Samsung Gear S2 The Complete Guide Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Samsung Gear S2

The Samsung Gear S2 is a versatile and stylish smartwatch announced in August 2015 and released in October of the same year. It has since been discontinued, but it remains a popular choice for smartwatch enthusiasts who appreciate its design and functionality. With a circular design, the Gear S2 stands out in a market dominated by square and rectangular smartwatches. Its bezel can be turned, providing an intuitive way to navigate through various features and applications.

Design and Build Quality

The Gear S2 features a stainless steel frame with a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, making it resistant to scratches and dings. It measures 49.8 x 42.3 x 11.4 mm and weighs only 47 grams, making it light and comfortable to wear throughout the day. The watch was available in Dark Gray and Silver colors, making it a visually appealing accessory that complements various styles and attire.

Display and Interface

One of the standout features of the Samsung Gear S2 is its Super AMOLED display, which measures 1.2 inches with a resolution of 360 x 360 pixels. This offers crisp and vibrant visuals, with a pixel density of approximately 302 ppi, allowing for easy readability in various lighting conditions. The interface is further enhanced by the intuitive rotating bezel, which allows users to smoothly navigate through the watch's menus and apps.

Performance and Hardware

The Gear S2 is powered by the Exynos 3250 Dual chipset, featuring a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU and a Mali-400MP2 GPU. It comes with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, although it lacks a card slot for expandable memory. While the performance may appear modest by today’s standards, it was sufficient to run the Tizen OS 2.3.2 smoothly for the tasks it was designed for, providing a responsive user experience.

Battery Life and Charging

Equipped with a non-removable 250 mAh Lithium-Ion battery, the Gear S2 delivers a battery life of up to 48 hours on standby. The charging process is made convenient through wireless (Qi) technology, allowing users to charge the watch without struggling with cables and connectors. This feature is particularly useful for those constantly on the move.

Connectivity and Communication

The smartwatch supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.1 for connectivity. It also features NFC support, enabling mobile payment solutions and other NFC-based interactions. However, it lacks cellular connectivity, GPS positioning, and a traditional USB port, which may limit some functionality for users who require these features. The absence of a loudspeaker or 3.5mm jack also emphasizes its use case as a smartwatch rather than a standalone communication device.

Sensors and Features

The Gear S2 is packed with sensors that make it a compelling choice for fitness and health enthusiasts. It includes an accelerometer, gyroscope, heart rate sensor, and barometer, providing comprehensive tracking of physical activities and vital statistics. The sensors work in tandem with various apps within the Tizen ecosystem to offer insights and data about the user's health and fitness levels.

Software and User Experience

Running on Tizen OS 2.3.2, the Gear S2 offers a unique user experience distinct from Android Wear and watchOS. Tizen OS is optimized for efficiency on the available hardware, ensuring smooth performance even with the limited RAM and processing power. Users can download various apps from the Tizen Store; however, the selection is not as extensive as other operating systems.

Price and Value

When it was released, the Samsung Gear S2 was priced at approximately 170 EUR, offering a competitive price point for the features and capabilities it provided. Even though it is now discontinued, it can still be found through various aftermarket channels. Its enduring appeal lies in its stylish design, robust build quality, and functional features.

Conclusion

In summary, the Samsung Gear S2 represents an important step in the evolution of smartwatches. While it lacks some modern features, its design, intuitive interface, and functionality make it an attractive option for those who appreciate style along with practicality. Whether for fitness, productivity, or as a tech-forward accessory, the Gear S2 continues to resonate with users looking for a dependable and aesthetically pleasing smartwatch.