Samsung Gear S3 Watch Compatibility

[HELTIT65]

A family member is gifting me a Samsung Gear S3 Frontier watch.  I have a choice between 4GLTE and Bluetooth.  My phone is a Samsung Galaxy S6.  I've been told the phone is compatible but do I choose the 4GLTE or bluetooth version for the watch?  I'm totally not familiar with the difference so any help is appreciated.  I was going with the 4GLTE.  Help!

[jdrumm]

The LTE version also includes Bluetooth, so it should provide identical functionality. Samsung has stated that the LTE version will be available through major carriers, but Verizon has not announced a pre-order or availability date at this point (although both AT&T and T-Mobile have ... Verizon, get with the program!).

Because VZW hasn't said anything yet, though, you do run the risk of being unable to activate the LTE functionality if, for some reason, they elect not to carry the watch.

Which would make me sad

[jdrumm]

I should also add that the Gear S3 LTE version supports just 2 of the 3 LTE bands that Verizon uses ... B2 and B4. However, Verizon's main band is B13 (700MHz), which would be a much better option for rural (i.e. longer range) use. B2 and B4 are primarily used in more densely populated areas.

[katrinan_vzw]

HELTIT65

That is an awesome gift. At this time the Samsung Gear S3 isn't in our lineup of smartwatches. However, we do recommend signing up for updates on new product launches here: http://vz.to/1VzW5J4

katrina_VZW

Follow us on TWITTER @VZWSupport

If my response answered your question please click the _Correct Answer_ button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!!

[jdrumm]

@katrinan_vzw,

While we very much appreciate your response in this thread, I feel it necessary to point out that most of the major tech news sites (Engadget, BGR, C-Net, ZDNet, various Android-related forums) have reported that VZW will be one of the carriers offering the Gear S3 Frontier's LTE version.

For those of us trying to decide on purchasing the Bluetooth version vs. waiting for the LTE version, Verizon's lack of information on this very desirable watch is aggravating. Isn't there something you can do to confirm or deny Verizon's offering of this product? I think for most of us the problem isn't so much "when," but "if." TMobile and AT&T have both officially confirmed that they're offering it, but VZW has officially said nothing.

Please?

[Furious10]

I agree with jdrumm...at the very least, let us know if you will be carrying the Samsung Gear S3. I "chatted" with a VZW rep. and was not able to get a definitive answer. I don't want the BT only as I have the 3G S2 and would upgrade.  If VZW is not going to carry the S3, I'm switching to AT&T.   Thanks.

[markp_vzw]

Furious10, we never want to lose a valued customer like you. We want to provide you with the products and services that you’re looking for. At the moment, the Gear S3 is not available with Verizon. What specific features are you looking for in a smartwatch? Are you having issues with your current Gear S2 watch?

MarkP_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

If my response answered your question please click the �Correct Answer� button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!!

[Marconium]

@markp_vzw, I'm not threatening to quit Verizon over this, but the lack of clarity is an issue for me.  I'm currently in the midst of a 2 year contract on an older Gear S.  I liked the watch, but the plastic charging connection on the back of the watch broke last month and the watch can no longer be charged.  My contract runs until May 2017.  And the $5 a month service charge ends up actually being $9.04 / month after fees and taxes.

So, I'm in a position where I need to make a decision sooner than I'd like because I really don't want to pay ~$70 for a service that I can't use.  While I probably could send the Gear S to Samsung to have the back replaced, I'd really rather put that money toward a new 3G/LTE smart watch with a better charging configuration.

I've been eyeing the Gear S3 for a while now, waiting for news on when Verizon would carry it.  If I know that it's coming this month or next, then I will hold out for it.  Otherwise, I need to find something else - likely a used Gear S2 from another online site since Verizon hasn't had the S2 in stock for a long time.  I'm even willing to consider paying retail for what is effectively a year old (soon to be discontinued) device. Unfortunately, Verizon's current stance leaves me paying ~$70 over the next few months without an option to use the service that I'm paying for.  Furthermore, the lack of transparency makes it impossible to make an intelligent or informed decision.

As a long time customer who currently has 7 devices with Verizon, it does have an impact on how I feel about my relationship with the company.  So, while I may not quit over this particular issue, it will be remembered if an offer from another carrier comes along in the future with the right combination of coverage and price.

Right now, all I want is a viable option to use the service that I'm paying for and the information needed to make a reasonable decision.  Verizon appears unable or unwilling to provide either and that is frustrating.

[Furious10]

MarkP_VZW:

To answer your questions: I want the new technology, looks and features of new devices. I'm looking for the Gear S3 LTE Frontier...I love my Gear S2 and it works flawlessly. I just want to know if you are going to carry the Gear S3. Why is this a difficult question?

The Global launch is 11-18-2016. I would have thought Verizon might "get on the band wagon" and tell us about the S3. There is certainly a lot of interest in it and we loyal Verizon customers and Gear S2 users would like information. 

I don't want to leave a company that I have been loyal to for a long time, but some of the offers from AT&T are making it hard to stay. I have not upgraded my phone for this very reason.

[jdrumm]

I've done a bit of additional sleuthing based on some deductions I've made based on the LTE model numbers. I've posted my thoughts over in the other thread, found here.

TL,DR: There's hope

[jdrumm]

@markp_vzw, I might suggest you'll do a better job of keeping your customers when you actually answer their questions.

We KNOW the Gear S3 isn't available from Verizon. What we want to know is IF the Gear S3 WILL BE available from Verizon. And the bonus answer would be to actually tell us WHEN, but I suppose even that's probably asking too much.

It's a simple question. Asking us what features we want or find lacking with our current smart watches is entirely beside the point; we want the LTE version of the Gear S3 Frontier, and we want it to work on Verizon's network. We're trying to be loyal customers, you see, but you're making it difficult. Its feature set speaks for itself, and none of the other watches currently offered by Verizon has it.

[cchrisgates]

I was told by a store representative that the Gear S3 will not be available until early 2017!  AT&T is looking better and better.

[jdrumm]

Someone posted on an S3 discussion in Reddit's /r/verizon sub that they'd spoken with an in-store rep who told him the watch would be offered in time for Christmas. I personally haven't met an a corporate store rep that had any sort of "inside scoop," so I'll take their answers with a grain of salt

[JVOL74]

Verizon is really acting strange with this product release.  Gear S3 debuted in August and now it's mid November and not a word from them.  It's almost as if they don't want to sell it.  I'm not really sure what to make of it, but if the rumors of early 2017 are true, I'll be heading for ATT rather quickly.  You would think Samsung would be pushing Verizon to get it on the market to cut into Apple's share of the market. 

[jbposell]

Wow, this is disappointing.  As AT&T's coverage has reached parity with VZW's over the years, I have considered switching (been a 4 line VZW customer for 15+ years), this may push me over the edge.

[stever_vzw]

jbposell, it troubling to hear you are considering an alternative and we certainly want to provide any great accessories for our customers. I would be happy to help. We want to to set the right expectation for this great new device and keep you up to speed.

Any available accessories will be added to our webpage Smart Watches Accessories - Verizon Wireless once the latest information is available. I assure you that we are always looking for areas of opportunity and appreciate the feedback in regards to this great product. If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to reach back out to us.

SteveR_VZW

Follow us on TWITTER @VZWSupport

If my response answered your question please click the _Correct Answer_ button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!!

[JVOL74]

Another lame response from Verizon. As others have said this lack of information is certainly troubling and disappointing. We'll see what happens tomorrow but  no watch or no information will make switching carriers pretty much a done deal.

[CORLAB67]

Well here's to tomorrow. I don't know if anyone from Verizon even looks at

these messages. Someone who can truefully address these issues. I almost

feel like these forums are just a way for people to hash out their

frustrations because I don't ever see anyone from Verizon providing any

sort of good information. Is not like Verizon to not announce their plan

or their release date especially after TMobile. I would think the gear S3

is a high-end items since its all over the internet. But here is to

tomorrow and hoping that Verizon Surprises us all. we shall see.

[ROGGAR95]

No surprises.  Just the same ol song.  This device is a must for me ( maybe not for the average customer, which is why V doesn't care).  Where to?  TM or ATT? and why?

[JVOL74]

If this were an iphone, you better believe there would have been a real nice product launch and it would have been for sale today 

[Dvansan]

Ive been looking too. i really want this watch, even though i am not usually one to want sonethis like this rigbt away. From what ive seen, ill choose att, way better coverage in my area.  i would never even consider tmobile, as their coverage in my area is extremely poor.