Side-by-side comparison chart comparing the Samsung Gear S3 Classic and the TAG Heuer Connected smartwatch. You might be surprised.

Samsung Gear S3 Classic vs. TAG Heuer Connected

It’s astonishing to me that after extensive use taking in many considerations that the Samsung Gear S3 Classic is a better smartwatch than the TAG Heuer Connected given the Samsung costs $300 while the TAG is $1,500.

But here’s the deal.

My overall scores are based on many variables such as battery, features, speed… in other words, the Samsung outperforms the TAG Heuer, but when it comes to prestige and design, the TAG wins hands-down. It’s not even close.

So, where does that leave you?

If you like prestige and a cooler design for your smartwatch and have $1,500 kicking around, go for the TAG Heuer. If you prefer smartwatch performance, especially speed, user interface and overall better smartwatch features, go for the much less expensive Samsung Gear S3.

Performance vs. Design

This is a tough decision in many cases when purchasing a smartwatch. If watch design was all that mattered to you, you’d not bother with a smartwatch. But since you like the idea of a smartwatch, performance must factor into the decision making.

I’m not saying the Gear S3 is ugly. I actually think it’s a great looking watch. However, there’s something special about the design and comfort of the TAG.

On the flip side, the TAG isn’t a terrible performer. Its weakness is that it uses Android Wear, which is an okay operating system for smartwatches. I much prefer the Tizen operating system of the Samsung smartwatches, plus the better user interface.

That said, Google will one day update Android Wear, which hopefully will dramatically improve the operating software, making it faster and perhaps have a better user interface. If/when the update happens and it’s much improved, the TAG may be an unbeatable smartwatch.

Below is a handy chart comparing the Samsung Gear S3 Classic and the TAG Heuer Connected watches.

If you’d like to read more about either or both, read our in-depth Samsung Gear S3 review and TAG Heuer Connected review.