Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch Newly Launched

Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch

The Gear S2 hardware

At some point in the past year manufacturers (thankfully) came the conclusion that perhaps these smartwatches need to look like watches first, and wrist computers second. That particularly rings true for the Gear S2. Gone is the rigidity of Samsung's previous watches, and what's left is something that's more akin to a high-end fitness-type watch in the Gear S2 proper, and something a little more fashion-friendly in the Gear S2 Classic.

Yep, we've got two models — OK, three if you could the upcoming 3G-capable model of the Gear S2 — of what for all intents and purposes are the same smartwatch. All versions of the Gear S2 sport a 1.2-inch AMOLED display — properly round — with a 360x360 resolution for 302 pixels per inch. And it looks gorgeous, as you'd expect, topping even the excellent P-AMOLED displays that LG's been using. The display is ringed by a bezel that also serves as a way to navigate through the Gear S2's extensive-but-simple menu system. Turn left to go left/up, right to go right/down. The Classic has more traditional lugs where the strap connects. The Gear S2 proper sees the bands meeting the body itself, but they're still removable. If you're a fan of metal or leather straps or a more traditional look, you're going to want to go Classic. If you want a watch gear more towards an active lifestyle, you'll want to go Gear 2 proper.

It's hard to say too much about the overall thinness and weight of the Gear S2. I'm coming from the LG Watch Urbane, which actually is just a smidge thinner, but I've also been wearing a metal band with it. But the Gear S2 knocks off 9 grams of weight (for a total of 47 grams), and the even-lighter (and just a tiny bit smaller) Classic takes things down 16 grams from the Urbane to a total of 42 grams. Point is, it's noticeable in any event.