Samsung R1 Vs R3 Radiant360 Is It Worth Upgrading

When Samsung introduced the Radiant360 speaker series, they set a new standard for 360-degree audio in compact, portable designs. The R1 was among the first, praised for its immersive sound and smart home integration. A few years later, the R3 arrived with updated hardware, refined acoustics, and improved connectivity. For owners of the R1, the question arises: does the R3 offer enough meaningful upgrades to justify replacing a still-functional speaker?

This article breaks down every critical aspect—sound quality, design, smart features, durability, and ecosystem compatibility—to help you decide whether upgrading from the R1 to the R3 Radiant360 is truly worth it.

Design and Build: Subtle Refinements, Same Core Form

The physical evolution between the R1 and R3 is minimal but intentional. Both models feature a cylindrical shape designed for omnidirectional sound projection, making them ideal for room-centered listening. However, the R3 introduces subtle improvements in materials and finish.

The R1 uses a soft-touch plastic body with a fabric grille, which feels premium but can attract dust and lint over time. The R3 retains this aesthetic but upgrades the outer shell with a slightly more scratch-resistant coating and a matte finish that resists fingerprints better. While not revolutionary, these changes enhance long-term usability.

Tip: Clean the fabric grille gently with a dry microfiber cloth weekly to maintain appearance and prevent dust buildup affecting sound clarity.

Port placement remains nearly identical: power input at the base, auxiliary jack on the side (3.5mm), and volume/mute controls on top. The R3 adds a dedicated Bluetooth pairing button, simplifying multi-device setup—a small but welcome addition.

Audio Performance: Where the R3 Pulls Ahead

Sound quality is where the R3 begins to distinguish itself. Both speakers use dual passive radiators and full-range drivers to deliver balanced audio, but the R3 benefits from internal tuning refinements and enhanced digital signal processing (DSP).

• Bass Response: The R3 produces noticeably deeper and tighter bass. While the R1’s low end can feel muddy at higher volumes, the R3 maintains clarity even during complex tracks.
• Mids and Vocals: Improved driver alignment in the R3 results in clearer vocal reproduction. Podcasts and acoustic music benefit significantly.
• Highs: The tweeter response is crisper without becoming harsh—a common issue with budget 360 speakers.
• Volume and Distortion: At maximum output, the R3 sustains less distortion than the R1, especially in larger rooms.

“Samsung’s incremental tuning between generations often goes unnoticed, but audiophiles will hear the difference in transient response and stereo imaging.” — David Kim, Audio Engineer & Home Theater Consultant

Smart Features and Connectivity Comparison

One of the Radiant360’s strengths has always been seamless integration with Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem. Both the R1 and R3 support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and SmartThings app control. However, the R3 includes several behind-the-scenes upgrades that improve daily usability.

Feature	Samsung R1	Samsung R3
Bluetooth Version	4.2	5.0
Wi-Fi Support	2.4 GHz only	2.4 / 5 GHz dual-band
Multi-Room Sync	Yes (via SmartThings)	Yes, faster sync & lower latency
Voice Assistant	None built-in	Supports Bixby, Alexa via app
Firmware Updates	Limited post-2020	Ongoing support as of 2024

The jump to Bluetooth 5.0 means more stable connections, extended range (up to 30 meters line-of-sight), and lower power consumption when streaming from mobile devices. The dual-band Wi-Fi support allows the R3 to avoid crowded 2.4 GHz channels, reducing interference in dense urban environments or homes with multiple connected devices.

Real-World Example: A Family Living Room Upgrade

Consider Sarah, a long-time R1 owner who used her speaker primarily for background music during family gatherings. Over time, she noticed buffering issues when streaming from her phone, especially when others were using the same Wi-Fi network. She also wanted to pair two speakers for stereo separation but found syncing unreliable.

After upgrading to the R3, she immediately experienced smoother multi-room playback across two units. The 5 GHz Wi-Fi eliminated dropouts, and the improved DSP allowed clearer dialogue during movie nights when used as a secondary sound source. Though the R1 wasn’t broken, the R3 solved real pain points she hadn’t realized were fixable.

Is It Worth Upgrading? A Step-by-Step Decision Guide

If you're still unsure, follow this decision timeline to evaluate your needs:

1. Assess Current Speaker Condition: Is your R1 functioning well with no distortion, connectivity drops, or hardware faults? If yes, proceed. If no, replacement may be necessary regardless.
2. Evaluate Your Usage: Do you frequently stream high-bitrate audio, host gatherings, or use multi-room setups? Heavy users benefit most from R3 upgrades.
3. Check Network Environment: In homes with strong Wi-Fi congestion, the R3’s dual-band support offers tangible stability improvements.
4. Review Ecosystem Needs: If you use Alexa or Bixby regularly, the R3’s voice assistant compatibility adds convenience the R1 lacks.
5. Calculate Cost vs. Benefit: Weigh the price of a new R3 (~$149) against how much longer your R1 might last. For many, the upgrade pays off in reliability and sound quality within six months of regular use.

What You Should Keep (and What to Let Go)

Tip: Don’t discard your R1—repurpose it as a dedicated kitchen or bathroom speaker where premium audio isn’t critical.

The R1 remains functional and capable for casual listening. If you’re not an audiophile or don’t rely on consistent wireless performance, keeping it in a secondary role makes financial sense. However, if you demand reliable, high-fidelity sound in your primary living space, the R3 justifies its cost through superior engineering and ongoing software support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pair the R1 and R3 together in a multi-room setup?

Yes, both speakers are compatible with Samsung SmartThings and can be grouped into a single audio zone. However, expect slight timing differences due to older DSP in the R1, which may cause minor echo in large rooms.

Does the R3 have better battery life?

No—neither model is battery-powered. Both require constant AC power, so portability isn't a factor. This design choice prioritizes consistent power delivery for optimal sound output.

Will Samsung continue supporting the R1 with updates?

Official firmware updates for the R1 ended in early 2021. While it still works with current apps, it won’t receive new features or security patches. The R3 continues to receive quarterly updates as of 2024.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

For casual listeners who play light background music and rarely push their speaker to its limits, the R1 remains perfectly adequate. The differences, while measurable, may not be perceptible in everyday use.

However, for those who value crisp audio fidelity, stable wireless performance, and modern smart home integration, the R3 Radiant360 delivers noticeable improvements. The enhanced bass, reduced distortion, Bluetooth 5.0, and dual-band Wi-Fi collectively create a more robust and future-proof experience.

If your R1 is showing signs of age or you’re expanding your smart audio setup, upgrading to the R3 is not just worthwhile—it’s a smart investment in long-term satisfaction.

🚀 Ready to enhance your sound experience? Evaluate your current setup, consider your listening habits, and take the next step toward richer, more reliable audio. Share your upgrade story or ask questions in the comments below!