OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,488 independent expert reviews and 5,192 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

Samsung Galaxy Gear Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£260Screen size:1.63 inchBattery life:1 daysDisplay type:AMOLED

Samsung Galaxy Gear Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 22 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

5.2

Overall score

Score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartwatch's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartwatches on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components

70%

5.2

Technical score

30%

5.2

Review score ( 10 · 12)

Review score 30% · 5.2 · based on 22 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 30%, technical score 70%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades. 20 more reviews are not scored yet.
â–¼Worse than 93% of smartwatches
5.2

Technical score

Technical score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components

24%

2.9

Health

21%

7.1

Fitness

16%

5.6

Battery

14%

7.6

Smart features

12%

2.5

Connectivity

9%

6.1

Display & Design

4%

5.3

Hardware

â–¼Worse than 80% of smartwatches
5.2

Review score

Review score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Grades by review (22)
10 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 1
✓ explicit
1

6.5%

6.0

whistleout.com.au

Video reviews 2

3.2%

5.0

MobileTechReview

3.2%

5.0

PhoneArena

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 99% of smartwatches
  • samsung-galaxy-gear
samsung-galaxy-gear

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Samsung Galaxy Gear

Technical score
Technical score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components:

24%

2.9

Health

21%

7.1

Fitness

16%

5.6

Battery

14%

7.6

Smart features

12%

2.5

Connectivity

9%

6.1

Display & Design

4%

5.3

Hardware

5.2
Review score
Review score
5.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Grades by review (22)
10 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 1
✓ explicit
1

6.5%

6.0

whistleout.com.au

Video reviews 2

3.2%

5.0

MobileTechReview

3.2%

5.0

PhoneArena

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
5.2
Popularity
Popularity
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartwatch.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 63% of models
Popularity:
Samsung Galaxy Gear has a popularity of 7.4 points, which is higher than 62.7% of smartwatches.
7.4
Value for money
Value for money
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components:

60%

5.2

Overall score

40%

9.2

Price

6.4
Brand name
Samsung
Heart rate monitor
yes
Heart rate monitor
yes
â–² Better than 11% of models
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 66.8% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
ECG
no
â–¼ Worse than 17% of models
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
no
Irregular heart rate warnings
no
â–¼ Worse than 48% of models
This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings. 48.2% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Show more
Accelerometer
yes
Accelerometer
yes
â–² Better than 1% of models
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
no
Barometer
no
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This smartwatch does not include a barometer. 49.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
Gyroscope
yes
â–² Better than 30% of models
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 30.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
no
Cadence sensor
no
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
This smartwatch does not include a cadence sensor. 31.2% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
Distance tracking
yes
â–² Better than 4% of models
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
Battery life
1 day
Battery life
1 days
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 1 days which is shorter than that of 87.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 8.6% of smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
?
Battery life with GPS on
N/A
Battery power
373 mAh
Battery power
373 mAh
â–² Better than 71% of models
Market range: <195 mAh – >475 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 373 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 71.5% of smartwatches.
Charge time
120 min
Charge time
120 min
â–¼ Worse than 43% of models
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges in 120 min which is faster than 13.1% of smartwatches and equal to the charge time of 44.2% of smartwatches.
Approximate value from reported charging range: 120 minutes.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Tizen
Operating system
Tizen
â–² Better than 55% of models
This smartwatch runs Tizen which is more advanced than the operating system in 55.2% of smartwatches and the same as that in 2.3% of smartwatches.
Software update frequency
ended
Software update frequency
ended
â–¼ Worse than 43% of models
This smartwatch has ended software update support which is less active than that of 42.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 57.5% of smartwatches.
Third-party app support
yes
Third-party app support
yes
â–² Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
Notifications
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
Voice assistant support
yes
â–² Better than 32% of models
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 32.4% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
Cellular module
no
â–¼ Worse than 18% of models
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 18% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
no
GPS
no
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
This smartwatch does not support GPS. 56.2% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
no
Galileo support
no
â–¼ Worse than 39% of models
This smartwatch does not support Galileo navigation. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
no
Compass
no
â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
This smartwatch does not include a compass. 52.7% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
1.63 inch
Screen size
1.63 inch
â–² Better than 76% of models
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
This smartwatch has a screen size of 1.63 inch which is larger than the screens of 76.3% of smartwatches and equal to those of 0.5% of smartwatches.
Display type
AMOLED
Display type
AMOLED
â–² Better than 50% of models
This smartwatch uses a AMOLED display type which is more advanced than that of 49.9% of smartwatches and the same as that of 50.1% of smartwatches.
Resolution
320x 320
Resolution
320x 320
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 320x320 which is lower than that of 57% of smartwatches and equal to that of 2.7% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
278 ppi
Pixel density
278 ppi
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 278 ppi which is lower than that of 70.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.6% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
0.8 GHz
CPU speed
0.8 GHz
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 0.8 GHz which is slower than that in 71.2% of smartwatches.
Processor model
?
RAM
0.5 GB
RAM
0.5 GB
â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
Market range: <0.5 GB – >2 GB
This smartwatch has 0.5 GB of RAM which is smaller than the RAM in 75.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 24.9% of smartwatches.
Internal storage
4 GB
Internal storage
4 GB
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch uses 4 GB for internal storage which is larger than that of 40.4% of smartwatches and equal to that of 27% of smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
External memory slot
no
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more
What reviewers say

Samsung Galaxy Gear vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • Supports wireless charging
    Wireless charging
    yes
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    This smartwatch supports wireless charging, the average smartwatch does not. 24.5% of smartwatches support wireless charging.
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi support
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.3% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Calorie tracking
    Calorie tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 48.6% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Tizen
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Tizen vs Proprietary OS).
    Tizen vs Proprietary OS
  • Built-in camera
    Camera megapixels
    yes MP
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    This smartwatch supports camera, the average smartwatch does not. 2% of smartwatches support camera.
    No built-in main camera; supports remote camera control
  • Weight tracking
    Weight tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.1% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Tracked through the companion app or smart-scale sync.
  • Calorie tracking
    Calorie tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 48.6% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
  • Weight tracking
    Weight tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.1% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Tracked through the companion app or smart-scale sync.
  • Water intake tracking
    Water intake tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44% of smartwatches track water intake.
    Water intake tracking may require manual logging in a companion app or widget.
  • Supports wireless charging
    Wireless charging
    yes
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    This smartwatch supports wireless charging, the average smartwatch does not. 24.5% of smartwatches support wireless charging.
  • 73 mAh larger battery capacity
    Battery life
    373 mAh days
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch has a larger battery capacity than the average smartwatch (373 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    373 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi support
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.3% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • 0.23 inch larger screen size
    Screen size
    1.63 inch
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
    This smartwatch has a larger screen size than the average smartwatch (1.6 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    1.63 inch vs 1.40 inch
  • Better case material
    Case material
    stainless steel
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • 5.2 mm narrower watch width
    Width
    36.8 mm
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <34.6 mm – >46.8 mm
    This smartwatch is narrower than the average smartwatch (36.8 mm vs 42 mm). The average smartwatch width is 42.0 mm.
    36.8 mm vs 42.0 mm
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Tizen
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Tizen vs Proprietary OS).
    Tizen vs Proprietary OS
  • Built-in camera
    Camera megapixels
    yes MP
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    This smartwatch supports camera, the average smartwatch does not. 2% of smartwatches support camera.
    No built-in main camera; supports remote camera control
  • 1 more microphones
    Number of microphones
    2
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This smartwatch has more microphones than the average smartwatch (2 vs 1). The average smartwatch includes 1 microphones.
    2 vs 1
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    Blood oxygen monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No GPS support
    Route support
    no
    Category Benchmark
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • No stress monitoring
    Stress monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No elevation tracking
    Elevation tracking
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    This smartwatch does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
  • No automatic activity detection
    Automatic activity detection
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    This smartwatch does not support automatic activity detection, the average smartwatch does. 79.7% of smartwatches support automatic activity detection.
  • No sleep tracking
    Sleep tracking
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    This smartwatch does not support sleep tracking, the average smartwatch does. 93.1% of smartwatches support sleep tracking.
  • 48.5 m lower water resistance depth
    Waterproof depth rating
    1.5 m
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <1 m – >50 m
    This smartwatch has a shallower waterproof rating than the average smartwatch (1.5 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch reaches 50 m.
    Based on IP immersion rating (controlled lab conditions, not a swim/diving certification).
    1.5 m vs 50 m
  • 6 days day/s shorter battery life
    Battery life
    1 days
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 1 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    1 days vs 7 days
  • 17.5% worse value for money
    Samsung Galaxy Gear has a lower value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (6.4 vs 7.5).
    6.4 vs 7.52
  • 2x more expensive
    Samsung Galaxy Gear is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£260 vs £130).
    £260 vs £130
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    Blood oxygen monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No stress monitoring
    Stress monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No sleep tracking
    Sleep tracking
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    This smartwatch does not support sleep tracking, the average smartwatch does. 93.1% of smartwatches support sleep tracking.
  • No smart scale support
    Smart scale compatibility
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    This smartwatch does not support smart scale compatibility, the average smartwatch does. 53.7% of smartwatches support smart scale compatibility.
  • No elevation tracking
    Elevation tracking
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    This smartwatch does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
  • No automatic activity detection
    Automatic activity detection
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    This smartwatch does not support automatic activity detection, the average smartwatch does. 79.7% of smartwatches support automatic activity detection.
  • No swim mode
    Swim sport mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 74.9% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
  • No exercise tagging
    Exercise tagging
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    This smartwatch does not support exercise tagging, the average smartwatch does. 93.6% of smartwatches support exercise tagging.
  • 6 days day/s shorter battery life
    Battery life
    1 days
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 1 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    1 days vs 7 days
  • Basic battery type
    Battery type
    Li-ion
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • No GPS support
    Route support
    no
    Category Benchmark
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • No compass
    Compass
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a compass, the average smartwatch does. 52.6% of smartwatches include a compass.
  • No iOS compatibility
    iOS compatibility
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    This smartwatch offers less complete iOS compatibility than the average smartwatch (no vs yes).
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    4.0
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    This smartwatch supports an older Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4 vs 5). The average smartwatch uses 5.0.
    4.0 vs 5.0
  • 48.5 m lower water resistance depth
    Waterproof depth rating
    1.5 m
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <1 m – >50 m
    This smartwatch has a shallower waterproof rating than the average smartwatch (1.5 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch reaches 50 m.
    Based on IP immersion rating (controlled lab conditions, not a swim/diving certification).
    1.5 m vs 50 m
  • No always-on display
    Always-On Display
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartwatch does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 67.6% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
  • Lower IP rating
    IP rating
    IP67
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IP67 vs IP68).
    Water resistance is listed as 5ATM (ATM/pressure rating, not an official IP code).
    IP67 vs IP68
  • 28.8 g heavier weight
    Weight
    73.8 g
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <29 g – >80 g
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (73.8 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    73.8 g vs 45.0 g
  • 11.6 mm taller watch height
    Height
    56.6 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
    Market range: <39.5 mm – >51 mm
    This smartwatch is taller than the average smartwatch (56.6 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch height is 45 mm.
    56.6 mm vs 45 mm
  • 48 ppi lower pixel density
    Pixel density
    278 ppi
    â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
    Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
    This smartwatch has a lower pixel density than the average smartwatch (278 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch display reaches 326 ppi.
    278 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • 10 °C lower max temperature
    Maximum operating temperature
    35.0 °C
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <35 °C – >60 °C
    This smartwatch handles a lower maximum operating temperature than the average smartwatch (35 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch reaches 45.0 °C.
    35.0 °C vs 45.0 °C
  • Less practical form
    Form
    square
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This smartwatch uses a square form, while the average smartwatch uses round.
    square vs round
  • No smart alarm
    Smart alarm
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • 8 year/s older release date
    Release date
    2013
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This smartwatch is an older model than the average smartwatch (2013 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    September 2013
    2013 vs 2021
  • 4 MP lower main megapixels
    Camera megapixels
    1 MP
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <1 MP – >8 MP
    This smartwatch has a lower main camera resolution than the average smartwatch (1 MP vs 5 MP). The average smartwatch camera reaches 5 MP.
    No built-in main camera; supports remote camera control
    1 MP vs 5 MP
  • 0.5 GB less RAM
    RAM
    0.5 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <0.5 GB – >2 GB
    This smartwatch has less RAM than the average smartwatch (0.5 GB vs 1 GB). The average smartwatch includes 1 GB of RAM.
    0.5 GB vs 1 GB
  • Slower CPU speed
    CPU speed
    0.8 GHz
    â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
    This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 0.8 GHz, while the average smartwatch uses 1 GHz.
    0.8 GHz vs 1 GHz

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

5.0
MobileTechReview
≈ estimated
15/11/2013
Hands-on review · first week of use and features
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy Gear is fun and handy at first, but hard to recommend unless you are a serious gadget fan.
5.0
PhoneArena
≈ estimated
03/10/2013
Full review · design, camera, battery and smart features
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy Gear is a good first attempt, but not yet a strong product and limited for its price.
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
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What reviewers agree on

Based on 10 · 13

Reviewers like the display, calls and notifications, but poor battery life, limited phone compatibility and few apps hold it back.
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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

cnet.com
27/09/2013
Not graded yet
wired.com
22/10/2013
Not graded yet
au.pcmag.com
01/10/2013
Not graded yet
techguide.com.au
07/10/2013
Not graded yet
businessinsider.com
05/10/2013
Not graded yet
theguardian.com
26/09/2013
Not graded yet
pcmag.com
01/10/2013
Not graded yet
gadgetguy.com.au
08/10/2013
Not graded yet
6.0
whistleout.com.au
✓ explicit
25/11/2013
Hands-on review · Smartwatch
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Gear is handy for reading SMS and calls on your wrist, but its large, stiff body and nightly charging make it a chore to wear.
sammobile.com
07/10/2013
Not graded yet
theverge.com
01/10/2013
Not graded yet
smh.com.au
05/09/2013
Not graded yet
4.0
pcwelt.de
≈ estimated
19/11/2013
Practical test · Phone-linked smartwatch
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Gear suits owners of compatible Samsung phones who want quick notifications and calls, but nearly every function depends on the phone.
spiegel.de
02/11/2013
Not graded yet
5.0
mobiflip.de
≈ estimated
25/12/2013
Hands-on test · Camera smartwatch
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Gear is a stylish first attempt with a sharp screen, but its short battery and fixed strap make the Sony SmartWatch 2 the more sensible pick.
futurezone.at
03/10/2013
Not graded yet
pcwelt.de
04/09/2013
Not graded yet
chip.de
07/09/2013
Not graded yet
6.0
smartdroid.de
≈ estimated
29/12/2013
Extended test · Smartwatch
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Gear is a good-looking, well-built watch that suits Samsung phone owners, but its one- to two-day battery is the weak point.
4.0
computerwoche.de
≈ estimated
04/01/2014
Practical test · Smartwatch review
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Gear adds little beyond your phone, has few apps and lasts about two days, so it only suits compatible Samsung owners for now.
5.0
frandroid.com
✓ explicit
30/11/2013
Quick test · Early smartwatch
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Gear is a feature-packed gadget with a responsive touchscreen, but few apps, weak battery and a clumsy camera hold it back.
01net.com
17/10/2013
Not graded yet
4.0
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
01/01/2014
Hands-on test · Early smartwatch
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Gear is packed with features and has a good screen and calls, but its battery lasts about 10 hours and its step count is unreliable.
phonandroid.com
28/10/2013
Not graded yet
geeko.lesoir.be
23/10/2013
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Samsung Galaxy Gear

  • Vibrant and sharp Super AMOLED display with 320x320 resolution
  • Ability to make and receive phone calls directly from the wrist
  • Integrated 1.9MP camera for quick photos and short 720p videos
  • Premium build quality featuring a stainless steel/aluminum frame
  • Responsive and fast user interface for basic navigation

What we don't like about Samsung Galaxy Gear

  • Very limited compatibility, initially restricted to only a few Samsung Galaxy devices
  • Short battery life typically requiring daily charging (approx. 25 hours)
  • Requirement of a separate external charging cradle/case to power the device
  • High launch price that many reviewers felt was not justified by its utility
  • Limited selection of high-quality third-party apps
  • Bulky design that may be uncomfortable or aesthetically unappealing to some

Verdict

Released in late 2013, the Samsung Galaxy Gear is a pioneering smartwatch featuring a 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display (320x320 resolution), an 800MHz single-core processor, 512MB of RAM, and 4GB of internal storage. Its standout characteristic is a 1.9MP camera with a BSI sensor integrated into the wrist strap, capable of capturing 720p video. Main pros include a vibrant and sharp display, a solid build with a stainless steel frame, and the ability to make calls directly from the wrist via its built-in speaker and dual noise-canceling microphones. However, it is hindered by significant cons such as limited compatibility restricted to specific Samsung Galaxy devices at launch, a short battery life of roughly 25 hours requiring daily charging via a mandatory external dock, and a lack of support for major third-party apps like Gmail or social media.

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