[TECH AND FINANCIAL]
The Galaxy Fit 3 teeters on the edge of being a smartwatch, and a fitness tracker. Everything from its in-between size to its sparse smart features makes it hard to categorize as one or the other. But as I tested this simple and charming wrist device, its main appeal became crystal clear.
What’s most appealing about this hybrid smartwatch, as I’m choosing to call it, is its price tag. At $60, it’s the most affordable way to access Samsung’s robust health ecosystem through the Samsung Health app. If you’re already a Samsung user and can temper your expectations, that alone might make it worth considering. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s easy on the eyes and doesn’t overpower my 6.5-inch wrist like other traditional smartwatches (especially the budget ones, some of which can be an eyesore).
Like
- $60 price is the cheapest entry point into Samsung’s ecosystem
- Robust health tracking and sleep coaching tools
- 3-day battery life with always-on display (up to 13 days with lighter use)
- Slim, lightweight design that looks fancier than most budget trackers
Don’t like
- No built-in GPS for phone-free outdoor workouts
- No voice assistant or dictation features
- No mobile payments or third-party app support
- Limited notification handling (can’t initiate calls or texts)
At a time when there are dozens of smartwatches vying for your attention, with a dizzying array of features, the Fit 3 stands out due to its straightforward appeal and a price that’s hundreds of dollars less than that of the flagship Galaxy Watch 7 and other competitors like the OnePlus Watch 3. After three weeks of using the Fit 3, I’ve come to appreciate its value and battery life, even if I’d still recommend the slightly more expensive Amazfit Bip 6 for most people.
Galaxy Fit 3 design
At first glance, its 1.6-inch (40mm) AMOLED screen could easily pass for a full-size smartwatch — not what you’d typically expect from a tracker. It has a rounded rectangular display with an aluminum frame that comes in subtle rose gold (like mine), silver or dark gray. Only a couple of aspects of its design hint at its true hybrid form. The rectangular screen is much narrower than the ones you’ll find on other smartwatches, like the Amazfit Bip 6 or even the Apple Watch. By default, that limits how much information you can view on the screen, but in my opinion, it also makes the design feel more elegant. Also, the Fit 3 has only one physical button (there’s no crown or rotating bezel).
Galaxy Fit 3 battery life
Where it truly shines is battery life. Operating at full throttle, the watch lasted three full days, and that’s including an active always-on display, the mirroring of all notifications from my phone, sleep tracking, and at least one workout per day. Without the always-on display, you may be able to stretch it to Samsung’s promised 13 days. This longevity is in part due to the smaller screen and because the Fit 3 isn’t running a feature-rich operating system like Wear OS, which you’ll find in the newer Galaxy Watch lineup. Regardless, it’s easier to keep the Fit 3 charged for all-day use and sleep tracking than its Galaxy Watch counterparts, which often give out before the 48-hour mark (even the Ultra). It also charges fast and can go from zero to 100% in just over an hour.
Galaxy Fit 3 ‘smart’ features (or lack thereof)
The big sacrifice here, and the reason I don’t consider the Fit 3 a full-fledged smartwatch, is its limited smart features. Even when paired with a Galaxy phone (I paired it with a Galaxy S25 Plus), its functionality feels restricted and it doesn’t support voice dictation or mobile payments. It’s also compatible with non-Galaxy Android phones, but you’ll lose out on even more functionality, like the camera remote or alarm syncing.
The Fit 3 has advanced health sensors and a single button for navigation.
Galaxy Fit 3 health and fitness
Let’s get one thing out of the way: The Fit 3 doesn’t have built-in GPS. This means you’ll be tethered to your phone during runs if you want truly accurate tracking. That was my biggest complaint as far as fitness features go, because the S25 Plus isn’t the most dainty of running buddies, and there are times when I just want to leave it behind and disconnect for 30 minutes. I tried to do a 5K without my phone, and as a result the Fit 3’s run tracking and mapping was off by about half a kilometer, or three-tenths of a mile.
The Fit 3 can track over 100 different exercises and will automatically log runs, walks, rowing and elliptical workouts. However, auto-tracking isn’t enabled by default, so you’ll have to toggle it on in the settings. You can also take it swimming (just not waterskiing) because it’s rated for 5ATM (50 meters) and has an IP68 rating.
The Galaxy Fit 3 is comfortable to strap on and wear all day.
Who should buy the Galaxy Fit 3?
The Galaxy Fit 3 isn’t going to blow anyone away with its features or design, but it might with its price. At $60, it’s the lowest cost of entry for Galaxy phone users looking to start tracking their health and fitness within the same ecosystem. Its sleek design, robust health metrics, and long-lasting battery make it worth considering even if you don’t have a Samsung phone. There are a few budget smartwatches worth your money, and though this one isn’t the best or the only option, it’s a solid pick, with a simple and easy-to-navigate UI. The biggest problem might be actually getting your hands on it. As of publishing, it’s out of stock at the Samsung Store and available only through third-party retailers like Walmart.
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