The most notable part of the Samsung Gear S2 is the process that led to its birth.


From September 2013 to November 2014, Samsung launched six different smartwatches, each different, but most of them not very good. Launched last year, the Gear S was underrated for its watch-like hardware and disorienting software.

However, Samsung acknowledged its failure earlier this year. Instead of releasing a product quickly, Samsung announced that it would develop and release a 'more perfect product' over time.

The result is the Gear S2, a smartwatch that costs around $300. Of course, it is still far from 'perfect', but it is the best smartwatch ever made by Samsung, and it is a product that lays the foundation for Samsung's wearable future.


One thing I've recently realized about smartwatches is that they look a lot like traditional watches, but feel like cheap counterfeit products. Smartwatch makers pursue both 'tradition' and 'differentiation', but without being overly unique.

Personally, I think the first product to realize this was the Apple Watch. And the Samsung Gear S2 is the first round smartwatch to realize this. The model Samsung provided for review is a silver stainless steel model with a white elastomer (synthetic rubber) watch strap. The feature is that there are no etched parts on the protrusion, crown, and bezel. It is a model that does not pursue a mechanical watch. Adopted a design reminiscent of the space age. With a diameter of 42mm and a thickness of 11.4mm, it is not awkward on a small wrist.

Like the Apple Watch, Samsung had to use a watch band developed independently for this design. It's not a popular 22mm watch band. It is a decision to improve the design quality. But I don't know which watch bands Samsung will sell, but the choice of watch bands is reduced. Samsung teamed up with designer Alejandro Mendini to design a 'funky' watch band. But look forward to leather straps and elastomer straps in more colours.


In addition to the $299 Gear S2 base model, Samsung plans to release a $349 'classic' model soon. It is a more 'classic' model with a leather watch band. The thicker 3G model is priced at $350. Four major US mobile carriers supply this smartwatch. But I haven't tested it yet.

By default, the 1.2-inch AMOLED display turns off when the watch is not in use. However, there is an 'Always-on' mode that only displays the watch in black and white, which consumes a lot of battery. Under normal use, the battery life of the Gear S2 is about 2 days. However, when using the 'always-on' mode at 60% brightness, the battery life is 'morning to night'.

The
design is not the only thing about the protruding circular bezel of the rotating system Gear S2. It is loaded with the most interesting features. Rotate the bezel to scroll through messages, change the watch face or widgets, and operate apps. It can be rotated left or right indefinitely. It rotates 15 degrees with a 'click' sound.

Some might accuse it of imitating the digital crown of the Apple Watch. However, it is an improved function to work harmoniously with the software. In Samsung's Tizen operating system, notifications can be invoked by rotating them counterclockwise on the main watch face. On the other hand, if you turn it clockwise, the weather, music, and fitness data certificate information widgets are displayed in sequence.


The bezel alternately displays information very quickly and accurately. This is the top menu system that allows the most efficient operation of the Gear S2. I didn't feel the need to dig deep into the app launcher or contact list. The only downside is that long emails scroll slowly. In this case, it is better to swipe with your finger.