Samsung Gear S2 Classic The Ultimate Smartwatch Guide

Introduction to Samsung Gear S2 Classic

The Samsung Gear S2 Classic, released in October 2015, was a significant addition to the world of smartwatches. Known for its stylish design and innovative features, it sought to offer a unique blend of both functionality and aesthetics. The device was well-received by both technology enthusiasts and fashion-conscious consumers alike.

Design and Build

The Gear S2 Classic features a sleek, timeless design characterized by its stainless steel frame and round face, which sets it apart from many other smartwatches that favored square displays. The dimensions of the watch are 43.6 x 39.9 x 11.4 mm, making it compact yet striking on the wrist. It weighs just 42 grams, ensuring comfort for all-day wear. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, enhancing its durability against scratches and minor impacts.

Display

At the heart of the Gear S2 Classic's design is its 1.2-inch Super AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and deep contrasts. The circular display has a resolution of 360 x 360 pixels, resulting in an impressive pixel density of around 302 ppi. This contributes to clear, sharp visuals and enhanced readability, whether you're checking notifications or tracking your fitness goals.

Performance and Operating System

Under the hood, the Samsung Gear S2 Classic is powered by the Exynos 3250 Dual chipset and a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, complemented by a Mali-400MP2 GPU. This hardware configuration ensures smooth and responsive performance for everyday tasks. The watch operates on Tizen OS 2.3.2, providing a user-friendly interface with customizable watch faces and a variety of downloadable apps to enhance its functionality.

Memory and Storage

The device comes with 4GB of internal storage, which is paired with 512MB of RAM. While there is no option for expanding storage via a memory card, the provided space is sufficient for storing apps, watch faces, and essential data for its operational requirements.

Connectivity and Communications

This smartwatch does not support cellular connectivity; however, it offers Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.1 with A2DP and LE for wireless connections to other devices. Additionally, it is equipped with NFC capabilities, allowing for contactless transactions and connectivity with compatible devices. There is no GPS, but other positioning solutions could be leveraged through a connected smartphone.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the critical aspects of any smartwatch is battery life. The Gear S2 Classic houses a non-removable 250 mAh Li-Ion battery, capable of providing up to 48 hours of operation under typical usage conditions. The device supports wireless charging (Qi standard), allowing for convenient power-ups without the need for cables.

Sensors and Features

The Gear S2 Classic features a suite of sensors including an accelerometer, gyro, heart rate monitor, and barometer. These sensors enable a variety of health and fitness tracking features, from step counting and heart rate monitoring to more comprehensive exercise tracking capabilities.

Sound and Multimedia

Unlike some other smartwatches, the Gear S2 Classic does not come equipped with a loudspeaker or a 3.5mm headphone jack, prioritizing its sleek design over auditory functions. However, notifications and audio cues can be managed through connected devices via Bluetooth.

Design Variants and Pricing

The Gear S2 Classic was available in several variants, including black, 18K rose gold, platinum, and with a ceramic bracelet, catering to various style preferences. Priced at around 200 EUR at launch, it offered a premium experience at a relatively competitive price point in the smartwatch market.

Conclusion

Even though it has been discontinued, the Samsung Gear S2 Classic remains a noteworthy model within the realm of smartwatches. Its combination of robust performance, elegant design, and rich feature set made it a popular choice among users when it was available. For those seeking a balance between form and functionality, the Gear S2 Classic embodied an ideal option in its time.