Moving from the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier to the Huawei Watch GT 2 is a shift from a robust, Tizen-powered smartwatch with LTE capabilities to a sleek, fitness-focused wearable that prioritizes battery life and health tracking. While both devices are premium wearables in their own right, they serve different purposes and ecosystems. Understanding the trade-offs helps ensure your transition isn’t just smooth—but also satisfying.
The Gear S3 Frontier was built for connectivity, offering full standalone functionality with LTE, Samsung Pay, rotating bezel navigation, and deep integration with Android phones. The Huawei Watch GT 2, on the other hand, leans into wellness: long battery life, advanced heart rate monitoring, sleep analysis, and sport modes dominate its feature set. But it lacks third-party apps and runs on Huawei’s Lite OS, limiting smart functionality.
If you’re switching between these two watches, you’re likely trading some smart features for enhanced fitness insights and endurance. Let’s break down exactly what changes—and what you might miss.
Design and Build: Rugged vs. Refined
The Gear S3 Frontier stands out with its rugged design—stainless steel body, IP68 water resistance, MIL-STD-810G durability certification, and a signature rotating bezel. It feels like a tool watch, built for outdoor adventures and daily abuse.
The Huawei Watch GT 2 opts for elegance. Available in 42mm and 46mm sizes, it features an aluminum alloy case, curved AMOLED display, and classic round face designs reminiscent of traditional timepieces. While durable, it doesn’t carry military-grade toughness. However, its lighter weight and slimmer profile make it more suitable for formal settings or all-day wear.
Smart Features: What You’re Giving Up
One of the biggest shifts when moving from the Gear S3 Frontier to the GT 2 is the reduction in smart functionality. The GT 2 does not support third-party apps, meaning no WhatsApp notifications with quick replies, no Strava app directly on the watch, and no ability to install new apps over time.
The Gear S3 ran Tizen OS, which allowed limited app installations (including Uber, Spotify, and banking apps), voice assistant access via Bixby, and full standalone calling and texting over LTE (on the LTE model). The GT 2 supports Bluetooth calling through its microphone and speaker, but only when paired with a phone nearby. No LTE option exists.
You also lose Samsung Pay (replaced by Huawei Pay in select regions), NFC payments outside supported markets, and the tactile feedback of the rotating bezel—a hallmark of Samsung’s smartwatches that made navigation intuitive.
“Smartwatch value isn’t just about specs—it’s about ecosystem fit. If your phone isn’t Huawei or your habits rely on standalone connectivity, the GT 2 may feel limiting.” — Lena Park, Wearable Tech Analyst at MobileInsight Group
Battery Life and Charging: A Major Upgrade
Where the GT 2 shines is battery performance. With typical usage, it lasts up to 14 days. Even with GPS workouts and continuous heart rate monitoring, expect 7–10 days. This dwarfs the Gear S3’s 2–4 day lifespan, especially if using LTE or frequent notifications.
Charging differs significantly. The Gear S3 uses a magnetic puck charger that attaches easily. The GT 2 uses a proprietary pogo-pin charger that requires precise alignment. Some users find it finicky, though it charges faster—about 1.5 hours from zero to full.
| Feature | Samsung Gear S3 Frontier | Huawei Watch GT 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life (typical use) | 2–4 days | Up to 14 days |
| LTE Support | Yes (LTE model) | No |
| Third-Party Apps | Limited (Tizen) | No |
| Bluetooth Calling | Yes (with mic/speaker) | Yes (with mic/speaker) |
| Rotating Bezel | Yes | No |
| Water Resistance | IP68 + 5ATM | 5ATM (swim-proof) |
| Operating System | Tizen OS | Huawei Lite OS |
Fitness and Health Tracking: Where the GT 2 Excels
If health monitoring is a priority, the GT 2 is a clear step forward. It includes TruSeen 3.5 heart rate monitoring, TruSleep 2.0 sleep analysis, stress tracking, SpO2 blood oxygen measurement, and automatic workout detection for eight sports (running, cycling, swimming, etc.).
The Gear S3 had basic heart rate tracking and step counting, but its algorithms were less refined. Sleep tracking existed but required third-party apps and wasn’t as insightful. The GT 2 provides detailed post-workout summaries, including VO2 Max estimates and recovery time suggestions—features absent on the older Samsung device.
Swimming is better supported too. Both watches are 5ATM rated, but the GT 2 offers dedicated swim stroke recognition and lap counting in pool mode. Open water swim tracking is available on later firmware updates.
Real-World Transition: A User’s Experience
Consider Mark, a long-time Gear S3 user who switched to the GT 2 after his Frontier’s battery degraded over three years. He loved being able to leave his phone behind during runs and take calls directly from his wrist. But he grew frustrated with daily charging and inconsistent app performance.
After switching, Mark initially missed Samsung Pay and the rotating bezel. Navigating menus on the GT 2 felt slower without haptic feedback. However, within two weeks, he appreciated the longer battery life and deeper sleep reports. He started tracking his resting heart rate trends and noticed improvements in his stress levels after adjusting his morning routine.
He did hit limitations: no offline music storage without a phone (unlike the Gear S3, which could store MP3s), and no way to respond to messages. But for his lifestyle—office job, regular gym sessions, weekend hikes—the GT 2 became a reliable health companion rather than a mini-phone.
What You Should Do Next: Setup Checklist
To get the most out of your Huawei Watch GT 2 after switching from the Gear S3, follow this checklist:
- Install Huawei Health app on your smartphone (Android or iOS).
- Pair the watch via Bluetooth and complete initial setup (language, time zone, goals).
- Customize watch faces to match your style—download additional ones from the app.
- Enable key health sensors: Turn on continuous heart rate, sleep tracking, and stress monitoring.
- Set fitness goals (steps, calories, active minutes) based on your current routine.
- Test Bluetooth calling to ensure mic and speaker work clearly.
- Update firmware to the latest version for bug fixes and new features.
- Disable unnecessary notifications to extend battery and reduce distractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Huawei Watch GT 2 with an iPhone?
Yes, the GT 2 works with iPhones via the Huawei Health app on iOS. However, some features like Bluetooth calling and message notifications may be limited compared to Android. Full health data sync is supported.
Is there any way to add apps to the GT 2?
No. The Huawei Watch GT 2 does not support third-party app installations. All functionality is built-in or accessible through the Huawei Health app on your phone.
Does the GT 2 have GPS?
Yes. The GT 2 has built-in GPS, allowing you to track outdoor runs, walks, and rides without carrying your phone. This is a major advantage over the base Gear S3 model (non-LTE), which relied on connected GPS.
Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Switch
Moving from the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier to the Huawei Watch GT 2 means shifting focus—from a connected smartwatch to a health-centric fitness tracker. You’ll miss LTE independence, app flexibility, and Samsung Pay, but gain exceptional battery life, superior sleep and heart rate tracking, and a more elegant design.
The GT 2 won’t replace your phone or let you browse the web, but it will help you understand your body better and stay consistent with fitness goals. For many users, that trade-off is worth it.
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