Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Swimming Review: A Comprehensive Analysis

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, one of the latest additions to Samsung's line of smartwatches, has been praised for its elegant design and advanced features. Among its many capabilities, its swimming tracking feature stands out, promising users detailed insights into their aquatic workouts. This review delves into the performance of the Galaxy Watch 3 in swimming conditions, evaluating its accuracy, functionality, and overall effectiveness.

Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 features a sleek and robust design, suitable for various activities, including swimming. It comes with a 1.4-inch Super AMOLED display that remains clear even under water. The watch is also equipped with 5 ATM water resistance, meaning it can withstand depths of up to 50 meters. This makes it an excellent choice for swimmers who want to track their performance without worrying about water damage. The watch’s rotating bezel is a convenient feature, allowing easy navigation even when wet.

Swimming Modes and Tracking Accuracy
The Galaxy Watch 3 offers several swimming modes, including pool and open water swimming. Each mode is designed to cater to different swimming environments and provide tailored metrics. In pool swimming mode, the watch tracks essential metrics such as lap count, stroke count, stroke type, distance, and SWOLF (a metric that combines stroke count and time). For open water swimming, it monitors distance, pace, and heart rate, among other parameters.

In terms of accuracy, the Galaxy Watch 3 performs well but is not without its limitations. For pool swimming, the watch uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to count laps and strokes. While generally accurate, some users have reported discrepancies in lap counting, especially during less consistent swimming strokes. The SWOLF score is also a useful metric, though it may not always align perfectly with pool length measurements.

Open water swimming tracking relies on GPS, which can be affected by various factors such as signal strength and water conditions. While the Galaxy Watch 3 provides reliable distance and pace information, GPS accuracy may vary depending on the swimming environment. It is recommended to use the watch in open water environments with clear sky views to enhance GPS accuracy.

Heart Rate Monitoring
Heart rate monitoring is another critical feature for swimmers, and the Galaxy Watch 3 excels in this regard. It uses an optical heart rate sensor to track your heart rate throughout your swim. The data is generally accurate, providing valuable insights into your cardiovascular performance. However, as with many wrist-based heart rate monitors, there may be some variation in readings, especially during high-intensity swims or if the watch is not fitted snugly.

Post-Swim Analysis and Integration
After completing a swim, the Galaxy Watch 3 provides detailed post-swim analysis through the Samsung Health app. This includes a breakdown of your performance metrics, trends, and areas for improvement. The app also integrates with other fitness and health apps, allowing you to sync your swim data with broader fitness goals and routines.

The integration with Samsung’s ecosystem is a notable advantage, as it ensures seamless synchronization with other Samsung devices. This is particularly useful if you use a Samsung phone or tablet to monitor your overall fitness and health progress.

Battery Life and Durability
The Galaxy Watch 3 boasts impressive battery life, which is crucial for long swims and daily use. On a typical day, the watch can last up to 2 days on a single charge, even with regular swimming sessions. However, battery life may vary depending on usage patterns and settings.

Durability is also a strong point of the Galaxy Watch 3. The 5 ATM water resistance rating ensures that the watch can handle exposure to water without issues. It is also built to withstand the wear and tear of regular use, making it a reliable choice for active swimmers.

User Experience and Comfort
Comfort is key for any wearable device, and the Galaxy Watch 3 does not disappoint. It features an adjustable strap that fits comfortably on most wrist sizes. The watch is relatively lightweight, which is important for avoiding discomfort during prolonged swims. The rotating bezel and touchscreen interface are intuitive, making it easy to navigate menus and access swim data even when wet.

Pros and Cons
Pros:

• Elegant Design: Stylish and robust, suitable for swimming and other activities.
• Accurate Tracking: Provides detailed metrics for both pool and open water swimming.
• Heart Rate Monitoring: Reliable and valuable for performance analysis.
• Seamless Integration: Syncs well with Samsung’s ecosystem and other fitness apps.
• Durability: 5 ATM water resistance ensures long-term reliability.

Cons:

• Lap Counting Issues: Occasional discrepancies in lap counting for pool swimming.
• GPS Accuracy: Variable accuracy in open water conditions.
• Price: Higher price point compared to some other smartwatches with similar features.

Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 proves to be a competent and stylish smartwatch for swimmers. Its range of swimming modes, accurate heart rate monitoring, and durable build make it a solid choice for both recreational and competitive swimmers. While there are some limitations, such as occasional lap counting discrepancies and variable GPS accuracy, the overall performance and integration with Samsung’s ecosystem make it a valuable addition to any swimmer's gear.

Final Thoughts
For those invested in their swimming workouts and seeking a smartwatch that combines elegance with functionality, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is a worthy contender. Its comprehensive swim tracking capabilities, combined with its stylish design and robust build, make it a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their swimming experience.