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Samsung Gear 2 Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£260
Avg. price in US: ~$300
Screen size: 1.63 inch
Battery life: 2.75 day/s
Display type: AMOLED

Samsung Gear 2 review. Compare 126 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among smartwatches and if it is worth buying.

5.5

Good

5.5

Good

5.3

Good

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#7 in Best Smartwatches With Camera
#27 in Best Samsung Smartwatches
#171 in Best Rugged Smartwatches
#180 in Best Smartwatches For Men
#411 in Best Smartwatches For Android
#411 in Best Android Smartwatches For Men
#411 in Best Android Smartwatches For Women
#439 in Best Smartwatches
#483 in Best Smartwatches For Quality-Price Ratio

Verdict

The Samsung Gear 2 is a Tizen-based smartwatch featuring a 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display (320x320), a 1.0 GHz dual-core processor, 512MB of RAM, and 4GB of internal storage. Its standout characteristics include a 2.0-megapixel camera capable of 720p video, an IR blaster for TV remote functionality, and an IP67 water-resistance rating. Main pros include a vibrant screen, a standalone music player, a built-in heart rate monitor, and improved 2–3 day battery life compared to its predecessor. However, notable cons include its strict compatibility limited only to select Samsung Galaxy devices, a bulky design, and a relatively small ecosystem of third-party apps.

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Samsung Gear 2

Overall score

5.5

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Popularity

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.

Health

4.6

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Brand name

What it is: The company that designs, sells, and supports the watch.

When it matters: When brand ecosystem, style, or support matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Samsung

Heart rate monitor

What it is: A built-in sensor that measures your pulse directly from the wrist.

When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

Importance: HIGH

Blood oxygen monitoring

What it is: A wrist-based feature that estimates blood oxygen saturation over time.

When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

Importance: HIGH

ECG

What it is: The ability to record a single-lead electrocardiogram from the wrist.

When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

Importance: HIGH

Irregular heart rate warnings

What it is: Notifications that flag heart-rate patterns which appear unusually irregular.

When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Fitness

6.8

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Accelerometer

What it is: A motion sensor that measures acceleration, steps, gestures, and general movement.

When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.

Importance: MEDIUM

Barometer

What it is: A pressure sensor used for altitude changes, elevation estimates, and weather-related context.

When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Gyroscope

What it is: A motion sensor that measures rotation and helps interpret wrist movement more accurately.

When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.

Importance: MEDIUM

Cadence sensor

What it is: A sensor input used to measure step or pedal rhythm during training.

When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.

Importance: MEDIUM

Distance tracking

What it is: The ability to measure how far you move during walks, runs, rides, or other activities.

When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Battery

4.4

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Battery life

What it is: The typical endurance the watch can deliver on a full charge under the stated usage pattern.

When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=7 days

Battery life in training mode

What it is: The expected endurance while workout tracking and related training functions are active.

When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=36.8 h

Battery life with GPS on

What it is: The expected runtime when satellite tracking stays active throughout use.

When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=35 h

N/A

Battery power

What it is: The battery capacity, usually measured in milliampere-hours (mAh).

When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=397 mAh

Charge time

What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery from empty to full or to a stated percentage.

When it matters: When you want to top up the battery quickly.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <=102 min

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Smart features

8.3

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Operating system

What it is: The software platform that runs the watch interface, apps, and core functions.

When it matters: When you care about apps, features, and long-term support.

Importance: HIGH

Software update frequency

What it is: Shows how actively the watch is still updated: regular means ongoing updates throughout active support, occasional means updates every few months or only from time to time, and ended means active software support has mostly stopped.

When it matters: When you care how actively the watch is still supported with fixes, patches, and new features.

Importance: MEDIUM

Third-party app support

What it is: Support for installing or using apps from developers beyond the watch maker.

When it matters: When you care about apps, features, and long-term support.

Importance: MEDIUM

Notifications

What it is: Mirroring of calls, messages, apps, or other alerts on the watch.

When it matters: When you want to check alerts without taking out your phone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Voice assistant support

What it is: Support for a voice assistant that can answer queries or trigger actions from the wrist.

When it matters: When you want to control the watch or reply without typing.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Connectivity

1.9

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Cellular module

What it is: Built-in mobile connectivity that can keep the watch online away from the phone.

When it matters: When you want calls, messages, or data without your phone nearby.

Importance: HIGH

SIM cards

What it is: The number or type of SIM options the watch accepts for cellular service.

When it matters: When you want calls, messages, or data without your phone nearby.

Importance: LOW

Good value: eSIM support

?

GPS

What it is: Built-in satellite positioning that lets the watch record location during outdoor activity.

When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.

Importance: HIGH

Galileo support

What it is: Support for Galileo satellites alongside other positioning systems.

When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Compass

What it is: A directional sensor that helps the watch determine heading and orientation.

When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Display & Design

7.6

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Screen size

What it is: The diagonal measurement of the visible display area, usually expressed in inches.

When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1.5 inch

Display type

What it is: The screen technology used by the watch, such as AMOLED, OLED, or memory-in-pixel LCD.

When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

Importance: HIGH

Resolution

What it is: The total number of pixels available on the watch display.

When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=416 x 416

Pixel density

What it is: The number of pixels packed into each inch of the display.

When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=326 ppi

Display brightness

What it is: The peak brightness the display can reach, usually expressed in nits.

When it matters: When you want the screen to stay readable outdoors and in strong sunlight.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1000 nits

?

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Hardware

5.8

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CPU speed

What it is: The clock speed of the watch processor, usually expressed in GHz or MHz.

When it matters: When you want apps and menus to feel smooth.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Modern standard

Processor model

What it is: The processor model is the chipset or SoC that powers the watch's performance, connectivity, and efficiency.

When it matters: When you care about app responsiveness, platform generation, and long-term feature support.

Importance: LOW

Good value: modern smartwatch chipset

?

RAM

What it is: The amount of working memory available for apps, watch faces, and background tasks.

When it matters: When you want apps and menus to feel smooth.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=1 GB

Internal storage

What it is: Built-in storage for apps, music, watch faces, and other local data.

When it matters: When you want more room for apps, music, or offline data.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8 GB

External memory slot

What it is: A slot for expandable storage such as a memory card, if the watch provides one.

When it matters: When you want more room for apps, music, or offline data.

Importance: LOW

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Samsung Gear 2 vs the average smartwatch

Why is Samsung Gear 2 better than the average smartwatch?

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Better camera setup
Samsung Gear 2 supports camera, the average smartwatch does not. 2% of smartwatches support camera.
Rear camera.
What it is: Whether the watch includes a camera for photos, video, or calling.
When it matters: When you want to take photos or video calls from the watch itself.
Importance: LOW
Samsung Gear 2 supports camera, the average smartwatch does not. 2% of smartwatches support camera.
Supports Emergency SOS
Samsung Gear 2 includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.4% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
What it is: An emergency feature that can contact help or alert trusted people from the watch.
When it matters: When you want extra help in an emergency.
Importance: HIGH
Samsung Gear 2 includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.4% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
Supports third-party apps
Samsung Gear 2 supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Support is limited to official app stores/approved app selection.
What it is: Support for installing or using apps from developers beyond the watch maker.
When it matters: When you care about apps, features, and long-term support.
Importance: MEDIUM
Samsung Gear 2 supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Has rugged design
Samsung Gear 2 has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 34.5% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
Rugged design supported by MIL-STD/military-grade durability claim.
What it is: A build style aimed at tougher environments, impacts, and harsher outdoor use.
When it matters: When you wear the watch in rain, sweat, or water.
Importance: MEDIUM
Samsung Gear 2 has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 34.5% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
Supports calorie tracking
Samsung Gear 2 supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 43.8% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
What it is: Estimated calorie burn based on movement, heart data, and user profile inputs.
When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.
Importance: MEDIUM
Samsung Gear 2 supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 43.8% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
0.23 inch larger screen size
Samsung Gear 2 has a larger screen size than the average smartwatch (1.6 inch vs 1.40 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
What it is: The diagonal measurement of the visible display area, usually expressed in inches.
When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >=1.5 inch
Samsung Gear 2 has a larger screen size than the average smartwatch (1.6 inch vs 1.40 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.1.63 inch vs 1.40 inch
More advanced operating system
Samsung Gear 2 runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Tizen vs Proprietary OS).
What it is: The software platform that runs the watch interface, apps, and core functions.
When it matters: When you care about apps, features, and long-term support.
Importance: HIGH
Samsung Gear 2 runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Tizen vs Proprietary OS).Tizen vs Proprietary OS
1 more microphones
Samsung Gear 2 has more microphones than the average smartwatch (2 vs 1). The average smartwatch includes 1 microphones.
What it is: The count of microphones built into the watch.
When it matters: When you want audio, calls, or voice features on the watch itself.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2
Samsung Gear 2 has more microphones than the average smartwatch (2 vs 1). The average smartwatch includes 1 microphones.2 vs 1
Supports calorie tracking
Samsung Gear 2 supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 43.8% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
Has weight tracking
Samsung Gear 2 supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.2% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
Supports water intake tracking
Samsung Gear 2 tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 48.2% of smartwatches track water intake.
Better battery type
Samsung Gear 2 uses a Li-Po battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-ion.
63 mAh larger battery capacity
Samsung Gear 2 has a larger battery capacity than the average smartwatch (363 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
10 h longer training battery life
Samsung Gear 2 lasts longer in training mode than the average smartwatch (30 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
Has rugged design
Samsung Gear 2 has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 34.5% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
0.23 inch larger screen size
Samsung Gear 2 has a larger screen size than the average smartwatch (1.6 inch vs 1.40 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
1.6 mm thinner watch body
Samsung Gear 2 is thinner than the average smartwatch (10 mm vs 11.60 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.60 mm.
Better case material
Samsung Gear 2 uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
Supports Emergency SOS
Samsung Gear 2 includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.4% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
Supports third-party apps
Samsung Gear 2 supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
More advanced operating system
Samsung Gear 2 runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Tizen vs Proprietary OS).
Better camera setup
Samsung Gear 2 supports camera, the average smartwatch does not. 2% of smartwatches support camera.
1 more microphones
Samsung Gear 2 has more microphones than the average smartwatch (2 vs 1). The average smartwatch includes 1 microphones.

Display & Design

Why is Samsung Gear 2 worse than the average smartwatch?

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No blood oxygen
Samsung Gear 2 does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 64.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
No cycle tracking
Samsung Gear 2 does not support menstrual cycle tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.6% of smartwatches support menstrual cycle tracking.
No smart scales
Samsung Gear 2 does not support smart scale compatibility, the average smartwatch does. 56.8% of smartwatches support smart scale compatibility.
No auto activity detection
Samsung Gear 2 does not support automatic activity detection, the average smartwatch does. 85.5% of smartwatches support automatic activity detection.
No swim mode
Samsung Gear 2 does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 74.9% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
Not suitable for swim tracking.
No routes
Samsung Gear 2 does not support route support, the average smartwatch does. 50.4% of smartwatches support route support.
76 fewer exercise profiles
Samsung Gear 2 supports fewer exercise modes than the average smartwatch (4 vs 80). The average smartwatch supports 80 exercise modes.
4.25 day/s shorter battery life
Samsung Gear 2 offers 2.8 day/s of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 day/s.
Average of the reported 2-3 day normal-use range.
No GPS
Samsung Gear 2 does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
Less complete iOS compatibility
Samsung Gear 2 offers less complete iOS compatibility than the average smartwatch (no vs yes).
none
Older Bluetooth version
Samsung Gear 2 supports an older Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4 vs 5.0). The average smartwatch uses 5.0.
49 m lower waterproof depth
Samsung Gear 2 has a shallower waterproof rating than the average smartwatch (1 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch reaches 50 m.
0.1 ATM class (ISO 22810 shallow-water rating, not diving certification).
Lower IP rating
Samsung Gear 2 has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IP67 vs IP68).
No ambient light sensor
Samsung Gear 2 does not include an ambient light sensor, the average smartwatch does. 60.5% of smartwatches include an ambient light sensor.
23 g heavier weight
Samsung Gear 2 is heavier than the average smartwatch (68 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45 g.
48 ppi lower pixel density
Samsung Gear 2 has a lower pixel density than the average smartwatch (278 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch display reaches 326 ppi.
Lower resolution
Samsung Gear 2 has a display resolution of 320x320, while the average smartwatch reaches 352x430.
No smart alarm
Samsung Gear 2 does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support this feature.
No native smart alarm; third-party app required.
No gesture control
Samsung Gear 2 does not support gesture control, the average smartwatch does. 78.1% of smartwatches support gesture control.
0.5 GB less RAM
Samsung Gear 2 has less RAM than the average smartwatch (0.5 GB vs 1 GB). The average smartwatch includes 1 GB of RAM.
3 MP lower main megapixels
Samsung Gear 2 has a lower main camera resolution than the average smartwatch (2 MP vs 5 MP). The average smartwatch camera reaches 5 MP.
7 year/s older release date
Samsung Gear 2 is an older model than the average smartwatch (2014 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
April 2014
No GPS
Samsung Gear 2 does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
What it is: Built-in satellite positioning that lets the watch record location during outdoor activity.
When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.
Importance: HIGH
Samsung Gear 2 does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
No blood oxygen
Samsung Gear 2 does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 64.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
What it is: A wrist-based feature that estimates blood oxygen saturation over time.
When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.
Importance: HIGH
Samsung Gear 2 does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 64.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
49 m lower waterproof depth
Samsung Gear 2 has a shallower waterproof rating than the average smartwatch (1 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch reaches 50 m.
0.1 ATM class (ISO 22810 shallow-water rating, not diving certification).
What it is: The stated depth or water-resistance class the watch is rated to withstand.
When it matters: When you wear the watch in rain, sweat, or water.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >=50 m
Samsung Gear 2 has a shallower waterproof rating than the average smartwatch (1 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch reaches 50 m.1 m vs 50 m
No auto activity detection
Samsung Gear 2 does not support automatic activity detection, the average smartwatch does. 85.5% of smartwatches support automatic activity detection.
What it is: The ability to recognize certain workouts automatically without manual start.
When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.
Importance: MEDIUM
Samsung Gear 2 does not support automatic activity detection, the average smartwatch does. 85.5% of smartwatches support automatic activity detection.
Lower IP rating
Samsung Gear 2 has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IP67 vs IP68).
What it is: A standardized ingress-protection code showing how well the watch resists dust and water.
When it matters: When you wear the watch in rain, sweat, or water.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: IP68 or better
Samsung Gear 2 has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IP67 vs IP68).IP67 vs IP68
Less complete iOS compatibility
Samsung Gear 2 offers less complete iOS compatibility than the average smartwatch (no vs yes).
none
What it is: Shows how well the smartwatch works with iPhone pairing, syncing, and core features.
When it matters: When you use an iPhone and want the watch to pair, sync, and keep its main features working properly.
Importance: MEDIUM
Samsung Gear 2 offers less complete iOS compatibility than the average smartwatch (no vs yes).
No swim mode
Samsung Gear 2 does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 74.9% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
Not suitable for swim tracking.
What it is: A dedicated workout mode tuned for pool or open-water swimming.
When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.
Importance: MEDIUM
Samsung Gear 2 does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 74.9% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
No smart alarm
Samsung Gear 2 does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support this feature.
No native smart alarm; third-party app required.
What it is: A smart alarm tries to wake you during a lighter sleep phase within a chosen time window instead of at one fixed minute.
When it matters: It matters if you wear your smartwatch overnight and want a gentler wake-up based on your sleep pattern rather than a standard fixed alarm.
Importance: LOW
Samsung Gear 2 does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support this feature.

Display & Design

Graphic comparison of Samsung Gear 2 and other Smartwatches

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: April 2026)

What customers like about Samsung Gear 2?

Vibrant and sharp Super AMOLED display
Improved slim and lightweight design with a brushed metal finish
Interchangeable 22mm watch straps allowing for personalization
IP67 water and dust resistance, making it durable for daily wear
Longer battery life compared to the original, lasting roughly 3 days per charge
Integrated 2MP camera now built into the watch body instead of the strap
Built-in IR blaster for controlling home entertainment devices like TVs

What customers dislike about Samsung Gear 2?

Restricted compatibility limited to a specific list of Samsung Galaxy devices
Limited selection of high-quality third-party apps in the Tizen ecosystem
Expensive price point, especially compared to the camera-less Gear 2 Neo
Inconsistent heart rate monitor and fitness tracking data accuracy
S Voice voice-recognition feature is often slow and inaccurate
Requires a proprietary clip-on charging dongle that is easy to lose
Syncing issues between the watch and the S Health mobile application

Expert reviews

stuff.tv

26/10/2021

Summary of the review

Samsung Gear 2 review | Stuff

The Samsung Gear 2 improves upon its predecessor with a refined, IP67 water-resistant design featuring a 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display and a more intuitive, camera-integrated body. Key pros include a responsive Tizen OS, a two-to-three-day battery life, and added functionality like a heart rate monitor and IR blaster. However, the device is hindered by its strict Samsung ecosystem limitation, a high price point, and a small app ecosystem, with some features still feeling gimmicky.

au.pcmag.com

13/06/2018

Summary of the review

Samsung Gear 2 Review - PCMag Australia

The Samsung Gear 2, reviewed by PCMag, is a refined, "fully realized" successor to the original Galaxy Gear, featuring a brushed metal design, an IP67 rating, a heart-rate monitor, and an IR blaster. Its 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display is a standout feature, and the device allows for interchangeable 22mm watchbands. The smartwatch is powered by Tizen OS, providing a responsive interface for fitness tracking and music playback. PCMag UKWhile performance is fluid, the Gear 2’s battery life is limited to roughly two to three days. A significant drawback is its ecosystem lock, restricting compatibility solely to Samsung smartphones. Furthermore, the app ecosystem is sparse and the $299.99 price point is high. PCMag concludes that the camera is mostly superfluous, noting that the $100 cheaper Gear 2 Neo offers better value for Samsung users.

wired.com

15/04/2014

Summary of the review

Samsung Gear 2 smartwatch review - WIRED

The Samsung Gear 2 represents a significant evolution in wearable tech, utilizing Tizen OS for a smoother interface and improved three-day battery life. Key refinements include a slimmer, water-resistant chassis, a better-placed 2-megapixel camera, and an IR blaster, all contributing to a more functional, premium device. However, the, watch is limited by a sparse app ecosystem, exclusivity to Samsung smartphones, and a high price tag.

oklahoman.com

10/06/2014

Summary of the review

REVIEW: Samsung Galaxy Gear 2: A pretty, frustrating experience

The Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 is praised for its design improvements, featuring a sleeker aesthetic, a vibrant Super AMOLED screen, a relocated camera, a heart rate monitor, and an IR blaster. However, the experience is severely hindered by the Tizen operating system's lack of apps, a frustrating user interface, and strict compatibility requirements with specific Samsung smartphones. Priced at $299, the device is considered a premature product that offers limited practical utility, making it a difficult recommendation for consumers, says The Oklahoman.

androidcentral.com

28/05/2014

Summary of the review

Samsung Gear 2, Gear 2 Neo and Gear Fit review

The Android Central review highlights the Gear 2, Gear 2 Neo, and Gear Fit as Tizen-based improvements over the original Galaxy Gear, featuring vibrant Super AMOLED screens, 2-3 day battery life, and IP67 water resistance. While the Gear 2 and Neo offer premium build, IR blasters, and music storage, the Gear Fit targets fitness users with a unique, slim, curved design. Significant drawbacks include compatibility restricted solely to Samsung Galaxy devices, inconsistent heart-rate tracking, and frustrating proprietary charging cradles.

whistleout.com.au

06/06/2014

Summary of the review

Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 Review: a step in the right direction

The WhistleOut review of the Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 highlights it as a significant, more refined, and comfortable improvement over its predecessor, featuring a relocated speaker, IP67 water resistance, and the ability to swap bands. Key functionality includes an integrated IR blaster and a customizable home button, though the device suffers from a lackluster 2-megapixel camera and limited software customization. While a well-made, early-generation device, the Gear 2 ultimately falls short of being essential due to a two-day battery life and functions that often feel less efficient than using a smartphone.

wareable.com

04/08/2014

Summary of the review

Samsung Gear 2 review - Wareable

The Samsung Gear 2 features a premium, refined design with a 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display, swappable straps, and functional additions like an IR blaster, camera, and heart rate monitor. Despite improved battery life, the device is restricted by high costs, a closed Samsung ecosystem, and a 2MP camera with poor resolution. While offering solid, 3-4 day battery performance, it requires a finicky charging adapter and significantly drains connected smartphones, making its high price hard to justify. Wareable

techradar.com

18/02/2015

Summary of the review

Samsung Gear 2 review

The Samsung Gear 2 features a improved design with a camera on the body, 22mm strap compatibility, and superior Tizen OS performance over the original, while offering 2-3 day battery life. It includes a 1.63-inch Super AMOLED screen, a heart rate monitor, and an IR blaster, though it remains bulky and locked to the Samsung ecosystem. Key drawbacks include inconsistent heart rate tracking during exercise, a high price point, and a limited app ecosystem. For more, visit TechRadar.

theverge.com

09/06/2014

Summary of the review

Samsung Gear 2 review

In a June 2014 review for The Verge, Dan Seifert notes that the Samsung Gear 2 offers superior hardware over its predecessor, featuring a metal design with a 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display and 22mm interchangeable bands. Powered by Tizen OS, it achieves 2.5 days of battery life, though its "parlor trick" features like the IR blaster and heart rate monitor provide limited utility. Despite improvements, the device remains locked to Samsung smartphones and relies on a cumbersome, easy-to-lose charging adapter. The review highlights that the $299 price tag is steep for a device with limited apps, clunky voice controls (S Voice), and restricted ecosystem integration. While praising the vibrant screen, design, and improved battery, the critique focuses on the lack of essential, daily-use functionality. Ultimately, the Gear 2 is deemed a "better product" but not a "better buy," suggesting users wait for broader Android Wear options.

cnet.com

07/05/2014

Summary of the review

Samsung Gear 2 review: A smartwatch that tries to be everything

The Samsung Gear 2, running on the Tizen OS, features a refined, water-resistant design with a 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display, a 2-megapixel camera, a heart rate monitor, and an IR blaster. Pros include a vastly improved notification system, standalone music playback, and a battery life lasting over three days. However, the device is limited to Samsung-only compatibility, with flawed S-Health syncing and an often inaccurate heart rate sensor during exercise. CNETWhile technically impressive, the Gear 2 is deemed a niche product with a limited app library and a high $299 price tag, partly due to an unnecessary camera. For most users, opting for the cheaper Gear 2 Neo or waiting for Android Wear platforms is recommended. CNET

curved.de

23/01/2023

Summary of the review

Samsung Gear 2 Review: A Smartwatch Instead of a Wristwatch

The Samsung Gear 2 represents a refined follow-up to the original Galaxy Gear, transitioning to the Tizen OS to deliver superior performance, improved battery life, and a more intuitive user experience. Key hardware upgrades include a relocated camera and a physical home button, paired with an IP67 rating for water resistance. While it boasts a high-quality AMOLED screen and useful features like an IR blaster, it is hindered by strict Samsung-only compatibility and a limited app ecosystem compared to competitors. Ultimately, the device is considered a well-built but niche accessory, notes the reviewed content.

focus.de

18/06/2015

Summary of the review

Samsung Galaxy Gear 2: Smartwatch Review - FOCUS online

The Samsung Galaxy Gear 2, as reviewed by FOCUS Online, is a refined successor to the original, featuring a sleeker 10mm design with a brushed metal finish, a 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display, and a more intuitive central home button. Moving to Tizen OS, the smartwatch offers improved performance, IP67 water/dust resistance, and a 2-3 day battery life, with added functionality through an infrared transmitter and a heart rate monitor. Key advantages include its high-quality display and improved design, though it is limited by restricted compatibility with specific Samsung devices, a small app ecosystem, and a high price point.

hardwareluxx.de

13/05/2014

Summary of the review

Samsung Gear 2 Review - Hardwareluxx

The Samsung Gear 2 represents a significant evolutionary step over its predecessor by adopting the Tizen OS, resulting in a more fluid interface housed in a refined, IP67-certified metal chassis. Key improvements include a 2-megapixel camera integrated into the watch body and support for interchangeable 22mm straps. The device also adds practical features like a heart rate monitor and an IR blaster for TV control, while the 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display offers excellent visibility. Battery life has improved to two to three days, though a proprietary charger is required. Despite these advancements, the Gear 2 is limited by restrictive compatibility with select Samsung Galaxy devices and a sparse app ecosystem. Furthermore, the camera is often viewed as a gimmick, leading to suggestions that the cheaper, camera-less Gear 2 Neo is a more practical alternative.

tuttoandroid.net

31/07/2014

Summary of the review

Samsung Gear 2 Review - TuttoAndroid

The Samsung Gear 2 represents a significant evolution from the original Galaxy Gear, featuring a shift to Tizen OS, a refined design with IP67 certification, and a 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display. Key improvements include a fluid, responsive interface, a built-in heart rate sensor, IR blaster for TV control, and a practical battery life of 2 to 3 days. Despite these improvements, the review highlights drawbacks, particularly the limited ecosystem, with functionality restricted to specific Samsung Galaxy devices, and a Tizen app store that lacks third-party depth. Additionally, the device requires a bulky charging cradle and features a sluggish S Voice assistant. Ultimately, the Gear 2 is praised for its elegant, interchangeable strap design and high-quality construction, positioning it as a top contender among 2014-era smartwatches. Its appeal is, however, strictly limited to the Samsung ecosystem and constrained by a high launch price.

smartworld.it

18/06/2014

Summary of the review

Samsung Gear 2 review (photos and video) - SmartWorld

The SmartWorld review highlights the Samsung Gear 2 as a significant refinement over its predecessor, featuring a premium metal design with a 1.63-inch Super AMOLED screen, an IR blaster, a heart rate monitor, and a 2MP camera now located on the watch body. The Tizen-powered smartwatch offers improved two-to-three-day battery life, IP67 water resistance, and compatibility with custom 22mm bands. However, key drawbacks include limited compatibility strictly with specific Samsung Galaxy devices, a lack of third-party apps, and a high price point.

androidplanet.nl

01/04/2014

Summary of the review

Samsung Gear 2 - Android Planet Review & Specifications

The Samsung Gear 2 features a refined design with a 1.63-inch Super AMOLED screen, an IP67 water-resistant rating, and a 2MP camera, allowing for custom 22mm watch straps. Moving to Tizen OS, the device offers a smoother experience and superior 2-3 day battery life, though it remains restricted to select Samsung Galaxy devices. While the watch excels in notifications, fitness tracking, and as a TV remote via its infrared sensor, its high price tag and limited ecosystem hinder its general appeal.

androidworld.nl

24/04/2014

Summary of the review

Samsung Gear 2, the best smartwatch with a price tag too high

The Samsung Gear 2 represents a significant improvement over its predecessor with a more refined design, featuring interchangeable straps and a camera moved to the watch body. Key enhancements include a physical home button, a heart rate monitor, and a brighter, more vivid 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display that, along with IP67 water and dust resistance, elevates its utility. Transitioning to the Tizen operating system enables a more efficient, 2-to-3-day battery life, addressing a major drawback of the original model. However, the device is limited by its exclusive compatibility with Samsung Galaxy devices. Additionally, the app ecosystem is thin and the 2-megapixel camera is considered a gimmick. The high price tag and occasionally inconsistent heart rate tracking during intense exercise are noted as further drawbacks. While the Gear 2 offers better performance and design, these limitations prevent it from being essential for all users.

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