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Gear 2 / Gear Live comparison thread

To make it all a little easier for the consumer to make an informed decision I think it would be useful to build a comparison thread.
This is not for slating or making big statements about Samsung strategy, literally feature and technical comparison.
I.e music : Gear 2, ability to store locally and play through device or phone. Gear live, ability to control music playing on phone.
Please post any areas you know are 100% true and I'll update the first post.

Gear 2, has speaker & mic, Gear live has only mic.
Gear 2 has Camera / Gear Live no cam.

raiu said:
Gear 2, has speaker & mic, Gear live has only mic.
Gear 2 has Camera / Gear Live no cam.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No speakerphone, no Gear Live, for me. The speakerphone is just too good on the Gear 2 Neo for me to get rid of it.

Yeah I mean being able to answer a call from the watch is a nice feature to keep :/

dazkeirle said:
To make it all a little easier for the consumer to make an informed decision I think it would be useful to build a comparison thread.
This is not for slating or making big statements about Samsung strategy, literally feature and technical comparison.
I.e music : Gear 2, ability to store locally and play through device or phone. Gear live, ability to control music playing on phone.
Please post any areas you know are 100% true and I'll update the first post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love my Gear 2, mainly because of the ability to make/receive calls and the camera.Those two main features are not available on the Gear Live.
Android Wear looks awesome so far though.

brazcub said:
I love my Gear 2, mainly because of the ability to make/receive calls and the camera.Those two main features are not available on the Gear Live.
Android Wear looks awesome so far though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have both but prefer my gear, simply because of the full android os (almost) thanks to the custom null rom
gear 1 has overclocking and undervolting, playstore access, on screen keyboard, full customizeable apex launcher, xposed framework and modules, extended camera record unlimited.......shall i go on
gear 2 has none of the above (as yet)

gav83collins said:
I have both but prefer my gear, simply because of the full android os (almost) thanks to the custom null rom
gear 1 has overclocking and undervolting, playstore access, on screen keyboard, full customizeable apex launcher, xposed framework and modules, extended camera record unlimited.......shall i go on
gear 2 has none of the above (as yet)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have both? Gear 2 and Gear Live?
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

brazcub said:
You have both? Gear 2 and Gear Live?
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh no sorry. I thought this was a live comparison. Between the gear 1 and the gear 2 models
My bad

gav83collins said:
Oh no sorry. I thought this was a live comparison. Between the gear 1 and the gear 2 models
My bad
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought about getting a Gear1, I definitely prefer Android, but decided to get the Gear 2 because development on the original Gear seemed to have all but stopped.
Hoping for development on the Gear 2, but starting to think it may never come with the new Android watches coming out.
The Neo was so cheap that I don't regret it, it will definitely hold me until a better Android option comes out

slaydog said:
I thought about getting a Gear1, I definitely prefer Android, but decided to get the Gear 2 because development on the original Gear seemed to have all but stopped.
Hoping for development on the Gear 2, but starting to think it may never come with the new Android watches coming out.
The Neo was so cheap that I don't regret it, it will definitely hold me until a better Android option comes out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the gear 1 , hardly needs any more development, its fantastic

My Gear Live's plastic back started to crumble where the charger clips to it. My Gear 2 hasn't done that yet. Exactly the same issue as described at http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/0...r-lives-horrible-charging-mechanism-breaking/

[Q] Do you think the Gear 2 will work on Lollipop (Nexus 6)

I am considering purchasing a Nexus 6 when it becomes available on T-mobile but would really hate not being able to pair it with my Gear 2. I really have become addicted to it. I had been originally holding out for the Note Edge to replace my Note 3 but then was able to get one of the Nexus 9 tablets and I think that I am becoming a convert to "pure android"! Any thoughts or speculations would be appreciated. Hard facts would be even better.

still looking?
firstflyer said:
I am considering purchasing a Nexus 6 when it becomes available on T-mobile but would really hate not being able to pair it with my Gear 2. I really have become addicted to it. I had been originally holding out for the Note Edge to replace my Note 3 but then was able to get one of the Nexus 9 tablets and I think that I am becoming a convert to "pure android"! Any thoughts or speculations would be appreciated. Hard facts would be even better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have both devices but have only paired my android wear watches so far with the N6. that being said if you are still looking for an answer let me know and we could do some testing.

Probably not... I don't even think you could get the gear to pair on non tw roms? It took awhile for them to port it to the n2 but that didn't have full compatability. The way I understood it is there more concerned with running it on the Samsung devices so it is left up to the devs and I don't think samsung has quite hit the mark on the smart watch market yet.

firstflyer said:
I am considering purchasing a Nexus 6 when it becomes available on T-mobile but would really hate not being able to pair it with my Gear 2. I really have become addicted to it. I had been originally holding out for the Note Edge to replace my Note 3 but then was able to get one of the Nexus 9 tablets and I think that I am becoming a convert to "pure android"! Any thoughts or speculations would be appreciated. Hard facts would be even better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done some looking and I'm sure you can get it working at least 90% of all functionality
kimdoocheol said:
Probably not... I don't even think you could get the gear to pair on non tw roms? It took awhile for them to port it to the n2 but that didn't have full compatability. The way I understood it is there more concerned with running it on the Samsung devices so it is left up to the devs and I don't think samsung has quite hit the mark on the smart watch market yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SM-N915T using XDA Free mobile app

bda714 said:
I have done some looking and I'm sure you can get it working at least 90% of all functionality
Sent from my SM-N915T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what? Everything I've seen requires a tw base. I'm interested in this a bit, too since i got a good deal on one but I don't use it

kimdoocheol said:
From what? Everything I've seen requires a tw base. I'm interested in this a bit, too since i got a good deal on one but I don't use it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been using my gear 2 and my gear S for a while now. The nexus 6 is no different. There are a couple ways to go about it without using touch wiz. The gear 2 is actually much better considering that there is already a rooted custom rom out for it, and like i said, with that you will get about 95% functionality. I believe the weather app isnt 100% working and one more thing whixh i cant think of, but all the good stuff works perfect and even a few added features. Making/ recieving calls, ir blaster, watch faces, bluetooth, notifica.... all thats 100%. If you need any help or wan't to try it just pm me. I think this op may have found his answer already though.

bda714 said:
I have been using my gear 2 and my gear S for a while now. The nexus 6 is no different. There are a couple ways to go about it without using touch wiz. The gear 2 is actually much better considering that there is already a rooted custom rom out for it, and like i said, with that you will get about 95% functionality. I believe the weather app isnt 100% working and one more thing whixh i cant think of, but all the good stuff works perfect and even a few added features. Making/ recieving calls, ir blaster, watch faces, bluetooth, notifica.... all thats 100%. If you need any help or wan't to try it just pm me. I think this op may have found his answer already though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there. I sent you a PM about a similar request. Can you please check and let me know?

Did you guys actually figure out if it works with nexus 6?

Hi, someone managed to connect the gear 2 with nexus 6? I'm trying but, but I do not get results. If someone have a solution can post a guide?

Would appreciate it too

Please help!!
I have gone through all the methods in trying to connect my gear 2 to my nexus 6 and nothing will work!! Has anyone actually found a way?? I don't mind if some thing don't work, I just like the text and call features anyway.. Please respond to me, I love my watch and don't want to go over to a different one

any updates on this? will the samsung gear 1 OR the gear 2 watch work with the nexus 6 2014 version? thx

I tried following an XDA tread to connect Gear 2 Neo to Moto X 3 XT1575, with watch still on Tizen. No joy.
This method worked easily, but it will be an Android Wear watch: http://forum.xda-developers.com/gear-2/development/please-help-kernel-compiling-android-t2992953

Samsung S2 Classic 4g?

I am very seriously considering getting a S2 Classic 4g for fathers day. I currently use a Note 3 but will be pre-ordering the Note 6 as soon as it is available. If you have the S2 4G, how do you like it?
Could you please provide a link to the app store? I would like to see what type of app that are now available. I like the idea of making a quick phone call straight from the watch. Is there a navigation app that works with the watch yet? Will it vibrate on your wrist when a turn or exit is coming up? Can you use samsung pay from the watch?
Thanks for any advice

I have the Verizon sport version. It is nice to know it will still work if I leave my phone at home.
I don't think you can look at the app store without a watch paired. I can look up an app if you want.
I've seen a few navigation apps but they require you watch be connected via Bluetooth, but otherwise I believe they do want you want.
There is no samsung pay yet, but it's supposed to be released in 2016.
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

I would just wait for the Gear S3 coming out in November.

_Dennis_ said:
I have the Verizon sport version. It is nice to know it will still work if I leave my phone at home.
I don't think you can look at the app store without a watch paired. I can look up an app if you want.
I've seen a few navigation apps but they require you watch be connected via Bluetooth, but otherwise I believe they do want you want.
There is no samsung pay yet, but it's supposed to be released in 2016.
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks....No wonder I couldnt find anything!
Using the samsung pay from a watch at Mc Donalds seems pretty convenient.
Mubble said:
I would just wait for the Gear S3 coming out in November.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks...Thats good advice that I didnt think of.
My Note 3 hooks up to my car audio system through bluetooth. If the watch is now paired to my phone, do I now loose the capability to answer phone calls through my car?

Mubble said:
I would just wait for the Gear S3 coming out in November.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or the gear S4 in 2017, or the gear S5 in 2018. If you always wait for the next generation you'll always be waiting.
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_Dennis_ said:
Or the gear S4 in 2017, or the gear S5 in 2018. If you always wait for the next generation you'll always be waiting.
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In this case, I think it was great advice since I remarked in the original thread that i was going to be getting a Note 6 when it becomes available. I think I will wait for the S3 since I will have the newest samsung phone available when the S3 comes out. I would think the note 6 and the S3 will work together much better than the note 3 would with the S2.

komobu said:
In this case, I think it was great advice since I remarked in the original thread that i was going to be getting a Note 6 when it becomes available. I think I will wait for the S3 since I will have the newest samsung phone available when the S3 comes out. I would think the note 6 and the S3 will work together much better than the note 3 would with the S2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd think the note 6 will work fine with the Gear S2 since the S2 is the latest at the time the note 6 is released. Not only that but no one knows when or if the gear S3 will be released, what it will look like, or what specs it will have. Waiting for a release is a huge gamble, waiting for a device that may or may not be released is an even larger gamble.
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Loving the new Gear S3

Went to Tmobile and made the jump from the Gear S2 to the Gear S3. Was gonna wait as some people were stating its not much of an upgrade but I like the new look and band.

Now a convert to a smartwatch user. My Frontier is the bees knees. Just wondering how many Classics they have sold over the Frontier?

I had the S2 3G and got rid of it due to how "dainty" it is. I wear a Panerai daily so the S2 was too small. I love this S3. Just wish they would have done a 24mm band. I have tons of those.

P7M8 said:
I had the S2 3G and got rid of it due to how "dainty" it is. I wear a Panerai daily so the S2 was too small. I love this S3. Just wish they would have done a 24mm band. I have tons of those.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also had the S2 but never truly enjoyed it (too small). The S3 is great.
I have been able to use an exact o knife and trim down a couple 24mm leather bands and they fit the 22mm lugs pretty perfectly.
:good:

Nice watch face, may I know where you get it? Thanks

+1
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Very nice. I think the Frontier version is better than the Classic version due to the LTE connectivity.

ayong chia said:
Nice watch face, may I know where you get it? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very cool watch face. I too, would like to know where you got it.

jez924 said:
Went to Tmobile and made the jump from the Gear S2 to the Gear S3. Was gonna wait as some people were stating its not much of an upgrade but I like the new look and band.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please share how we all can install this besutiful watch face. Thanks in advance.

You can get the watch face from an app called Watchland

Yeah, I grabbed that watch face this morning too. Can't use the app on the watch, but download the app on your phone, download the face, got to your download folder, and the .gwd file is there. Needs to be loaded via Gear Watch Designer, where you can add links to apps, steps, battery, etc.

I was able to use the companion watch ap just fine and it loads perfect

Sorry ... which app????
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Yeah, which app? For the S3? It doesn't show up in search in Galaxy Apps, and the app it takes you to from the help page did no longer available or not supported device.

arl16 said:
Yeah, which app? For the S3? It doesn't show up in search in Galaxy Apps, and the app it takes you to from the help page did no longer available or not supported device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
looks like it can't be loaded in us

Thanks. I see the apk, but don't know how to get that to the watch.looks like just the phone app.
Instructions for getting it on the watch from the webpage don't work for me. Under "Free", I see Watchmaster and Mr Time Maker, but no Watchland. Help?

May be it is watch designer FOR WINDOWS ???? to be used on PC
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

I plan on making my own watch face soon using the developer tools
http://developer.samsung.com/gear/design/watch-designer

Yeah, I've made a bunch of faces using Gear Watch Designer, and downloaded watch face files and installed them using the PC program. (See my thread on faces I've made in the Themes/Apps/Mods section). We were just hoping to have a way to do it directly from the phone.

Me to
jez924 said:
Went to Tmobile and made the jump from the Gear S2 to the Gear S3. Was gonna wait as some people were stating its not much of an upgrade but I like the new look and band.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw a display version and read some reviews. Fell in love with the watch. I have the Gear2 and the GearS and now the Gear S3. I really love this device. I had to open an account with T-Mobile in order to get the watch. Now I am going to move all my equipment from VZW over to TM.

Want to get the S3 have some questions

I want to get the Gear S3 Frontier. I have a Honor 8 phone. I use Google Messenger and Google Allo. Do both of these apps work with the Gear S3, can I send and receive text messages etc. I don't want to use the stock Samsung app.

falcon26 said:
I want to get the Gear S3 Frontier. I have a Honor 8 phone. I use Google Messenger and Google Allo. Do both of these apps work with the Gear S3, can I send and receive text messages etc. I don't want to use the stock Samsung app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You get notifications(with the content like you have in the Android status bar) , but you can not reply from the watch

falcon26 said:
I want to get the Gear S3 Frontier. I have a Honor 8 phone. I use Google Messenger and Google Allo. Do both of these apps work with the Gear S3, can I send and receive text messages etc. I don't want to use the stock Samsung app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jpph said:
You get notifications(with the content like you have in the Android status bar) , but you can not reply from the watch
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Replying works too but requires installing android wear and pairing it with an emulator.

10urshin said:
Replying works too but requires installing android wear and pairing it with an emulator.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How to pair with emulator? Mine just says trying to connect....
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aapanju said:
How to pair with emulator? Mine just says trying to connect....
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.tomsguide.com/faq/id-2452471/install-android-wear-emulator.html

Perfect... will this enable more features on my Gear S3? As Iv read that it doesn't but some say it does... whats your take..?
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aapanju said:
Perfect... will this enable more features on my Gear S3? As Iv read that it doesn't but some say it does... whats your take..?
Sent from my SM-N920C using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is for android wear watches so doesn't do much for gear, it only enables replying to the messages even if you are not using samsung's message app. You can just use SMSGear instead of doing this actually. https://forum.xda-developers.com/gear-s3/themes/opensource-sms-application-gear-s3-t3557263

Ahh only sms... I thought whatsapp etc also...
Sent from my SM-N920C using Tapatalk

I will probably skip the Samsung watch and grab a wear watch instead like the Lg Style. After some reading Samsung watches are great if you have a Samsung phone, but if you do not then it's hit or miss with most apps and some don't work at all. And of course the apps I use are the ones that apparently don't work at all with Samsung. Shame really because I think the Samsung watch looks almost like the $1000 Tag Heuer smart watch. If they would have only used wear software instead of there own.

falcon26 said:
I will probably skip the Samsung watch and grab a wear watch instead like the Lg Style. After some reading Samsung watches are great if you have a Samsung phone, but if you do not then it's hit or miss with most apps and some don't work at all. And of course the apps I use are the ones that apparently don't work at all with Samsung. Shame really because I think the Samsung watch looks almost like the $1000 Tag Heuer smart watch. If they would have only used wear software instead of there own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(I'm not sure where you're at but) Check Best Buy. The Samsung Rep told me you can return the S3 within a 15-day period after buying. I asked the rep at a Best Buy (at a location with a Samsung gallery -- not all locations have) to take the S3 out of Store Demo Mode so I can pair it with my old Galaxy Note 2 but he said he can't. He mentioned I can buy and return it within 15 days if I'm not happy with it. If you're going to do this, see if you can involve a manager. Sometimes reps just say whatever they want to make a sale. But who knows. He could be telling the truth.

RexEscape said:
(I'm not sure where you're at but) Check Best Buy. The Samsung Rep told me you can return the S3 within a 15-day period after buying. I asked the rep at a Best Buy (at a location with a Samsung gallery -- not all locations have) to take the S3 out of Store Demo Mode so I can pair it with my old Galaxy Note 2 but he said he can't. He mentioned I can buy and return it within 15 days if I'm not happy with it. If you're going to do this, see if you can involve a manager. Sometimes reps just say whatever they want to make a sale. But who knows. He could be telling the truth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best buy's return policy is 15 days unless otherwise stated. The only reason I know that is they will price match anything you buy within the return period as well. I had bought a TV and on the 15th day it dropped by about $500. Called them up and they refunded that amount. The info on price matching and return policy can be found easily on their website.

So I checked out the S3 at T-Mobile store. Never mind its way to big and heavy. Also it didn't work with half the stuff I wanted to do on my Pixel. I think this watch is great if you have a Samsung phone, but if it's a non Samsung phone then expect half the stuff not to work right. I think I will pick up the new LG Sport watch instead...

falcon26 said:
So I checked out the S3 at T-Mobile store. Never mind its way to big and heavy. Also it didn't work with half the stuff I wanted to do on my Pixel. I think this watch is great if you have a Samsung phone, but if it's a non Samsung phone then expect half the stuff not to work right. I think I will pick up the new LG Sport watch instead...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're concerned about sizes, I think the LG Sport Watch is bigger but along with its size, you get more screen and a higher resolution. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough room to improve on battery life for the LG even for its bigger size. I'm on the morning of Day 3 and I still have 62% battery power (granted I turn it off after 9pm and turn it back on at 6am). Lots of trade-offs. But I agree. You get a better experience with the Gear S3 if you have a Galaxy phone. Have you seen this article? http://www.androidcentral.com/lg-watch-sport-vs-samsung-gear-s3
EDIT: One of the best things I love about the S3 is Samsung Pay (way better than Android Pay). Never again do I pull my wallet out (except when I occasionally buy wine -- I still get carded LOL!)

falcon26 said:
So I checked out the S3 at T-Mobile store. Never mind its way to big and heavy. Also it didn't work with half the stuff I wanted to do on my Pixel. I think this watch is great if you have a Samsung phone, but if it's a non Samsung phone then expect half the stuff not to work right. I think I will pick up the new LG Sport watch instead...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That hasn't been my experience at all. I have a Moto G4 and my wife has a Huawei phone and the S3 works very well with either. I've paired it separately with both plus an older Moto E I and everything works without a hitch. I know there have been some hitches with the IPhone but I wouldn't touch one of those if my life depended on it so I can't comment there.

There isn't a huge difference in the S3 user experience with a Samsung phone versus other branded Android phones. Regardless, if integration with the Google ecosystem is paramount, an AW watch will fulfill those duties better than the S3. But the LG Sport has a few serious shortcomings compared to the S3: inferior battery life, fixed wristband (a comfort and customization issue), and lack of MST. The LG Sport is the best AW 2.0 watch on the market only because it's the only one on the market right now. I too am waiting, I just chose to do it while using the S3 in the interim.