Samsung launches Galaxy Fit 3 in U.S. market after skipping initial launch

Samsung is finally bringing its Galaxy Fit 3 fitness tracker to the United States, nearly a year after its initial release in other major regions.

The company announced the U.S. launch date as January 9, with the device priced at an accessible $59.99. The move marks a shift in Samsung’s earlier strategy, which left the Fit 3 out of the U.S. market, citing “market trends and needs for each region.”

The Galaxy Fit 3 arrives as a compelling option for fitness enthusiasts, particularly those disappointed by the shorter battery life of Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7.

With a 13-day battery life and a 1.6-inch AMOLED display that is 45% wider than its predecessor, the Galaxy Fit 2, the Fit 3 aims to balance affordability and functionality.

Designed with practicality in mind, the Fit 3 features a water-resistant squircle form, a single button, and touchscreen controls.

Unlike the circular design and touch bezels of Galaxy Watches, this lightweight and slim tracker focuses on essentials, running on a battery-saving RTOS system.

However, this simplicity comes with limitations: the device lacks app support, messaging capabilities, and compatibility with iPhones—a change from the Galaxy Fit 2.

The Galaxy Fit 3 includes features like notifications, fall detection, emergency SOS, and Samsung Health insights, alongside music playback controls when connected to an Android phone.

Some capabilities, such as Find My Phone and remote camera controls, may be exclusive to Galaxy smartphones.

Fitness-focused users will appreciate its ability to monitor heart rate, arm movements, and altitude, as well as its over 100 preset watch faces and sports modes.

While the device relies on a connected phone’s GPS for outdoor activities, it compensates with accurate tracking of stairs climbed and other metrics.

Samsung appears to be targeting a gap in the fitness tracker market, where alternatives like the Fitbit Charge 6 require subscriptions and Xiaomi or Amazfit devices face limited availability.

By offering subscription-free health insights at an affordable price, Samsung hopes to attract budget-conscious buyers who trust its brand.

As part of its launch promotion, Samsung is offering a 50% discount on the Fit 3 when purchased alongside the new Galaxy A16 5G smartphone.

Fitness enthusiasts and budget shoppers will be eager to see how the Galaxy Fit 3 performs, particularly its heart rate and sleep tracking capabilities compared to Samsung’s flagship wearables.