Smartwatches have evolved dramatically, and comparing older models to newer ones can be tricky. Today, we pit the Samsung Gear 2 Neo, a device from 2014, against the more modern Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic. This comparison will help you understand the significant advancements in wearable technology.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Watch4 Classic is the clear winner. While the Gear 2 Neo offered a glimpse into early smartwatches, the Watch4 Classic boasts a vastly superior processor, modern features like ECG and body composition analysis, and a more refined user experience. It's a generational leap in smartwatch technology.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, February. Released 2014, May | 2021, August 11 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX), stainless steel frame 316L or titanium frame |
| Dimensions | 58.7 x 37.9 x 9.9 mm (2.31 x 1.49 x 0.39 in) | 45.5 x 45.5 x 11 mm (1.79 x 1.79 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 55 g (1.94 oz) | 52 g (46mm), 46.5 g (42mm) (1.66 oz) |
| | - | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
50m water resistant (IP68)
Compatible with standard 20mm straps
ECG certified
Blood pressure monitor
Rotating bezel
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass DX |
| Resolution | 320 x 320 pixels (~278 ppi density) | 450 x 450 pixels (~321 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.63 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 | Dual-core 1.18 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Exynos 3250 Dual | Exynos W920 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Tizen OS | Android Wear OS 4, One UI Watch 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 16GB 1.5GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes, up to 200 entries | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | No | - |
| Games | Yes | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 |
| | MP3 player
Photo viewer
S-Voice
Voice memo/dial/commands | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless |
| Stand-by | Up to 830 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 10 h 30 min | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 300 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 361 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mocha Gray, Wild Orange, Charcoal Black | Black, Silver, Thom Browne Edition, Bespoke Edition |
| Models | SM-R3810 | SM-R880, SM-R890 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.57 W/kg (head) | - |
Samsung Gear 2 Neo
- Lightweight design
- Tizen OS (early version)
- Decent battery life for its time
- Outdated processor
- Limited app support
- Small, low-resolution display
- No advanced health features
- Obsolete technology
Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic
- Powerful Exynos W920 processor
- Vibrant Super AMOLED display
- Rotating bezel for easy navigation
- Advanced health tracking (ECG, body composition)
- Wear OS with Google Play Store
- Wireless charging
- Battery life could be better with heavy use
- Some features require a Samsung phone
Display Comparison
The Galaxy Watch4 Classic features a vibrant Super AMOLED display with a rotating bezel for intuitive navigation, a significant upgrade over the Gear 2 Neo's smaller, less-refined screen. The Classic's resolution and color accuracy are also noticeably better.
Camera Comparison
Neither device has a built-in camera. The Gear 2 Neo could connect to a smartphone camera, but this is an outdated and cumbersome feature. The Galaxy Watch4 Classic focuses on health and fitness tracking, rendering a camera unnecessary.
Performance
The Exynos W920 chipset in the Galaxy Watch4 Classic provides a massive performance boost compared to the Gear 2 Neo's Exynos 3250. Apps load faster, animations are smoother, and the overall user experience is far more responsive. The Cortex-A55 cores in the Watch4 are also more efficient than the Neo's Cortex-A7.
Battery Life
While the Gear 2 Neo offered decent battery life for its time, the Galaxy Watch4 Classic provides comparable battery life despite its more powerful processor and advanced features. Wireless charging on the Classic is also a convenient upgrade.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Gear 2 Neo? Likely no one. It's an outdated device with limited functionality. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic? Fitness enthusiasts, those seeking a stylish and feature-rich smartwatch with health tracking capabilities, and anyone wanting a modern wearable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Gear 2 Neo still worth buying?
No, the Gear 2 Neo is significantly outdated and offers very limited functionality compared to modern smartwatches. It's not recommended for purchase.
❓ Does the Galaxy Watch4 Classic require a Samsung phone?
While it integrates best with Samsung phones, the Galaxy Watch4 Classic is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. However, some features may be limited on non-Samsung devices.
