Why you may belief TechRadar
We spend hours testing each services or products we evaluation, so that you might be positive you’re shopping for one of the best. Find out more about how we test.
Samsung Galaxy Match 3: One minute evaluation
Samsung is not a model I instantly affiliate with reasonably priced good tech, however the Galaxy Match 3 is among the most cost-effective proprietary health trackers in the marketplace. Even Google’s Fitbit Inspire 3 band, which just a few years in the past appeared like a wise entry level to the best fitness trackers, is double the worth.
Samsung launched the Match 3 in a number of territories in early 2024, however its US debut solely got here this January. It replaces and builds on the Galaxy Fit 2 – a handsome finances band that we discovered had questionable coronary heart charge accuracy – with some noticeable enhancements to design and monitoring.
The Match 3 has a refined design with a much bigger, brighter display to accommodate wider stats viewing. It might probably now monitor blood oxygenation ranges and likewise has an honest swim stroke counter. However whereas the Match 2 labored with some iPhone fashions, the Match 3 does no such factor. This tracker is barely suitable with Android 10 or above, which I’ve already seen complaints about in some on-line evaluations: Samsung does not make this tremendous clear if you store on-line.
Whereas Apple hasn’t centered any effort on serving up its personal entry into the best cheap fitness trackers recreation, it appears Samsung needs to faucet into this underserved nook of the market alongside its premium Galaxy Watch vary. In brief, the Match 3 data and shows your steps walked, energy burned, coronary heart charge, stress ranges, sleep, and extra, with only a few swipes and faucets on its touchscreen.
As a runner, I used to be annoyed that the Match 3 did not have GPS, however at such a low value, I am undecided you may anticipate it to. It is a easy, accessible system that screens your on a regular basis well being knowledge with out costing a fortune.
It provides smartwatch-style notifications and music controls, plus climate information and the standard assortment of customizable watch faces to select from on the Samsung Galaxy Wearable app. Navigating by means of screens is straightforward and fulfilling due to a responsive touchscreen and really clear menu design. As somebody used to Garmin‘s convoluted settings and screens, the Match 3 was a breath of contemporary air.
Samsung says that the battery ought to final 13 days, and I discovered I would get a minimum of 10, whereas monitoring a minimum of three brief runs and sporting the band in a single day throughout that point. Having worn most of the extra superior health gadgets in the marketplace, I did not really feel shortchanged by the Match 3’s on a regular basis well being metrics, however I did typically query the accuracy of its coronary heart charge throughout intense exercises.
It is merely sensible worth, although, with a beautiful display, clear stats and inspiring insights that can assist you enhance your on a regular basis well being. With out on-board GPS, I would not advocate it to anybody severe about operating, but when it is your first health tracker or you do not have rather a lot to spend, the Match 3 is an excellent possibility.
Do not have a look at it if you happen to’ve obtained an iPhone – however if you happen to’re a Samsung person, I would nonetheless query whether or not investing all that cash in a premium Galaxy Watch would provide you with larger accuracy and well being options.
Samsung Galaxy Match 3: Worth and availability
- Priced at round $59 / £49 / AU$139
- The most affordable Samsung Galaxy health system
- Made obtainable within the US from January 2025
The Samsung Galaxy Match 3 was launched in Asia, Europe, and Latin America in early 2024. It did not launch within the US till January 9, 2025. There are three colours to select from (Grey, Silver and Pink Gold), all with the identical RRP, however the Grey possibility, which is definitely black in actual life, will get decreased most frequently.
The system is well Samsung’s most cost-effective Galaxy health system, costing round $59 / £49 / AU$139, however even much less if you happen to choose up a daily Samsung or Amazon deal. Few gadgets can compete with the Match 3’s super-low value level, except for the Google Fitbit Encourage 3, HUAWEI Band 9 and all these non-proprietary choices on Amazon.
And in contrast to Fitbit, you do not have to pay for a premium membership to entry all the Galaxy Match 3’s options. Which means the worth you pay upfront is all you will should pay. The Samsung Well being app is free, though it is price noting (and I’ll once more) that it solely works with Android gadgets, pushing out the choice for Apple customers to purchase the Match 3.
Samsung Galaxy Match 3: Specs
|
Dimensions |
42.9 x 28.8 x 9.9 mm |
|
Weight |
18.5 g |
|
Case/bezel |
Aluminum |
|
Show |
1.6-inch 256 x 402px AMOLED show |
|
GPS |
No |
|
Battery life |
As much as 13 days |
|
Connection |
Bluetooth v5.3 |
|
Sensors |
Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro Sensor, Optical Coronary heart Charge Sensor, Gentle Sensor |
|
Waterproofing |
5ATM/IP68 |
Samsung Galaxy Match 3: Design
Picture 1 of 1
- Responsive 1.6-inch AMOLED show
- Versatile silicone strap
- Water-resistant to as much as 50 meters
The Samsung Galaxy Match 3 appears very totally different to its predecessor. Its 1.6-inch show is 0.5 inches larger, with a wider, rectangular view as compared, which lets you see extra stats with out having to open your cellphone. I would say the Match 3 appears extra like a smartwatch than the lengthy, skinny Match 2, and with a 2.78x larger decision on the show (now 256 x 402 px), it is rather a lot crisper too.
You possibly can arrange the display to be always-on (which can drain the battery quicker) or to light up if you transfer your wrist upwards. I went for this feature to save lots of energy, however typically needed to increase my arm a number of occasions to show it on. On the plus facet, the display was straightforward to see in shiny daylight, and the auto-brightness function labored effectively to adapt to totally different environments.
The place the display was built-in into the band of the Match 2, the Match 3’s tracker is well removable with a press of a button on the again. I like the benefit of customization right here. With the previous Match 2, you have been caught with the colour of the band. However the 3’s design is extra just like the Apple Watch, and you may swap out the silicone strap if you wish to change your fashion.
I feel it is vital that health trackers are comfy sufficient to put on for lengthy intervals – ideally in a single day if you are going to use the sleep monitoring options. At 18.5g, the Match 3 is light-weight, and half the burden of my typical Garmin operating watch, however I discovered sporting it uncomfortable typically.
As a result of the sensor stands out from the again of the system, it does not sit flush together with your pores and skin. Once I tightened the strap throughout exercises to get an correct coronary heart charge, or when my wrists obtained sizzling in heat climate, I would get a deep imprint and should take the Match 3 off to present my pores and skin a breather.
General, although, the Match 3 feels well-made, and sturdy sufficient to face up to the weather, sweat and difficult exercises. Its 5ATM waterproof score supplied peace of thoughts when swimming and showering.
The AMOLED display is huge and shiny sufficient for these nonetheless wanting a smaller health band, and also you quickly get used to the essential contact gestures for transferring throughout the settings and screens. A swipe-down brings up the house menu and settings, or a hold-down permits you to change the watch face. The brand new button on the facet brings you again to the house display with a press or to the train with a double-press.
You will want the Samsung Galaxy Wearable app and Samsung Well being app to make use of the Match 3. As soon as arrange, the Wearable app permits you to customise the view and order of tiles on the system and add extra watch faces. Fortunately, it is also straightforward and intuitive to make use of, with enjoyable themes and colour coding to make data straightforward to scan.
Samsung Galaxy Match 3: Options
- Music playback and cellphone notifications
- Tracks over 100 exercises (though not all are helpful)
- Data sleep levels
Being a finances tracker, it is no shock that the Match 3 omits most of the key options seen in Samsung’s watch vary. To maintain the worth down (and presumably battery life up), the Match 3’s smartphone connectivity is predicated on Bluetooth, and there is no Wi-Fi. The primary good thing about Wi-Fi is an extended vary for syncing knowledge (useful if you happen to’re exercising outdoor and not using a cellphone), nevertheless it makes no distinction to the expertise right here.
The place the best Samsung watches provide spectacular GPS for runners, the Match 3 depends on being related to a cellphone for route monitoring. In brief, you may’t run (or cycle) phone-free and anticipate to file a really correct distance and tempo.
In comparison with the earlier Galaxy Match 2, although, the Match 3 does have notable new options, together with blood oxygen and coronary heart charge variability sensors, a route tracker, and a barometer. A brand new mild sensor additionally permits the elective always-on show mode I discussed within the Design part.
The Match 3 does not have a built-in speaker or microphone, however you may reply calls instantly from the display and management your music or podcast playback when in vary of your cellphone. The customizable vibration alerts are additionally helpful for setting alarms.
The Match 3 runs on a simplified FreeRTOS operating system, however you may’t entry the Put on OS app retailer or hook up with any third-party apps (akin to Strava and Spotify). Whereas the Match 3 works with telephones on Android 10 or later, sure options are solely obtainable on the best Samsung phones.
These embody snore detection, which makes use of the cellphone’s microphone to file and analyze audio, plus the flexibility to set off the cellphone’s digicam with a button on the Match 3. I used a Google Pixel cellphone to check the Match 3, so I wasn’t capable of attempt both of those options, however they really feel like gimmicks relatively than dealbreakers for many fanatic exercisers.
Provided that the Match 3 is destined for these early on their health journey, it is sensible for Samsung to have overlooked GPS monitoring and ECG readings, which might have pushed the worth up and maybe been ignored by inexperienced persons anyway. What’s left is a function set worthy of the Match 3’s price ticket – albeit too fundamental for sure customers. There are over 100 exercises to select from, though many of those are nothing greater than a calorie counter, which I am going to come to subsequent.
Samsung Galaxy Match 3: Efficiency
- Sleep scores missed knowledge
- (Principally) correct coronary heart charge readings
- Clean and glitch-free use
This can be a tracker designed for simplicity, so I hoped the Match 3 setup can be simple. It is available in a small field with its band already hooked up, a USB-C charging cable (with no plug, which feels normal in a plastic-saving 2025) and some booklets I principally ignored.
First, I found I would like two apps – Samsung Well being and Galaxy Wearable – to arrange the Match 3, nevertheless it did not take longer than 5 minutes to unbox and join it to my associate’s Pixel relatively than my very own incompatible iPhone. It took some extra faff by means of permission screens, and one other 5 minutes, to arrange a Samsung account, however I believe it is a step you might skip if you happen to’ve had a earlier Samsung system.
As soon as arrange, I discovered navigating the tracker was easy in each scenario. Even after I had moist or sweaty arms, the contact response was correct, which is a good consequence for a tracker you wish to use whereas swimming and pushing your self.
The Match 3’s 208mAh battery is round 30% larger than the Match 2’s, and whereas I used to be impressed throughout testing, I by no means fairly made it to the corporate’s 13-day most. I enabled the always-on show (taking it off throughout sleep) and obtained simply over 5 full days earlier than it conked out.
Placing the show again to a traditional 15-second timer, and recording a 30-minute exercise every day, it lasted 8 days. A uninteresting cost took me 68 minutes, which is way shy of the Apple Watch 10 however half the time it takes me to cost up my older Garmin Forerunner 265S. So what? Properly, you get way more juice than nearly all of smartwatches, which is nice if you happen to do not wish to be recharging continuously.
The Match 3 has over 100 exercise choices, and you may set your favorites in order that they’re straightforward to seek out. I definitely did not take a look at each one, however I did cowl the fundamentals – strolling, operating, swimming – plus some extra rogue choices like crunches, dancing and burpees. I anticipated a motion like crunches or bicep curls to seize repetitions, however you get a equally generic display to strolling with period, energy and common coronary heart charge. It isn’t notably helpful.
To check the Match 3’s health and sleep monitoring accuracy, I wore it alongside the Garmin Forerunner 265 continuously. Once I checked on the finish of every day, I discovered that my steps have been totally different by about 500 steps larger on my Garmin, however over 17,000 steps, that did not really feel unreasonable.
The system got here unstuck after I went for a 5 kilometer run and not using a cellphone. As a result of there is no GPS, the Match 3 has to estimate your distance (I would guess) based mostly on peak and steps. So after ending the run, the place my Forerunner had recorded 5K (three miles) precisely, the Match 3 was at 2.81 miles. In fact, this deviance would rack up over longer distances.
My coronary heart charge studying was a lot nearer, with the Match 3 inside about 5 beats per minute (bpm) of the Forerunner always. I am attempting to deal with extra Zone 2 coaching, and love how the Match 3 shows coronary heart charge zones whereas operating or understanding. I additionally tried out machines on the gymnasium with coronary heart charge screens to cross-reference the Match 3’s readings. Once more, it was inside 3-8 bpm of a treadmill and stairmaster machine.
In any case that train, I wore the Match 3 to mattress over just a few weeks to file my sleep occasions and levels, blood oxygen, and (most significantly) to seek out out what sleep animal Samsung gave me.
Each morning, I learn my sleep rating to see how lengthy and effectively I slept, however sadly, I usually discovered it a lot decrease than the relative scores from my Forerunner. On the evening earlier than scripting this evaluation, I obtained an precise sleep time of 6 hours 54 minutes, REM sleep 45 minutes on the Match 3. On my Garmin, it was 8 hours 12, and a pair of hours 26 REM.
Digging into any detailed metrics from the Match 3 requires you to open the Samsung Well being App. There, the sleep knowledge is straightforward to learn and attractively offered, with sleep levels on a color-coded scale. Personally, I can not really feel assured that the Match 3 sleep knowledge is correct, and I ended sporting it in mattress after every week.
Wearables have a protracted strategy to go basically with regards to sleep, and the identical goes for girls’s cycle monitoring. I preferred with the ability to log my interval within the Samsung app and seeing my predicted fertile window, powered by Natural Cycles, and I believe the timings would get extra correct the extra enter you give it. However once more, the preliminary stats felt an excessive amount of like guesstimates.
If all that sounds adverse, it is not meant to. The Match 3 by no means lagged and by no means didn’t log a exercise or join again to the smartphone. Notifications got here by means of immediately, and whereas sleep monitoring might be extra dependable, wearables’ knowledge gaps have a tendency to enhance over time: Samsung’s sleep monitoring on gadgets such because the Samsung Galaxy Ring is very rated.
Scorecard
|
Class |
Remark |
Rating |
|
Worth |
An impressively low value for the options and ease-of-use. |
4.5/5 |
|
Design |
Beloved the intense display, however discovered the band much less comfy than different gadgets. |
4/5 |
|
Options |
With out GPS the system is extra restricted, however exercise monitoring is nice. |
4/5 |
|
Efficiency |
Correct coronary heart charge monitoring, a easy if not fundamental app and spectacular 10-day battery life. |
3.5/5 |
Samsung Galaxy Match 3: Ought to I purchase?
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
Additionally think about
How I examined the Samsung Galaxy Match 3
Picture 1 of 1
I wore the Samsung Galaxy Match 3 for over two weeks on one wrist, holding my typical Garmin Forerunner 265S on the opposite (for stats comparability). It was linked to my associate’s Google Pixel 8 Pro as my iPhone wasn’t suitable. I wore the system in a single day to check the sleep metrics over a sustained interval and the way effectively the battery lasted.
I tracked greater than 10 exercise varieties, together with just a few 5 km parkruns, Fiit exercises at residence, aerobics, hikes, and even dancing. I logged coronary heart charge and stress measurements at totally different occasions of day throughout testing and arrange the feminine cycle monitoring function on the accompanying Samsung Well being app.