Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Samsung Gear S2 (SM-R720S), a smartwatch that made waves when it first hit the market. Even though it's not the newest kid on the block anymore, it still holds a special place in the hearts of many tech enthusiasts. So, let's get into what makes this smartwatch tick, its pros and cons, and whether it’s still worth considering in today's crowded smartwatch landscape.

Design and Display

First off, let's talk about the design of the Samsung Gear S2 (SM-R720S). One of the standout features is its sleek, circular design. Unlike some of the bulkier smartwatches out there, the Gear S2 sports a minimalist look that’s both stylish and comfortable to wear. The rotating bezel is a game-changer, allowing you to navigate through menus and apps with ease. Seriously, it’s super intuitive and makes the whole user experience so much smoother. The watch itself is lightweight, so you won't feel like you're lugging around a brick on your wrist all day.

Now, let's move on to the display. The Gear S2 features a 1.2-inch circular Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 360 x 360 pixels. What does this mean in plain English? Well, the screen is vibrant, sharp, and easy to read, even in direct sunlight. Colors pop, and the text is crisp, making it a pleasure to glance at your notifications or check your fitness stats. The touch screen is also responsive, so you won’t be stuck tapping multiple times to get it to register your input. Overall, the design and display of the Gear S2 are definite highlights, blending form and function seamlessly.

Performance and Battery Life

When it comes to performance, the Samsung Gear S2 (SM-R720S) is powered by a dual-core 1.0 GHz processor and 512MB of RAM. While these specs might sound a bit modest by today's standards, they were pretty solid when the watch was released, and honestly, they still hold up reasonably well for everyday use. Navigating through the interface is generally smooth, and apps load without too much delay. Of course, you might notice a bit of lag if you're trying to run multiple apps at once, but for basic tasks like checking notifications, tracking your activity, and controlling your music, the Gear S2 performs admirably.

Battery life is always a crucial factor for any smartwatch, and the Samsung Gear S2 offers decent, though not outstanding, performance in this area. On average, you can expect to get around 1-2 days of use on a single charge, depending on your usage patterns. If you're constantly using features like GPS or keeping the screen brightness cranked up, you'll likely need to charge it every night. However, for more moderate use, you can probably stretch it to two days. The Gear S2 also supports wireless charging, which is a convenient feature, allowing you to simply place it on a charging pad without fumbling with cables. While the battery life isn't the best on the market, it's adequate for most users and shouldn't be a major deal-breaker.

Features and Functionality

The Samsung Gear S2 (SM-R720S) comes packed with a range of features that make it a versatile smartwatch for everyday use. One of its main strengths is its fitness tracking capabilities. It can monitor your steps, heart rate, and activity levels, providing you with valuable insights into your daily fitness habits. The built-in accelerometer and gyroscope accurately track your movements, while the heart rate sensor gives you real-time data during workouts. The Gear S2 also supports automatic activity detection, so it can recognize when you're walking, running, or cycling without you having to manually start a workout.

Beyond fitness tracking, the Gear S2 excels at handling notifications. You can receive alerts for calls, texts, emails, and app notifications right on your wrist, allowing you to stay connected without constantly pulling out your phone. The rotating bezel makes it easy to scroll through notifications and respond to messages using pre-set replies or voice dictation. The watch also supports Samsung Pay, allowing you to make contactless payments at compatible terminals. Other notable features include music playback, weather updates, and the ability to control your smart home devices. Overall, the Gear S2 offers a comprehensive set of features that cater to a wide range of users.

Software and Compatibility

The Samsung Gear S2 (SM-R720S) runs on Samsung’s Tizen operating system, which is known for its smooth performance and intuitive interface. Tizen offers a clean and user-friendly experience, with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. The rotating bezel is seamlessly integrated into the software, making navigation a breeze. The app ecosystem for Tizen is smaller compared to Wear OS or watchOS, but it still offers a decent selection of apps for various purposes, including fitness, productivity, and entertainment.

Compatibility-wise, the Gear S2 works best with Samsung smartphones, but it is also compatible with other Android devices. However, some features may be limited or unavailable when paired with non-Samsung phones. Unfortunately, the Gear S2 is not compatible with iOS devices, so iPhone users will need to look elsewhere for a smartwatch. If you're an Android user, especially a Samsung user, the Gear S2 offers seamless integration and a smooth user experience. However, if you're an iPhone user, you'll need to consider other options.

Pros and Cons

To sum it all up, let's break down the pros and cons of the Samsung Gear S2 (SM-R720S):

Pros:

• Sleek and comfortable design
• Intuitive rotating bezel
• Vibrant Super AMOLED display
• Decent performance for everyday use
• Comprehensive fitness tracking features
• Samsung Pay support
• Wireless charging

Cons:

• Limited battery life
• Smaller app ecosystem compared to Wear OS and watchOS
• Limited compatibility with non-Samsung Android phones
• No iOS support

Is It Still Worth It?

So, the big question: is the Samsung Gear S2 (SM-R720S) still worth buying in today's market? Well, it depends on your needs and priorities. If you're looking for a stylish and comfortable smartwatch with a unique rotating bezel and decent performance for everyday use, the Gear S2 is still a viable option, especially if you can find it at a discounted price. However, if you need the latest features, a larger app selection, or longer battery life, you might want to consider newer smartwatches.

Ultimately, the Samsung Gear S2 (SM-R720S) is a solid smartwatch that offers a good balance of features and performance. While it may not be the newest or most advanced smartwatch on the market, it still holds its own and provides a satisfying user experience. If you're on a budget or simply prefer its design and features, the Gear S2 is definitely worth considering.