Samsung Gear 2 Full Specs Pricing Pros and Cons Unveiled

Introduction to Samsung Gear 2

The Samsung Gear 2 is a smartwatch that was announced in April 2014 as a successor to the original Samsung Galaxy Gear. It was part of Samsung's efforts to solidify its position in the wearable technology market. With its sleek design, improved functionality, and the introduction of Tizen OS, the Samsung Gear 2 offers a comprehensive experience for tech enthusiasts. In this article, we will delve into a detailed review of the Samsung Gear 2, covering its design, technical specifications, performance, and capabilities.

Design and Build Quality

One of the key aspects of the Samsung Gear 2 is its design and build quality. The smartwatch features a compact design, measuring 58.4 x 36.9 x 10 mm and weighing just 68 grams. Its lightweight and ergonomic design make it comfortable to wear throughout the day. The Gear 2 is available in three color variants: Charcoal Black, Gold Brown, and Wild Orange, offering users the flexibility to choose according to their style.

Samsung has implemented a Super AMOLED display in the Gear 2, measuring 1.63 inches with a resolution of 320 x 320 pixels. This offers vibrant colors and sharp image quality, making the display easy to read in various lighting conditions. The device features a stainless steel body that adds to its durability, making the Gear 2 a robust choice for everyday use.

Display Characteristics

The Samsung Gear 2's display is one of its standout features. The Super AMOLED technology ensures excellent color reproduction and clarity. With a pixel density of approximately 278 ppi, the images and text appear crisp and clear on the 1.63-inch screen. The touch sensitivity is also noteworthy, allowing for smooth navigation and interaction with the smartwatch's interface.

Hardware Specifications

Under the hood, the Samsung Gear 2 is powered by the Exynos 3250 Dual chipset, including a Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and a Mali-400MP2 GPU. This combination delivers adequate performance for running applications and ensuring a responsive user experience. Though not the most powerful processor on the market, it efficiently handles everyday tasks and functionalities expected from a smartwatch.

The Gear 2 is equipped with 512MB RAM, which suffices for multitasking and ensures smooth performance of the Tizen OS. The 4GB of internal storage allows for storing apps, media, and other data. However, it's worth noting that the Gear 2 does not support external storage through card slots, which might be a limitation for users wanting extensive storage options.

Camera Capabilities

Samsung has included a 2 MP autofocus camera in the Gear 2, capable of recording 720p videos. While it may not replace dedicated cameras or even smartphone cameras, the Gear 2's camera offers the convenience of capturing quick photos and videos directly from the wrist. The camera is neatly positioned on the watch's body, maintaining the overall aesthetic appeal of the device.

Battery Performance

Powering the Gear 2 is a Li-Ion 300 mAh battery, which is non-removable. Although relatively small, the battery efficiently supports the device's operations, often providing a full day of use on a single charge. However, battery life can vary depending on usage patterns, such as the frequency of notifications, Bluetooth usage, and camera operations.

Connectivity and Sensors

The Samsung Gear 2 does not support cellular connectivity, relying instead on Bluetooth 4.0 LE for communication with smartphones. This allows users to receive notifications, calls, and messages directly on the smartwatch. The device lacks Wi-Fi, NFC, and GPS capabilities, which are now standard in more advanced smartwatches.

The Gear 2 includes an array of sensors, such as an accelerometer, gyro, and heart rate monitor. These sensors facilitate fitness tracking and health monitoring, making the Gear 2 not just a communication device but also a fitness companion.

Operating System and Software

The Samsung Gear 2 runs on Tizen OS, Samsung's proprietary operating system for smartwatches. Tizen OS ensures a user-friendly interface and a wide range of applications specifically developed for Samsung wearables. The OS is optimized for efficient use of the device's hardware resources, contributing to overall performance and battery efficiency.

One of the perks of Tizen OS is its smooth integration with Samsung's ecosystem of devices, allowing seamless connectivity and compatibility. However, the app ecosystem for Tizen OS is smaller compared to more established systems like Android Wear or Apple's watchOS, which may limit some users in terms of app variety and availability.

Discontinued Status and Market Impact

The Samsung Gear 2 has been officially discontinued, as Samsung and other manufacturers have since released newer and more advanced smartwatch models. Despite this, the Gear 2 remains a noteworthy piece of technology for its time, offering a solid mix of style, functionality, and innovation.

Priced initially at around 230 EUR, the Gear 2 provided a competitive option for early adopters of smartwatch technology. Its introduction marked Samsung's commitment to expanding its presence in the wearable tech market, paving the way for future innovations in the series such as the Gear S2, Gear S3, and the current Galaxy Watch lineup.

Conclusion

The Samsung Gear 2, with its attractive design and practical functionalities, is a testament to Samsung's innovation in wearable technology. While it may lack some of the advanced features found in modern smartwatches, it successfully laid the groundwork for future advancements. For tech enthusiasts and collectors, the Gear 2 holds a place in the history of wearables as a significant milestone in the evolution of smart technology.