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 S2 review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£310Screen size:1.20 inchBattery life:2 daysDisplay type:AMOLED

Samsung Gear S2 Review: Compare 127 technical specifications and 123 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Samsung Gear S2
7.6/10

Overall score

Score
7.6/ 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 69% of models
Score components

35%

6.5

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

8.4

Reviews score

10%

10

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 69% of smartwatches
8.0

Value for money

Value for money
8.0/ 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 61% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

â–²Better than 61%
6.5

Technical score

Technical score
6.5/ 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–² Better than 54% of models
Score components

24%

3.9

Health

21%

8.4

Fitness

16%

6.0

Battery

14%

8.0

Smart features

12%

6.8

Connectivity

9%

7.2

Display & Design

4%

6.0

Hardware

â–²Better than 54%
8.4

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.4/ 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–² Better than 81% of models

80%

8.0

Average grade

20%

9.9

Popularity

Grades by review (123)
63 reviews + 60 videos, average 8.0/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 81%
?

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 S2

Based on 10 · 12

Reviewers love the rotating bezel controls and stylish design, but the app selection is thin and battery life splits opinion.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Samsung Gear S2

Based on 159 owners sharing their experience in online comments

63%positive9%mixed28%negative

Owners value the handy bezel, standalone calling and comfortable design, while limited apps and reliability problems draw the most frustration.

What owners dislike

  • Owners who flashed firmware from an online guide report the watch stuck in Odin mode, looping at boot, or unable to reach recovery.12
  • Owners say few apps are available, mostly Samsung's own, and many popular Android and third-party apps are missing.9
  • Only 3G or LTE models make calls alone; Bluetooth versions cannot answer them, and once answered, mute and speaker controls are missing.5
  • Some owners say the bezel slid off after washing under running water, and others report squeaking, friction, or a stiff turn.4
  • Some owners say the battery died after about eight hours of use, and others find even two days too short.4
  • Owners find the small round screen cramped and say it shows less than the larger original Gear S screen.4
  • It has no GPS or compass, so owners who run or track routes still need to carry their phone.4
  • Some owners report rubber straps breaking after about a month, and a strap connector coming off the band.3
  • Owners find the Classic's leather band looks cheap and wish the 3G model could take the Classic's swappable bands.3
  • Versions without a built-in speaker or microphone cannot take calls from the watch, and some owners returned them for the 3G model.3

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

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Samsung Gear S2

Technical score
Technical score
6.5/ 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–² Better than 54% of models
Score components:

24%

3.9

Health

21%

8.4

Fitness

16%

6.0

Battery

14%

8.0

Smart features

12%

6.8

Connectivity

9%

7.2

Display & Design

4%

6.0

Hardware

6.5
Reviews score
8.4
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.0/ 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 61% of models
Score components:

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

8.0
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
no
This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
HRV tracking
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.5% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 46.5% 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
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.
Battery life in training mode
40 h
Market range: <6 h – >48 h
This smartwatch records workouts for 40 h on a charge, which is longer than 83.7% of Smartwatches and the same as 2.2% of Smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
N/A
Battery power
275 mAh
Market range: <200 mAh – >500 mAh
This smartwatch has a 275 mAh battery, which is smaller than 64.9% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.8% 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.
Normalized from hour-based sources to 2 minutes.
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 varies by 3G/LTE variant.
GPS
no
This smartwatch does not support GPS. 59.8% 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
1.2 inch
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.83 inch
This smartwatch has a 1.2 inch screen, which is smaller than 84.6% of Smartwatches and the same as 8.1% 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 360
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 360x360 which is higher than that of 47% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6.1% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
424 ppi
Market range: <213 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 424 ppi, which is higher than 72.4% of Smartwatches and equal to 0.6% of Smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
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 S2 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.
  • 20 h longer training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts longer in training mode than the average smartwatch (40 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h in training mode.
    40 h vs 20 h
  • 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.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.6% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • 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.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.5% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • 20.0% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.4/ 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–² Better than 81% of models

    80%

    8.0

    Average grade

    20%

    9.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (123)
    63 reviews + 60 videos, average 8.0/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.4 vs 7.0
  • 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.
  • Weight tracking
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 41.9% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Weight tracking may rely on manual app entry or smart-scale sync.
  • 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.
  • 20 h longer training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts longer in training mode than the average smartwatch (40 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h in training mode.
    40 h vs 20 h
  • 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.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.6% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.5% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • 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
  • 98 ppi sharper screen
    This smartwatch has a sharper screen than the average smartwatch (424 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi.
    424 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • 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.
    20.0 mm vs 22 mm
  • Better band material
    This smartwatch uses silicone, leather for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    silicone, leather vs silicone
  • 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 GPS support
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 59.7% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • 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.
  • 48.5 m shallower water rating
    This smartwatch is rated for shallower water than the average smartwatch (1.5 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).
    1.5 m vs 50 m
  • 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.
  • 2.82x more expensive
    Samsung Gear S2 is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£310 vs £110).
    £310 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 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 cycle tracking
    This smartwatch does not support menstrual cycle tracking, the average smartwatch does. 67.3% of smartwatches support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • 6 years older
    This smartwatch was released earlier than the average smartwatch (2015 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    October 2015
    2,015 vs 2,021
  • 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 swim mode
    This smartwatch does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 77.3% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
  • 83 fewer exercise types
    This smartwatch includes fewer exercise types than the average smartwatch (7 vs 90). The average smartwatch includes 90 exercise types.
    7 vs 90
  • 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.
    2 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
  • 30 mAh smaller battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery than the average smartwatch (275 mAh vs 305 mAh). The average smartwatch has a 305 mAh battery.
    Battery capacity varies by case size/model variant.
    275 mAh vs 305 mAh
  • No GPS support
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 59.7% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • 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
  • 48.5 m shallower water rating
    This smartwatch is rated for shallower water than the average smartwatch (1.5 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).
    1.5 m vs 50 m
  • 0.2 inch smaller display
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen than the average smartwatch (1.2 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    1.20 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • 4.8 mm taller case
    This smartwatch has a taller case than the average smartwatch (49.8 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch is 45.0 mm tall.
    49.8 mm vs 45.0 mm
  • 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.
  • 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

3.0
Frank sometimes fixes stuff
≈ estimated
18/02/2023
Teardown · dead unit with water damage and battery problems
Verdict
Samsung Gear S2 stopped working after battery and water damage, so it is not recommended at this premium price.
8.0
Carritube
≈ estimated
23/02/2019
Two weeks of daily use · productivity and features
Verdict
Samsung Gear S2 is good value for productivity, though fitness tracking and the voice assistant are weak.
9.0
Ryan-Thomas
≈ estimated
29/11/2018
Long-term use review · notifications and health tracking
Verdict
Samsung Gear S2 is still worth buying in 2018 for its design, notifications and value, but it is not a phone replacement.
9.0
Luke Crawford
≈ estimated
26/02/2017
Retrospective review · speed, software and battery check
Verdict
Samsung Gear S2 is still a solid buy at a low price, though its Samsung Pay support is more limited.
9.0
Detekno Com
≈ estimated
11/03/2016
Hands-on review · unboxing, pairing and heart rate test
Verdict
Samsung Gear S2 and the watch it was tested against are both good with decent battery life, but overall it leans toward the Gear S2.
9.0
PhoneBunch
≈ estimated
01/03/2016
Hands-on review · interface, battery and apps
Verdict
Samsung Gear S2 is intuitive and good-looking, probably among the best available, despite limited apps.
8.0
Matthew Moniz
≈ estimated
26/12/2015
Long-term review · three months of use
Verdict
Samsung Gear S2 is very good for notifications and design, but its lack of apps makes it a better choice for those who only want alerts.
8.0
FOX 11 Los Angeles
≈ estimated
14/12/2015
Hands-on review · notifications, settings and app walkthrough
Verdict
Samsung Gear S2 gives the reviewer information they are happy with, though its small app ecosystem is a drawback.
7.0
Jeff Springer
≈ estimated
27/10/2015
Full review · daily use and feature tests
Verdict
Samsung Gear S2 is recommended only for those who want a traditional-looking watch with a rotating bezel, not for original Gear S owners.
6.0
Pocketnow
≈ estimated
26/10/2015
Hands-on review · battery, apps and connectivity tests
Verdict
Samsung Gear S2 is an adequate smartwatch in great form, though it would not be the first pick.
5.0
Android Authority
≈ estimated
22/10/2015
Hands-on review · design, rotating bezel and app support
Verdict
Samsung Gear S2 is the best-looking Samsung watch with a strong bezel, but thin app support makes it hard to recommend.
6.5
Flossy Carter
✓ explicit
13/10/2015
Hands-on review · price, size and band
Verdict
Samsung Gear S2 is a usable watch that does its job, but it costs too much for what it offers.
More graded video reviews (25)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
theverge.com
✓ explicit
13/10/2015
Hands-on review · Round interface
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 is a well-designed, easy-to-use watch for notifications and basic fitness, but few apps and slow voice control hold it back.
7.0
au.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
10/10/2015
Full review · Rotating bezel navigation
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 is easy to navigate and attractive, but few third-party apps and spotty voice recognition hold it back.
9.0
theguardian.com
≈ estimated
09/11/2015
Hands-on review · Design and bezel
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 is the best Samsung smartwatch so far, with a comfortable design and a very good bezel, but few apps hold it back.
8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
02/12/2021
Review · Round Tizen smartwatch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 is a round watch that works with Android and iPhone and has a standout bezel, but few apps and slow voice control hold it back.
9.0
techguide.com.au
≈ estimated
17/11/2015
Hands-on review · Bezel and battery
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 is a stylish, simple watch with a handy rotating bezel, but it needs far more third-party apps to compete.
9.0
zdnet.com
≈ estimated
15/12/2015
Real-world test · Running and cellular
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 3G suits runners who want GPS and phone service on the wrist, though third-party apps are few and Nike+ can be glitchy.
6.5
digitaltrends.com
✓ explicit
23/08/2019
Long-term test · Round smartwatch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 is a beautiful round watch with a clever rotating bezel and long battery life, but few apps and no GPS hold it back.
9.0
sammobile.com
≈ estimated
30/09/2015
Full review · Design and battery
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 is the first round Samsung watch that looks good and is easy to use, but it's large and has few apps.
8.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
15/06/2018
Hands-on review · Rotating-bezel watch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 is a stylish, comfortable watch whose rotating bezel and two days of battery stand out, though it lacks Google Maps.
8.0
androidauthority.com
✓ explicit
01/02/2016
Follow-up review · First round-faced watch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 is a sleek round watch with a distinctive bezel and strong battery life, but few apps and no GPS on Wi-Fi models hold it back.
8.0
irishtimes.com
✓ explicit
17/12/2015
Hands-on review · Everyday use
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 suits Android owners who want two days of battery and a decent app range, though swapping straps is fiddly.
S
starkinsider.com
07/10/2015
✓ explicit
6.0
Summary of the review
Verdict: Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch | Stark Insider
9.0
frandroid.com
✓ explicit
16/10/2015
Test · Tizen smartwatch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 is Samsung's own Tizen watch, which the reviewer says finally offers something new in connected watches.
9.0
01net.com
✓ explicit
18/11/2015
Full test · Rotating bezel watch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 is a small watch with an easy-to-use rotating bezel, though its battery lasts only about two days.
8.0
computerhoy.20minutos.es
✓ explicit
10/12/2015
Full review · Rotating-crown smartwatch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 is small, comfortable and lasts over two days, but it works best with Samsung phones, so check compatibility first.
8.0
forbes.com.mx
≈ estimated
10/12/2015
Review · Tizen round watch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 is a clever round watch with a turning bezel and two-day battery, held back by a short list of native apps.
9.0
xataka.com
≈ estimated
03/11/2015
Practical review · Bezel-controlled watch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 is a light, round watch whose turning bezel is excellent, but its single case size and proprietary straps limit its appeal.
8.0
pisapapeles.net
≈ estimated
18/11/2015
Review · Round Tizen smartwatch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 is a comfortable, all-round watch that lasted 53 hours in testing, but it lacks automatic sleep tracking.
8.0
zonamovilidad.es
≈ estimated
14/01/2016
Test · Crown-navigated smartwatch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 is a stylish, customizable round watch with an easy-to-use crown, but its strap may snap at the attachment point.
7.0
smartwatch-barato.es
≈ estimated
24/02/2016
Review · Tizen smartwatch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 is a striking round watch whose bezel makes basic tasks quick, but short battery life, few apps and slow-loading maps hold it back.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Samsung Gear S2

  • Innovative rotating bezel for intuitive and tactile navigation
  • Sharp and vibrant circular Super AMOLED display with excellent contrast
  • Comfortable, lightweight design that looks like a traditional watch
  • Decent battery life, often lasting 1.5 to 2 days on a single charge
  • Compatibility with most modern Android smartphones beyond just Samsung devices
  • Solid health and fitness tracking features through S Health

What customers don't like about Samsung Gear S2

  • Limited selection of third-party apps compared to Android Wear or watchOS
  • Lack of a built-in speaker for phone calls (except on the 3G model)
  • Finicky or slow voice recognition via S-Voice
  • Proprietary band mechanism on the standard model limits third-party strap options
  • The 1.2-inch screen can feel cramped for some users
  • Non-compatibility with iPhones at launch (though support was added later)

Verdict

The Samsung Gear S2 is a Tizen-based smartwatch featuring a circular 1.2-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 360 x 360 (302 ppi) and a signature rotating bezel for tactile UI navigation. Internally, it is powered by a 1.0 GHz dual-core Exynos processor, 512MB of RAM, and 4GB of storage, while maintaining durability with an IP68 water-resistance rating and Gorilla Glass 3 protection. Key strengths include its intuitive rotating bezel, high-quality display, and compatibility with most Android devices (v4.4+); however, it is frequently criticized for a limited third-party app ecosystem, weak voice recognition performance, and the use of proprietary watch bands on the standard model.

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