Released around the same time, the Samsung Gear S2 Classic and Motorola Moto 360 Sport (1st gen) represented distinct approaches to the emerging smartwatch market. The Gear S2 Classic prioritized a timeless design and innovative interface, while the Moto 360 Sport focused on fitness tracking and a secure fit for active users. This comparison dissects their core hardware to determine which smartwatch holds up better today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a blend of style and functionality, the Samsung Gear S2 Classic emerges as the stronger choice. While both offer wireless charging, the Gear S2’s Exynos 3250 provides a more refined user experience, and its iconic rotating bezel offers a superior navigation method compared to the Moto 360 Sport’s reliance on touch.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE-A |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, August. Released 2015, October | 2015, September. Released 2016, January |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), stainless steel frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 43.6 x 39.9 x 11.4 mm (1.72 x 1.57 x 0.45 in) | 45 x 45 x 11.5 mm (1.77 x 1.77 x 0.45 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 42 g (1.48 oz) | 54 g (1.90 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Compatible with standard 20mm straps | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 360 x 360 pixels (~302 ppi density) | 360 x 325 pixels (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.2 inches | 1.37 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED | IPS LCD |
| | Always-on display
Rotating bezel | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Exynos 3250 Dual | Qualcomm MSM8926 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | Adreno 305 |
| OS | Tizen OS 2.3.2 | Android Wear OS 2.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 4GB 512MB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) |
| Video | - | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | - | 32 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | No |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.0, LE, aptX |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer | Accelerometer, altimeter, gyro, heart rate |
| | S-Voice natural language commands and dictation
MP3/M4A/AAC/WAV player
Photo viewer
Voice memo/dial/commands
Samsung Pay | MP3 player
Photo viewer
Voice dial/commands |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless (Qi) | Wireless (Qi) |
| Stand-by | Up to 48 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 250 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 300 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, 18K rose gold, Platinum, ceramic bracelet | Black |
| Models | SM-R720, SM-R732 | CPH2113 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Samsung Gear S2 classic
- Iconic rotating bezel for intuitive navigation
- More refined Tizen OS experience
- Potentially better battery life due to Exynos efficiency
- Dual-core processor may feel slower in demanding tasks
- Limited app ecosystem compared to Android Wear
Motorola Moto 360 Sport (1st gen)
- Quad-core processor offers potential for faster app loading
- Sport-focused design with secure band
- Android Wear compatibility for wider app access
- Less efficient Snapdragon 400 impacts battery life
- Touch-only interface less intuitive than the Gear S2’s bezel
- Android Wear performance can be sluggish
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts cutting-edge display technology by today’s standards, but their approaches differ. While specific display specs (resolution, pixel density) aren't provided, the Gear S2 Classic’s Super AMOLED panel likely delivers superior contrast and color vibrancy compared to the Moto 360 Sport’s LCD. The focus on a circular display is shared, but the Gear S2’s bezel interaction provides a more intuitive way to navigate the interface than the Moto 360 Sport’s touch-only approach.
Camera Comparison
Neither device was designed with photography in mind, and detailed camera specs are absent. Both likely feature basic cameras suitable for quick voice memos or remote control functionality. A detailed comparison is therefore not possible without further information.
Performance
The Motorola Moto 360 Sport’s Qualcomm MSM8926 Snapdragon 400, with its quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, appears to have a raw clock speed advantage over the Samsung Gear S2 Classic’s Exynos 3250 Dual (dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7). However, architectural differences and software optimization are crucial. Samsung’s Tizen OS was generally considered more efficient than the Android Wear implementation on the Moto 360 Sport, potentially mitigating the CPU core count difference. The Snapdragon 400, built on a 28nm process, is also less power efficient than the Exynos 3250, potentially impacting battery life.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Snapdragon 400’s less efficient 28nm process suggests the Moto 360 Sport might struggle to match the Gear S2 Classic’s endurance. Both support wireless (Qi) charging, offering convenience, but the Exynos 3250’s power efficiency could translate to longer intervals between charges for the Gear S2 Classic.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Gear S2 Classic if you value a premium design, intuitive navigation via the rotating bezel, and a generally smoother software experience. It’s ideal for users who want a smartwatch that complements their everyday style. Buy the Motorola Moto 360 Sport (1st gen) if your primary focus is fitness tracking during intense activity, and you prioritize a secure, sweat-proof band over advanced features or a luxurious aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 3250 chip in the Gear S2 Classic overheat during prolonged use, such as GPS tracking?
The Exynos 3250 is a relatively low-power chip, and overheating is unlikely during typical smartwatch usage, including GPS tracking. Its dual-core architecture and Tizen OS optimization contribute to efficient thermal management. However, extended, intensive tasks could lead to some warmth.
❓ Is the Moto 360 Sport’s band replaceable, and are there alternative band options available?
The Moto 360 Sport featured a unique, integrated band designed for a secure fit during exercise. While aftermarket bands *were* available, they were less common and often required adapters. Finding replacements today may be challenging.
❓ How does the Tizen OS on the Gear S2 Classic compare to Android Wear on the Moto 360 Sport in terms of responsiveness?
Generally, Tizen on the Gear S2 Classic was considered more responsive and smoother than the Android Wear experience on the Moto 360 Sport. Samsung’s optimization of Tizen for its hardware resulted in fewer lags and a more fluid user interface.
