Samsung Watch S3 Vs S4 Is It Finally Time To Upgrade

For Samsung Galaxy Watch users, the decision to upgrade isn’t always straightforward. The Galaxy Watch 3 (S3) remains a strong performer, even years after its release. But with the Galaxy Watch 4 (S4) introducing major backend changes—like Google’s Wear OS and improved health tracking—the question becomes urgent: is it finally time to make the switch?

This isn’t just about new features on paper. It’s about whether those upgrades translate into meaningful improvements in daily use, fitness tracking, app performance, and long-term software support. Let’s examine the key differences and determine if the S4 delivers enough to justify leaving the S3 behind.

Design and Build: Subtle Refinements, Same Core Aesthetic

The Galaxy Watch 3 and Watch 4 share nearly identical physical designs. Both feature circular stainless steel or titanium cases, rotating bezels, and classic analog-style faces that appeal to traditional watch lovers. The S3 leans slightly more toward a premium, mechanical aesthetic with its exposed rotating bezel, while the S4 integrates a slimmer profile and slightly more modern finish.

Dimensions are almost unchanged:

Feature	Galaxy Watch 3	Galaxy Watch 4
Case Material	Stainless Steel / Titanium	Aluminum / Stainless Steel
Bezel Type	Mechanical Rotating Bezel	Digital Touch Bezel (with haptic feedback)
Water Resistance	5ATM + IP68	5ATM + IP68
Display Size	1.2\" or 1.4\"	1.2\" or 1.4\"
Weight (44mm)	53g	49g

The most noticeable change is the shift from a physical rotating bezel on the S3 to a touch-based digital one on the S4. Some users miss the tactile feedback of the mechanical bezel, but others appreciate the smoother edge and reduced snagging on clothing. Samsung added haptic pulses to simulate rotation, which helps—but it’s not quite the same.

Tip: If you rely heavily on one-handed navigation during workouts, test both bezel types. The physical rotation of the S3 may still be preferable for runners or climbers.

Performance and Software: The Real Game-Changer

Under the hood, the Galaxy Watch 4 represents a fundamental shift. While the S3 runs Samsung’s legacy Tizen OS, the S4 was the first Samsung wearable to adopt Wear OS powered by Samsung (a collaboration between Google and Samsung). This change brings significant benefits:

• Faster app launches and smoother multitasking
• Better integration with Android phones beyond Samsung
• Access to a broader range of apps via the Google Play Store
• Improved notification handling and third-party service support

The S4 uses Samsung’s Exynos W920 chip—double the RAM (1.5GB vs 0.75GB) and significantly faster processing than the S3’s older chipset. In real-world use, this means less lag when switching between workout modes, checking messages, or using GPS.

“Moving to Wear OS wasn’t just cosmetic—it unlocked better ecosystem compatibility and future-proofed Samsung’s smartwatches.” — David Kim, Senior Analyst at TechWear Insights

However, this transition hasn’t been flawless. Some longtime Tizen users reported minor bugs early on, such as inconsistent heart rate logging or delayed sleep tracking sync. Most have since been patched, but the S3’s mature software environment still feels slightly more stable for basic tasks.

Health and Fitness Tracking: Advanced Sensors Make a Difference

If you're serious about health monitoring, the Galaxy Watch 4 offers tangible improvements. It introduced Samsung’s BioActive Sensor—a single unit combining three technologies:

1. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
2. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) for body composition
3. Improved optical heart rate sensor

The BIA feature measures skeletal muscle mass, body fat percentage, body water, and BMI—all from a 15-second scan. While not medical-grade, it provides valuable trend data over time, especially for fitness enthusiasts tracking lean mass gains.

The S3 lacks BIA and can only estimate body composition through activity logs and manual input. Its ECG function works well, but the newer algorithm on the S4 detects irregular rhythms with higher accuracy, according to Samsung’s internal testing.

Sleep tracking also improves on the S4 thanks to enhanced sensors and AI-driven analysis. It now distinguishes between REM, light, and deep sleep stages more reliably—and integrates breathing rate and snoring detection (when paired with a phone mic).

Real-World Example: Marathon Training Transition

Consider Sarah, a runner who used her Galaxy Watch 3 for two years to track long-distance training. She upgraded to the S4 before preparing for a Boston qualifier. During her first month with the new watch, she noticed:

• More consistent GPS lock-on during trail runs
• Faster recovery insights post-run due to advanced HRV (heart rate variability) analysis
• Better hydration and muscle mass tracking helping her adjust nutrition

“The extra data didn’t change my training plan overnight,” she said, “but having clearer recovery metrics helped me avoid overtraining injuries that plagued me last season.”

Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist

Deciding whether to move from S3 to S4 depends on your priorities. Use this checklist to evaluate your needs:

Checklist: Is the Galaxy Watch 4 Worth It for You?

• ☐ Do you want access to Google apps like Maps, Wallet, or broader third-party support?
• ☐ Are you interested in body composition tracking (muscle, fat, water)?
• ☐ Do you experience slowdowns or app crashes on your S3?
• ☰ Do you own a non-Samsung Android phone? (S4 has better cross-brand compatibility)
• ☐ Is longer software support important? (S4 receives updates until at least 2026)
• ☐ Do you value future app innovation over current stability?

If you checked three or more boxes, the upgrade makes strategic sense. If your S3 still performs well and you don’t need advanced health metrics, holding off is reasonable—especially if you’re waiting for the Watch 6 or later models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Galaxy Watch 4 have better battery life than the S3?

No, battery life is slightly shorter on the S4 despite similar capacity (361mAh vs 340mAh). The more powerful processor and Wear OS overhead reduce efficiency. Expect 1.5 days under moderate use versus up to 2–3 days on the S3. Power-saving mode helps extend this, but heavy users will still need daily charging.

Can I still use Samsung Health and ECG on the S3?

Yes. All core health features—including ECG, blood pressure monitoring (after calibration), and fall detection—remain fully functional on the S3. However, Samsung ended major software updates for the S3 in 2023, meaning no new health algorithms or AI enhancements will be added.

Is the rotating bezel really worse on the S4?

It depends on preference. The digital bezel responds quickly and avoids dirt buildup common in mechanical ones. However, it lacks tactile feedback and doesn’t work with gloves. Outdoor athletes and winter sports users often prefer the S3’s physical bezel for reliability in extreme conditions.

Final Verdict: Time to Upgrade—But Only If You Need What’s New

The Galaxy Watch 4 isn’t a mandatory upgrade for every S3 owner. If you’re satisfied with your current device and don’t rely on cutting-edge health analytics or expanded app functionality, staying put is perfectly valid.

But if you value ongoing software support, deeper health insights, or seamless integration with Google services, the S4 marks a clear generational leap. It’s not just an incremental update—it’s the foundation of Samsung’s modern wearable strategy.

For users approaching the 2–3 year mark with their S3, especially those noticing performance degradation or limited app compatibility, now is indeed the right time to consider moving up. The S4 offers a smarter, more connected, and forward-compatible experience that the S3 simply can’t match.

🚀 Ready to make the leap? Evaluate your usage patterns, prioritize the features that matter most, and choose based on real needs—not just novelty. Share your upgrade experience or ask questions in the comments below—we’d love to hear how your wearable journey evolves.