Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,948 independent expert reviews and 12,633 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

Samsung Gear S2 Classic Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£400Screen size:1.20 inchBattery life:2 daysDisplay type:AMOLED

Samsung Gear S2 Classic Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 36 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Samsung Gear S2 Classic
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartwatch's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartwatches on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

6.4

Technical score

30%

8.0

Reviews score ( 9 · 27)

Reviews score 30% · 8.0 · based on 36 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 30%, technical score 70%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades. 3 more reviews are not scored yet.
â–²Better than 59% 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
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

8.4

Price

â–¼Worse than 65%
6.4

Technical score

Technical score
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

24%

3.6

Health

21%

8.9

Fitness

16%

5.2

Battery

14%

7.6

Smart features

12%

8.4

Connectivity

9%

7.3

Display & Design

4%

3.1

Hardware

â–²Better than 56%
8.0

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (36)
9 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 8 estimated from the review. 27 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 59%
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Samsung Gear S2 Classic

Technical score
Technical score
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

24%

3.6

Health

21%

8.9

Fitness

16%

5.2

Battery

14%

7.6

Smart features

12%

8.4

Connectivity

9%

7.3

Display & Design

4%

3.1

Hardware

6.4
Reviews score
8.0
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
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

8.4

Price

7.3
Brand name
Samsung
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 66.8% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
no
This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings. 48.2% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Show more
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 50.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 30.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
no
This smartwatch does not include a cadence sensor. 31.2% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
Battery life
2 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 2 days which is shorter than that of 79.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 4.6% of smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
?
Battery life with GPS on
4 h
This smartwatch lasts 4 h with GPS on which is shorter than 94.4% of smartwatches and equal to that of 3.4% of smartwatches.
Battery power
250 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 250 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 70.6% of smartwatches and equal to those in 1.5% of smartwatches.
Battery capacity varies by case size/model variant.
Charge time
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Tizen
This smartwatch runs Tizen which is more advanced than the operating system in 55.2% of smartwatches and the same as that in 2.3% of smartwatches.
Software update frequency
?
Third-party app support
yes
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% 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. 32.4% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
yes
This smartwatch includes a cellular module. 82.2% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
1
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.
eSIM
GPS
?
Galileo support
no
This smartwatch does not support Galileo navigation. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
yes
This smartwatch includes a compass. 47.5% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
1.2 inch
This smartwatch has a screen size of 1.2 inch which is smaller than the screens of 85.3% of smartwatches and equal to those of 8% of smartwatches.
Display type
AMOLED
This smartwatch uses a AMOLED display type which is more advanced than that of 49.9% of smartwatches and the same as that of 50.1% of smartwatches.
Resolution
360x 360
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 360x360 which is higher than that of 50.2% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6.7% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
424 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 424 ppi which is higher than that of 72.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 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 29.2% of smartwatches and equal to that in 31.2% 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
This smartwatch has 0.5 GB of RAM which is smaller than the RAM in 75.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 24.9% of smartwatches.
Internal storage
4 GB
This smartwatch uses 4 GB for internal storage which is larger than that of 40.4% of smartwatches and equal to that of 27% of smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
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 S2 Classic vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • Built-in cellular module
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 17.9% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 31.5% of smartwatches support maps.
    Supports offline maps.
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartwatch supports wireless charging, the average smartwatch does not. 24.5% of smartwatches support wireless charging.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Third-party app support
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Barometer sensor included
    This smartwatch includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 49.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • Calorie tracking
    This smartwatch supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 48.6% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
  • Weight tracking
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.1% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Tracked through the companion app or smart-scale sync.
  • Water intake tracking
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44% of smartwatches track water intake.
    Water intake tracking may require manual logging in a companion app or widget.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Barometer sensor included
    This smartwatch includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 49.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartwatch supports wireless charging, the average smartwatch does not. 24.5% of smartwatches support wireless charging.
  • Built-in cellular module
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 17.9% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 31.5% of smartwatches support maps.
    Supports offline maps.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.3% 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
  • Better band material
    This smartwatch uses leather for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    leather vs silicone
  • 98 ppi higher pixel density
    This smartwatch has a higher pixel density than the average smartwatch (424 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch display reaches 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 narrower band
    This smartwatch has a narrower band width than the average smartwatch (20 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch band is 22.0 mm wide.
    20.0 mm vs 22.0 mm
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • Third-party app support
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • 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 blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • 16 h shorter GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (4 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    4 h vs 20 h
  • 48.5 m lower water resistance depth
    This smartwatch has a shallower waterproof rating than the average smartwatch (1.5 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch reaches 50 m.
    Based on IP immersion rating (controlled lab conditions, not a swim/diving certification).
    1.5 m vs 50 m
  • No swim mode
    This smartwatch does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 74.9% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
  • No cycle tracking
    This smartwatch does not support menstrual cycle tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • 5 days day/s shorter battery life
    This smartwatch offers 2 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    2 days vs 7 days
  • No call answering
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 58.1% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • 3.08x more expensive
    Samsung Gear S2 Classic is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£400 vs £130).
    £400 vs £130
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No cycle tracking
    This smartwatch does not support menstrual cycle tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • No swim mode
    This smartwatch does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 74.9% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
  • 73 fewer exercise profiles
    This smartwatch supports fewer exercise modes than the average smartwatch (7 vs 80). The average smartwatch supports 80 exercise modes.
    7 vs 80
  • No voice feedback
    This smartwatch does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 61.9% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
  • 16 h shorter GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (4 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    4 h vs 20 h
  • 5 days day/s shorter battery life
    This smartwatch offers 2 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    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
  • 50 mAh smaller battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (250 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    Battery capacity varies by case size/model variant.
    250 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This smartwatch supports an older Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4.1 vs 5). The average smartwatch uses 5.0.
    4.1 vs 5.0
  • 48.5 m lower water resistance depth
    This smartwatch has a shallower waterproof rating than the average smartwatch (1.5 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch reaches 50 m.
    Based on IP immersion rating (controlled lab conditions, not a swim/diving certification).
    1.5 m vs 50 m
  • 0.2 inch smaller screen size
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen size than the average smartwatch (1.2 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    1.20 inch vs 1.40 inch
  • 10 °C lower max temperature
    This smartwatch handles a lower maximum operating temperature than the average smartwatch (35 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch reaches 45.0 °C.
    35.0 °C vs 45.0 °C
  • No call answering
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 58.1% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No smart alarm
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 6 year/s older release date
    This smartwatch is an older model than the average smartwatch (2015 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    October 2015
    2015 vs 2021
  • 0.5 GB less RAM
    This smartwatch has less RAM than the average smartwatch (0.5 GB vs 1 GB). The average smartwatch includes 1 GB of RAM.
    0.5 GB vs 1 GB

Video reviews

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

9.0
Sypnotix
≈ estimated
06/07/2016
Daily-use review · design and software impressions
Verdict
Samsung Gear S2 Classic looks great and has a unique rotating bezel, though battery life falls short of its advertised runtime.
6.0
underKG
≈ estimated
27/11/2015
Hands-on review · apps, fitness and battery tests
Verdict
Samsung Gear S2 Classic is still a cool watch, but its few apps, weak fitness tracking and battery life leave its value open to question.
5.0
Technology Smash
≈ estimated
03/11/2015
Hardware overview · likes and dislikes, daily-wear problems
Verdict
Samsung Gear S2 Classic is too small and uncomfortable; the cheaper S2 model is the better buy overall.
9.0
Teqreation
≈ estimated
06/10/2015
Hands-on review · design, dial, battery and apps
Verdict
Samsung Gear S2 Classic is a subtle, durable everyday smartwatch, though it suits smaller wrists best.
9.0
Dronzer
≈ estimated
26/03/2018
Short review · 2018 value check and battery life
Verdict
Samsung Gear S2 Classic is still a good buy in 2018 and recommended for its price, though battery life and the small display are limits.
9.0
Smartwatch.me
≈ estimated
06/05/2016
Hands-on review · style, band and ease of use
Verdict
Samsung Gear S2 Classic is stunning, easy to use and smart, a strong choice for anyone who wants a stylish smartwatch.
6.0
PapadumGeek
≈ estimated
15/02/2016
Short test · two weeks of use
Verdict
Samsung Gear S2 Classic is stylish and comfortable, but battery life and app selection still need work, so it leaves a mixed impression.
7.0
Cass Morrison
≈ estimated
13/12/2015
Feature review · build quality, charging and keyboard
Verdict
Samsung Gear S2 Classic has strong build quality, but it works fully only with Samsung phones.
9.5
Dom Esposito
≈ estimated
13/11/2015
Short review · design and comparison with the standard S2
Verdict
Samsung Gear S2 Classic is a favorite thanks to its classier look and standard straps, despite a higher price.
8.0
The YouTube Tech Guy
≈ estimated
07/11/2015
Hands-on review · long-term battery and daily use
Verdict
Samsung Gear S2 Classic is the best-looking smartwatch with great battery life, but missing calls and apps hold it back.
7.0
The Verge
≈ estimated
13/10/2015
Short hands-on review · design, display and apps
Verdict
Samsung Gear S2 Classic is far from perfect, but it is a fine-looking, well-functioning smartwatch that lacks enough apps.
8.0
Digital Trends
≈ estimated
03/09/2015
First look · interface and design overview
Verdict
Samsung Gear S2 Classic has a simple, easy-to-use interface and a comfortable size on the wrist.

What reviewers agree on

Based on 10 · 12

Reviewers love the rotating bezel and smooth performance, but the thin app selection and patchy battery life let it down.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
techradar.com
≈ estimated
05/01/2016
Hands-on review · Tizen watch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 Classic has an understated look and a useful rotating bezel, but its few apps and Samsung-only features limit it.
8.0
digitalreviews.net
≈ estimated
10/02/2016
Everyday use review · Round smartwatch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 Classic is a good-looking everyday watch that lasts up to two days, but it has no speaker and no auto-brightness.
7.0
au.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
29/01/2016
Hands-on review · Rotating bezel
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 Classic has a turning bezel that is its best feature, but weak apps and poor voice recognition hold it back.
9.0
nasilemaktech.com
≈ estimated
03/02/2016
Hands-on review · Everyday features
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 Classic is a good everyday watch for calls, calendars and music, but its maps are awkward and it can't sync with Google Fit.
5.0
heise.de
≈ estimated
22/03/2016
Hands-on test · eSIM smartwatch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 Classic 3G suits people who mainly want calls and messages without their phone, since its apps and typing are limited when used alone.
9.5
chip.de
≈ estimated
17/09/2018
Lab test · Battery and bezel
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 Classic is an easy-to-use watch with a turning bezel and a battery that lasts a full day, though charging takes over three hours.
9.0
smartdroid.de
≈ estimated
30/11/2015
Hands-on test · Tizen software
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 Classic is a smooth, easy-to-use watch that lasts about two and a half days per charge, though its companion app is unreliable.
7.0
andreagaleazzi.com
≈ estimated
13/12/2015
Hands-on review · Leather-strap watch
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 Classic is an elegant leather-strapped watch that works with many Android phones, but needs charging daily and has no speakerphone.
8.0
fasa.technology
≈ estimated
23/12/2015
Hands-on review · Design and battery
Verdict
The Samsung Gear S2 Classic is a well-built, elegant watch with a fast interface, though its battery lasts only about a day under heavy use.

Third-party reviews

What we like about Samsung Gear S2 Classic

  • Innovative rotating bezel for intuitive and fast UI navigation
  • Sleek and traditional 'classic' design that resembles a standard analog watch
  • Vibrant, sharp circular Super AMOLED display with excellent legibility
  • Compatible with standard 20mm watch bands, making it easy to customise
  • Responsive performance and snappy Tizen operating system
  • Solid fitness tracking features with S-Health integration
  • IP68 water and dust resistance rating

What we don't like about Samsung Gear S2 Classic

  • Limited selection of third-party apps compared to Apple Watch or Android Wear
  • Lack of a built-in speaker, meaning it cannot be used for phone calls on most models
  • Voice recognition (S-Voice) is often reported as finicky or weak
  • Battery life typically lasts 1.5 to 2 days, requiring frequent charging
  • No integrated GPS on the standard and Classic models (only available on 3G version)
  • Wrist-wake gesture can be inconsistent
  • Proprietary charging dock is required for recharging

Verdict

The Samsung Gear S2 Classic is a premium smartwatch featuring a 1.2-inch circular Super AMOLED display with 360x360 resolution (302 ppi), housed in a 316L stainless steel case with a unique rotating ceramic bezel for interface navigation. It is powered by a 1.0 GHz dual-core Exynos processor with 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, and runs on the Tizen operating system. Key characteristics include IP68 water and dust resistance, built-in NFC for Samsung Pay, and a comprehensive sensor suite including a heart rate monitor, accelerometer, and barometer. Main pros highlighted by reviewers are its elegant, traditional watch design, the highly intuitive rotating bezel control, and a sharp, vibrant display. However, common cons include a relatively limited selection of third-party apps compared to rivals, the lack of a built-in speaker for phone calls on the standard model, and mediocre voice recognition performance.

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