OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartwatches Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v3.0

Samsung Gear Live review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£180Screen size:1.63 inchBattery life:1 daysDisplay type:AMOLED

Samsung Gear Live Review: Compare 127 technical specifications and 60 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Samsung Gear Live
6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
Score components

35%

5.3

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

5.3

Reviews score

10%

9.0

Sentiment score

â–¼Worse than 75% of smartwatches
7.3

Value for money

Value for money
7.3/ 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 79% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

â–¼Worse than 79%
5.3

Technical score

Technical score
5.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Score components

24%

2.5

Health

21%

7.0

Fitness

16%

4.9

Battery

14%

6.9

Smart features

12%

6.3

Connectivity

9%

6.8

Display & Design

4%

2.8

Hardware

â–¼Worse than 77%
5.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.3/ 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. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models

5.3

Mark 7.4 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.0

Average grade

20%

9.2

Popularity

Grades by review (60)
36 reviews + 24 videos, average 6.9/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 84%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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samsung-gear-live
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Samsung Gear Live

Based on 10 · 11

Reviewers like the screen, voice controls and comfortable fit, but almost all complain about poor battery life.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Samsung Gear Live

Based on 36 owners sharing their experience in online comments

53%positive22%mixed25%negative

Owners appreciate the handy wrist features, though limited software and charging reliability remain the main frustrations.

What owners dislike

  • Owners say Android Wear mostly shows notifications and Google searches, and that Google Now only searches websites instead of answering questions.4
  • A few owners report only about 10 hours from a full charge, and call battery life the main weak spot.3
  • Owners say the charging dock broke within weeks, and one replaced the charger three times yet the watch still would not hold a charge.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Samsung Gear Live

Technical score
Technical score
5.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Score components:

24%

2.5

Health

21%

7.0

Fitness

16%

4.9

Battery

14%

6.9

Smart features

12%

6.3

Connectivity

9%

6.8

Display & Design

4%

2.8

Hardware

5.3
Reviews score
5.3
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 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 79% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

7.3
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 9.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 69.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 18.2% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
no
This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
HRV tracking
no
This smartwatch does not support HRV tracking. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.5% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
no
This smartwatch does not include a barometer. 53.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 28.9% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
no
This smartwatch does not include a cadence sensor. 32.9% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 3.7% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
Battery life
1 day
Market range: <1 day – >20 days
This smartwatch lasts 1 day on a charge, which is shorter than 88.1% of Smartwatches and the same as 8.1% of Smartwatches.
Up to 48 days in standby.
Battery life in training mode
24 h
Market range: <6 h – >48 h
This smartwatch records workouts for 24 h on a charge, which is longer than 56.5% of Smartwatches and the same as 4.7% of Smartwatches.
24-48 hours depending on usage and settings, no specified training mode.
Battery life with GPS on
?
Battery power
300 mAh
Market range: <200 mAh – >500 mAh
This smartwatch has a 300 mAh battery, which is smaller than 51.8% of Smartwatches and the same as 6.3% of Smartwatches.
Battery capacity varies by case size/model variant.
Charge time
120 min
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges from empty in 120 min, which is quicker than 13.3% of Smartwatches and the same as 44.6% of Smartwatches.
Approximate value from reported charging range: 120 minutes.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Wear OS
This smartwatch runs Wear OS, which is more advanced than the system in 80.1% of Smartwatches and equal to 15.8% of Smartwatches.
OS detail: Android Wear (4.4).
Software update frequency
?
Third-party app support
yes
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 48.5% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 30.8% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 16.7% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
yes
This smartwatch supports GPS. 40.3% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
no
This smartwatch does not support Galileo navigation. 43.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Dual-frequency GPS
no
This smartwatch does not support dual-frequency GPS. 15.1% of Smartwatches offer this.
Show more
Screen size
1.63 inch
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.83 inch
This smartwatch has a 1.63 inch screen, which is larger than 77.1% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.4% of Smartwatches.
Display type
AMOLED
This smartwatch uses AMOLED, which is more advanced than the screen in 46.9% of Smartwatches and equal to 53.1% of Smartwatches.
Resolution
320x 320
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 320x320 which is lower than that of 59.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 2.4% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
278 ppi
Market range: <213 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 278 ppi, which is lower than 72.7% of Smartwatches and equal to 0.6% of Smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
1 GHz
This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 1 GHz which is faster than that in 30.1% of smartwatches and equal to that in 30.1% of smartwatches.
Derived from core-count and per-core clock notation
Processor model
Snapdragon 400
This smartwatch uses the Snapdragon 400 processor model.
RAM
0.5 GB
Market range: <0.5 GB – >2 GB
This smartwatch has 0.5 GB of RAM, which is less than 71.8% of Smartwatches and equal to 22.7% of Smartwatches.
Internal storage
4 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch has 4 GB of internal storage, which is more than 39.8% of Smartwatches and equal to 25.5% of Smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more
What reviewers say

Samsung Gear Live vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Wear OS vs Proprietary OS).
    OS detail: Android Wear (4.4).
    Wear OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 34.4% of smartwatches support maps.
    Maps via Google Maps app.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 46.6% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
    Supported through third-party apps or Wear OS/Tizen workarounds.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.5% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Calorie tracking
    This smartwatch supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 48.7% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
  • 2.8 mm slimmer
    This smartwatch is slimmer than the average smartwatch (8.9 mm vs 11.7 mm). The average smartwatch is 11.7 mm thick.
    8.9 mm vs 11.7 mm
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass vs mineral glass
  • Water intake tracking
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44.1% of smartwatches track water intake.
    Water intake tracking may require manual logging in a companion app or widget.
  • 20.0% higher sentiment score
    9.0 vs 7.5
  • Calorie tracking
    This smartwatch supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 48.7% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
  • Water intake tracking
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44.1% of smartwatches track water intake.
    Water intake tracking may require manual logging in a companion app or widget.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 46.6% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
    Supported through third-party apps or Wear OS/Tizen workarounds.
  • 4 h longer training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts longer in training mode than the average smartwatch (24 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h in training mode.
    24-48 hours depending on usage and settings, no specified training mode.
    24 h vs 20 h
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 34.4% of smartwatches support maps.
    Maps via Google Maps app.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.5% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • 2.8 mm slimmer
    This smartwatch is slimmer than the average smartwatch (8.9 mm vs 11.7 mm). The average smartwatch is 11.7 mm thick.
    8.9 mm vs 11.7 mm
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass vs mineral glass
  • 0.23 inch larger display
    This smartwatch has a larger screen than the average smartwatch (1.6 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    1.63 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Wear OS vs Proprietary OS).
    OS detail: Android Wear (4.4).
    Wear OS vs Proprietary OS
  • 1 more microphones
    This smartwatch has more microphones than the average smartwatch (2 vs 1). The average smartwatch has 1 microphones.
    2 vs 1
  • No VO2 max measurement
    This smartwatch does not measure VO2 max, the average smartwatch does. 51.3% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 69.6% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 68.7% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No multi-sport mode
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 71.7% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • 49 m shallower water rating
    This smartwatch is rated for shallower water than the average smartwatch (1 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch is rated to 50 m.
    Based on IP immersion rating (controlled lab conditions, not a swim/diving certification).
    1 m vs 50 m
  • No automatic activity detection
    This smartwatch does not support automatic activity detection, the average smartwatch does. 81.8% of smartwatches support automatic activity detection.
  • No barometer
    This smartwatch does not include a barometer, the average smartwatch does. 53.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • 24.3% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.3/ 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. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models

    5.3

    Mark 7.4 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.0

    Average grade

    20%

    9.2

    Popularity

    Grades by review (60)
    36 reviews + 24 videos, average 6.9/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.3 vs 7.0
  • 6.2% worse value for money
    Samsung Gear Live has a lower value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (7.31 vs 7.8).
    7.31 vs 7.76
  • 63.6% more expensive
    Samsung Gear Live is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£180 vs £110).
    £180 vs £110
  • No VO2 max measurement
    This smartwatch does not measure VO2 max, the average smartwatch does. 51.3% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 69.6% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 68.7% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No sleep tracking
    This smartwatch does not support sleep tracking, the average smartwatch does. 93.8% of smartwatches support sleep tracking.
  • No cycle tracking
    This smartwatch does not support menstrual cycle tracking, the average smartwatch does. 66.8% of smartwatches support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • 7 years older
    This smartwatch was released earlier than the average smartwatch (2014 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    June 2014
    2014 vs 2021
  • No multi-sport mode
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 71.7% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • No automatic activity detection
    This smartwatch does not support automatic activity detection, the average smartwatch does. 81.8% of smartwatches support automatic activity detection.
  • No barometer
    This smartwatch does not include a barometer, the average smartwatch does. 53.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • No coaching features
    This smartwatch does not support coaching, the average smartwatch does. 58.8% of smartwatches support coaching.
  • No swim mode
    This smartwatch does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 76.9% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
  • 6 days shorter battery life
    This smartwatch runs for less time per charge than the average smartwatch (1 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    Up to 48 days in standby.
    1 days vs 7 days
  • Basic battery type
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • Less current Bluetooth version
    This smartwatch uses a less current Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4 vs 5).
    4 vs 5
  • 49 m shallower water rating
    This smartwatch is rated for shallower water than the average smartwatch (1 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch is rated to 50 m.
    Based on IP immersion rating (controlled lab conditions, not a swim/diving certification).
    1 m vs 50 m
  • Weaker ingress protection
    This smartwatch has weaker ingress protection than the average smartwatch (IP67 vs IP68).
    IP67 vs IP68
  • No ambient light sensor
    This smartwatch does not include an ambient light sensor, the average smartwatch does. 63.5% of smartwatches include an ambient light sensor.
  • 14 g heavier
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (59 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45 g.
    59 g vs 45 g
  • 11.4 mm taller case
    This smartwatch has a taller case than the average smartwatch (56.4 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch is 45 mm tall.
    56.4 mm vs 45 mm
  • Less practical form
    This smartwatch uses a rectangular form, while the average smartwatch uses round.
    rectangular vs round
  • 48 ppi less sharp screen
    This smartwatch has a less sharp screen than the average smartwatch (278 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi.
    278 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • 10 °C lower heat tolerance
    This smartwatch tolerates a lower temperature than the average smartwatch (35 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch is rated up to 45 °C.
    35 °C vs 45 °C
  • Lower resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 320x320, while the average smartwatch reaches 360x360.
    320x320 vs 360x360
  • No call answering
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 60% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 50% less RAM
    This smartwatch has less RAM than the average smartwatch (0.5 GB vs 1 GB). The average smartwatch has 1 GB of RAM.
    0.5 GB vs 1 GB

Video reviews

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

5.0
Carlos Nieves (Irongiant369)
≈ estimated
24/03/2016
Owner review · several months of daily use
Verdict
Samsung Gear Live looks nice and shows notifications well, but limited features and a short battery make it hard to recommend at this price.
4.0
GottaBeMobile
≈ estimated
23/09/2014
Hands-on review · voice, screen and everyday use
Verdict
Samsung Gear Live is durable and comfortable, but unreliable voice control and a geeky look hold it back.
6.0
Samsung Gear Live Review
≈ estimated
12/08/2014
Hands-on review · fitness, battery and wearing comfort
Verdict
Samsung Gear Live is mixed: good heart rate and Android Wear, but weak battery life and a screen that's hard to read in daylight.
8.0
Pedals & Pixels
≈ estimated
07/08/2014
Long-term use · daily wear, voice commands and app tests
Verdict
Samsung Gear Live is practical for notifications and voice questions, best suited to gadget enthusiasts who accept early software.
7.0
Android Authority
≈ estimated
25/07/2014
Hands-on review · design, charging and Android Wear software
Verdict
Samsung Gear Live has an attractive screen and design, but the heart rate monitor adds little and Android Wear is still immature.
5.0
Pocketnow
≈ estimated
15/07/2014
Hands-on review · usability, battery and software tests
Verdict
Samsung Gear Live is attractive and capable, but Android Wear's early flaws make it hardly a must-buy.
5.5
Jon Rettinger
✓ explicit
15/07/2014
Five-day daily-use review · notifications, battery and charger
Verdict
Samsung Gear Live is a pleasant showcase for Android Wear, but hard to recommend right now given limited app support.
7.0
PhoneArena
≈ estimated
09/07/2014
Hands-on review · daily use and feature tests
Verdict
Samsung Gear Live has an elegant design and decent hardware, but Android Wear holds it back from elite status.
8.0
GottaBeMobile
≈ estimated
08/07/2014
Hands-on review · a few days of use
Verdict
Samsung Gear Live looks great and feels solid, but the battery lasts about a day and customisation is limited.
7.0
MakeUseOf
≈ estimated
08/02/2015
Short review · daily use and price verdict
Verdict
Samsung Gear Live is only worth buying at a low price, since better Android Wear watches cost more.
8.0
LPX Tech
≈ estimated
24/11/2014
Unboxing and first impressions · setup and first look
Verdict
Samsung Gear Live feels comfortable and light, with a clean screen, though the full review is still to come.
7.0
ZONEofTECH
≈ estimated
26/07/2014
Unboxing · first look and setup
Verdict
Samsung Gear Live is the Android Wear watch to pick, despite a weak plastic strap.
More graded video reviews (10)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
gizmodo.com
≈ estimated
01/07/2014
Hands-on review · Android Wear
Verdict
The Samsung Gear Live is a good first Android Wear watch, with a sharp screen and strong Google integration, but it still needs more software polish.
6.7
cnet.com
✓ explicit
03/07/2014
Hands-on review · Android Wear
Verdict
The Samsung Gear Live looks good and understands Google voice commands well, but its poor battery and unfinished software make it one to wait on.
8.0
techcrunch.com
≈ estimated
03/07/2014
Hands-on review · Android Wear
Verdict
The Samsung Gear Live is the best Android Wear watch for most people for now, with a sharp screen, though its battery life is weak.
6.0
au.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
09/07/2014
Hands-on review · Android Wear
Verdict
The Samsung Gear Live is the better of the first Android Wear watches thanks to its heart rate sensor and sharper screen, but it is not a must-have.
6.0
wired.com
✓ explicit
10/07/2014
Daily-life review · Android Wear
Verdict
The Samsung Gear Live is a handy way to send short voice texts from your wrist, but its battery is poor and it can't play sound.
6.0
t3.com
✓ explicit
15/07/2014
Hands-on review · Android Wear
Verdict
The Samsung Gear Live is a sleeker Android Wear watch with a heart rate monitor, but its battery is poor, so it suits early adopters.
8.0
androidauthority.com
≈ estimated
30/07/2014
Full review · Android Wear
Verdict
The Samsung Gear Live is a very good first Android Wear watch with a vivid display and fast performance, but its battery falls short for heavy users.
7.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
13/08/2014
Full review · Android Wear watch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear Live is the best Android Wear watch so far, a convenience gadget for early adopters, but its one-day battery means most people should wait.
7.0
pocket-lint.com
✓ explicit
25/09/2014
Hands-on review · Android Wear
Verdict
The Samsung Gear Live is the best-looking Android Wear watch so far, but temperamental navigation and voice-led control mean it can't yet replace your phone.
6.0
techadvisor.com
✓ explicit
26/11/2014
Week-long test · Android Wear
Verdict
The Samsung Gear Live is comfortable and well built, but it needs charging every day and counts fewer steps than a Jawbone UP24, so skip it for now.
8.0
ubergizmo.com
✓ explicit
10/07/2014
Comparison review · Android Wear
Verdict
The Samsung Gear Live suits workouts thanks to its always-on screen, but it is the least comfortable of its rivals and lasts about a day.
7.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
21/07/2014
Hands-on review · Android Wear
Verdict
The Samsung Gear Live is the nicest-looking early Android Wear watch, with a bright screen, but battery life, app syncing and navigation hold it back.
7.0
wareable.com
≈ estimated
08/08/2014
Review · Android Wear
Verdict
The Samsung Gear Live is the best Android Wear watch until the Moto 360 arrives, with a sharp screen, but its battery and heart rate readings let it down.
T
techradar.com
13/08/2014
✓ explicit
7.0
Summary of the review
Samsung Gear Live review | TechRadar
N
newatlas.com
04/07/2014
≈ estimated
9.0
Summary of the review
Review: Samsung Gear Live smartwatch - New Atlas
L
livingdigitally.net
18/07/2014
≈ estimated
4.0
Summary of the review
A Watch Enthusiast's Review of the Samsung Gear Live with Android Wear
6.0
spiegel.de
≈ estimated
27/06/2014
Hands-on test · Android Wear watch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear Live is comfortable and bright, but Android Wear still works mainly as a phone companion, with weak voice recognition and few apps.
8.0
computerbild.de
≈ estimated
27/06/2014
Hands-on test · Android Wear
Verdict
The Samsung Gear Live is a sturdy, water-resistant Android Wear watch whose voice search works very well, but its design is plain and battery lasts about a day.
7.0
die-smartwatch.de
≈ estimated
Not Dated
Stress test · Android Wear
Verdict
The Samsung Gear Live is a sharp, comfortable Android Wear watch, but a battery that lasts a day with moderate use is its main limit.
5.8
01net.com
✓ explicit
22/09/2014
Full test · Android Wear
Verdict
The Samsung Gear Live grows on you with handy notifications and accurate voice commands, but its battery, a day and a half at most, is the weak point.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Samsung Gear Live

  • Clean, attractive metal body design that is slimmer and lighter than some early competitors
  • Bright and vibrant 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display with excellent sharpness and rich colours
  • Dependable and useful notification system for quickly managing emails, texts, and calls
  • Highly accurate and reliable Google Voice recognition for hands-free commands and dictation
  • Compatible with standard 22mm watch straps, allowing for easy customisation
  • Includes a built-in heart rate monitor and IP67 water and dust resistance

What customers don't like about Samsung Gear Live

  • Short battery life that typically requires daily charging, especially with heavy use or high brightness
  • Fiddly and clunky proprietary snap-on charging cradle that can be difficult to align
  • Poor screen visibility in direct sunlight, often requiring manual brightness adjustments
  • The default rubber strap and two-pronged clasp can be uncomfortable and feel insecure to some users
  • Lack of built-in speaker and ambient light sensor, limiting functionality and convenience
  • Limited app ecosystem and some software bugs typical of a first-generation device

Verdict

The Samsung Gear Live is an early Android Wear smartwatch featuring a vibrant 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display with a 320x320 resolution (278 ppi) and a sleek metal body. It is powered by a 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, 512MB of RAM, and 4GB of internal storage, while maintaining an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. Main characteristics include an always-on display, a built-in heart rate monitor, and a single physical power button. Its primary pros are its sharp, colorful screen, zippy performance, and the convenience of integrated Google Now voice commands. However, it suffers from significant cons, including poor battery life that typically lasts only one day, a lack of visibility in direct sunlight, and a cumbersome, proprietary snap-on charging cradle.

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