Related
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've got a Gear S2 Classic Platinum that I like very much (my wife would say love). Really the only thing I'm missing is full Samsung Pay support - having only NFC is kind of making me more crazy than it should.
The speaker for phone calls/reminders on the S3 BT version is nice, but it's really Samsung Pay (which I use almost exclusively) that I want.
Wondering if other Classic users who switched from S2 to S3 are regretting it at all, primarily concerned about the larger size of the S3.
And were there any other things about the S3 that you discovered you liked a lot that surprised you?
Appreciate your feedback.
I switched, not because I wanted to. Warranty exchange and that's all they had.. It's bigger, that's obvious. It's also thicker. It took about 3 days to get used to it. I wear it on the INSIDE of my wrist, so it may take you shorter or longer.
That being said. I don't use pay. I never remember.
Battery DOES last noticeably longer. Huge plus. Sleep mode tracking works consistently for me. Another plus. It's bigger, so easier to type on to reply to a quick message.
Negative: GPS tracking of exercises is spotty. Sometimes it'll track, sometimes it'll 1/2 track then drop.
Other than that, same lack of apps, same lack of firmware updates, same issues as the S2. If you can get used to the size, it's an upgrade.
Compusmurf said:
I switched, not because I wanted to. Warranty exchange and that's all they had.. It's bigger, that's obvious. It's also thicker. It took about 3 days to get used to it. I wear it on the INSIDE of my wrist, so it may take you shorter or longer.
That being said. I don't use pay. I never remember.
Battery DOES last noticeably longer. Huge plus. Sleep mode tracking works consistently for me. Another plus. It's bigger, so easier to type on to reply to a quick message.
Negative: GPS tracking of exercises is spotty. Sometimes it'll track, sometimes it'll 1/2 track then drop.
Other than that, same lack of apps, same lack of firmware updates, same issues as the S2. If you can get used to the size, it's an upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odd that you would have gps problems. I use mine twice a week with a golf gps app and probably on average once a week hiking and I've yet to see it drop the signal. It's every bit as reliable as my Motorola phone.
Compusmurf said:
I switched, not because I wanted to. Warranty exchange and that's all they had.. It's bigger, that's obvious. It's also thicker. It took about 3 days to get used to it. I wear it on the INSIDE of my wrist, so it may take you shorter or longer.
That being said. I don't use pay. I never remember.
Battery DOES last noticeably longer. Huge plus. Sleep mode tracking works consistently for me. Another plus. It's bigger, so easier to type on to reply to a quick message.
Negative: GPS tracking of exercises is spotty. Sometimes it'll track, sometimes it'll 1/2 track then drop.
Other than that, same lack of apps, same lack of firmware updates, same issues as the S2. If you can get used to the size, it's an upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks...I found an open box at local Best Buy for $275, so I went ahead and picked it up last night. Not as bad in terms of increased size as I thought it would be. I'm 6'3", so have enough room to wear it w/out it looking like I have a dish on my hand.
I really like it overall so far - the larger screen is nicer/easier on my eyes, the ability to use the watch as a phone has already won me over, and I'm a big Samsung pay user, so looking forward to leaving my phone in my pocket when I pay.
New band on the way (I only use steel bands) to get the feel and look I like, and I think this one is a keeper.
The only issue I have right now is I have one of the watches where the bezel clicks when you tap it anywhere - can't tell yet from what I've read if that is an issue worth returning the watch for or not. Any thoughts on that?
Thanks for your feedback.
I have a great S2 Platinum I can give you a deal on if you want to go back to an S2.
No none at all
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Tel864 said:
Odd that you would have gps problems. I use mine twice a week with a golf gps app and probably on average once a week hiking and I've yet to see it drop the signal. It's every bit as reliable as my Motorola phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can assure you, I'm NOT the only one with this issue. I can link you to threads here, on android central and on reddit where folks have the exact same issues.
Seems to affect SHEALTH tracking of run and walk. If I use watch only/gps, no wifi, no bt it works better than if I have my phone with me and connected. But still not perfect.
I have a whole history of "1/2" tracked walks.
Someone suggested wipe it and start over, I tried. No fix.
So we will see .... :dobrý:
Source:
https://www.wareable.com/huawei/huawei-watch-2-specs-os-features-price-launch-date-2017
https://www.xda-developers.com/huawei-confirms-new-android-wear-watch-coming-at-mwc/
I was hoping it would be an improved classic version of the Huawei Watch. One we could use with a suit and tie. In my opinion we already have enough sporty smartwatches.
Yes, I feel the same.
First pictures of the new watches Huawei 2
Oh **** it's ugly :/
Too sporty. That was my fear. I hope that the 1st gen at least comes down on the price. I want want but 200 bucks is my limit.
Do those pins mean that it will lack wireless charging?
Will it inherit charger position problem?
The watch itself looks like LG Watch Sport with Samsung Gear S3 bezel.
I, too, was hoping that the new Huawei Watch 2 would be an improved version of the Watch 1. Similar looks but perhaps thinner with an improved display and guts. Although I'm sure they'll sell plenty of these watches, I agree that the market probably doesn't need more 'sporty' smartwatches. There's plenty of them already. On the plus side, perhaps this means that Huawei will continue to manufacture, sell and support the Watch 1 as it appears it is still, in my opinion, the best looking 'classy' Android Wear watch available.
BadContext said:
I, too, was hoping that the new Huawei Watch 2 would be an improved version of the Watch 1. Similar looks but perhaps thinner with an improved display and guts. Although I'm sure they'll sell plenty of these watches, I agree that the market probably doesn't need more 'sporty' smartwatches. There's plenty of them already. On the plus side, perhaps this means that Huawei will continue to manufacture, sell and support the Watch 1 as it appears it is still, in my opinion, the best looking 'classy' Android Wear watch available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree. But regarding thickness Today I finally had the chance to see a Huawei Watch 1st gen in person and its not thicker that my Moto 360 1st generation. My main motivation to upgrade from my Moto 360 1st generation, which I paid 160 euros one year and a half ago, is looks (even though I also like the classic versus futuristic look of my Moto) but specifically battery life. Besides not having a true ambient Mode, even with it off sometimes I don't get to the end of the day with battery life and when listening to music directly from the smartwatch my battery lasts half and hour or 45min. Is the Huawei better in that department?
Cheers
I've had both (360 1st gen) and now the Huawei Watch for a long time. The difference is HUGE! The Huawei Watch always out last my phone (Xperia Z3, easily the horrible S6 Edge Plus, S7 Edge and Mi Mix).
The OLED display makes it no problem to have the ambient mode activated at all times. The screen is 1,4 inch, perfect since 42mm is the biggest a wristwatch can be unless you're a rapper or a used car salesman. The dpi is still best on the market. It could be slimmer, but it's OK. Worth it for the battery life. Even if it doesn't charge at night (the charge-connection can be unstable) it usually last until I'm home from work.
Do I like it? Yes. It's easily the best smart watch on the market. The reviews saying Gear S3 or Apple Watch are very very wrong.
So I figured the only watch to eclipse the Huawei Watch would be the Huawei Watch 2... Guess not.
Badelhas said:
Totally agree. But regarding thickness Today I finally had the chance to see a Huawei Watch 1st gen in person and its not thicker that my Moto 360 1st generation. My main motivation to upgrade from my Moto 360 1st generation, which I paid 160 euros one year and a half ago, is looks (even though I also like the classic versus futuristic look of my Moto) but specifically battery life. Besides not having a true ambient Mode, even with it off sometimes I don't get to the end of the day with battery life and when listening to music directly from the smartwatch my battery lasts half and hour or 45min. Is the Huawei better in that department?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've found that the estimate Huawei provides of 1.5 days to be fairly accurate. As long as I use an OLED-friendly watch face (mostly blacks), I typically have 35% power or so remaining after a long day. I'm not too sure about battery drain during music playback but I'm sure playing music over Bluetooth or via the speaker would drain the battery at a significantly faster rate.
I agree with thklinge. With the cold-forged 316L stainless steel casing, sapphire crystal and 400x400 OLED display, it's easily the best smartwatch on the market to this day.
Leaks.
More details on Huawei Watch 2.!
http://androidandme.com/2017/02/news/huawei-watch-2-leaks-out-in-a-trio-of-colors/
Plastic is fantastic. Looks like cheap Chinese kids watch
I don't understand why the price of the 1st generation Huawei Watch is still so high, even after more than a year of being released... ?
It's the best smart watch on the market. Why give it away?
I've heard some sources say it will have NFC, some not. Will it or won't it? If it does, it's in the running. If not, I'll be leaning towards the Verizon Wear 24. I wanted the LG Sport but it's a bit too thick and sporty for me
Good evening, will there be the 4G for the Classic version?
Morgan_sound said:
Good evening, will there be the 4G for the Classic version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What Classic version? This new version is anything but classic. It's completely sporty, like for scuba diving [emoji41]
We already have this watch - LG Watch R. And I don't get it - why the smaller res? I think I'll get the "old" one today ...
I have the Old one from day one. its an incredible watch.
Sent from my SM-N920S using Tapatalk
First of all, thanks again so much to all of those who helped me with my question of whether I should upgrade from my Gear S3 - your input was greatly appreciated, and my ultimate decision in no way invalidates it - I agree with all of the points you made. But after finally pulling the trigger and picking up a GW4 Classic 46mm, all I can say is... meh.
Nothing about the watch 'wowed' me. In fact, there wasn't even anything that I really liked, unlike my Gear S3. OK, maybe having Google Maps is cool, and I'm sure once we get Google Assistant - but right now, out of the box - meh. Plus, there were too many things that irritated me.
This watch is expensive - even with a $100 Best Buy discount - and that skinny, cheap @$$ed band (in only one size too!) really irritated me (although, TBF, it is comfortable). I've realized the health features are more of a gimmick to me than actually useful features (and the main ones aren't even natively available in Canada).
I hated the look of the Wear interface. I hated that the number pad is not optimized for a round watch like in Tizen. I couldn't find one watch face I really liked. Not one. (And what's with that stupid initial that's always present on the stock watch face, even when you customize your initials??)
I love the punchy, blue Frontier face on my Gear S3 - those mostly greyscale stock GW4 watch faces don't do anything for me. Sure, I might be able to find one from a dev, make one, etc. - but I shouldn't have to, and when I shell out big $$ for a piece of tech, I expect it to have at least something I love, and a few things I really like.
The GW4, at least in it's current state, does nothing (or perhaps more accurately, nothing that I need) that my Gear S3 doesn't do. My Gear S3 will continue to suit my needs just fine for the foreseeable future.
I completely understand why others might like it's design, features, etc. - but, for me, I realize now I was just eyeing it and buying it because it's new and shiny and, for my money, it's got to do more than that. It should at least impress me, 'wow' me somehow, in some way - and it doesn't. It's going back. Sorry guys.
*UPDATE* OK, so - I decided to keep it after all. Well, I did return the first one, but then they went on sale for a lower price in addition to the $100 trade-in discount, so I couldn't resist at that price. And I figured I should give it more time, and see how things go. Not gonna lie, I tried out the Google Maps navigation on the bike today, and was thoroughly impressed, with the directions on my wrist and voice turn-by-turn through my Galaxy Buds - so, finally a 'wow' feature.
*UPDATE #2* GBoard is a treat too - the swipe typing and voice input are so much better/easier to use than T9.
Anyway, thanks again everyone for all the advice, your experiences etc. - let's see how Samsung and Google do with this thing.
Have you heard of paragraphs? I don't think anyone is going to read that unformatted wall of text.
shawkes said:
Have you heard of paragraphs? I don't think anyone is going to read that unformatted wall of text.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, sorry - I guess I'm not used to writing such long posts, and it's kinda hard to break up a rant - but good point, fixed that.
Thanks for the writeup.
Interesting to see everyone's reviews, quite a few have your take on it. Personally, I upgraded from a gen 1 Moto 360 so I this was a definite nice upgrade.
While it would be nice to have Google assistant, I rarely use it (and don't see using Bigby either) so it's not a game changer for me. Love being able to use Gpay on it though. I was having issues with Riru and being able to use Gpay on my phone for a while so being able to pay with the watch was a life saver.
Having upgraded fro Gwa2 to gw4c, I must say that the watch is indeed an upgrade, save for the battery life though. I was charging my Gwa2 every 3 4 days for the first 1.5years of ownership and once every 2 3 days the last months before it died on me while swimming.
Considering tho that I only spent 75euros to get the gw4c 46mm (I got a credit from Samsung for the cost of the Gwa2, instead of them repairing it, which was WAY too perfect for me since it happened one month before the gw4 official release), I can only say good things for the watch; if I could only stretch the battery to charge it every two nights, for the time being it barely makes it.
rmiles7721 said:
Thanks for the writeup.
Interesting to see everyone's reviews, quite a few have your take on it. Personally, I upgraded from a gen 1 Moto 360 so I this was a definite nice upgrade.
While it would be nice to have Google assistant, I rarely use it (and don't see using Bigby either) so it's not a game changer for me. Love being able to use Gpay on it though. I was having issues with Riru and being able to use Gpay on my phone for a while so being able to pay with the watch was a life saver.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I was looking forward to using GPay (in addition to Samsung Pay) as I have a credit card linked to GPay that Samsung Pay won't accept - but it turns out that GPay can't use that card for tap payments either.
I do think Google Assistant will be useful for starting navigation, making calls etc., as it is simply so much better and accurate than Bixby.
thanito said:
Having upgraded fro Gwa2 to gw4c, I must say that the watch is indeed an upgrade, save for the battery life though. I was charging my Gwa2 every 3 4 days for the first 1.5years of ownership and once every 2 3 days the last months before it died on my while swimming.
Considering tho that I only spent 75euros to get the gw4c 46mm (I got a credit from Samsung for the cost of the Gwa2, instead of them repairing it, which was WAY too perfect for me since it happened one month before the gw4 official release), I can only say good things for the watch; if I could only stretch the battery to charge it every two nights, for the time being it barely makes it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know my rant may leave the wrong impression for a lot of folks, so I just want to be clear that there is no question that the GW4 is an upgrade over its predecessors, especially my old Gear S3 - what I was really trying to say is that my Gear S3 does all the basic things I need it to do (notifications and calls while my phone is in my daypack on the bike, and Samsung Pay, even with international phones that can't use Samsung Pay). And I like the look and feel of it and Tizen better.
But beyond that, the folks who provided advice as to whether to upgrade or not were absolutely right, the GW4 is definitely an upgrade - I just struggle with justifying the cost when the Gear S3 does what I need it to do already, and so many things about the GW4 bugged me. Samsung is imitating Apple more and more it seems, and being cheap as f*ck doing it, too (i.e., just compare the Gear S3 box to the GW4, the chargers, the straps - and for less money!).
I should add that battery life and charging times were two areas where I was pleasantly surprised. I was expecting the worst, but I found that the watch charged fairly quickly, and battery life wasn't as bad as I was thought it would be (although nowhere near the 3+ days I get on the Gear S3 of course).
You already know from my previous post I did the same transition and did have similar thoughts about the differences between the Gear S3 and the GW4 but for me it was worth the change. From reading across XDA and Reddit on the GW4 it is definitely not meeting everybody's expectations. There is a good deal of room for Samsung to improve the software (not unexpected for me given the Tizen journey) and this is an area it is not fulfilling expectations. Battery life is another as again there does appear room for better optimisation but I am not very optimistic about that.
More than happy with my transition, the benefits of working Samsung Pay, physical size and feel and fulfilling all the uses I put the Gear S3 to makes it a win for me. The only drawback thus far has been the slightly less (on average about 12 hours less than the Gear S3) battery life.
Getting a £115 trade in for the Gear S3 also tipped the balance in terms of overall value of the change.
Regards
spangelaregreat said:
You already know from my previous post I did the same transition and did have similar thoughts about the differences between the Gear S3 and the GW4 but for me it was worth the change. From reading across XDA and Reddit on the GW4 it is definitely not meeting everybody's expectations. There is a good deal of room for Samsung to improve the software (not unexpected for me given the Tizen journey) and this is an area it is not fulfilling expectations. Battery life is another as again there does appear room for better optimisation but I am not very optimistic about that.
More than happy with my transition, the benefits of working Samsung Pay, physical size and feel and fulfilling all the uses I put the Gear S3 to makes it a win for me. The only drawback thus far has been the slightly less (on average about 12 hours less than the Gear S3) battery life.
Getting a £115 trade in for the Gear S3 also tipped the balance in terms of overall value of the change.
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, thank you so much spangelaregreat, your posts were very helpful, especially your review under Review/Comparison (Gear S3) & Mods. I definitely wondered (and still wonder, as I haven't actually made the trek back to Best Buy yet) if I shouldn't give it more time. I may still change my mind, not least because I know you're right, the GW4 is still new, and will no doubt improve rapidly, and I know I might regret it if I take it back. I'll be sure to let folks know if I do. Thanks again!
No problem.
I just rec'd my GW4-44mm late yesterday afternoon. I quickly set it up and swapped out my GA2 for it. I'd agree there's very close to zero wow factor since they are so similar physically, and One UI makes them operate similarly too. I purchased the GW4 because of the things Tizen can't do...namely Google Maps (when you're out walking or biking), Google Pay (my cards aren't supported on Samsung Pay), Google Keep. The display also seems a bit blacker/sharper but it's subjective.
So, it does what I expected it to, but it's a point upgrade. Unlike with Tizen, the watch can actually get better if there are more and different apps.
mickliq said:
I just rec'd my GW4-44mm late yesterday afternoon. I quickly set it up and swapped out my GA2 for it. I'd agree there's very close to zero wow factor since they are so similar physically, and One UI makes them operate similarly too. I purchased the GW4 because of the things Tizen can't do...namely Google Maps (when you're out walking or biking), Google Pay (my cards aren't supported on Samsung Pay), Google Keep. The display also seems a bit blacker/sharper but it's subjective.
So, it does what I expected it to, but it's a point upgrade. Unlike with Tizen, the watch can actually get better if there are more and different apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed - and this is something I was very conscious of as I weighed my decision - that is, as much as I like Tizen, it's a dead end, whereas as much as I dislike Wear OS, it can only (hopefully) get better.
I will be very disappointed however if Samsung and Google don't sort out the bugs, and bring Google Assistant to the GW4.
mickliq said:
I just rec'd my GW4-44mm late yesterday afternoon. I quickly set it up and swapped out my GA2 for it. I'd agree there's very close to zero wow factor since they are so similar physically, and One UI makes them operate similarly too. I purchased the GW4 because of the things Tizen can't do...namely Google Maps (when you're out walking or biking), Google Pay (my cards aren't supported on Samsung Pay), Google Keep. The display also seems a bit blacker/sharper but it's subjective.
So, it does what I expected it to, but it's a point upgrade. Unlike with Tizen, the watch can actually get better if there are more and different apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get Google Keep to work, mine just keeps saying syncing?
I didn't do anything special. I went into the Watch Play store, picked "apps on phone", selected Keep (among others), and when I first launched it, it asked me what account I wanted to sync.
Returned mine Watch 4 as well. Not much improvement over my Galaxy Watch 3. It maybe has sharper display, but I would love slightly bigger display area.
carlitos66 said:
Returned mine Watch 4 as well. Not much improvement over my Galaxy Watch 3. It maybe has sharper display, but I would love slightly bigger display area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would definitely hang on to a Watch 3 for a while - my Gear S3 is 5 years old! I have swapped out the battery though - not sure how easy that is to do on the Watch 3. Yearly upgrades are out of the question for me, regardless.
See my update in the original post above - decided to keep the GW4 after all, and see how it goes.
jtOttawa said:
*UPDATE* OK, so - I decided to keep it after all. Well, I did return the first one, but then they went on sale for a lower price in addition to the $100 trade-in discount, so I couldn't resist at that price. And I figured I should give it more time, and see how things go. Not gonna lie, I tried out the Google Maps navigation on the bike today, and was thoroughly impressed, with the directions on my wrist and voice turn-by-turn through my Galaxy Buds - so, finally a 'wow' feature.
*UPDATE #2* GBoard is a treat too - the swipe typing and voice input are so much better/easier to use than T9.
Anyway, thanks again everyone for all the advice, your experiences etc. - let's see how Samsung and Google do with this thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to agree with you on the Google Maps integration. I did not believe I would ever use this when I got watch. Without even thinking about this I was getting directions on my phone to a destination 3.2 miles from me in Chicago last weekend. I was walking. I was holding up my phone and walking and when I got to the street where I needed to turn at the watch vibrated. I looked at the watch and it showed that I needed to turn. I quickly realized I did not have to have my phone out at all. So nice to just walk along without holding up my phone glancing at my watch whenever it vibrated.
Thankfully there is option to turn off auto launch when driving. To me this is annoying as hell
fliptwister said:
I have to agree with you on the Google Maps integration. I did not believe I would ever use this when I got watch. Without even thinking about this I was getting directions on my phone to a destination 3.2 miles from me in Chicago last weekend. I was walking. I was holding up my phone and walking and when I got to the street where I needed to turn at the watch vibrated. I looked at the watch and it showed that I needed to turn. I quickly realized I did not have to have my phone out at all. So nice to just walk along without holding up my phone glancing at my watch whenever it vibrated.
Thankfully there is option to turn off auto launch when driving. To me this is annoying as hell
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks fliptwister - I'm thinking this will also be particularly useful when travelling and exploring a new city, etc. - not having the phone out in some cities would be a lot safer, as well as easier and less distracting.
BTW, I should receive that AliExpress watch band you posted about by Monday - when I do I'll be sure to upload a pic and let you know what I think in that thread about the bands. EDIT: Just got it, in fact - should be able to post about it in a few minutes.
carlitos66 said:
Returned mine Watch 4 as well. Not much improvement over my Galaxy Watch 3. It maybe has sharper display, but I would love slightly bigger display area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is where I'm leaning. I'm tempted by the SpO2 sleep monitoring, so I may trial to see if that's accurate enough. But that seems to be the only improvement over GW3. Well, and I'm really interested to see if two of my WearOS apps work, except it sounds like most apps aren't compatible without some development tweaking to work with WearOS3.
So waiting to see if Google/Fitbit have cooked anything up. Otherwise, I guess maybe I'll wait for the GW5...
So originally I bought the Active 2 44mm on launch this watch served me well, until i upgraded to the Watch 4 44mm again on launch mainly because of Wear OS.
Now with the Watch 5 just around the corner, I feel no compelling reason to upgrade again the Watch 4 does everything i need it to now & tbh once the novelty wore off, i just use the basic features of the watch like notifications & some health features, google pay every now & again & finally showing me the time nothing else.
Splashing the cash again just to use the same features on something that newer seem a waste of money, more so in this current economical climate, so I'll be sticking with my Watch 4 until it's no longer supported or the battery dies which ever comes first.
Same
What do others think of this?
Like you mentioned, once the novelty wears off, one tends to use the same basic functions – all the fitness stuff is put on the back burner.
Everyone and his brother sells a fitness smart watch. What about other users?
I had an interesting conversation with my parents. They are in their 80s. They mentioned a friend who is almost blind. He has watch that speaks the time – what a feature. My mother told me of her neighbor who fell and could not get up. The SOS function would've been great. How about pressing a button and saying: "Bixby, I need help".
The feature I use on my GW4 most, by far, is the alarm. I wish the vibrations were stronger. I could see having two or three vibration motors firing in parallel to make a super-duper strong vibration mode.
I think "fitness" is overdone. Once the novelty wears off – ehh. It would be nice to have a smart watch that targets the features that people actually need.
ixon2001 said:
So originally I bought the Active 2 44mm on launch this watch served me well, until i upgraded to the Watch 4 44mm again on launch mainly because of Wear OS.
Now with the Watch 5 just around the corner, I feel no compelling reason to upgrade again the Watch 4 does everything i need it to now & tbh once the novelty wore off, i just use the basic features of the watch like notifications & some health features, google pay every now & again & finally showing me the time nothing else.
Splashing the cash again just to use the same features on something that newer seem a waste of money, more so in this current economical climate, so I'll be sticking with my Watch 4 until it's no longer supported or the battery dies which ever comes first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here.
It depends. This is, by far my favorite smartwatch that I've owned, out of several. However, the watch is a tad laggy. I don't mind it too much, but I had a ticwatch pro 3 prior with the snapdragon wear 4100, and it had ZERO lag. That thing was just fast. But some things that I use on a smartwatch didn't work well on it, so, it had to go.
So, I guess it comes down to how the new processor behaves and what other features they introduce that maybe the watch 4 can't\won't have. I've read rumors of a thermometer, which would be cool, especially living in the post covid age (we've gotten sick a LOT since the mask mandates and such were lifted, not covid). But it would take a watch that flies, no lag, and something like that and maybe more to sell me for sure.
Another selling point, Samsung typically has great trade in values at launch for previous versions, so, if it were to come down to paying $50 to like $70 for the upgrade, that might sell me too. We'll see in two months!
Sticking with 4
Samsung will have to get their money from someone else, especially given the way they handled Google Assistant.....
I'm not this time around. Just don't foresee any features worth upgrading for. Will wait for the 6.
Depends on the upgrade offers. Upgraded from the Active 2 to Active 4 with very little out of pocket cost, so if I can find a similar deal I might jump on it. If not, I'm happy staying with my 4 until the next generation comes around.
Not planning on upgrading. Maybe the GW6 pro?
Probably check out the Pixel Watch instead...
Not going to upgrade for a while. I usually stay a bit behind to gain access to good deals. Got my galaxy 4 classic 46mm for just 200$
73sydney said:
Samsung will have to get their money from someone else, especially given the way they handled Google Assistant.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just in point. I am deeply dissapointed with GW4 compared to GW3. I expected that moving from Tizen to Wear OS will make new value. That did not happen.
App base for GW4 is much smaller. Assistant not working. Battery life significantly worse.
The other thing is where GW4 software development aims. It aims to develop sport/health features instead of developing smart features: Google Assistant, Whatsapp on watch etc. I mean it becomes more sportband than watch. That is not what I wanted. If I would like to have sportband I'd buy something from Xiaomi for fraction of the price.
I put my eye on Google watch and probably leave Samsung watches at all
I am with those that if I could get a great deal on an upgrade, I may be willing to get one, but otherwise I am happy with the Watch4 Classic I currently have. I have only had it for a few months.
I have an Active2 44mm Tizen and a Watch4 Classic. I was planning to buy Watch 5 Pro.
But latest leaks suggest No rotating bezel and instead big black ugly touch bezel just like the one on my watch active 2 44mm
Now this touch bezel thing seriously destroys the watchface looks because the watchface is not fully expanded to all corners of the screen
I bought a watch4classic 46mm due to this reason and am pretty happy except battery life
and was hoping to see watch 5 pro with rotating bezel.
If there is no rotating bezel. I would rather keep my watch4classic 46mm and buy the Google watch instead
Lately Samsung hasn't been even able to provide watch4 users simple method enough to install a watchface too many things broken on playstore the way app and watchfaces install works is far from satisfactory.
The market has no better option at the moment which is really disappointing
The watch faces for the Watch4 and the Google watch will work the same. They are both WearOS watches.
Well, the trade in after a few months of release makes it no big deal to me.
BUT, I've heard/read that the new 5 "pro" (classic is gone) WILL NOT have
the rotating bezel. Nope! No rotating bezel, no deal.
No rotating bezel is bad. What about reports that claim the watch is"ugly"?
I have a pawn Rolex watches that I pawned a year ago because I didn't have any money at that time, and I needed them urgently. Now I have money, but I don't want to buy my watch back, so I'm thinking about buying a smartwatch from any company. If there are people here who are well versed in smart watches, then I really need your advice. Namely, as a beginner in the world of smart watches, I need a good watch that is suitable for beginners and easy to operate. Every advice is important for me, so I am waiting for your answers. (P.S. I have a thousand dollars for this watch, so I would like to pick up a watch for this budget). Good luck!
Depends entirely on battery life. I can barely squeak out two days of use on the GW4 and that's just awful. If the GW5 can get me back to 3-4 days of use between charges like the GW then I'm totally in.
I am with y'all, if there is no rotating bezel, I would not want to upgrade.
Also, I do not see the point of paying high dollars for a titanium/sapphire watch which will be obsolete before I finish paying for it. It makes sense to pay for titanium/sapphire on an analog watch which will last for many years, but not for something which will have a useful life measured in months.