sync with Samsung Health. For non-Samsung Android users, functionality remains high, but iPhone users may face limitations, with the Fit 3 lacking full support for iOS.
Value for Money
Priced around £50 ($65), the Fit 3 is competitively positioned against other budget fitness trackers like the Xiaomi Mi Band series. While it lacks premium features like built-in GPS, its vibrant display, comfort, and solid health tracking capabilities make it a good value for those seeking a simple fitness tracker.
Comparisons
Compared to the Fitbit Charge 6, which costs around £139, the Galaxy Fit 3 is more affordable but lacks advanced features like built-in GPS. However, it provides a smoother user interface and better design aesthetics at a lower price point. The Amazfit Band 7 offers a similar AMOLED display and a longer battery life at a similar price but doesn’t match Samsung’s ecosystem integration.
Conclusion
It’s designed for fitness enthusiasts who want a stylish yet functional tracker without the bulk of a smartwatch. With its slim and lightweight aluminium body weighing just 18.5g, it ensures comfort whether you’re at the gym or on the go. The 1.6-inch AMOLED display offers a bright, easy-to-read interface, though outdoor visibility can be slightly dim in direct sunlight.
This tracker is packed with features for health monitoring and exercise tracking. It supports over 100 workout modes, ranging from running and cycling to more niche activities, and syncs with your phone’s GPS for accurate route tracking. Additionally, it tracks essential metrics like heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and stress, with intuitive data displayed in the Samsung Health app.
A standout feature is its advanced sleep tracking. After a few nights of wearing it, the Fit3 gives you a unique “sleep animal” profile based on your sleeping habits, making the experience both fun and informative. However, it’s worth noting that some features, such as the Camera Remote and alarm sync, are exclusive to Samsung phones, so the tracker pairs best with other Galaxy devices.
With up to 14 days of battery life (or six days with more frequent tracking), the Galaxy Fit3 ensures you can monitor your health without constant recharging. Charging is simple with Samsung’s 2-pin magnetic cable, allowing a full charge in just over an hour.
Although it lacks GPS and iOS compatibility, the Galaxy Fit3 is a solid choice for Android users seeking an affordable, stylish, and capable fitness tracker. It balances essential fitness features with a sleek design, making it perfect for anyone looking to stay active without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
Pros:
Cons:
Our Rating
Based on the features, user feedback, and comparison with similar products, I would rate the Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 at 7.5/10. Here’s the breakdown:
Strengths:
- Design and Comfort: Its slim, lightweight design and comfortable strap make it ideal for everyday wear.
- Display: The 1.6-inch AMOLED screen is bright and crisp, improving readability even in various lighting conditions.
- Health Tracking: Offers solid health and fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, SpO2, and automatic workout recognition for over 100 activities.
- Battery Life: While not the advertised 13 days, a real-world 6-day battery life is still respectable, especially for its price point
Weaknesses:
- No Built-in GPS: Relying on your phone’s GPS might not be ideal for serious runners or outdoor enthusiasts.
- Limited iOS Compatibility: Despite official support, syncing issues with iPhones have been widely reported.
- Durability Concerns: Some users have noted that the screen can be prone to scratches, requiring extra care or protection.
The 7.5/10 score reflects its affordability and overall good performance as a fitness tracker, though it has some limitations compared to higher-end alternatives.
Further Reading
For more perspectives on this product, why not check out Digital Citizen, Longevity Technology, and PhoneArena?