Released within months of each other in 2015, the Samsung Gear S2 Classic and Apple Watch Series 2 represented the first generation of truly refined smartwatches. While both aimed to move beyond notification mirrors, they took drastically different approaches to design, navigation, and functionality. Today, we revisit these pioneers to determine which holds up better as a daily driver and a piece of wearable tech history.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a smartwatch with a unique and intuitive interface, the Samsung Gear S2 Classic emerges as the winner. Its rotating bezel provides a tactile and efficient navigation experience unmatched by the Apple Watch Series 2’s digital crown, and its broader compatibility with non-iOS devices is a significant advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, August. Released 2015, October | 2016, September. Released 2016, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), stainless steel frame | Glass front, ceramic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 43.6 x 39.9 x 11.4 mm (1.72 x 1.57 x 0.45 in) | 38.6 x 33.3 x 11.4 mm (1.52 x 1.31 x 0.45 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 42 g (1.48 oz) | 28.2 g body (0.99 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Compatible with standard 20mm straps | 50m water resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Ion-X strengthened glass |
| Resolution | 360 x 360 pixels (~302 ppi density) | 340 x 272 pixels (~290 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.2 inches | 1.5 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Retina OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| | Always-on display
Rotating bezel | 3D Touch display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 | Dual-core 780 MHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Exynos 3250 Dual | Apple S2 (16 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | PowerVR G6200 |
| OS | Tizen OS 2.3.2 | watchOS 3.0, upgradable to watchOS 6.2.8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 8GB 512MB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate |
| | S-Voice natural language commands and dictation
MP3/M4A/AAC/WAV player
Photo viewer
Voice memo/dial/commands
Samsung Pay | Natural language commands and dictation |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless (Qi) | Wireless |
| Stand-by | Up to 48 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 250 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 273 mAh (1.03 Wh), non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, 18K rose gold, Platinum, ceramic bracelet | Case colors: silver, gold, rose gold, gray Band colors: gray, white, blue, yellow, pink, black Band types: sport, woven nylon |
| Models | SM-R720, SM-R732 | A1757 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 420 EUR |
Samsung Gear S2 classic
- Unique and intuitive rotating bezel navigation
- Broader smartphone compatibility (Android and iOS)
- Wireless (Qi) charging for greater convenience
- Older Tizen OS with limited app selection compared to watchOS
- Performance is showing its age
Apple Watch Series 2 Aluminum 38mm
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem
- Access to a wider range of watchOS apps
- Slightly more powerful processor (Apple S2)
- Limited to Apple iPhone compatibility
- Proprietary wireless charging
Display Comparison
Both watches feature circular displays, but differ in technology. While specific nit brightness isn't provided, the Apple Watch Series 2 benefits from Apple’s display expertise, likely offering superior color accuracy and viewing angles. The Gear S2 Classic’s display, while functional, lacks the vibrancy of the Apple Watch. The smaller 38mm size of the Apple Watch Series 2 results in a more compact form factor, potentially appealing to users with smaller wrists. However, the Gear S2 Classic’s bezel allows for a larger usable display area within a similar overall size.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch prioritizes photography, and neither device has a camera. This is a non-factor in the comparison.
Performance
The Apple Watch Series 2, powered by the Apple S2 (16nm) chipset, holds a performance edge over the Samsung Gear S2 Classic’s Exynos 3250 Dual. Despite both utilizing dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 CPUs, the Apple S2’s more advanced manufacturing process (16nm vs unknown for the Exynos) likely translates to improved efficiency and sustained performance. This means the Apple Watch Series 2 will handle app loading and animations slightly smoother, though both devices are limited by their age. The Gear S2 Classic’s Tizen OS is generally lighter weight than watchOS, potentially mitigating some of the performance gap.
Battery Life
Battery life is difficult to compare directly without standardized testing. However, the Gear S2 Classic’s wireless (Qi) charging offers greater flexibility compared to the Apple Watch Series 2’s proprietary wireless charging. While both offer all-day battery life with moderate use, the Apple Watch Series 2’s more power-hungry processor and display likely result in slightly shorter runtimes. The Gear S2 Classic’s Tizen OS, being less resource-intensive, may contribute to better battery efficiency.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Gear S2 Classic if you prioritize a distinctive, physically engaging user interface, value broader smartphone compatibility beyond Apple’s ecosystem, and appreciate a classic watch aesthetic. Buy the Apple Watch Series 2 Aluminum 38mm if you are deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, require seamless integration with Apple services, and prioritize access to a wider range of watchOS apps, understanding that its performance is now showing its age.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 3250 chip in the Gear S2 Classic overheat during prolonged use?
The Exynos 3250 is a relatively low-power chip, and overheating is not a common issue with the Gear S2 Classic. While it may experience some warmth during intensive tasks, it’s unlikely to reach uncomfortable temperatures or trigger performance throttling.
❓ Is the Apple Watch Series 2 still receiving software updates?
No, the Apple Watch Series 2 is no longer receiving software updates from Apple. This means it will not benefit from new features or security patches, and app compatibility may become an issue over time.
❓ Can I use the Samsung Gear S2 Classic with an iPhone?
Yes, the Gear S2 Classic offers broader compatibility than the Apple Watch Series 2 and can be paired with both Android and iOS devices, although functionality may be limited on iOS compared to Android.
❓ How durable is the aluminum casing of the Apple Watch Series 2?
The aluminum casing of the Apple Watch Series 2 is relatively durable for everyday wear, but it is susceptible to scratches and dents. Using a screen protector and being mindful of potential impacts can help maintain its appearance.
