Samsung Gear S, we tested this Samsung smartwatch

The Samsung Gear S is the new generation of smart watches from Samsung . A device that is designed to be used together with our smartphone or tablet from the Korean company, but that has taken a further step in its independence. 3G connectivity , an MP3 music player or even the ability to navigate through its 2-inch screen are some of the proposals with which this model arrives. All this with an attractive design with a curved Super AMOLED panel and with the possibility of exchanging the straps to customize it to our liking. On the occasion of its launch we had the opportunity to hold it in our hands. We tell you what our first impressions are.

Large 2-inch screen and attractive design

No doubt. Today Samsung has no rival in the section of the screen for smart watches. The Korean company is the one that displays the panels with the highest quality and size on the market. Of course, for many this size can become a problem in terms of use and appearance on the wrist. The Samsung Gear S sports a 2-inch curved screen with Super AMOLED technology . It should be noted the excellent brightness of this type of panel, which will allow us to see the contents of the terminal even with the direct impact of sunlight. The resolution of this panel is 360 x 480 pixels , with a density of 300 ppi. Also noteworthy is the good touch response of the screen with which it is easy to move between the menus. Of course, these days when bigger phones are being created, you probably have to go through a short process of adapting to this smaller panel (at least, that's what happened to me the first few times I tried move through the panel).

As for the design of this model, we can enjoy this watch in both white and black. This second option seemed more elegant to wear on the wrist, although as always it is a matter of taste. The degree of customization of the Gear S is enhanced by its interchangeable plastic straps in a large number of colors. A very interesting option to enjoy the color that best suits our mood. Also, the South Korean company is working on different types of textures and straps to create a richer experience. In fact, for women a Swarovski diamond strap is being preparedthat will emulate the design of a bracelet. We'll see how it works, but it could be a great alternative to fit the more masculine look of this sizable dial on a smaller wrist. The full dimensions of the Samsung Gear S are placed at 39.8 x 58.3 x 12.5 millimeters and its weight changes if we opt for the black or white design, with 67 grams in the first case and 84 grams in the second.

Finally, we could not ignore the IP67 certification of the Samsung Gear S. On a practical level, that means that we can submerge this model in water to a maximum depth of 1 meter and for a time of 30 minutes. That is, we can wear it while we shower or in the rain without suffering any damage.

Smart apps

We enter the core of the Samsung Gear S. Samsung has taken one more step in the Tizen platform to enhance the independence of this watch and make it more of a beautiful complement to the smartphone. That said, the main use of the Gear S continues to be to collect notifications from our brand's smartphone or tablet through the Bluetooth connection . Through this device, we can see the list of calls, messages received, WhatsApp notifications or the latest emails received. One of the novelties that it introduces is the possibility of seeing an image that our contacts send us through WhatsApp. Of course, if we receive more messages through this route, only the text will be marked again so as not to fill the screen. In addition, notifications of events that we have in the phone's calendar are also very useful . As in previous generations, we can use this watch to make and receive phone calls through its built-in microphone. You can even write SMS using a keyboard on the watch itself. To facilitate text input, Samsung has introduced several types of keyboard, including one that groups the keys into four and uses predictive technology.

But also, the Samsung Gear S incorporates its own apps to enhance the use of the watch. For example, the use of a separate media player that can play the songs stored in the accessory is repeated (this model has 4GB of internal memory ). In addition, we have the Health application to measure our physical activity. This app uses several built-in sensors, such as the pedometer (to count the steps), a sensor to measure the heart rate or a sensor that measures ultraviolet rays in case it is necessary to take precautions with the sun. One of the surprises that the Gear S brings us is the Nike Running application, designed to run. Although at first it might seem like a direct competition with Health, the South Korean company has wanted to increase the number of proposals available on the watch. Both the quality and the options of this tool have been worked on a lot, with the possibility of taking advantage of the GPS to analyze the race or the option of other users to send us encouragement when we are running (through Facebook).

Another app that should be highlighted here is Opera Mini . It is not the ideal format, but the browser has been adapted in a very correct way to the 2-inch size and we can navigate in search of a page that we want to see when we do not have the mobile near (or we are lazy to take it out of our pocket). Samsung wanted to also emphasize the application Deezer , a platform for music that we can leverage for six months for free to buying the Samsung Gear S . Lastly, we wanted to break a spear in favor of the Here browser . Although you may miss Google Maps , this tool deployed by Nokiait has an attractive interface and good precision when we want to get somewhere. In addition, we find one of the great advantages of a smart watch, since navigating through this device is much more comfortable than having to hold the mobile when we are on foot.

Connectivity and autonomy

In the field of connections we find another of the great novelties of this watch. And it is that this model has the ability to use a Nano SIM card to enjoy 3G connectivity . We can duplicate our phone card and use the Gear S independently, without the need for the phone to be nearby. Of course, the great handicap of this function is the reduction of autonomy. Only seven hours of use , a very fair time that makes this function an extra for those times when we do not have the phone nearby. And it is that through Bluetooth 4.0 the time jumps to much more competitive figures of between two and three days of normal use(according to the unofficial data they offered us). Although it is not a leap from the previous generation, what is very useful is that the equipment's charging base also works as a charger. That is, with the base (charged) attached to the watch, we can enjoy an additional full charge. Without a doubt, a great step to avoid having to be so aware of the plug.

Price and reviews

The Samsung Gear S is now available for a price of 400 euros . An important figure that takes it away from the prices that we have seen in the market so far, and that will surely cause you to rethink your purchase. But if what you are looking for is a first-rate smartwatch, with a large 2-inch screen that allows you to work with an excellent level of detail, or numerous advanced functions, the Samsung Gear S is unrivaled. The 3G connectivity, its waterproof design, extra applications, the ability to work as an MP3 player independent ... A heavyweight who is eager to conquer the market.

Samsung Gear S

screen

Design

Camera

Multimedia

software

Power 

Memory

Connections

Autonomy

+ info

Price 400 euros