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S2 vs. S2 (3g) Visual Comparison.

So I bought my Gear S2 on release day kind of knowing I was gonna return it for the 3G when it dropped, but then I kind of fell in love with the look and feel of this one, just miss the speaker option, but I knew the speaker comes at a price, a 2mm price and I'm not really.sure I wanna make this watch bulky and seeing a side by side has me kind of confused on what to do now.
I grab an official side pic of the Gear S2 and Gear S2 3G and laid them over top of each other exactly to show how much thicker the 3G model, quite a bit more bulk to it ... wondering if the speaker and wait is worth it now especially since I'm really happy with this watch minus the lack of speaker. I worry that the extra plastic will make it feel more like a cheap toy or something ... thoughts?
Picture Comparison Attached.

I don't think it'll make a big difference. I already returned my S2 for the white S2 3G. ?
Sent from my SM-G925P using Tapatalk

Worried about it also. The regular S2 is the perfect size for me. Since I'm unable to connect via Bluetooth to my phone due to the Marshmallow upgrade, I'll have an easier time returning my S2 and waiting for the 3g.

And for those coming from the 12.5 mm thick S
http://www.devicespecifications.com/en/model-thickness/de072f2d
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app

Yeah returned mine today and I'm following through the with original plan, worst case scenario is its too bulky and I return that and go back to the original S2 if I don't at least try it I'll regret it, in the meantime I'm back to the old Gear S, feels huge now lol.
But yeah Samsung did it correct with the S2, hopefully the 3G model doesn't ruin it, the wife doesn't miss her speaker and is keeping hers, I'm back in waitsville.

3g model has a thickness of 13.4mm which is 2mm thicker than the original gear s2
ilbe.com/files/attach/new/20151012/12250440/5998163507/6738306012/5fafbdaffcca4515411850243c3bbf26.jpg

HLIVON said:
3g model has a thickness of 13.4mm which is 2mm thicker than the original gear s2
ilbe.com/files/attach/new/20151012/12250440/5998163507/6738306012/5fafbdaffcca4515411850243c3bbf26.jpg
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Click to collapse
Thanks for that picture. Those extra 2mms make quite an impact from the side profile...

Here's a comparison between classic and 3g
ilbe.com/files/attach/new/20151017/12250440/263628947/6765651277/1e6e17f03be53a6cb2545414bba1912e.jpg

Damn it does look much fatter and ugly with that 2mm. I really want a speaker and with the price the same as the classic I was willing to do it, but these pictures seem to be telling me to stay with the sport.

It's saying the same to me lol, but I already have the plan through AT&T on my Gear S (although never use it off BT) and I really missed the speakerphone capability so I gotta see the 3G model through, again worst case scenario I return it and go back to the regular model, I'm not willing to compromise how nice and normal watch like the GS2 is for the speaker, I'll live without it, the GS2 fit good, felt good, and was made nice with good weight and balance, if the added plastic from the speaker thickens it too much or makes it feel cheap then it's a no go.
But if att doesn't hurry up, I'll just go back and get another GS2 regular, it's been 2 days since I returned it and I miss it, meanwhile my wife is loving hers.

I'm not convinced that the extra 2mm thickness is going to work, but the whole watch is bigger - 2mm thicker, 2mm taller and 1.7mm wider. Maybe that'll be ok...meanwhile I have 1hr29min to return my S2. Talk about being torn about what to do...and I haven't been able to keep it connected to my phone since Monday without light reset due to stupid Samsung f-up of Marshmallow Gear app update....

FitzAusTex said:
I'm not convinced that the extra 2mm thickness is going to work, but the whole watch is bigger - 2mm thicker, 2mm taller and 1.7mm wider. Maybe that'll be ok...meanwhile I have 1hr29min to return my S2. Talk about being torn about what to do...and I haven't been able to keep it connected to my phone since Monday without light reset due to stupid Samsung f-up of Marshmallow Gear app update....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I returned mine and re-bought it without removeing it from my wrist just to by be another 15 days. Just did that this morning and I got it when they opened on the Friday it came out.

The only thing that I would consider the 3g version is only because it was GPS and would let me run without a connection with the phone .

Here are some pictures of the Gear S2 3G model.
With a speaker, GPS, and 3G connectivity, this is definitely the model I'll be getting.
Here are some information I've gleamed about the S2 3G by reading some Korean blogs:
-When the smartphone is connected to the S2 3G and you receive a phone call, the phone call is routed to the watch via Bluebooth. If the phone is far away or if by chance the Bluetooth connection is lost between the phone and the watch, the watch goes into 3G mode. When Bluetooth connection is restored, Bluetooth takes over again for phone calls.
-The Gear S2 3G is given its own phone number if the user adds the phone unto a share plan. When one of the devices receives a phone call, it's mirrored on the other device. There is a service offered by SK Telecom, however, where the Gear S2 3G and your phone can share just a single number together.
-Looking at the Gear S2 3G by itself from its side, the 2mm size increase is noticeable. When the watch is worn, however, the watch looks slimmer because it gets pressed down into your skin.
-If one has both the Gear S2 3G and a phone on a share plan (2 different phone numbers) and one forgets and leaves the phone at home and you get a phone call to your phone, then you miss the call unless you open the telecom app on the Gear S2 3G to check for any missed calls on the phone.
-Speaking at a busy street with lots of car and people noise, the speaker performance is adequate. The blogger had to put the watch up to his ear many times to hear. When at home and playing with his kids, however, the speaker volume was more than adequate and convenient to have around because he didn't have to get up to fetch his phone. And his kids could participate in the conversation as well with their grandparents.
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---------- Post added at 11:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:48 PM ----------
Here are pictures of the silver/white Gear S2 3G:
​

The 3G model actually, to my Eyes at least, looks more like my cup of tea.
To bad i´m in Europe, maybe have to import it

Thanks for these pictures! Been searching every day for them. Will study way more closely, but I think my fears have been confirmed. To me, the 3g looks pretty awkward, but those may be tiny wrists, but still...
Also, if correct, don't at all like the idea that you'll have to check a "Telcom" app for a missed call if your phone is not in proximity of S2. Suspect it will depend on how verizon and tmobile handle this, but watch should actively notify wearer of calls/texts as they occur.

FitzAusTex said:
Thanks for these pictures! Been searching every day for them. Will study way more closely, but I think my fears have been confirmed. To me, the 3g looks pretty awkward, but those may be tiny wrists, but still...
Also, if correct, don't at all like the idea that you'll have to check a "Telcom" app for a missed call if your phone is not in proximity of S2. Suspect it will depend on how verizon and tmobile handle this, but watch should actively notify wearer of calls/texts as they occur.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a bit confused on the missed call thing.
I don't plan on adding or paying for 3G. I'm also on Sprint which probley won't support it anyways. I currently have the Bluetooth version and miss the speaker.
If I'm on wifi and my phone is away from me how will the watch act during the call and after I missed the call?
Current bluetooth S2 if on wifi will only show me the missed call after the call was missed. Will not show it ringing when not connect to phone via bluetooth.

https://youtu.be/LgDvRnd3LOY

Reviewer in YouTube video says he can't wear S2 with dress shirt since gets caught/won't fit under shirt sleeve (also said why would he want to since watch is sporty).

When is ATT gonna announce anything about their 3G? Their website just keeps saying coming soon. Grrr. I have an idea that ATT is going to announce their new NumberSync service with this watch, and that is why they are waiting on announcing all the details, but we shall see I guess.
http://www.digitaltrends.com/wearables/att-numbersync-service-news/

Will Gear S2 survive against Android Wear with 3/4G?

It's coming. In fact, if LG hadn't run into a problem with some custom hardware, the Urbane Second Edition, with full 3G/4G/LTE capability, would be in direct competition with the S2 right now.
My Huawei AW watch has a speaker. So it's ready to become a BT tethered calling device when that's released. It won't be long before AW watch manufacturers release a full LTE version like the S2.
So, when that happens, what does the S2 have over AW? One thing for sure is a better UI, including the clever rotating bezel. However, in terms of any other really significant features/capabilities, AW leaves the G2 in the dust.
I've got a G2, and it's my "daily driver" at the moment, but only because I can make and recieve calls on it. The 3G is simply an extension of that for me, but not critical; it's a nice feature.
Unless Samsung really steps up to the plate and fixes some serious problems with the G2 (S-Voice accuracy and capability tops the list), I'll be going back to AW when I can use my watch for calls.
Don't get me wrong... I really like the S2. But the edge it has right now -- UI design and 3G -- will evaporate quickly probably this year, and the main deal-breaker will once again be app availability and developer support. Something Samsung doesn't have a prayer of competing with Android on, especially considering the apparently meager resources and investment they're making to compete.

dwallersv said:
It's coming. In fact, if LG hadn't run into a problem with some custom hardware, the Urbane Second Edition, with full 3G/4G/LTE capability, would be in direct competition with the S2 right now.
My Huawei AW watch has a speaker. So it's ready to become a BT tethered calling device when that's released. It won't be long before AW watch manufacturers release a full LTE version like the S2.
So, when that happens, what does the S2 have over AW? One thing for sure is a better UI, including the clever rotating bezel. However, in terms of any other really significant features/capabilities, AW leaves the G2 in the dust.
I've got a G2, and it's my "daily driver" at the moment, but only because I can make and recieve calls on it. The 3G is simply an extension of that for me, but not critical; it's a nice feature.
Unless Samsung really steps up to the plate and fixes some serious problems with the G2 (S-Voice accuracy and capability tops the list), I'll be going back to AW when I can use my watch for calls.
Don't get me wrong... I really like the S2. But the edge it has right now -- UI design and 3G -- will evaporate quickly probably this year, and the main deal-breaker will once again be app availability and developer support. Something Samsung doesn't have a prayer of competing with Android on, especially considering the apparently meager resources and investment they're making to compete.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. I love my Gear S2 3G but I would ditch it quickly once AW watches with speakers & 3G/4G and a true always-on mode come out with compelling designs.
Sent from my SM-G925P using Tapatalk

I really miss the call function from my Gear 2 - once again Samsung has a great feature and drops the ball only for a competitor to pick it and improve it

If Samsung keeps making devices as compelling as the S2 I will hang around. They need to keep building off the app market they started with the S2 so it becomes robust and not an issue for future iterations. The only other thing I feel needs real improvement is S-voice. Pretty happy overall with the S2, could see myself grabbing another one in a couple years.

obsydian said:
I really miss the call function from my Gear 2 - once again Samsung has a great feature and drops the ball only for a competitor to pick it and improve it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not just get the 3g version if you wanted to make calls on the Gear S2?

That version is not for sale in my region and i really just wanted the same basic function as the Gear 2 - as in not 3G but the ability to take calls on the watch (tethered to the mobile via BT or WIFI)

IMO I think it will survive, just for the simple fact that there has to be more than just me that thinks making a phone call from the watch is silly..... gimmicky, maybe a bit "cool".....but still silly.
Me personally would not buy A Watch that has that option, I can only imagine the battery life. I see these "smart watches" as an extension of my phone, not a replacement. YOMV

bamfsig45 said:
IMO I think it will survive, just for the simple fact that there has to be more than just me that thinks making a phone call from the watch is silly..... gimmicky, maybe a bit "cool".....but still silly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are certainly more than you (indeed, I've encountered many )
However, keep in mind there are a lot of people out there. And there are plenty like me too, that not only do not find it silly, but find it a very useful, helpful feature in their lives. Indeed, this was the capability that tipped me over into spending the $$ and getting the S2, just a month after dropping bank on a Huawei AW watch (which I still have, and am not ready yet to give up; it has a speaker, so when calling capability comes to AW, it should be supported on the Huawei).
I haven't worn my Huawei for a month. First month I had the S2 I went back and forth, and truly had an opportunity to weight the pluses of AW (Google NOW, app selection) against the pluses of the S2.
S2 is winning at the moment. However, as soon as I can make calls on the AW watch, we'll be going back and forth again evaluating.
Right now, I think the S2 is still gonna win, but it's going to be very close for me. The UI on the S2 is superior, but there may be apps on AW that I "need".
I'll have more to say in this thread after AW supports calling. The S2 will still have a big edge for me because of it's 3G capability, making standalone. We'll see...

dwallersv said:
There are certainly more than you (indeed, I've encountered many )
However, keep in mind there are a lot of people out there. And there are plenty like me too, that not only do not find it silly, but find it a very useful, helpful feature in their lives. Indeed, this was the capability that tipped me over into spending the $$ and getting the S2, just a month after dropping bank on a Huawei AW watch (which I still have, and am not ready yet to give up; it has a speaker, so when calling capability comes to AW, it should be supported on the Huawei).
I haven't worn my Huawei for a month. First month I had the S2 I went back and forth, and truly had an opportunity to weight the pluses of AW (Google NOW, app selection) against the pluses of the S2.
S2 is winning at the moment. However, as soon as I can make calls on the AW watch, we'll be going back and forth again evaluating.
Right now, I think the S2 is still gonna win, but it's going to be very close for me. The UI on the S2 is superior, but there may be apps on AW that I "need".
I'll have more to say in this thread after AW supports calling. The S2 will still have a big edge for me because of it's 3G capability, making standalone. We'll see...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I absolutely respect your opinion. But I'm hard pressed to think the speaker wont be load enough unless your in a quiet environment.
I also had the Huawei watch, Moto 360 2nd gen, and Asus zen watch 2. I've returned all of them because after trying so many I realized it wasn't the watch I didn't like. It was the software. I too think the Tizen UI is superior to AW...at least at the moment.

bamfsig45 said:
I absolutely respect your opinion. But I'm hard pressed to think the speaker wont be load enough unless your in a quiet environment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, nothing to argue about. You like chocolate, I like coffee. There is no "best" flavor of ice cream.
For the record, I've been using a smartwatch for calling since the original Gear 1 running Android. So I've had plenty of time and experience to learn whether or not the feature is useful to me, when/where/how, etc. Of course, in very noisy environments, or places where I'm concerned about privacy, I pull out my phone. However, in those cases more often than not I answer immediately with my watch, tell the person to "wait a sec, I'm on speaker", then get the phone out.
The vast majority of the time, I don't need to do this. Calls are often short (daughter calling to update me on her plans, when coming home, for example), nothing personal enough that I care if anyone overhears.
The convenience is just huge. Phone is usually in my pocket. Watch rings, I look at who's calling, either send it to vmail with a swipe or say, "answer" and have the quick conversation.
However, I well recognize that is is highly personal, like food tastes. It works very well for me, and my life, and has become nearly indispensable. I find that when I don't have my smartwatch and only my phone, it's like a thousand cuts of annoyance.
So, for me, the introduction of standalone 3G was a ginormous feature leap. I've left the house several times now without my phone to run an errand -- few unintentionally and then, after that great experience, deliberately a few times -- and I'm hooked.
If I was in your situation, I certainly would not have paid the extra $$ for 3G, and would only care about the speaker for things like alarms, notification sounds, etc.

I'd have been perfectly happy with a non 3G version that at LEAST had built in GPS. That's the only feature i'm sorely missing from the 3G version...so much so that i'm exploring buying a used 3G from any carrier with no intention of using the 3G, just so that I can have GPS.

GPS plus cellular functionality sold me on the Gear S a year ago. Before that, I could not see the point of smartwatches. As a runner, being able to leave my large and heavy phone behind and still be reachable and have a way to track my runs and communicate seemed invaluable. I was happy with the Gear S, but frustrated with the desert that is the Tizen app store, Samsung's non-support and the constantly breaking charging cradles. Nevertheless, the Gear S served me well.
Then the LG watch urbane 2nd edition LTE came along and I never looked back. I sold my Gear S, and have a much nicer watch, better UX, more mainstream apps, the knowledge that even more apps will work with AW, global functionality, and a crazy long battery life. If this is representative of other upcoming AW watches, Tizen watches are in trouble.

I own three smartwatches atm: gear s, gear s2, huawei w1. The gear s is the SMARTER watch. The S2 is much better looking than original and much much polished OS but is so small. The huawei is the one I am wearing avery day now. Every one of them has something special. It's a matter of personal taste.
By nou I had all the samsung watches, moto 360 and lg watch r. I ALWAYS RETURNED TO TIEZEN. But if the next update will implement calling from the watch the Android wear will be closer to tiezen. Gear S has it's own place in the market and it's the smarter watch of all.

me and my wife have a few smartwatch, such as sony SW1 SW2, the G watch, and the S2, base on our experience the best is still sony SW1 SW2 due to have lot of app, and between S2 and Android watch, I prefer AW, just best it is better intgergrate with android, my wife S2 still need a few tweak such as a fast voice command respsonse, more app, and be more compatible with different IM.
The samsung app store and sony app store is really good when compare to google which is hard to look for watch specific app, but samsung app store currently cannot access in canada, I still able to access few weeks ago when in HK, and sony already phase out its own watch OS.

I myself own a 3g tmobile version of the watch. If LG didn't run into hardware troubles then I would have to make a choice and LG would probably be a winner

xendula said:
Then the LG watch urbane 2nd edition LTE came along and I never looked back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must be one of the lucky 3 people or so that got one before they were pulled from the market?
If it hadn't been, I wouldn't even be posting in this group at all.

DummyPLUG said:
me and my wife have a few smartwatch, such as sony SW1 SW2, the G watch, and the S2, base on our experience the best is still sony SW1 SW2 due to have lot of app, and between S2 and Android watch, I prefer AW, just best it is better intgergrate with android, my wife S2 still need a few tweak such as a fast voice command respsonse, more app, and be more compatible with different IM.
The samsung app store and sony app store is really good when compare to google which is hard to look for watch specific app, but samsung app store currently cannot access in canada, I still able to access few weeks ago when in HK, and sony already phase out its own watch OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in Canada and the samsung app store works fine with my note 4 and gear s/s2.

darekz said:
I myself own a 3g tmobile version of the watch. If LG didn't run into hardware troubles then I would have to make a choice and LG would probably be a winner
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same. I really liked the looks of that watch, the big battery and I would have given AW a try with cellular capability.

sefrcoko said:
I'm in Canada and the samsung app store works fine with my note 4 and gear s/s2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is related to region, that's means a S2 with asia region firmware will not work in other place, same apply for NA region. (at least for current firmware/app)
I had solve the problem by using a asia sim and vpn back to hong kong, but this is not something accecptable.

It might but Samsung just love churning out hardware and software is an after thought. Normally within 6 months of launch and product support is dead.

I have some questions about the 3G version

I just purchased it. I'm on the T-Mobile but the watch is on AT&T. I read some stuff in another thread about it here but I'm not sure if that's outdated.
First, how is Tizen and using this watch for someone coming from AW? I lost my Urbane and just bought this because I purchased the S7 Edge.
What am I going to not be able to do, if anything, because the watch and phone are on different carriers?
How is the build quality and water resistance?
Thanks!

Also, is there any way to just "unlock" it and work with another carrier?

yugendreams said:
I just purchased it. I'm on the T-Mobile but the watch is on AT&T. I read some stuff in another thread about it here but I'm not sure if that's outdated.
First, how is Tizen and using this watch for someone coming from AW? I lost my Urbane and just bought this because I purchased the S7 Edge.
What am I going to not be able to do, if anything, because the watch and phone are on different carriers?
How is the build quality and water resistance?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I dont mind Tizen at all. Its no android wear but it does everything but navigation. Least as good as AW. But notifications work well and typing old T9 isnt hard at all. Love the rotating bezel though. Also there are not many apps but there some pretty decent watch faces.
2. Build is pretty solid, the strap connector seems pretty weak but you can always get another. Some people bands have broke but mine i still going fine. Havent tried to get mine wet but it works after walking in the rain a few times but nothing major.
3. Far as the unlock, I am not the person to ask. Is it attached to the ATT network or just a ATT model? You can always just is it with BT only. You should be fine using an ATT watch on tmobile. Since all it really does is call forward missed calls it really shouldn't mater.

burtonfamily101 said:
1. I dont mind Tizen at all. Its no android wear but it does everything but navigation. Least as good as AW. But notifications work well and typing old T9 isnt hard at all. Love the rotating bezel though. Also there are not many apps but there some pretty decent watch faces.
2. Build is pretty solid, the strap connector seems pretty weak but you can always get another. Some people bands have broke but mine i still going fine. Havent tried to get mine wet but it works after walking in the rain a few times but nothing major.
3. Far as the unlock, I am not the person to ask. Is it attached to the ATT network or just a ATT model? You can always just is it with BT only. You should be fine using an ATT watch on tmobile. Since all it really does is call forward missed calls it really shouldn't mater.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How bad is S-Voice? That's my only real concern at this point.

yugendreams said:
How bad is S-Voice? That's my only real concern at this point.
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Click to collapse
Well all I can say it works, the main thing is that you have to basically relearn how to talk to it. AW is much easier to use but it does work. I honestly don't ever use it. I usually always just the Google voice on my phone to make appointments etc. Id rather use T9 to respond to sms rather to s-voice.

I'm on tmobile but also have at&t model s2 sport and just use the watch on bluetooth. Wish there was a way to unlock so I could switch it to tmobile even though I'm not even sure I'd activate it through either. That's probably why it didn't matter which esim watch I bought. Haven't used s voice as using t9 isn't difficult ever with my finger being damn near the size of the screen, I do sometimes hit to fast, but it workseems nice. I've been itching to just jump into a pool with both watch and s7even, but a little nervous. In have let it hit the shower for a few secs just to show my girlfriend it was alright to get wet. Still waiting for Samsung pay so I wouldn't have to reach for the phone

Help me choose!

I'm planning to buy a smart watch and I had two options... The Apple Watch and the Samsung Gear S2.
I've been a Samsung fan all my life despite the hiccups that you see every now and then.
After looking at some reviews I decided to go for the S2, BUT!... The fact that the watch doesn't have a speaker came like a shock to me. I don't want to use it to make calls from the watch itself, but I'm talking about notification sounds, alarms, etc... That when I started checking the 3G version of the S2 (which has a built-in speaker) but I can't find an international new one on Amazon.
When I checked Samsung's site, I found that the 3G version is sold by either Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T.
I don't live in the U.S. and in my country, the eSim is not supported yet but honestly I don't care about having an independent watch that can make calls without a phone. It would be nice to be able to accept/decline calls from the watch and then use the phone though.
Now that you heard my story, I want to know what to do to get a Gear S2 that has a speaker?
Thanks in advance.

Take the Gear S3

ThinkD said:
Take the Gear S3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought about it but its too big for my wrist... I'm kinda skinny.

zDr4g0n said:
I'm planning to buy a smart watch and I had two options... The Apple Watch and the Samsung Gear S2.
I've been a Samsung fan all my life despite the hiccups that you see every now and then.
After looking at some reviews I decided to go for the S2, BUT!... The fact that the watch doesn't have a speaker came like a shock to me. I don't want to use it to make calls from the watch itself, but I'm talking about notification sounds, alarms, etc... That when I started checking the 3G version of the S2 (which has a built-in speaker) but I can't find an international new one on Amazon.
When I checked Samsung's site, I found that the 3G version is sold by either Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T.
I don't live in the U.S. and in my country, the eSim is not supported yet but honestly I don't care about having an independent watch that can make calls without a phone. It would be nice to be able to accept/decline calls from the watch and then use the phone though.
Now that you heard my story, I want to know what to do to get a Gear S2 that has a speaker?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey there! What phone do you have? If you have an iPhone, I suggest a product from the same company as the device. It's more expensive, but it will work perfectly. But if you have an Android phone, then I suggest the Gear S2 bluetooth, the Huawei Watch or the Moto 360 2gen. It doesn't have a speaker, but the vibration is pretty strong. I personally have a Samsung Gear S2 Bluetooth with a Galaxy S7 and it works perfectly. Also note that if you have an Android phone, you can't use the Apple Watch. Gear S2 is, I would say, for the sportier person. Apple Watch is for the more calm and "elegant" person. Also note that you have to get the 3G Gear S2 from a carrier, because it doesn't have a sim slot, but an integrated non-removable E-Sim, which is kind of a smaller chip than a normal Sim card.
So in the end, ios=Apple Watch and Android=Gear S2/Moto 360 2gen/Huawei Watch. I would highly suggest the Moto 360 2nd generation because you can customize it on Moto Maker. Also be aware that the Moto and Huawei run Android Wear whilst the Gear S2 runs Tizen. There are limitations though. If you want a Gear S2, you need Android 4.4.4 or higher and more than 1.5GB of RAM. If you want an Apple Watch though, it doesn't really do much. Also, Apple Watch runs Watch OS 2.
Hope I helped and I hope you make the right choice.
Fritz_Frigursson
---------- Post added at 10:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:12 PM ----------
zDr4g0n said:
I'm planning to buy a smart watch and I had two options... The Apple Watch and the Samsung Gear S2.
I've been a Samsung fan all my life despite the hiccups that you see every now and then.
After looking at some reviews I decided to go for the S2, BUT!... The fact that the watch doesn't have a speaker came like a shock to me. I don't want to use it to make calls from the watch itself, but I'm talking about notification sounds, alarms, etc... That when I started checking the 3G version of the S2 (which has a built-in speaker) but I can't find an international new one on Amazon.
When I checked Samsung's site, I found that the 3G version is sold by either Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T.
I don't live in the U.S. and in my country, the eSim is not supported yet but honestly I don't care about having an independent watch that can make calls without a phone. It would be nice to be able to accept/decline calls from the watch and then use the phone though.
Now that you heard my story, I want to know what to do to get a Gear S2 that has a speaker?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please note that if you have an iPhone and wish to purchase an Apple Watch, You will need an iPhone 5 or higher. If you have an iPhone 4/4s/3/3gs/1, tough luck because it's not compatible. Sorry.
Hope I helped, Fritz_Frigursson

Fritz_Frigursson said:
Hey there! What phone do you have? If you have an iPhone, I suggest a product from the same company as the device. It's more expensive, but it will work perfectly. But if you have an Android phone, then I suggest the Gear S2 bluetooth, the Huawei Watch or the Moto 360 2gen. It doesn't have a speaker, but the vibration is pretty strong. I personally have a Samsung Gear S2 Bluetooth with a Galaxy S7 and it works perfectly. Also note that if you have an Android phone, you can't use the Apple Watch. Gear S2 is, I would say, for the sportier person. Apple Watch is for the more calm and "elegant" person. Also note that you have to get the 3G Gear S2 from a carrier, because it doesn't have a sim slot, but an integrated non-removable E-Sim, which is kind of a smaller chip than a normal Sim card.
So in the end, ios=Apple Watch and Android=Gear S2/Moto 360 2gen/Huawei Watch. I would highly suggest the Moto 360 2nd generation because you can customize it on Moto Maker. Also be aware that the Moto and Huawei run Android Wear whilst the Gear S2 runs Tizen. There are limitations though. If you want a Gear S2, you need Android 4.4.4 or higher and more than 1.5GB of RAM. If you want an Apple Watch though, it doesn't really do much. Also, Apple Watch runs Watch OS 2.
Hope I helped and I hope you make the right choice.
Fritz_Frigursson
---------- Post added at 10:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:12 PM ----------
Please note that if you have an iPhone and wish to purchase an Apple Watch, You will need an iPhone 5 or higher. If you have an iPhone 4/4s/3/3gs/1, tough luck because it's not compatible. Sorry.
Hope I helped, Fritz_Frigursson
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Fritz, you really added a lot!
I have a galaxy s5 and I'm planning to maybe upgrade to s7 in the near future (I'm also thinking about the iPhone 7 when it is released) that is why I wana choose the watch first then decide what phone I will buy later.
Since you have a Gear S2, I need to ask you some questions that I hope you have the answers to...
1- I heard that there is a problem that occurs sometimes with daily alarms. Sometimes it won't go off, did that happen to you?
2- Same thing for apps notifications, sometimes it doesn't work on the watch.
3- Can you accept/decline calls in the Bluetooth version then use your phone or a Bluetooth headset to speak?
4- If I get the 3G version somehow while I don't live in the U.S., am I going to be able to use it normally or I'm gonna have troubles with un-needed payments and stuff like that?
Thanks again.

zDr4g0n said:
Thanks Fritz, you really added a lot!
I have a galaxy s5 and I'm planning to maybe upgrade to s7 in the near future (I'm also thinking about the iPhone 7 when it is released) that is why I wana choose the watch first then decide what phone I will buy later.
Since you have a Gear S2, I need to ask you some questions that I hope you have the answers to...
1- I heard that there is a problem that occurs sometimes with daily alarms. Sometimes it won't go off, did that happen to you?
2- Same thing for apps notifications, sometimes it doesn't work on the watch.
3- Can you accept/decline calls in the Bluetooth version then use your phone or a Bluetooth headset to speak?
4- If I get the 3G version somehow while I don't live in the U.S., am I going to be able to use it normally or I'm gonna have troubles with un-needed payments and stuff like that?
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello again! If you have a Gear S2 with a Galaxy S5, it will work fine. Now, the alarms and notifications will work but you won't be able to visualize everything on your watch, so be aware that you will need to view most of the notifications on your phone. For example, if you have instagram or a social media account (twitter, facebook, ect..) it will say that you have a new notification. If, however, you get a text message (Whatsapp, messenger, hangouts, viber, ect..), you will be able to respond to it with emoticons, pre loaded quick messages or using a classic T9 keyboard (I prefer the T9). The main issue here is the calling. If you do not have a bluetooth headset, you won't be able to recieve or make calls. If you choose the previous Gear (Samsung Gear S), you will be able to insert a nano sim into the watch itself (it has a slot at the back) and make calls, browse the internet or even play games. It's practically a mini smartphone. Anyways, coming back to our Gear S2, if you get the 3G model without contract, you will probably be able to use it bluetooth, but I'm not sure about the calling feature...
Don't get the Apple Watch, but consider the Moto 360 2nd generation. It's roughly the same price but comes with Android Wear. But if you really want a Samsung wearable, consider the Gear S too. It's got a bigger screen, a bigger battery and a speaker so you can make calls. The only con here is that it costs a bit more than the Gear S2, but it has more features. If you want more features but more bulk, get the Gear S. If you want design, lightness but no calling, get the Gear S2. Always consider the Moto 360 2.
Hope I helped, Fritz_Frigursson
---------- Post added at 11:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:18 AM ----------
zDr4g0n said:
Thanks Fritz, you really added a lot!
I have a galaxy s5 and I'm planning to maybe upgrade to s7 in the near future (I'm also thinking about the iPhone 7 when it is released) that is why I wana choose the watch first then decide what phone I will buy later.
Since you have a Gear S2, I need to ask you some questions that I hope you have the answers to...
1- I heard that there is a problem that occurs sometimes with daily alarms. Sometimes it won't go off, did that happen to you?
2- Same thing for apps notifications, sometimes it doesn't work on the watch.
3- Can you accept/decline calls in the Bluetooth version then use your phone or a Bluetooth headset to speak?
4- If I get the 3G version somehow while I don't live in the U.S., am I going to be able to use it normally or I'm gonna have troubles with un-needed payments and stuff like that?
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please also note that the Gear S3 will be launched in September, so look out for that too. That has 3G connectivity, GPS and Samsung Pay. If you want the Gear S2, it's a pretty good smartwatch, but the Gear S3 has more to offer. You can also make calls with the S3.
Also, it comes in 2 variants: Samsung Gear S3 Classic and Samsung Gear S3 Frontier. I would get the frontier, because it has 3G connectivity.
Hope I helped, Fritz_Frigursson

Love / Hate relationship with my S3

Ok, before I start, I have to say that my S3 Frontier is the best Smart Watch I have ever owned. I have had an apple watch. I own an LG Urbane, Gear S2 and now the S3 Frontier LTE version.
Now I have to say that this is an awesome watch but I have been having several issues that are bugging me but I am sure they can be fixed with software updates so I'm hanging in there but here are my issues and they are getting annoying:
Watch constantly locks, thinking I took the watch off my wrist. If I tighten it real tight it won't. The heart beat sensor constantly tells me to reposition the watch on my wrist or clean the sensor. I have to move it or tighten it several times before I can get a reading. The altimeter is always all over the place. I can recalibrate it in the same spot every time and get everything from - 100 feet to 200 feet. Mind you I live at sea level. The barometer stays at 30 and never moves even though I am sure the barometric pressure is changing. The GPS doesn't lock very quickly so using it as a standalone GPS isn't really feasible yet. Locks great with phone hooked up. Samsung Pay does not integrate with the phone version. Works great but when I pay with my watch, I don't get rewards points. Also, I kept my S2 for a more sporty look and when I was going somewhere that I didn't want to mess up my frontier. I connected to my S2 the other day and when I connected back to my s3, Samsung Pay had to be set up all over again. That is to inconvenient for those of us who would like to switch between watches. The gear app does a good job at being able to switch seamlessly but messes up Samsung Pay every time you switch. I only use it to impress people or don't have my phone with me but honestly Samsung Pay on the watch has been more of a hassle than it's worth for me. Now if Samsung were to integrate the promotions and the gear app wouldn't keep deleting my cards every time I switched watches, Samsung Pay would be dope.
Now you may say that I have defective sensors but upon trolling the net, I see others are having some of the same issues. I am sure that with some updates it will improve. I see that there has already been one update that improves the GPS but unfortunately I have to wait for Tmobile to push it out since I have the Lte version and have noticed that with my S2, you have to wait for updates if you have the LTE versions.
Now please don't get me wrong. I loved my S2 and am loving my s3 even more but still needs some improvement.
I still think it's the best on the market! Some say there is a lack of apps but there is an app for all my needs and between all the watch face apps and gear designer, I have even designed my own faces. I think hands down it even beats android wear in the watch face designing department. I also think this is definitely an apple watch killer. Only wish they would have made it a little more water resistant so I could swim with it but it's all good.
This watch has a lot of potential and I hope Samsung starts working on updates to fix its shortcomings but for now it's the best smart watch in my opinion.

Just curious (because you seem to use the watch all the time), how's the quality of the bezel? It became in time slightly loose and it's clicky when you tap on it?

I recognize your story but the love prevails for now, probably until a better S4 or Huawei Watch comes out.
Don't use Samsung pay but I don't recognize your GPS comment. Maybe I live under a satellite cause mine locks in about 3 to 5 seconds.
Btw coming from the doomed Pebble, I had a time steel and backed (%|#!) a time 2, I'm glad to find the S3 does the same plus more and looks like a proper watch. So I'll just have to live with it's quirks.
Edit: Been thinking about this. If Garmin would release a smaller Fenix 4 I'll probably get that, I like always on reflective displays better than oled.

reglaspv said:
Just curious (because you seem to use the watch all the time), how's the quality of the bezel? It became in time slightly loose and it's clicky when you tap on it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't had any problems and actually I like the smoothness and it hasn't gotten loose on me. I have heard complaints about the behalf but I think it's perfect.

blackspp said:
I recognize your story but the love prevails for now, probably until a better S4 or Huawei Watch comes out.
Don't use Samsung pay but I don't recognize your GPS comment. Maybe I live under a satellite cause mine locks in about 3 to 5 seconds.
Btw coming from the doomed Pebble, I had a time steel and backed (%|#!) a time 2, I'm glad to find the S3 does the same plus more and looks like a proper watch. So I'll just have to live with it's quirks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have the Bluetooth or LTE version? It is my understanding that there was an update that improved the GPS lock on the Bluetooth version. I'm still waiting for the update.
I am sure most if not all these quirks will be fixed with updates. Samsung did a good job fixing several issues with the S2 so I am confident they will do good with the S3. I just hate having to wait a few extra months because I have the LTE version but at the same time I use the standalone features with call forwarding and tmobile digits looks promising.
Trust me, I'm still more on the love side.

Sirdragonx said:
Do you have the Bluetooth or LTE version? It is my understanding that there was an update that improved the GPS lock on the Bluetooth version. I'm still waiting for the update.
I am sure most if not all these quirks will be fixed with updates. Samsung did a good job fixing several issues with the S2 so I am confident they will do good with the S3. I just hate having to wait a few extra months because I have the LTE version but at the same time I use the standalone features with call forwarding and tmobile digits looks promising.
Trust me, I'm still more on the love side.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bluetooth...

Sirdragonx said:
I haven't had any problems and actually I like the smoothness and it hasn't gotten loose on me. I have heard complaints about the behalf but I think it's perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, your watch is nothing like this: https://youtu.be/QoqKgXq-KRA?t=12m15s
(min 12:18 if it doesn't load ok)

reglaspv said:
So, your watch is nothing like this:
?t=12m15s
(min 12:18 if it doesn't load ok)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried tapping mine and mine is fine. Not like the video. Not loose at all.

blackspp said:
Bluetooth...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the update included the GPS fix.

Mine taps too just like several others I checked. Very annoying but probably ok. I guess...

I switch between the gear s and gear s3 and have no problems with having to restart samsung pay. And you do get the points using the watch also.

blackspp said:
Mine taps too just like several others I checked. Very annoying but probably ok. I guess...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just don't know and I'm trying to make up my mind if I should return it or not.
The watch is fine otherwise but I'm thinking that MAYBE is just a bad luck and if I change it, everything it will be fine (like the one of OP).
I asked in a Samsung service about this problem and the technician said that at this point he has no clue if this is expected or not but that all the Gear S2 that he saw, had this little clicky thing.
Then I asked if the bezel is changed without disassembling the watch and he said that the bezel is attached to the watch face and it is changed as an entire unit, basically removing the bottom and the electronics and inserted into the new one.
Mine (in just 4 days after unpacking) is more than clicky when I tap it, the bezel is also slightly loose and there is enough lateral and vertical movement (when I press one side, the other is just slightly moving up).
I can't imagine that in time, it will be better but I can imagine all the dust and hair that it will be stuck under the bezel.
My watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iQd2AA8XPo

reglaspv said:
I just don't know and I'm trying to make up my mind if I should return it or not.[/URL]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have any doubt, return it. If only for peace of mind. You can always buy it again.

Mine is less loose but It's loose a bit nevertheless...
I'm going back to the shop tomorrow but I doubt i can swap it...