Samsung Gear S Review: More Smartphone than Smartwatch | Pocketnow

Samsung's Gear S is the most powerful smartwatch we've ever tested - but how much utility is too much? Find out in our Gear S review video!
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Pocketnow has been a key source of mobile technology news and reviews since its establishment in 2000. With offices on three continents, Pocketnow offers round-the-clock coverage of the mobile technology landscape, from smartphones to tablets to wearables. We aim to be your number-one source for mobile tech news, reviews, comparisons, and commentary. If you love mobile as much as we do, be sure to subscribe!
Samsung Gear S Review: More Smartphone than Smartwatch | Pocketnow
• Samsung Gear S Review:...
PocketNow
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[@prodbydanai]

Even in 2022, this still looks futuristic.

[@gfyGoogle]

The software looked dated even for its time and that holds it back from looking futuristic at all tbh

[@bendahova6196]

Right I really want this over my Apple Watch but it’s outdated and I have a iPhone this is way better design

[@bendahova6196]

And you can literally pop it off while the band is still in your wrist and use it as a mini phone ..

[@prodbydanai]

@@bendahova6196 there were even custom ROMs designed for it such as CyanogenMod

[@asandax6]

​@@gfyGoogle UI is easy to change

[@garyrodgers2558]

I love this model, it looks more futuristic then the current design.

[@ZacShaq]

Wish they make a new model in 2020 👍🏻

[@StuartKerrison]

I've had the Gear S for about a month and it has become my most used piece of tech. My phone stays in my pocket or bag for 90% of the time now. I regularly send text messages from the phone using the "Swype" function on the keyboard and it works great. This thing is in a league of its own.

[@nuclearfartbomb.]

Why is this in my reccomended in 2020

[@VinneighPinneigh]

I Don't know

[@unknownyt2471]

Same

[@Dave062YT]

Yeah ,it's fookin orrible thing too

[@vikram646]

Same here

[@kyle2055]

I’m using an Apple Watch

[@CSmithyPx]

That is actually so much cooler looking than the round watches!

[@Bryantrincon413]

they need to bring this back

[@Jerry4050]

I like the curved screen more then any of the other smart watches

[@slick1hit]

Looks like a mini samsung tablet lol

[@asoka2000]

It basically is.

[@bjornjoseph]

Still use it. Still prefer this over the newer models...

[@chrishunjackson8317]

I dont know why samsung doesn't continue making these models over the newer ones. The size is perfect for me and my huge wrist.

[@Prodigy1309]

excuse me, do you know if there is any compatible app in 2018?

[@bryanwalker5569]

Same here dude! They should come out with a Gear S Retro! That would be awesome

[@Bryanr1030]

Fav still rocking it

[@natalyajanazek5275]

bcoz it is more useful than these useless watches nowadays

[@OutOfOrder175]

I still can't believe this watch existed 8 years ago, it's so futuristic!

[@fergusoncj8089]

I like this one better than any the new samsung watchs I just don't like the circle display. On any watch the Gear S doesn't have as much apps but it looks better than most watches out there by far.

[@bryanwalker5569]

I still have this watch! I really wish Samsung would come out with a Gear S Retro! That would be awesome :)

[@sharonkubaiko7276]

Are you currently using it? Wanting to know if your still able to use it

[@bryanwalker5569]

@@sharonkubaiko7276 Yep! Still working perfectly fine.

[@bilal00276]

It still looks pretty good. Surprised and sad they didn't make a better, thinner version of this.

[@BrilTek]

OMG I love your review. whoa! You kept me glued all through

[@AlfaBMW0515]

Great job once again Michael! You guys have become my go to because of the great reviews and because its nice to see the greater Boston area when I get home sick :)

[@SenhorRomantico1]

Great review! Appreciate being treated like an intelligent adult with no one yelling at me.

[@nejmaassadi2362]

I still having my gear s in 2019

[@mrpresident6584]

It's still worth it?

[@lucasmunhoz34]

I have my gear sport in 2019

[@italian146]

Can you use it on the s10?

[@ikmashane9042]

@@italian146 ofc you can,why not?

[@italian146]

@@mrpresident6584 probably not

[@Iceharuyuki]

Very informative you covered so many questions most people forget.

[@michaelbrown6960]

this was the most effective reviewer I've seen of all the different videos I've watched about different watches. he covered practically everything and more and solstices very effectively. great video. even the suggestions about wat kind of ppl is for and not was very informative. awesome reviewer

[@TTOSWE]

Incoming call from Benjamin Linus - "You have to understand, everything I did, I did for the Island."

[@420squeeg]

TTOSWE FFS, still going on about "Lost?" That show was pure dog shit. Get over it....

[@ryanwhaley6926]

Omg I love this lol

[@alessiomarioriccobene8076]

could it work as remote control for smartphone camera? it allows to watch a real time view of camera shot?

[@justakiplay3895]

A

[@DjKProductions]

Nice review! How did u get the gmail app on there?

[@toro6908]

2023 and still looks futuristic.

[@TheTimon64]

still the best imo, can't beat that beautiful large square design, shame they didnt' continue it.

[@younged510]

TheTimon64 to be honest.. I think smart watches just started booming.. samsung should give this style another shot. Every apple owners and people who don't know about this watch are like, "that's a sick ass watch, what kind?" Lol even the Samsung frontier s3 owner who don't know about it are amaze of the style.. without the home button of course with better band let's say solar band..

[@Jah89bless]

@@younged510 True. I started with gear s3. And now i wish i had checked this one out as well. Might buy one just to have as a relic

[@gingerdude94]

I love my gear s and I'd honestly really miss it's convenience if I went went to android wear. It's the money no object choice if you have a note 4.

[@younghanchang6262]

steve rowlands v

[@T-M-ik3hw]

It also works for Samsung Galaxy Note 9

[@rafaelxxx7762]

@@T-M-ik3hw that had a infra red sir?

[@maneevang4407]

do they still have this on the market? lmk and what website you got it frm. thanks.

[@Anonymous-uv5ky]

3:36 - My neighborhood LOL

[@kaleidoscopeon]

Im quite excited for smart watches like these. I would love to use them instead of taking out my phone every 5 seconds to check notifications messages missed calls etc. Wish the battery life last a little longer as we already have lots of devices needing to be charged every few hours.

[@thunderchild2237]

Can you use it without a monthly plan and change watch faces. Got an opportunity to buy 1 for £100 Tempted

[@teamholmez86]

I still have the original lol but upgradeing my s7 edge this yr and want a new gear to go with but I like the look of this one over the newer s line is this still a viable option and worth it in 2018??

[@spirg]

Excellent review !!! Just got one and it's Gorgeous !!! I like your work , Buddy 👍

[@CheezSalad]

Amazing looking watch! I love my Moto 360, but this looks like a lot of fun as well. I will definitely grab one of these Gear S watches very soon. I'll probably get a Note 4 to go along with it. I haven't forgotten Apple's watch, though. I will be sure to grab one of those once they're available. Smartwatches are fun!

[@daireyou]

I want to use this during our exam

[@ValidEarYT]

Wouldn't teacher make you put it away and count it as a phone

[@rampage2410]

+ValidEar x Teacher are dumb though

[@RyuHayabusa2022]

great idea for cheating exam

[@wildanunarkan2282]

maybe you teacher know what are you doing .

[@redxgamer1]

@@rampage2410 are you sure about that

[@themoviebay]

The whole point of this is to look like a gadget not a watch, it's for tech lover's.

[@mrjellygamertvjelly8584]

H

[@conanberis8755]

Thanks for the info

[@lukasreitemeier]

What's the name of the blue case for the galaxy s5 in the video?

[@TesserLink]

im going to be buying one of these soon.

[@Trisof88]

SnorkFlirt Meh.

[@creme923]

SHADOWxWOLF furry spotted

[@ranathunga7097]

how much is that

[@Pocket-Calculator]

Why the eff they keep putting full qwerty keyboards in these things when T9 is so much better in such a little space?!

[@Pocket-Calculator]

***** Why use a smartwatch? Strap a smartphone to your wrist with tape. Problem solved.

[@Pocket-Calculator]

Dylans VitaReviews Why understand sarcasm? Replying seriously works as well.

[@grundyman26]

The keyboard works just fine, the auto correct works wonders!

[@Pocket-Calculator]

Dylans VitaReviews And yet you failed to understand the sarcasm in that comment. 😅

[@SandisG]

they should have that as option have t9 or qwerty I don't think it takes much time to design little t9 lol.

[@sam3kperv]

I'm loving my gear s, was skeptical at first but I'm really digging it now! !

[@afmocontunit57]

I used this watch and feel in love with it. I have owned 3. My only issue is the stripes which expires or disintegrates with time.

[@Rize_Inn]

So how long until a Gear Note comes out? It would have a little tiny stylus that slots in the watch bezel and the screen will be probably three, four inches or so.

[@120.siddharthbalajee6]

Lol

[@T13adie]

It'll be the size of a galaxy mini on your wrist xD, lol, nah, but I love the note series, but this was pretty funny.

[@johnnyboy4me]

Gear Note and tiny stylus omg that is to funny. Well done.

[@AzzyKhany]

Samsung note 4 and the S watch are the two best things Samsung has done

[@enasahmed3685]

Yep it is

[@alenfishman9365]

i really wanna get one of these, but i don't want to get a plan. i just want it to be a peripheral for my phone. with that being said, can i still text and such through it? or does it need to be on its own network to work? please if anyone knows let me know. thanks.

[@DogeFrom2014]

The ending left me with a smile :)

[@petrol72]

2018 stil using !!

[@Prodigy1309]

really? I just got one and still can't find a compatible app to connect it with my phone, all of the apps are for the S2 and up

[@fergusoncj8089]

You need samsung wear

[@jesusguardado8096]

Will this work with a note 9

[@user-gg7bs1jc5k]

@Dan Marsh Need firmware hours

[@LinkTheGeek]

I just want a cheap nice smart watch with texting and calling and browsing the Internet features that I can just connect to my phone and use my phone data

[@simplelin9713]

+Link TheGeek Hi friend,our shop sells that you want and you could click the link www.amazon.com/dp/B016J1IALO tell me you from the YouTude.

[@seanradke2026]

+Triforce Studios Go to the amazon website ad search smartwatch and have e 13 dollar smartwatch u8 watch. ITs great and reliable.

[@entv1390]

Where can I get the full version of the pocketnow title/background music? Anyone? Thanks!

[@roannemaycreer1587]

Good review. It looks interesting. How's the battery life and its performance so far? I'm more into usability, durability and performance. I have heard the new block modular smartwatch which has amazing features and the best thing is, it's fully customizable. It will be out soon. Hopefully, you can make a great review about it too.

[@jjy365959]

2019. I wear this now

[@Oneinamillion6]

Jiyong j sorry

[@-_--th8vp]

Jovanny Alvarez lol

[@godsfighter1367]

Can i watch you tube videos on this smartwatch

[@hieih25]

+vulcan black yes

[@1234sakari]

+vulcan black you cant watch youtube videos!!

[@farisrizvic8760]

+Sami Suhonen You can,but not from YT app or anything like that

[@polybridge8049]

+Sami Suhonen nigga you can watch youtube vids

[@splayjose2782]

Yes you must download in google play wich Samsung gear s is running android version

[@colinsphoneemail]

Surprised you didn't show the Gear Circle when you showed the headphones. I have the Gear Circle with the Galaxy S. They work perfect together. (along with the note 4)

[@hmelwan]

I have 2 of these smartwatches the first of which was purchased way back when the GearS was first introduced. I have had the internal battery replaced once n have been able to get round the problem of the battery charger clips breaking thus making it difficult to charge the smartwatch. In 2022 I still love this watch. One thing which upset me was the SVoice feature was removed some years back so you cannot dictate replies to whatsapp or other messages . You have to use the keyboard. But recently Whatsapp voice calling was enabled on the Samsung Gear S n this is a useful feature . Hopefully in future Samsung will introduce a new smartwatch based on the design of the Gear S incorporating advancements in smartphone technology over the years.

[@TinRapper]

At the time Michael complained about 24h battery life, and then Apple Watch came out...

[@xyz_7]

Apple Watch can last 2 days I use it every day and it lasts me 2 days

[@Retronyx]

101Collin nice try but it's shitty last for 5 hours of continue usage

[@gjeraldh2989]

@Shin Khant Aung Myint man...... This comment was meant for the apple watch 3yrs ago.

[@samflynn1126]

Will this work well with a s5?

[@owenkemp9164]

Yes it will. I have the samsung Galaxy s5 and this smart watch. They work fine haha

[@Mr2pint]

No it wont.

[@owenkemp9164]

Mr2pint I think you find it does. I have the Samsung Galaxy s5 and the Samsung gear s smart watch paired together. I can do every feature....Good one mate 👌

[@owenkemp9164]

Even google it for god sake...it's not hard. I am a Verizon guru....👍 I deal with this type of thing day in, day out. Sam Flynn, the watch does work fine with the Samsung Galaxy s5 and as it does with the Note4 which my mother has who also has the same smart watch as me (samsung gear s)

[@Mr2pint]

Owen Kemp they discontinued use with s5 I'm guessing you'll loose connection very soon.

[@dangerdac]

Do I HAVE to have a sim card, or will functions work over wifi or tethering?

[@abimelekharlemyahudah4thtribe]

I still have this watch and just put it on today I thought I didn't have my charger but man old man i love this watch

[@zeynepkokturk7834]

Can you download music????

[@nelfar213000]

You can transfer music via usb cable or directly from your phone

[@Dominic123129]

Better than the sht apple watch

[@Faiyam]

Ikr

[@sdsdsk-yq2hp]

***** *Sony Mobile Sony® SW3 SmartWatch 3 SWR50 Powered by Android Wear (Black) Only $191.85, you save $108.14>>*amzn.to/1JdTAR4

[@bigbraintime5361]

+Beastingbeast How do you even know? Bet you didn't have any smartwatch on your wrist. Why do you people have to be like that??!

[@benginafantaisie9128]

apple has more subscriber's

[@spacedp]

+Jasmin N. Smith Fucking spam.

[@theodoretekkers]

Thanks for helping me decide

[@davraydumas8637]

What's the name of that first white dot ticking app , on this video, when it first start someone please , I like that !

[@pwj86772]

I have a stainless steel apple watch, but I gotta admit, that samsung watch is pretty sexy. Can they be used with iPhone?

[@Faiyam]

Samsung only

[@trenttt8511]

This one can only be used with samsung devices BUT android wear is now compatible with ios devices including ipad, iphone and ipod touch

[@Faiyam]

legit?

[@kamarulanwar6240]

I don't know how but my friend pair his gear s with iPhone 5

[@trenttt8511]

Well I didn't realize this but u can now u must have access to the watch, a samsung phone and an iphone

[@dtadeo2006]

One day soon, people won't even know what a "Dick Tracy" is.

[@dtadeo2006]

Case in point.

[@peaceandquiet]

ive been hearing this word a lot, seriously what is that ?

[@jackdominguez207]

Wut

[@hasan_z]

Raxader yea or u could use Google

[@1984Alive]

Dick Tracy was an old cartoon detective with futuristic watch big pimpin style. Was born in 1984 and proud

[@user-uy3fz3ee4h]

Thanks for your Extra info about this topics

[@thepeddle]

Thanks for the great year in Reviews MF and Pocketnow .. Merry xmas and see you in 2015 for another year of great tech consumption!

[@LJLMETAL]

The Galaxy Gear S is the best Smartwatch ever made! Samsung took a step backwards with the Gear S2.

[@davinderkaur1219]

How much is this

[@LJLMETAL]

Look it up on Ebay. On AT&T, it is $200 full price

[@smutech2932]

True

[@Cpenguiner123]

I don't think Samsung understood smart-watch concept properly. It is a watch, not for web browsing. One could buy tablet for that price.

[@Ashanioo4]

they were trying to do different ppl always complain about manufactors not coming up wit unique ideas but when they do everyone wants to complain

[@rizzle2860]

the web app doesn't come with the watch if you want to downloaded you can if not don't. samsung gives you a choice unlike other makers.

[@kiduaane1181]

So you are saying that the web browser in it hurts you?Really???

[@nazrazr]

the you should get a normal watch from Casio like G-Shock. Hahaha....Samsung just give the customers the opportunity to use the watch as optimize as possible. This is what people call pushing the boundries.But if you say it is too big, i agree...and doesnt look nice on the wrist.

[@GH1987]

this product would be great for those who have a separate job phone. and BTW isn't there a prepaid option in any carrier in the US? or does it have a monthly fee too?

[@htownpranksters7276]

Those this have to be for Sprint or can it be for any carrier phone

[@kaplandg]

yea lets see the iwatch do all this. oh wait it wont. womp

[@GetOutThereToday]

Lol what's sad is that they will claim that it can... Just as they do with everything

[@kaplandg]

price and manufacturer aside the gear s is a great product. i mean it does everything a phone does in a smaller package and is perfect when you dont want your phone out or dont want the hassle of carrying it. Now imagine that watch with the note 4. like the guy who did the review said thats a killer combination

[@GetOutThereToday]

Again enjoy 2013 tech...

[@GetOutThereToday]

Could care less on what sells... I do know which os does more... Than any os combined

[@GetOutThereToday]

SnorkFlirt and just a FYI... IOS crashes now more than lollipop... Least on Android we know what app is messing up unlike iOS... It just returns you to the home screen... +1 for Android for telling us what's the issue... Looks like it's step 1 of 8 for you iOS users...

[@ahsanafzal48]

apple label their customers as "iSlaves" 😂

[@ezgraderz]

Have the Gear 2 already, and it's been very useful. Will definitely be getting the Gear S.

[@Anitrex006]

Does it have a built-in dishwasher thought? Looking for smartwatch with that feature.

[@ThatGuyAgen]

Funny that it genuinely doesn't matter how good Gear S is or isn't, as the apple watch will blow it away regardless of it's own usefulness...

[@Mortadda]

It's sad that a less useful device that costs $150 more (If you by your Gear S with a contract) will probably destroy this in sales.

[@ThatGuyAgen]

Mortadda Yeah Apple watch will sell millions just because it's apple, I'm sure it's a nice device and all, I just can't see myself wanting to buy one until price comes down and battery life and usefulness goes up.

[@ThatGuyAgen]

***** It's only compatible with iphone, yes. I think it looks nice though, apple are good at designing things, you can't take that away from them. Whether or not it's any good remains to be seen though. Seems to me you're just an apple hater rather than someone looking objectively at products.

[@mbenzsl2000]

SnorkFlirt Why do people always assume it's about "what you can afford"? It makes you sound childish as hell, lol. I like Apple, as I have a MBP. However I don't really care for their iphones. I have an S3 and I am debating between the S6 or Note4. If you like iphones, good for you! No need to bring money into the issue. Show some class.

[@mbenzsl2000]

SnorkFlirt You're all over this board like Elvis on bacon. Do you work for Apple or something? Lol. I'm not doubting their quality. I love my macbook pro. When it comes to phone use though, I keep it simple. I usually just call and text. In my hospital it's an interesting mix...from flip phones to apple to android.

[@GuruAidTechSupport]

Ugly! It looks terrible and clunky. I would chose a Moto 360 over this any day! Even the Apple Watch looks better!

[@leetronix]

***** Do you mean choose not chose? I think the Moto 360 and the iwatch is ugly!

[@GuruAidTechSupport]

Lee Hayes You're right on the spelling, my bad. The Gear S looks like the front of a VW bug. Also, it's not called the iwatch.

[@leetronix]

I know its not called the iwatch but it should be you know as in, iMac, iPod, iPhone, iPad - iWatch... Personally I prefer iCopy or iToy..! Hehe funny about the front of a VW bug :-)

[@GuruAidTechSupport]

Lee Hayes Lol, far enough. Though to be honest, I see Apple fanboys constantly saying Samsung copies and also the other way around. The truth is, they both do it. That's just business. They couldn't use iWatch because a patent troll in China got the name first and did nothing with it.

[@leetronix]

Yes I know they could not use the name as you guessed I was just jesting, at least it is refreshing on here to be able to have a laugh with comments without taking things to seriously or personally :)

[@tbtunes_]

So many deluded people saying this is better then the new ones because they don't have the new ones

[@Ajaydevkota]

When we connect to android how long distance can we move and will be connected with the phone

[@MarcCabot]

A few more things worth mentioning: 1. The onscreen keyboard is very easy to use if you turn on the swipe feature. 2. The SIM card isn't required and the watch does a great job of acting like a stand alone phone so long as it's Bluetooth tethered to a larger handheld phone. I prefer to transfer my sim card from my phone into the watch if I'm going out somewhere and I either don't want or can't bring my regular phone. Other than that, excellent review. The biggest draw back in my opinion is the operating system. There's so much more that you could do if this thing was running android.

[@jigneshrajguru]

Hi Can we connect it with Blue tooth headphones for call communications ?

[@pamelacoulter8139]

I have this watch and I think the face and bold look is far more better than any of my more update Samsung smart watches. I had this watch just laying around for a couple of years so glad I pulled this big daddy out and using again, I have always loved the look of this watch, awesome!!

[@velasconm4423]

hey, i have sony xperia m4A, im planning to buy this one, do you think it will work with my M4 aqua? asap

[@EfraLpz_33]

Does the screen has an option to be always on showing the time in a dimmed mode like in android wear? Something I did not like on the gear 2 was the screen always dark. Great Reviews Pocket Now!

[@BasuR008]

To the point Demo !!! hats off

[@mastersirus1985]

Can't wait for the Pebble 2, at CES 2015

[@ammarhw79]

very nice review. I intend to buy one but use it without sim card synced with my note4. I have few questions: 1- If i put the mobile phone profile on silent mode. what will be the watch profile setting ( does it follow the phone profile )? 2- if I setup mobile phone alarm clock, Will I get notification on the watch ? 3- if i forget my mobile phone in a place, will I get a notification when the watch disconnected from the phone ? 4- if I get viber, whatsapp or skype calls can answer them from the watch ? Thanks

[@chrispynaples]

Is there a video to compare for new gears

[@iammoth3075]

Where did you get that?

[@johncamp3559]

I saw so many videos of the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch and it had a speaker on bottom of brace and a camera on side of the brace. What did I watch that is different than this? Thank u

[@traviskoh999]

the calling ability on the watch was the key to this being the best at that time.

[@mrralphlaurenqc]

is there an updated version?? I haven't seen it but there needs to be

[@filipswiercz280]

It's 2020 but I still really want this! I really like this home button

[@timhadzisavas6573]

hi can you please explain why my gear my disconnects and reconnects for most of the day with my Samsung s4 and at times when im in the normal range of my s4 it somehow doesn't reconnect and I have to do it manually????

[@jalexa4]

Hi does anyone know if this has a tethering function?

[@youlllog9627]

I own an Apple Watch and I saw this on sale at local Outlet Mall on Saturday for $120. It looks extremely slick and damn..I actually wish Apple made the watch like this

[@10marcanthony]

Question 🙋 which clock are you using to get that animated standby watch?

[@D-Major_Beats]

Question does this Samsung Gear S works for Samsung Pay by watch. Also on the S health does it frequently monitor heart rate

[@UPdan]

Bought one last week and seriously love it! This puts the smartphone in your pocket and keeps it there. This is big little screen that does most of the stuff you want, then I pull out the Sammie 8.4inch Tab S for heavy reading or work,pictures,etc. This is time,date,steps,sleep,messages,schedule on your wrist while is soooo much better, stocks, alarms with wrist buzzer which is how alarms during the day should be since time began, walking maps, car finder, calculator, news, opera mini, music downloads, milk music streaming,favorite photos and weather. 99% of what I want and the battery lasts at least a day. I have to recharge my smartphone and tablet more than the watch. This is definitely worth the money.

[@fernandocava5013]

BB tn jjjono n

[@teacherhimself]

Somerville MA?

[@GabrielCamargo1]

This is a very cool review

[@PhatPhuck96]

Good review but wtf happened with the sprint s5, thh bottom looked peeled back

[@gusadrira]

It works with the gear 6 and gear 6 edge?