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 S review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£260Screen size:2.00 inchBattery life:2 daysDisplay type:AMOLED

Samsung Gear S Review: Compare 127 technical specifications and 82 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Samsung Gear S
7.4/10

Overall score

Score
7.4/ 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–² Better than 63% of models
Score components

35%

6.2

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

6.2

Reviews score

10%

10

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 63% of smartwatches
7.9

Value for money

Value for money
7.9/ 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–² Better than 56% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

â–²Better than 56%
6.2

Technical score

Technical score
6.2/ 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 53% of models
Score components

24%

3.7

Health

21%

7.9

Fitness

16%

4.8

Battery

14%

8.0

Smart features

12%

6.8

Connectivity

9%

7.7

Display & Design

4%

6.0

Hardware

â–¼Worse than 53%
6.2

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.2/ 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. 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 67% of models

6.2

Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.2

Average grade

20%

9.5

Popularity

Grades by review (82)
36 reviews + 46 videos, average 7.1/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 67%
?

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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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 S

Based on 10 · 10

Reviewers love making calls and using data without a phone plus the big screen, but most find battery life disappointing.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Samsung Gear S

Based on 220 owners sharing their experience in online comments

67%positive7%mixed26%negative

Owners love its phone-free calling, large curved screen, and distinctive look, but battery life and unreliable call forwarding frustrate them.

What owners dislike

  • Call forwarding to the watch often fails with a 'failed to forward' error, especially on some carriers and prepaid plans.13
  • Owners report the battery lasts only a few hours to a day, especially with notifications on, and some replacement batteries fail early.12
  • The watch has few apps and watch faces, and owners say Tizen limits customization and some features like Google Now are missing.8
  • The charging cradle's small clips break easily, and owners say replacement chargers are hard to find.6
  • Owners with non-Samsung or unsupported phones cannot complete setup, since the app needs a compatible Samsung-type phone.6
  • Owners find the watch bulky and dated-looking compared with round smartwatches, and say the build quality feels clunky.6
  • Owners say the watch can show WhatsApp notifications but cannot reply to them, and voice dictation for replies was removed.3
  • Remote connection drops when the phone is out of Bluetooth range, so the watch cannot reach the phone's calls.3
  • Owners say Samsung stopped supporting the watch and updates are uncertain, leaving it usable only as a standalone watch.3
  • Some owners report the watch gets stuck on a blinking light or won't reach the main menu, often on refurbished units.3

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

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Samsung Gear S

Technical score
Technical score
6.2/ 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 53% of models
Score components:

24%

3.7

Health

21%

7.9

Fitness

16%

4.8

Battery

14%

8.0

Smart features

12%

6.8

Connectivity

9%

7.7

Display & Design

4%

6.0

Hardware

6.2
Reviews score
6.2
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.9/ 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–² Better than 56% of models
Score components:

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

7.9
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% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
?
HRV tracking
no
This smartwatch does not support HRV tracking. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
Show more
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
What reviewers say
Battery life
2 days
Market range: <1 day – >20 days
This smartwatch lasts 2 days on a charge, which is shorter than 81.2% of Smartwatches and the same as 4.4% of Smartwatches.
Up to 3-4 days in power-saving.
Battery life in training mode
19.5 h
Market range: <6 h – >48 h
This smartwatch records workouts for 19.5 h on a charge, which is shorter than 52.2% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.2% of Smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
4 h
Market range: <6 h – >46 h
This smartwatch lasts 4 h with GPS on, which is shorter than 95.3% of Smartwatches and the same as 2.9% of Smartwatches.
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.
Charge time
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Tizen
This smartwatch runs Tizen, which is more advanced than the system in 53.9% of Smartwatches and equal to 2.1% of Smartwatches.
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
yes
This smartwatch includes a cellular module. 83.5% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This smartwatch uses 1 for cellular connectivity which is more advanced than that of 2% of smartwatches and the same as that of 98% of smartwatches.
SIM configuration differs across sources.
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
What reviewers say
Screen size
2 inch
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.83 inch
This smartwatch has a 2 inch screen, which is larger than 97.3% 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
360x 480
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 360x480 which is higher than that of 53.3% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
300 ppi
Market range: <213 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 300 ppi, which is lower than 66.3% 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.
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

Samsung Gear S vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • Built-in cellular module
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 16.6% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 34.4% of smartwatches support maps.
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartwatch supports wireless charging, the average smartwatch does not. 23.4% of smartwatches support wireless charging.
  • 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.
  • 0.6 inch larger display
    This smartwatch has a larger screen than the average smartwatch (2 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    2.00 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • Calorie tracking
    This smartwatch supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 48.7% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
  • 33.3% higher sentiment score
    10.0 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.
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartwatch supports wireless charging, the average smartwatch does not. 23.4% of smartwatches support wireless charging.
  • Built-in cellular module
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 16.6% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 34.4% of smartwatches support maps.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.5% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • 0.6 inch larger display
    This smartwatch has a larger screen than the average smartwatch (2 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    2.00 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs mineral glass
  • Rugged construction
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 41.3% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
  • 2 mm slimmer strap
    This smartwatch has a slimmer strap than the average smartwatch (20 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch has a 22 mm strap.
    Uses proprietary/non-standard band connector.
    20.0 mm vs 22 mm
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel, plastic for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel, plastic vs polycarbonate
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Tizen vs Proprietary OS).
    Tizen vs Proprietary OS
  • No VO2 max measurement
    This smartwatch does not measure VO2 max, the average smartwatch does. 51.9% 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 stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 68.7% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • 17 h shorter GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time with GPS on than the average smartwatch (4 h vs 21 h). The average smartwatch lasts 21 h with GPS on.
    4 h vs 21 h
  • 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.
  • No swim mode
    This smartwatch does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 77.3% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
  • 11.4% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.2/ 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. 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 67% of models

    6.2

    Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.2

    Average grade

    20%

    9.5

    Popularity

    Grades by review (82)
    36 reviews + 46 videos, average 7.1/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.2 vs 7.0
  • 2.36x more expensive
    Samsung Gear S is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£260 vs £110).
    £260 vs £110
  • No VO2 max measurement
    This smartwatch does not measure VO2 max, the average smartwatch does. 51.9% 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 stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 68.7% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No cycle tracking
    This smartwatch does not support menstrual cycle tracking, the average smartwatch does. 67.3% 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.
    November 2014
    2,014 vs 2,021
  • 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 swim mode
    This smartwatch does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 77.3% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
  • No achievement tracking
    This smartwatch does not support achievements, the average smartwatch does. 87% of smartwatches support achievements.
  • 17 h shorter GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time with GPS on than the average smartwatch (4 h vs 21 h). The average smartwatch lasts 21 h with GPS on.
    4 h vs 21 h
  • 5 days shorter battery life
    This smartwatch runs for less time per charge than the average smartwatch (2 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    Up to 3-4 days in power-saving.
    2 days vs 7 days
  • No iOS support
    This smartwatch does not work with iOS devices, while the average smartwatch does. 94.6% of Smartwatches work with iOS devices.
  • Less current Bluetooth version
    This smartwatch uses a less current Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4.1 vs 5).
    4.1 vs 5.0
  • 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
  • 22 g heavier
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (67 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    67.0 g vs 45.0 g
  • 13.1 mm taller case
    This smartwatch has a taller case than the average smartwatch (58.1 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch is 45.0 mm tall.
    58.1 mm vs 45.0 mm
  • Less practical form
    This smartwatch uses a rectangular form, while the average smartwatch uses round.
    rectangular vs round
  • 0.8 mm thicker
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (12.5 mm vs 11.7 mm). The average smartwatch is 11.7 mm thick.
    12.50 mm vs 11.7 mm
  • 26 ppi less sharp screen
    This smartwatch has a less sharp screen than the average smartwatch (300 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi.
    300 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 45.0 °C.
    35.0 °C vs 45.0 °C
  • No smart alarm
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • No camera remote
    This smartwatch does not include built-in camera remote control, the average smartwatch does. 85.5% of smartwatches that are equipped with a camera include built-in camera remote control.
  • 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

8.0
Vernon Lee Warren
≈ estimated
26/10/2019
Long-term use · years of personal ownership
Verdict
Samsung Gear S is still a great smartwatch for its big curved display and battery, though used prices are high.
7.0
i Technology Reviews
≈ estimated
07/10/2016
Long-term test · 1.5 years of use, glitches and fixes
Verdict
Samsung Gear S is a solid watch after 1.5 years, but battery, GPS and sound issues hold it back.
9.0
GaVo*
≈ estimated
02/02/2016
Long-term review · two weeks of daily use
Verdict
Samsung Gear S has an excellent battery, screen and comfort, but its web browsing is weak, so it is only worth buying if you need it.
7.0
Dave Taylor
≈ estimated
02/06/2015
Hands-on review · phone pairing, screen and Android Wear outlook
Verdict
Samsung Gear S is a pretty good device only for Samsung phone owners, though it may lose support as Android Wear grows.
7.0
Parker Time
≈ estimated
24/05/2015
Hands-on review · calls, screen and everyday use
Verdict
Samsung Gear S has a beautiful screen and standalone calling, but smartwatches are not for everyone.
9.5
Techno GI
≈ estimated
27/04/2015
Hands-on review · two weeks of daily use
Verdict
Samsung Gear S is the best full-featured smartwatch right now, offering strong value and standalone use for the money.
8.0
JuanBagnell
≈ estimated
14/04/2015
Long-term review · about a month of daily use
Verdict
Samsung Gear S is ideal for leaving your phone at home during sport, but Android Wear suits Google Now fans better.
9.0
i Technology Reviews
≈ estimated
09/04/2015
Hands-on review · unboxing, apps and battery
Verdict
Samsung Gear S is a solid, sturdy watch for sport and casual use, though it relies on the phone.
9.0
LPX Tech
≈ estimated
09/04/2015
Long-term test · 6 months of daily use
Verdict
Samsung Gear S still gets the job done after six months and makes a great first smartwatch for Samsung phone owners.
5.0
underKG
≈ estimated
26/03/2015
Hands-on review · size, phone features and smartwatch use
Verdict
Samsung Gear S is only worth it if you want a phone on your wrist, since as a smartwatch it is too big.
8.3
GSMDome
✓ explicit
26/03/2015
Hands-on review · apps, notifications and phone-style features
Verdict
Samsung Gear S is a bulky, phone-like watch suited to people who rely heavily on phone features without carrying one.
9.0
LPX BTS
≈ estimated
21/03/2015
Durability test · drops, scratches, water and dryer
Verdict
Samsung Gear S survives drops, scratches, soap and water, and the tester still calls it worth buying, even without a warranty.
More graded video reviews (16)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.5
cnet.com
✓ explicit
17/11/2014
Hands-on test · Standalone calls
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S is a flawed first step toward a wrist phone: a bright screen and standalone calls, but few apps and a Samsung phone still needed.
5.0
theguardian.com
≈ estimated
03/02/2015
Week-long test · Calls and texts
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S is a promising wrist phone for calls and texts, but it leans on a Samsung handset too much to replace a smartphone.
5.0
androidcentral.com
≈ estimated
26/11/2014
Week-long test · Wrist smartphone
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S has a huge, bright screen and standalone connectivity, but its busy interface and sluggish performance make it hard to live with.
6.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
16/09/2014
Full review · Big-screen smartwatch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S has a sharp screen, but lag, patchy touch and a phone-dependent setup make it hard to recommend.
3.2
gadgetguy.com.au
✓ explicit
16/02/2015
Four-day test · Watch-phone hybrid
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S suits die-hard Samsung fans who want calls on the wrist, but its size and early software limit its appeal.
7.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
22/12/2014
Hands-on review · Standalone calling
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S comes closest yet to a standalone smartwatch, but its bulk and need for a Samsung phone limit it to fans.
3.0
pcworld.com
✓ explicit
26/11/2014
Full review · Phone-free calling
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S brings phone-free calls to the wrist, but its clumsy design and confusing interface make it hard to recommend.
7.0
mobiletechreview.com
≈ estimated
14/11/2014
Hands-on review · 3G Tizen watch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S is the most attractive Samsung smartwatch yet, but its one-day battery and large case limit it to Samsung Android phone owners.
8.0
011now.wordpress.com
≈ estimated
23/02/2015
Hands-on review · Tizen smartwatch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S offers a sharp screen, sturdy water resistance and a sporty look, but its battery lasts only one day.
7.0
gsmarena.com
≈ estimated
Not Dated
Review · Smartwatch-phone hybrid
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S has a sharp screen and smooth performance, but its battery lasts just over a day and it works best with Samsung phones.
4.0
computerbild.de
✓ explicit
16/06/2015
Full test · SIM smartwatch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S is a chunky watch with its own SIM, but many features hide in menus and the battery lasts about 18 hours in testing.
6.0
spiegel.de
≈ estimated
11/12/2014
Hands-on test · SIM smartwatch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S partly frees you from your phone thanks to its SIM slot, but email and many apps still need a nearby phone.
5.0
stadt-bremerhaven.de
≈ estimated
07/12/2014
Hands-on test · Curved-display smartwatch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S offers a sharp curved screen and calls without your phone, but its large case and rubbery strap are uncomfortable for daily wear.
6.0
chip.de
≈ estimated
10/11/2015
Test · Standalone smartwatch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S works without a phone and has a top-tier OLED screen, but its battery lets it down and its case is bulky.
9.0
hifitest.de
✓ explicit
18/05/2015
Comparison test · Built-in SIM
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S is a standalone wrist phone with a curved screen readable from extreme viewing angles, but it needs another Galaxy phone for setup.
7.0
pocketpc.ch
≈ estimated
22/03/2015
Review · Samsung phones only
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S is a sporty watch with a sharp screen and a charging dock that doubles as a power bank, but it only works with Samsung phones.
7.0
geeko.lesoir.be
≈ estimated
02/12/2014
Hands-on test · Phone-watch with SIM
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S is a stylish watch that can make calls and send texts without your phone, but its app store is thin and typing is hard.
7.0
quechoisir.org
≈ estimated
18/11/2014
Consumer test · Phone and health watch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S offers a good screen, easy menus and phone and health features, but its battery is limited and the watch is bulky.
6.0
frandroid.com
✓ explicit
20/09/2023
Review · Tizen watch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S has a bright curved screen and a SIM slot, but it is bulky and takes time to get used to.
7.0
phonandroid.com
≈ estimated
05/01/2015
Full test · Curved sports watch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S is a solid watch with a sharp curved screen and good sports tracking, but it's bulky and its screen glares in direct sun.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Samsung Gear S

  • Large 2-inch curved Super AMOLED display that is bright, sharp, and easy to read even in direct sunlight.
  • Standalone 3G/Wi-Fi connectivity allowing for calls and texts directly from the wrist without a nearby phone.
  • Charging cradle doubles as a portable battery pack for on-the-go boosts.
  • Full QWERTY virtual keyboard is surprisingly functional for short messages.
  • Comprehensive suite of sensors including GPS, heart rate, UV, and barometer.
  • IP67 water and dust resistance.

What customers don't like about Samsung Gear S

  • Extremely large and chunky design that can be uncomfortable or look oversized on smaller wrists.
  • Mandatory requirement of a compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphone for initial setup and app installation.
  • Limited app ecosystem compared to Android Wear due to reliance on the Tizen operating system.
  • Battery life typically only lasts one full day under heavy usage or when using 3G.
  • Clasp and charging cradle are often described as clunky or difficult to use.
  • Heart rate monitor accuracy can be inconsistent during intense activity.

Verdict

The Samsung Gear S is a standalone-capable smartwatch released in 2014, distinguished by its massive 2.0-inch curved Super AMOLED display (360 x 480 pixels) and built-in 3G cellular connectivity via a nano-SIM slot. Running on the Tizen OS, it is powered by a 1.0 GHz dual-core processor with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage. Key features include integrated GPS, Wi-Fi, IP67 water resistance, and an extensive sensor suite featuring a heart rate monitor, barometer, and a unique UV sensor. Its main pros are the ability to make calls and send texts without a nearby phone, a vibrant high-resolution screen suitable for reading articles, and a 300mAh battery supplemented by a portable charging cradle that doubles as a backup battery. However, significant cons include its bulky and polarizing design, a limited app ecosystem compared to competitors, and the requirement of a Samsung smartphone for initial setup and full notification support.

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