Samsung Gear S review: Between two worlds

20 December 2014
Samsung is knees deep in the latest trend of gearing up your wrist with an extension of your smartphone. The Gear S however walks the extra mile of offering independent 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity along with full telephony support...

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Hi . I am wondering do you need to have a sim card in this or will it link to the phone via app/Bluetooth so then I can take calls . Messages . Notifications on Facebook. WhatsApp ect ect. Many thanks. Tom

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    • Gustocow
    • 0Rd
    • 11 Apr 2020

    Bossycool, 02 Feb 2020 Who else is reading this in 2020?? I've used it for fou... moreI've toyed with idea of getting newer model, but cant find anything with same kind of function...with exception of the lack of NFC, this watch has everything and I swap out my sim from phone when going for run, which means I'm still contactable if needed, no other device out there does this I think? ...only problem is that after 6 years, my battery is not lasting as long recently, so I've bought a third party 1000mah battery to try....hoping it will bring it back to life!

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      • Bossycool
      • rKY
      • 02 Feb 2020

      Who else is reading this in 2020??

      I've used it for four years straight.. still looks great and works like a charm.

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        • Anonymous
        • tUc
        • 10 May 2016

        AnonD-435799, 12 Sep 2015I am planning to buy Samsung Gear S soon. Thanks a ton for ... moregot on back in Nov 2015.. I am loving it and for sure amazed by the screen resolution and the build quality.. kudos to Samsung.. A request though, need to add more 3rd party APPs to the Tizen OS ...

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          • AnonD-435799
          • 2@x
          • 12 Sep 2015

          expat999, 23 Dec 2014I'm very happy with my Gear S. Wherever I go, people noti... moreI am planning to buy Samsung Gear S soon. Thanks a ton for your reviews.
          As we are in Sep 2015 and the new S2 smartwatch by Samsung is out, Would you still recommend buying this ?? I am looking at the look and feel only

          Looking forward for your reply.

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            • Mido alfredo
            • Nk3
            • 30 Aug 2015

            it is GOOD watch in everything till the latest update which made my watch screen on and off automatically in 10 seconds intervals with heat in it.

            I am waiting the update which fix it as it is good.

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              • Anonymous
              • sXV
              • 15 Mar 2015

              AnonD-4340, 20 Dec 2014This review is slaughtering the Gear S and i still feel you... moreThis does both. You dont need a samsung phone to initiate it , just google it.
              Best looking device to date,hope to be buying one soon.

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                • Anonymous
                • sXV
                • 15 Mar 2015

                mccaunohey, 20 Dec 2014I prefer apple watch with a genuine leather as my strap. i... moreDo you work for apple marketing. That watch is not even out yet, your stating you prefer myth to reality

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                  • Bigick86
                  • 0ft
                  • 06 Mar 2015

                  I have tried many other smartwatches.. this is the best thing on the market so far. the apple watch will alreay be behind in commonly used features(was going to wait for apple watch(no reason to now)). This thing can act as your phone if you don't want to take your phone with you to certain places, or if you fall and you cant get up, one can dial 911 from their wrist. the keyboard is actually useable so for anyone knocking it, that just means you haven't used it so shut up! this watch is also very thin compared to what it looks like and is still smaller than some regular watches out, "cough" *Nixon. to name just 1.

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                    • AnonD-181709
                    • P%u
                    • 27 Jan 2015

                    AnonD-83364, 30 Dec 2014Everyone seems to call this a smart watch, but its so large... moreSamsung should create a phabwatch.

                      • k
                      • ken wayne
                      • rrv
                      • 13 Jan 2015

                      men that watch is insane

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                        • gshsvsjbshsvsb
                        • EJD
                        • 04 Jan 2015

                        Jxbsjsbsjbsjs NBC sb

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                          • AnonD-83364
                          • jnZ
                          • 30 Dec 2014

                          Everyone seems to call this a smart watch, but its so large it should be called a smart bracelet. Only 1.5" away from being the size of the original iPhone.

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                            • JIGAR
                            • PyD
                            • 28 Dec 2014

                            best phone

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                              • AnonD-40938
                              • 6kq
                              • 27 Dec 2014

                              Hi
                              I just want to know if someone is experiencing the same thing,,,after the last update i can't get notification more than calls, sms and email.
                              No (facebook,BBM,whatsapp,Link) any other installed app wont work with it after i did the last update for the Gear application on my Galaxy S5, and I already sent an e-mail for Samsung but no answer,,,,,

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                                • AnonD-64668
                                • XND
                                • 25 Dec 2014

                                Its a best smart watch ever. I think so

                                  • v
                                  • vj
                                  • Xm@
                                  • 24 Dec 2014

                                  I had the watch for over a month now and I must say i am mostly happy about it. Of course there are things that can be improved upon but this is the best smartwatch that I have, and I have a lot. Pebble, Gear, G watch, Moto 360 and Zenwatch just to name a few. The Gear S has by far the best battery of the whole lot and can last for 2 days with no problem. It also has the biggest display and that matters a lot when the screen is so small.

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                                    • django
                                    • bES
                                    • 23 Dec 2014

                                    expat999, 23 Dec 2014I'm very happy with my Gear S. Wherever I go, people noti... morenice story

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                                      • expat999
                                      • t7{
                                      • 23 Dec 2014

                                      I'm very happy with my Gear S.
                                      Wherever I go, people notice it and get impressed when they see how it works. For those who says ugly, you should follow me 1 day around the city, and hear all the positive comments, and peoples interest for the Gear S.
                                      I have thin arm wrists. but the watch does not feel to big, or heavy.
                                      The watch has 10+- options for alternative watch, so you can change the display to your liking.
                                      One can download more options from Samsung gear. Some free, some paid. Other apps can also be downloaded, but so far very limited.

                                      Battery life last 2 days with moderate use, 1 full day with heavy use when watch lights always ON, sending many SMS, and use music player half of the day. The watch remote control music player on my Alpha. I connect bluetooth headset, and listen to music from my phone.

                                      Charging dock also have battery that can recharge the watch when you're out. Power Bank can also be used to recharge, with normal Samsung plug.

                                      Gear S has 4 Gb memory and I transfered some photos and my favorite music on the Gear S.

                                      What I like the most: leave the phone at home, bring the watch only, and still receive SMS and calls diverted from the phone (internet connection needed).

                                      Reading SMS are easy, notification arrives just after received on my phone.
                                      Sending SMS are possible but difficult, typing error are common due to the small keyboard.

                                      Calling have good sound quality both ways. Easy to call out from your contact list. I lift my left arm up to my left ear. People nearby will clearly hear the conversation, so best used at home.

                                      Internet: the screen is just too small for me, hard to use Maps navigation function, or browse internet.

                                      Note: Google Play has apps so gear S can be used with other phone brands, if you have Android 4.2.2 or more.

                                      Improvements would be: Leather strap. Android OS. Back button for easier daily use. Better charging dock that give a distinct click when connected.
                                      I'm happy I bought it, and would do it again.

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                                        • Anonymous
                                        • 0fG
                                        • 22 Dec 2014

                                        What a beautiful piece of technology!