Big and bold
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 (45mm)
From $430 at Best Buy
Pros
- Bright, beautiful 1.4-inch SUPER AMOLED display
- Two-plus hour battery life
- Samsung Pay
- New running and sleep features
- Built-in GPS and LTE options available
Cons
- May be too big for smaller wrists
- Slightly heavier than 41mm model
The biggest and baddest of Samsung’s latest and greatest smartwatch is just the right size for larger wrists. It comes in slightly larger than the popular Galaxy Watch Active 2. It packs in a host of new fitness, health, and lifestyle features in several finishes and colors.
A tinier timepiece
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 (41mm)
From $400 at Best Buy
Pros
- Bright, beautiful 1.2-inch SUPER AMOLED display
- Samsung Pay
- New running and sleep features
- Built-in GPS and LTE options available
Cons
- Smaller battery than 45mm model
- Might be too small
- No titanium option
If you have a smaller wrist or are put off by bulky watches, then this is a perfect compromise size for you. You still get an impressive 1.2-inch SUPER AMOLED screen, as well as every feature available on the larger model. The only downsides are slightly shorter battery life and lack of a titanium option.
It’s been nearly two years since the original Samsung Galaxy Watch debuted, and over that period it has remained one of the best smartwatches available for Android users and one of the best Samsung smartwatches out there. It appears the wait was well worth it, however, as Samsung was able to shrink the cases slightly while still maintaining the screen sizes, add some exciting new colors and software optimizations, and build in advanced fitness tracking and sleep monitoring. Once again, Samsung is offering two different sizes — 41mm and 45mm. So which is the right size for you?
Galaxy Watch 3 41mm or 45mm Does size matter here?
The difference between 41mm and 45mm may not seem like that much until you picture each watch on your wrist. If you have a larger wrist like I do, the 41mm might look childish. If you’re graced with a smaller wrist, the 45mm might look clownish. The differences aren’t just down to appearance; there’s also the watch’s weight, casing material, and battery life to consider.
| Display size | 1.4-inch | 1.2-inch |
| Overall dimensions | 45 x 46.2 x 11.1mm | 41 x 42.5 x 11.3mm |
| Weight | 53.8 (stainless steel)43g (titanium) | 49.2g (stainless steel) |
| Battery capacity | 340mAh | 247mAh |
| Materials | Stainless steelTitanium | Stainless steel |
| Entry-level GPS | $430 | $400 |
| Entry-level LTE | $480 | $450 |
As you can see, the 45mm version comes in two distinct finishes: stainless steel and titanium, and due to its size and material makeup, weighs more than the 41mm version. Oddly enough, the 45mm stainless steel watch weighs four and a half grams more than the 41mm version, but the 45mm titanium watch is actually the lightest of the variants.
Due to its larger enclosure, it should be no surprise that the 45mm watch has a larger battery than the 41mm version, but you might be surprised to learn that it’s almost 100mAh larger! Samsung says that the Watch 3 has a battery life of up to two days or more, but this varies based on the size of the watch. Given that the Galaxy Watch Active 2 lasts up to two days, I’d wager that the 41mm version is close to the two-day mark, while the 45mm version can push beyond 48 hours under the right circumstances.
Bottom line Which size should you choose
While we pointed out the difference between the sizes in terms of battery life, ultimately, your decision is going to come down to two factors. First, do you want a titanium finish? If so, then you’re going to have to get the larger 45mm version. Secondly (and most importantly), what size do you think looks better and is more comfortable for you? 45mm is a reasonably large watch size, so if you have small or even medium-sized wrists, you’re going to be much happier with the 41mm version. It still has a beautiful and perfectly readable display, and it isn’t that small (if you’re worried about that).
Whichever size Galaxy Watch 3 you choose, you’re going to be getting what is arguably the best smartwatch for Android users right now. It has all of the smart functionality you want, with enhanced running, sleep, and safety measures built right in. This watch even works with iOS, if you happen to frequent that camp as well. Ultimately, the Samsung Watch 3 is the next-generation smartwatch you’ve been looking for.
Big and bold
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 (45mm)
Size and power
From $430 at Best Buy
From $429 at B&H
From $430 at Samsung
The 45mm Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 brings everything you’d want in an Android smartwatch. Two-day plus battery life, stainless steel, and titanium finishes, and enhanced fitness, sleep, and safety features abound in this wearable.
A tinier timepiece
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 (41mm)
A sleeker smartwatch
From $400 at Best Buy
From $399 at B&H
From $400 at Samsung
If you opt for the 41mm Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, you’re not going to be missing out on any of the bells and whistles of its larger sibling. Of course, the battery is a bit smaller, and there is no titanium version, but if you can get past those shortcomings, you’ve got yourself an excellent smartwatch.
