Samsung Galaxy Watch Review

The Galaxy Watch is a continuation of the Gear series. Samsung brought the accessory closer to the smartphone line by giving it the Galaxy prefix, as well as making it a bit more functional and prettier.

Specifications

Weight: 42 mm Version - 49 g; 46mm Version - 63 g

Display: Super AMOLED, 360 by 360 pixels, with always on display support.

Display Diameter: 42 mm Version - 30 mm; 46 mm Version - 33 mm

Battery: 270 mAh in the 42 mm; 472 mAh in the 46 mm

CPU: 10-nanometer Exynos 9110 chip with two cores and a frequency of 1.15 GHz

Platform: Tizen + Wearable OS 4.0

Internal memory: 4 GB

RAM: 768 MB

Wireless Interfaces: Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi b/g/n, NFC, A-GPS, GLONASS

Sensors: Accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, pulse sensor, and light sensor

Protection: IP68, MIL-STD-810G

Compatibility: Android 5.0 with at least 1.5 GB of RAM; iPhone 5 or newer with iOS 9.0 and higher

Equipment

In the box: The watch itself, a docking station with a microUSB cable and an adapter (we were given a sample with an American plug), an extra long strap, and documentation. Comparing the Galaxy Watch with the Gear S3, let's say that the watch from Samsung retained common features, but became slightly more elegant—in the pink version for sure.

Removable straps: 20 mm and 22 mm, depending on the version of the Galaxy Watch. True, it seems that the body in this color will not be combined with anything. Therefore, those who do not like to experiment with the appearance of accessories may prefer one of the darker versions. Watchbands from the Gear series are suitable.

Display

The diameter of the screen of our version is 1.2 inches, or 30 mm. The display resolution of the Galaxy Watch is 360 by 360 pixels. The Super AMOLED screen, with its inherent brightness, allows for contrast and readability from almost any viewing angle. The brightness of the screen is selected automatically; the picture is visible even in bright light.

There is an always on display mode in which the backlight does not turn off. And the display always remains in color—with it, the Galaxy Watch always looks like a watch, not a gadget with a case from them when the screen is off.

Smartphone Interaction

The setting takes place through the same Galaxy Wearable application. On the main screen of the program shows the charge of the clock and the amount of internal memory. Here you can install new dials and download applications from the Galaxy Apps catalog. For example, a snake analogue adapted for a round display or a barometer altimeter that shows altitude and pressure in the street.

Control

The clock is controlled using a touch screen and three mechanical controls: Two buttons and a swivel bezel. It is especially pleasant to turn the ring, as it turns and clicks easily. The top button is the “Back” action, which returns the user to the previous screen. The bottom is the power button, with a quick tap calling the menu of applications. You can also select a program that will open by double-clicking.

Water Resistant

The Galaxy Watch protection class is IP68. The device is completely protected from dust—and with it, you can swim and even dive into shallow waters.

And the Galaxy Watch passed the tests of the US military standard MIL-STD-810G. This means that they are protected not only from dust and moisture, but also from shocks, earthquakes, and extreme temperatures.

Sport and Fitness

Among the dials, you can choose the option for fitness with key widgets and a quick transition to the training mode. There are 39 types of activities available, including not only running, bike riding, and swimming, but also less popular and even the exotic: Yoga, Pilates, rowing, twisting, pulling up, and classes on certain simulators.

To play sports, it is not necessary to take a smartphone with you. While jogging, the workout map will be compiled using a GPS sensor, and the built-in altimeter will help you to find out the height when going downhill.

Final Words

The Galaxy Watch is a serious device that retains the features of a traditional mechanical watch. And this is not just a disguise that is easy to uncover. The dark version is able to compliment a strict suit, and the gadget in "pink gold" is perfect for shoes and dresses.

This is not the most intuitive gadget. To use all of its features, the device must be properly understood. This may take a couple of days. We tested the Galaxy Watch in conjunction with the iPhone SE, and perhaps this was not entirely true. Still, its creators are working on developing their own ecosystem, as evident by the presence of the voice assistant Bixby, interaction with Samsung Health, and the need to log in via a Samsung account.