Appearance and control greatly evolved Samsung Gear S2 review

IT168 Review It is said that technology changes life, and this is not false at all. Ten years ago, in China, only a few people know, the original cell phone can also QQ chat; and ten years later, the popularity of smart phones in China has not divided into young and old. Just when we for the technology brought about by these changes to sigh, smart wearable devices have come without warning to each of us in front of the ordinary people. As the most favored product among smart wearable devices, smartwatch has completed a new round of metamorphosis. Compared with the smartwatches that emerged in the previous two years, which only existed to realize specific functions, the latest smartwatches have begun to live for their "value". As a representative product, Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 has become one of the alternative smart hardware for many foreign users with its outstanding appearance and novel and fast operation, and some foreign media have classified it as the best smartwatch so far without stinting.

Related links: Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 fashion version of more dynamic, Jingdong 23 spot 2198 yuan also send Bluetooth headset click to view details

Related links: Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 classic version of business style, Jingdong 23 spot 2398 yuan also Send Bluetooth headset click to view details

So what kind of smartwatch is it that can get such a high evaluation from foreign media? And what kind of smartwatch, can become the heart of many foreign users belong to it? Today I will lead you to a preliminary understanding of this Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 smartwatch. It should be noted that I got this Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 smartwatch is a black fashion version of the basic model, the data and views in the article only represents the author's views on this smartwatch.

Appearance: after several generations, finally "round"

It should be noted that the Galaxy Gear S2 is not Samsung's first smartwatch products, before that, Samsung has launched a variety of square appearance of smartwatches, but due to the appearance and system reasons, they are all the same. Appearance, as well as system reasons, have not been relatively successful. This time Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 came out of nowhere, from the appearance of the world has been amazed, not because of anything else, just because Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 this time finally adopted the round appearance of the traditional watch. When it comes to smartwatch, I think its attribute should be a watch first, and only when it is done well can it be extended to the smart side. Then since it is a watch should have the desire to wear, from this point of view, Samsung's previous generations of Gear products sales are limited is reasonable, after all, the square dial audience is limited.

Appearance, Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 Fashion Edition adopts a 42mm diameter dial, which is also the most classic size in traditional watches, and with the rubberized strap, the styling has been greatly improved. It is worth mentioning that the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 Fashion Edition does not use the traditional lugs, the strap and the dial are seamlessly combined together by a concealed buckle, and the rounded body shape is also together with the rubber strap, creating this fashionable version of the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 with a lot of vitality. It is worth mentioning that the thickness of the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 dial is only about 10mm, which is no different from traditional smartwatches, which makes the smartwatch very comfortable and stylish to wear.

With the general appearance out of the way, it's time to talk about the details of the body of this Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 Fashion Edition. For the first time, the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 adopts a round dial design and a full round display, which can be said to be truly "round" in terms of appearance. Of course, in addition to these two points, Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 most attractive is the control of the watch. Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 innovatively added the design of the old-style watch can turn the bezel design, and let the bezel become the system operation of the selection and page operation "knob", together with the smartwatch adopted the ring UI design, greatly improving the interactive experience of the Gear smartwatch series.

In addition, the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 also has two physical buttons on the right side of the dial at the 2 o'clock and 4 o'clock positions, the top button is the return button, and the bottom button is the Home button, which is hard to feel, although the feel of the hand is slightly affected, but the advantage is that it is not easy to produce the wrong operation. Of course, even with these two physical buttons and innovative rotatable bezel, Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 is also equipped with a touch screen display, with the presence of touch screen, the operation of the watch has become more flexible and free. During my experience, the rotatable bezel with a slight clacking sound feels better in my hand, while the touch control method seems more convenient and direct, and the two complement each other's strengths, which can be said to be very interesting.

We mentioned earlier that the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 has a full round screen, making the display more similar to a traditional watch. In terms of specific parameters, Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 adopts a 1.2-inch circular screen with a screen resolution of 360x360 in Super AMOLED. From the surface data, Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 pixel density, although there is still a gap compared to mainstream smartphones, but in the current smartwatch belongs to a relatively high level, its display level is closer to the current 5-inch 720P smartphones. From the author's actual experience, this screen display effect is delicate, high color saturation, the overall effect is very good.

Overall, whether it is the overall appearance, or wearing experience, Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 has been very close to the traditional watch. Of course, some people may say that the fashion version of the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 looks a little cheap, but this is the style decision, after all, the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 Classic Edition can meet the needs of more people. From this point of view, Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 has given a reason for users to wear him, as for whether to replace the traditional watch to become the protagonist of the user's wrist, but also depends on the system as well as battery life and other aspects of the performance.

Connectivity: Bluetooth WIFI

The biggest difference between a smartwatch and a traditional watch is the ability to connect to a smartphone or the Internet to realize more functions. From this point of view, connectivity is the most basic equipment for smart watches. In this regard, Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 Fashion Edition has built-in Bluetooth and WIFI connectivity. In terms of connectivity options, Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 is still relatively flexible and free.

The Bluetooth function of Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 can help it connect to smartphones or Bluetooth headphones and realize the corresponding functions. In terms of connecting with smartphones, users need to download Samsung's Gear Manager program on their smartphones and turn on the Bluetooth function between their phones and Samsung Galaxy Gear S2, only through the Gear Manager program can Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 be connected to their smartphones. Of course, non-Samsung cell phones can also complete the connection with Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 through the program, and realize the corresponding functions. However, I found that it is not easy to find the available Gear Manager in unofficial channels and complete the installation. Therefore, I have only tested the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 and Samsung cell phone connected to the use of the effect.

As mentioned earlier, the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 can independently connect to the network through the WiFi function and realize some of its functions by remotely connecting to a smartphone. It should be noted that the author said only to realize some of the functions, such as receiving message notifications, including WeChat new message notification, but want to receive notification of incoming calls is not possible. Of course, this is a necessary measure for user safety, after all, when your smartwatch is not around, you do not want it to have too much access.

System experience: flexible and free interaction

System, Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 does not choose the more common Android Wear operating system, but uses Samsung's own Tizen system. There is a reason why Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 does not use this system this time. As we all know, the open-source nature of the Android system allows manufacturers to have a lot of free space to customize their own system UI, but the independent Android Wear is not, which means that if Samsung adopts Android Wear, it will have to accept its inherent mode of operation and system UI, so Samsung has its own Tizen system. This smartwatch system dedicated to the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2.

When it comes to the system's operating logic, it has a lot in common with the Android system: first, in the Home interface, which displays the dial, you can pull down to adjust the brightness and display the connection status of the status bar; second, in addition to the dial, you can also slide to the left to look at the Home page. Secondly, in addition to the dial of the Home page, you can also slide to the left, look at the right side of the multiple shortcut page, of course, each page can only show a program; furthermore, the use of the right side of the Home button, double-click on the button can be directly access to the secondary menu, where you will be able to see all of the programs on the smartwatch. Of course, using the Back button on the upper right side, you can also step back to the previous interface, the logic is very clear.

As our subheading describes, the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 doesn't stop there with its interaction, as the innovative rotatable bezel isn't even used yet. We just mentioned various swipe operations, and it should be noted that all of these swipes can be replaced by turning the bezel. Taking the secondary program menu as an example, we can turn the bezel to switch the selected program, and the icon of the selected program will also be displayed in a magnified form, in which case, you can directly click on any icon to enter the program, or click on the blank area in the middle of the dial to directly enter the selected program. Of course, the clacking sound generated by the bezel rotation will also allow you to enjoy the joy of digital, while being able to appreciate the unique charm of the mechanical sense at the same time.

In addition to these regular contact operations, you can also use voice control, but due to technical reasons, in order to achieve more functions through voice, you need to use a cell phone or WiFi network, so the network conditions will directly determine the response of the voice assistant. But then again, in the process of using the author, I do not feel that there are some situations that must be realized with the help of voice assistant. Of course, one more way of operation is more convenient, and the use of good will be twice as effective with half the effort. In these respects, the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2's interaction is both convenient and flexible.

Key features: perfect functionality, but more on the side of assistance

Since the day the smartwatch appeared, we have been thinking about what kind of features should a smartwatch have? It should replace the cell phone? Such a question must have different answers in your mind, but in any case, with the current battery technology and interaction, it is not realistic to realize too many functions, so it is wise to give up the appropriate, and the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 this time to take this kind of thinking.

First of all, the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 does not support the call function like Apple Watch, but takes the watch to view, the phone to answer the way. That means that when a call comes in, you can only choose to answer or reject it, or send a quick reply phrase, and not make a voice call from your smartwatch. It may look cool to talk on your watch, but how many people want to talk on speakerphone?

We mentioned the ability to hang up and then resume shortcuts, but the ability to send text messages can also be turned on proactively. The Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 allows you to save some of your frequently used contacts, and then you can either dial that contact through the watch, or send them a text message directly from the watch. Since the screen is only 1.2 inches in size, typing on this isn't a good option, so utilizing the voice-to-text feature directly would be a good choice, and of course, you can add quick reply phrases to the watch via Gear Manager on the mobile side. Speaking of the SMS function, it's necessary to mention the WeChat notification function. Since the WeChat client for the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 is not yet available, users can only view WeChat notifications through the watch, and cannot reply to them.

In addition to notification and communication, another major function of the smartwatch is the health function. Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 has a built-in heart rate sensor, which can quickly and accurately monitor the user's current heart rate. In addition, the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 is also able to achieve the pedometer function through the three-axis gyroscope and accelerometer, and also through the Samsung's own S health program for systematic health planning and monitoring, and at the same time, with the help of a specific dial, you can very intuitively see their own fitness or health status, which is very convenient. Of course, you can also use NIKE + to develop a detailed fitness program and monitor it in real time on the watch side. However, it is a pity that the fashionable Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 is a waste for fat people like me who haven't run for a long time.

In addition to the features mentioned above, the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 can also send and receive emails, check the weather, set alarms, navigate by map, play music and view pictures. Among them, such functions as setting alarms and checking the weather are more practical. As for map positioning, music playback and picture viewing, I don't recommend them, after all, why waste the watch's precious power when the cell phone can do a much better job?

Finally, let's talk about the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2's expandability. As we mentioned earlier, many of the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2's features are realized with the help of the smartphone's Gear Manager. Specifically, it includes changing or downloading more dials, managing apps on the watch side, sending media files (music, pictures, etc.) to the watch side, managing the watch with detailed settings, downloading more apps, and so on. Suffice it to say, the paired smartphone has almost absolute control over the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2, and even if you lose your Samsung Galaxy Gear S2, you'll be able to lock it from your phone.

Of course, the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 falls short on the system side of things, namely the limited number of localized apps available on the watch side. Of course, this may be because the system has just been released soon, some commonly used software has not yet made adaptations. Samsung has also introduced the relevant aspects of the progress in the country line conference, and said that similar to Tencent and Alibaba and other large companies will launch their own version of the corresponding application. I believe that with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2, the shortage of apps should be solved soon.

Of course, from the perspective of the system itself, the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 is a success, introducing an innovative style of operation and moderately discarding unnecessary features like calls. The good interactive experience is the most worthwhile part of the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 system, and the software ecosystem that has not yet been sound is bound to become more and more plentiful as Samsung invests more and more.

Battery life: two days

As we mentioned earlier, battery life is still a major problem for smartwatches. The Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 is the same, with a 1.2-inch Super AMOLED display that consumes less power than its competitors, an optimized system that reduces power consumption, and magnetic wireless charging that makes charging easier. When you have all this, all you can do is to utilize the big watch on your hand wisely. Since the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 forgoes a light sensor for looks, the screen brightness needs to be adjusted manually. In general, the medium amount is enough for daily use, so that you can also properly extend the use of Samsung Galaxy Gear S2.

With all that said, the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 still has no problem lasting two days in terms of my usage. In the process, I did not open the screen always bright, after all, lift your wrist on the bright experience has been very good; of course, I will let the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 is always in a Bluetooth connection with the phone, so that there is any notification watch will remind me. It is worth mentioning that two days of battery life in similar smartwatches is already a leader, you know Apple Watch but even a day can not last. Of course, even if there is no power, magnetic wireless fast charging can make your Gear S2 quickly full blood resurrection. I measured that it only takes about an hour or so to completely fill up the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 each time.

Buying advice: traditional look plus unique controls, worth a try

After all that, I believe you have a good understanding of this smartwatch. From my point of view, Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 is closer to the appearance of traditional watches, and different from other smartwatches more flexible and free control, have left a deep impression on me. For the current immature smartwatch industry, Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 is a rare good product, and I have directly replaced my traditional mechanical watch with it in the trial process of a few days. For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 is really a product worth trying.

Of course, I reviewed only the fashion version of the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2, while the classic version released at the same time is undoubtedly more attractive. The Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 Classic Edition has almost the same design as the traditional watch, and focuses more on business style in terms of dressing. As for which one you prefer, you'll have to figure it out according to your own needs. It should be noted that the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 Fashion Edition and Classic Edition models will be on October 23 in Samsung's official website as well as Jingdong Mall officially opened for sale. According to my understanding, the Jingdong Mall pre-sale of the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 Classic Edition as well as the Fashion Edition will be given a Samsung sports Bluetooth headset, as I mentioned before, the headset will be able to pair with the Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 to realize the music playback, this play is still relatively cool.

Related links: Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 fashion version of more dynamic, Jingdong 23 spot 2198 yuan also send Bluetooth headset click to view details

Related links: Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 classic version of business style, Jingdong 23 spot 2398 yuan also Send Bluetooth headset click to view details