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Gear S2 Korea sales numbers...

Supposedly in Korea they are selling about 2,000 per day half being the BT Sport and Classic and the other half the 3G models. The Classic model has sold out of its initial inventory. The S2 is selling twice as fast as the original S1 model. I think if they can get more apps, it should easily be the best selling Gear watch thus far. I wish I could find the Classic somewhere, Samsung should have made a lot more.

SRZ1977 said:
Supposedly in Korea they are selling about 2,000 per day half being the BT Sport and Classic and the other half the 3G models. The Classic model has sold out of its initial inventory. The S2 is selling twice as fast as the original S1 model. I think if they can get more apps, it should easily be the best selling Gear watch thus far. I wish I could find the Classic somewhere, Samsung should have made a lot more.
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Do work for Samsung? I am a Samsung Fanboy, and they couldn't give me an S2 for free!
Trying to figure out what all people see in the S2 that I don't!
BTW, there are a lot of returns with the S2 , oh, that maybe only in the USA!

CehowardNote3 said:
Do work for Samsung? I am a Samsung Fanboy, and they couldn't give me an S2 for free!
Trying to figure out what all people see in the S2 that I don't!
BTW, there are a lot of returns with the S2 , oh, that maybe only in the USA!
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Click to collapse
I own an s2 and a gear2 neo and moto 360. S2 best smart watch I have owned so far. You can give me your free one.

CehowardNote3 said:
Do work for Samsung? I am a Samsung Fanboy, and they couldn't give me an S2 for free!
Trying to figure out what all people see in the S2 that I don't!
BTW, there are a lot of returns with the S2 , oh, that maybe only in the USA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't work for Samsung, but please give me your free S2, I would love to have it.
I can't even get a S2 Classic at all.
Thank you...

CehowardNote3 said:
Do work for Samsung? I am a Samsung Fanboy, and they couldn't give me an S2 for free!
Trying to figure out what all people see in the S2 that I don't!
BTW, there are a lot of returns with the S2 , oh, that maybe only in the USA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Care to elaborate why? Just interested seeing i'm thinking about buying one as my first smartwatch.

To all that replied. I would SURELY give all of you the FREE ONE if they gave it to me.. ditto for the Note 5 too.
There are a lot of us that are Samsung Fans, but when Samsung started cutting features, and down sizing, some of us jumped ship, that is a known fact.
Cryps, the reason I am passed big time on the S2, first, they made is smaller. They could have made it 20 to 25% bigger, and I think they would keep a lot of users, not all but more than now. Also, there is NO SPEAKER on the regular S2, I think you have to get the yet to come out in the US 3g model to have a speaker.. My Gear S, has a speaker, and can take and make calls. Also, I would love to see somebody text from the S2. That would be some sight on a 1 and 1/2 inch round screen!
Look, I am not ALONE on this.. Again, Ditto for the Note 5. They couldn't give me one of those either. I have 85 gbs of data on my 128gb card in my Note 5, also, I am 15 seconds away from a full 100% when my battery run downs.. These are "must haves" for me..
Back to the S2, I am GLAD that a lot users like it, but you all must acknowledge that the S2 and the Note 5 turned off a LOT OF LOYAL USERS of those two devices.. Maybe Samsung picked up some NEW users, but they surely lost some of their users with the cutting of features and downsizing.. A lot of users! That is why I questioned the high sales figures..I broke my neck getting to the Gear S and the Note 4, now you put me on a cliff and tell me I have to take the S2 and Note 5 or jump, I am jumping!! No, is not that bad, but I wouldn't have one of those, it would be a nightmare for me..
Again, I would gladly give an S2 away if they gave me one. But, the fact of the matter, they couldn't PAY me to take one..No kidding...
EDIT: Just saw this about the S2, in another thread, but on the same topic line as mine with the same opinion as mine..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gear-s2/general/upgraded-gear-2-neo-dont-t3231843

Well Samsung can't please everybody. And, based on poor sales of the earlier Gear watches, the "LOYAL USERS" are VERY small group. I'm glad Samsung has put out a watch for the rest of us who don't want a freaking smartphone on their arm.

GeorgeP said:
Well Samsung can't please everybody. And, based on poor sales of the earlier Gear watches, the "LOYAL USERS" are VERY small group. I'm glad Samsung has put out a watch for the rest of us who don't want a freaking smartphone on their arm.
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Glad for you too. Wishing great success for the S2 and all its implementations.

CehowardNote3 said:
To all that replied. I would SURELY give all of you the FREE ONE if they gave it to me.. ditto for the Note 5 too.
There are a lot of us that are Samsung Fans, but when Samsung started cutting features, and down sizing, some of us jumped ship, that is a known fact.
Cryps, the reason I am passed big time on the S2, first, they made is smaller. They could have made it 20 to 25% bigger, and I think they would keep a lot of users, not all but more than now. Also, there is NO SPEAKER on the regular S2, I think you have to get the yet to come out in the US 3g model to have a speaker.. My Gear S, has a speaker, and can take and make calls. Also, I would love to see somebody text from the S2. That would be some sight on a 1 and 1/2 inch round screen!
Look, I am not ALONE on this.. Again, Ditto for the Note 5. They couldn't give me one of those either. I have 85 gbs of data on my 128gb card in my Note 5, also, I am 15 seconds away from a full 100% when my battery run downs.. These are "must haves" for me..
Back to the S2, I am GLAD that a lot users like it, but you all must acknowledge that the S2 and the Note 5 turned off a LOT OF LOYAL USERS of those two devices.. Maybe Samsung picked up some NEW users, but they surely lost some of their users with the cutting of features and downsizing.. A lot of users! That is why I questioned the high sales figures..I broke my neck getting to the Gear S and the Note 4, now you put me on a cliff and tell me I have to take the S2 and Note 5 or jump, I am jumping!! No, is not that bad, but I wouldn't have one of those, it would be a nightmare for me..
Again, I would gladly give an S2 away if they gave me one. But, the fact of the matter, they couldn't PAY me to take one..No kidding...
EDIT: Just saw this about the S2, in another thread, but on the same topic line as mine with the same opinion as mine..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gear-s2/general/upgraded-gear-2-neo-dont-t3231843
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I find this all rather amusing. Imagine if car customers acted like this.
You're a big fan of the Chevy Suburban SUV. It can seat 9, TVs in the back, full surround sound, has 4 wheel drive, and does just about everything you want. You're super happy with it.
A year later Chevy comes out with a new Corvette. It's really fast, has good looks, only seats 2, and is limited to driving on paved roads. Doesn't meet your needs at all.
Does this now mean Chevy doesn't appreciate you? Has Chevy abandoned you?
It's not like there's some next gen hardware in the S2 compared to the original S. Same processor. Same screen technology. It's just a smaller, faster, more streamlined model for a different crowd. It's not personal.
And how is this a challenge to understand for you? People like different things. Samsung makes many different TVs, phones, watches, etc, for many different kinds of consumers. Just because every model isn't to your liking don't take it as a personal insult directed at you.

supersoulfly said:
I find this all rather amusing. Imagine if car customers acted like this.
You're a big fan of the Chevy Suburban SUV. It can seat 9, TVs in the back, full surround sound, has 4 wheel drive, and does just about everything you want. You're super happy with it.
A year later Chevy comes out with a new Corvette. It's really fast, has good looks, only seats 2, and is limited to driving on paved roads. Doesn't meet your needs at all.
Does this now mean Chevy doesn't appreciate you? Has Chevy abandoned you?
It's not like there's some next gen hardware in the S2 compared to the original S. Same processor. Same screen technology. It's just a smaller, faster, more streamlined model for a different crowd. It's not personal.
And how is this a challenge to understand for you? People like different things. Samsung makes many different TVs, phones, watches, etc, for many different kinds of consumers. Just because every model isn't to your liking don't take it as a personal insult directed at you.
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Very good point!:good:
However, my point was there was a group of users that were really into this particular device/model that they would break their necks getting to the counter to get the upgade model! However, it seem like features were dropped a new design implemented! So instead of that group rushing to get one, there is a lot of hesitation and even frowning at the new offering! Trust me, there are a lot of past model users that feel that way.
That is all what I was saying. Not insulted, but disappointed big time,

http://www.androidheadlines.com/2015/11/gear-s2-samsungs-route-back-wearables-gam.html
Samsung sold 180,000 of these in China in 8 hours at one online retail shop and they still don't have enough to go around.
Android wear sold 720,000 total all of last year. Something to think about and I even had a Moto 360 V1 at one point.

SRZ1977 said:
http://www.androidheadlines.com/2015/11/gear-s2-samsungs-route-back-wearables-gam.html
Samsung sold 180,000 of these in China in 8 hours at one online retail shop and they still don't have enough to go around.
Android wear sold 720,000 total all of last year. Something to think about and I even had a Moto 360 V1 at one point.
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Click to collapse
That's great!!
However, there is a big difference in Chinese taste and American taste!

Gear VR!

Just pre-ordered mine! Finally for our phones.

From my understanding, our variant does not yet have the correct minimum version for Gear VR. I pre-ordered it through Amazon along with a controller but am hoping Verizon is able to push out the necessary update in time of me getting my Gear. This is my first phone back on Verizon in like 15 years, and from what I have seen, I should not hope much for getting it in time.

Yep. Freaking Verizon. Always last to the show when it comes to updates. This thing goes live in only 3 days and I'm not positive I'll be able to even use it when it arrives here on the 20th. I am so sick of this company, their ****ty OTA schedules, and their god awful locked-phone policies. Once my contract is up, I'm jumping ship. I don't care how good the signal is, it does me no good if I can't even use my phone properly.

Guys we already have the needed updates. They came with the last OTA. When you connect the VR for the first time it will automatically install the Oculus app store. Check your installed packages and you'll see 3 Samsung vr apps.
Brought to you by my new(ish) Note 5!

toskabab said:
Guys we already have the needed updates. They came with the last OTA. When you connect the VR for the first time it will automatically install the Oculus app store. Check your installed packages and you'll see 3 Samsung vr apps.
Brought to you by my new(ish) Note 5!
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Click to collapse
I found this out too. I used the app QuickShortcutMaker to run the VR setup process as if I had a Gear VR and was able to install the Oculus store and download all the games and apps ahead of time! I recommend doing the same thing so you don't need to wait to get everything once you actually get the HMD.

DaRkL3AD3R said:
Yep. Freaking Verizon. Always last to the show when it comes to updates.
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Click to collapse
You know the required update was pushed some time ago? While I don't like Verizon's update schedule either, this is one of the cases where they did it right...
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

If this thing is supposed to be available today, does anyone know where it can be gotten? I preordered from Amazon, but it hasn't shipped, and frankly, whoever can get it to me the quickest, wins.

jpmcnown said:
If this thing is supposed to be available today, does anyone know where it can be gotten? I preordered from Amazon, but it hasn't shipped, and frankly, whoever can get it to me the quickest, wins.
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Try walking in to your local Best Buy?
I know it's only available in 3 places. Amazon, Best Buy, and something stupid like Macy's or something (I can't remember exactly). Unless I'm getting it confused with the Gear S2. Good luck.
Brought to you by my new(ish) Note 5!

jpmcnown said:
If this thing is supposed to be available today, does anyone know where it can be gotten? I preordered from Amazon, but it hasn't shipped, and frankly, whoever can get it to me the quickest, wins.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
toskabab said:
Try walking in to your local Best Buy?
Brought to you by my new(ish) Note 5!
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Yeah, though I know I can't rely on BestBuy's website to tell me if it's in stock, it does indicate that it's not at a store within 250 miles of me. I called the store, but we all know you can't count on the $7.25/hr staff to have any clue what's being asked about, and they could be heard clicking away on their own website. They told me "they'd have em when Samsung decides to send em"....yeah, because Samsung ships directly to each store. ...right. I should ask my 70yr old mother to swing by the store. Even if Bestbuy has em in stock, somehow I'd end up with a PS4, or a washing machine, or something else that's not what I asked her to look for. -moms<tech
I had the VR for the Note 4, and very seldom used it. I'm really excited to get the new one, so I can stick it in the closet and forget about it.

Mine is backorder from Samsung wtf

Anybody find which store this is available locally? I see all over the Internet news that is is now available but where??????

My local best buy in San Antonio had 1 yesterday. I didn't buy it though.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Try tmobile website...search gear vr and order it now....ordered my early this morning....they are in stock for now there
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

"Innovator Edition" actually meant "premium"?
I had the Gear VR "Innovator Edition" for the Note 4, so I was glad to see that they were releasing one for the Note 5. The reason for calling the previous model an Innovator Edition was to my understanding, a way of saying that it was a device for early-adopters of tech, and that I should expect faults, short comings, and areas upon which improvement is needed. But, most everything about the VR for the Note 4 was in my opinion, awesome. The packaging was elegant, and the padded zippered carrying case made for a nice protected place to store the VR. The VR itself may have been a slight bit uncomfortable at times, but I accepted that as something to be improved upon.
I got the new one in from Amazon yesterday, and I've gotta say, this non-Innovator Edition is a really cheap presentation compared to it's predecessor. Admittedly less less expensive, but I really liked having a nice case to keep the VR in when not in use. I am also not a huge fan of the new directional touch pad. I find it more difficult to navigate, having to slide my finger through a carved channel instead of a smooth swipe acting. I spend more time trying to figure out how to position my hands. Meh, perhaps it's in an effort to get someone to buy a generic gamepad (still waiting on Samsung to make one), which is prob better anyway. I don't notice much of a change in the design or components that change the ways the previous model was a bit uncomfortable to wear after time, but perhaps that will be in the next release when the VR comes unassembled in a brown paper bag, but only costs $50. (i'd buy it)
In the end, I guess it's still an incredible value for as awesome as the VR experience is, and since I switched to the Note 5 when it was released, a significant amount more content has become available. -Just my 2 cents.

jpmcnown said:
I had the Gear VR "Innovator Edition" for the Note 4, so I was glad to see that they were releasing one for the Note 5. The reason for calling the previous model an Innovator Edition was to my understanding, a way of saying that it was a device for early-adopters of tech, and that I should expect faults, short comings, and areas upon which improvement is needed. But, most everything about the VR for the Note 4 was in my opinion, awesome. The packaging was elegant, and the padded zippered carrying case made for a nice protected place to store the VR. The VR itself may have been a slight bit uncomfortable at times, but I accepted that as something to be improved upon.
I got the new one in from Amazon yesterday, and I've gotta say, this non-Innovator Edition is a really cheap presentation compared to it's predecessor. Admittedly less less expensive, but I really liked having a nice case to keep the VR in when not in use. I am also not a huge fan of the new directional touch pad. I find it more difficult to navigate, having to slide my finger through a carved channel instead of a smooth swipe acting. I spend more time trying to figure out how to position my hands. Meh, perhaps it's in an effort to get someone to buy a generic gamepad (still waiting on Samsung to make one), which is prob better anyway. I don't notice much of a change in the design or components that change the ways the previous model was a bit uncomfortable to wear after time, but perhaps that will be in the next release when the VR comes unassembled in a brown paper bag, but only costs $50. (i'd buy it)
In the end, I guess it's still an incredible value for as awesome as the VR experience is, and since I switched to the Note 5 when it was released, a significant amount more content has become available. -Just my 2 cents.
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So basically you're saying their isn't any significant improvements between this model and the innovator edition? Makes me wonder what took them so long to release it then. I'm just going to buy a $20 set from amazon. I'm guessing it'll be the same experience.
Sent from my SM-N920V

toskabab said:
So basically you're saying their isn't any significant improvements between this model and the innovator edition? Makes me wonder what took them so long to release it then. I'm just going to buy a $20 set from amazon. I'm guessing it'll be the same experience.
Sent from my SM-N920V
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To be fair, there have been "changes", but not much that I'd call improvements. For $100, I'd still say it's got way more going for it the cheaper attempts to imitate it. Just like the VR predecessor , it's got a directional touchpad, volume control, back button, internal gyros/sensors to absorb some of the processing burden from the phone. Anyone that's used the Gear VR and compared it to the Google Cardboard/etc will tell you that the VR is hands down better. The feeling I get, is that Samsung tried to cut as many corners as possible to compete with those $20 Google cardboard "devices".
***The new one is also a single device that will work for the Note5, Galaxy S6 edge+, Galaxy S6, and Galaxy S6 edge. One thing I will say is a simple, yet vast improvement, is the addition of a pass-through charging port on the bottom of it. (It looks slightly less stupid to onlookers than having a QI charging pad strapped to the back of a Note 4 on your face)

got mine @ amazon. .but it's out of stock. .says they will bill me when it's available. .guess just wait

Still sold out everywhere.
Sent from my SM-N920V

I ordered mine back on the 18th and it was out of stock then. But it looks like they are coming out in batches since mine will arrive later today. I also found out that you can temporarily disable one of the VR services and use it with Cardboard apps as well.

My tmobile Gear VR got delivered today...thankfully
Sent from my SM-G928T using Tapatalk

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?
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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...
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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]
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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...

opinion: would you buy the gear S3 now or wait to see if they release a new model?

Title sums it up, just curious what those most familiar with the device thinks? Seems to me to be pretty solid device still but I would hate to buy one in the next couple of months and the the S4 drop.
If there is a thread on here like this I missed, my bad. I did search and didnt find one.

Samsung introduced​ a new model a few weeks ago at IFA rather than update the Gear S3. So the Gear S4 may be a year away. Not much is happening on the Android Wear front, the iWatch still isn't compatible with non Apple devices, the new Fitbit looks like a bust. So there isn't much competitive pressure for Samsung to update it's flagship watch.
After wearing the watch everyday for almost a year, I don't think there is much Samsung can do to improve the hardware, except increase battery life. They could add enhancements to Tizen, encourage more 3rd party app development, improve Gear Manager. But none of this requires new hardware. I don't have a crystal ball, Samsung could do something shocking with the S4 like give it a rectangular screen or make it AW compatible. But I doubt they will do anything along those lines. I think improvements in the S4 will be a minor.

Sounds spot on. Ordering one in the next few weeks....thank you!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

I had the same dilemma, until I was lucky to discover a weekend offer at Samsung UK online, that had the S3 discounted by 100 pounds. There was the answer for me. So far, absolutely no regrets! BTW, I fully agree with afblangley's post above (#2).

I just got a used S3 frontier with LTE for $190 from eBay ... so I would say now is a good time as the price is coming way down.

Looking into the LTE vs Bluetooth only version. Read several threads and since I have never had the option not to take my phone and stay connected its hard to say if it would be worth it for me personally. The slower or non-existent software upgrades (I am speculating) from AT&T would be a concern. I am not sure I would want to be stuck with bugs and less features as a trade off to have LTE.
If you have the BT version, do not have your phone with you, and are not near a wifi will you get any messages you missed while disconnected the next time you attach to wifi? Im guessing not and the only way you will know about those messages is the next time you have your phone and check...is this correct?

gocats7 said:
Title sums it up, just curious what those most familiar with the device thinks? Seems to me to be pretty solid device still but I would hate to buy one in the next couple of months and the the S4 drop.
If there is a thread on here like this I missed, my bad. I did search and didnt find one.
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If you want a good smartwach, buy it. You can wait for s4, s5 and still are without a smartwach. Bought mine yesterday. Was not sure if it is the right decision had s3, s sport and fitbit ionic in mind. Now, after one day I am pretty sure s3 is the right choice.
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I was concerned about this as well. Luckily I was given $150 in giftcards to Macy's and I used it on the watch at $299. I gave up wearables when I sold my Series 2 Apple Watch because there was nothing that interested me. Let me tell you, people say the Apple Watch is king, but no no....the S3 is so nice. I've had it less than a week and I LOVE it. It looks great, does all and more than the AW does. I am mostly sad that I didn't get the watch during the 8 months or so I had the S8+ because I think it pairs better with Samsung phones. I have it connected to a V30. It gives all I want it this way though.

Taking into consideration the s3...After selling my trustworthy gear s...
But the gear 2 and neo were launched at mwa at the beginning of the year...February. ..its already November. ..
What are the chances of a s4 launch in February?
According to most reviews gear sport is not a follower of s3..but a part between the gear s and gear fit..
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Buy a watch with android wear from a brand that care about their customer more than their business plan from their board room.
this laggy ****ty watch need a mayor overhaul. me needed to remind it constantly to connect to simple things like wifi and bluetooth earplugs is making me feel like a retard.
Samsung phones is a no go from S3/S4 cause of the poor quality, now this.
I hate companies making ****, dropping beta software into it and start developing the next gen **** to put beta software into.

Well just bought the Gear S3 Wifi BT. Went to bed 98% woke up 94%. Before I went to bed I turned off the AOD. Then back on during the day. I don't keep wifi on. No clue what "Redman77" is talking about. I LOVE this thing. I have a Android Ware v2. I can understand why some would want Aware vs Samsungs. But "laggy"? I cant see it at all. Customer care.. please.. one can say that about ANY company. So far.. not a problem at all. I feel for those that do have problems.
Android ware v2 didnt offer what I wanted. Walking running driving "speed" sleeping.. yeah.. kicks right in. LOVE THIS watch. Best I have ever had.

And be sure that all of your devices now and future have supported apps ready to roll on tizen.
Realy anoying to find out that android wear have all the goodies and you stuck with old/no supported apps at best, and no app support on others.

Redman77 said:
And be sure that all of your devices now and future have supported apps ready to roll on tizen.
Realy anoying to find out that android wear have all the goodies and you stuck with old/no supported apps at best, and no app support on others.
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What kind of goodies? I came from AW 2. Never looked back. The whole UI is much better. And the apps I used are also on tizen. Any specifics? See if I can look into AW in future.

First thing comes to mind is Sonys camera app. And of course a Samsung rep would blame Sony.
But that changes nothing. Software that fewer customers use will always be prioritized last if ever.
---------- Post added at 10:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:06 PM ----------
My wifi connection is not seamlessly going to different networks.
Spotify hangs, need restart of watch.. Not enough to close app from reason apps. Probably related to wifi.. But should start when wifi gets going

General So, I pulled the trigger and...meh. *UPDATED*

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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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...