The latest Samsung Galaxy smartwatch serves as Samsung’s latest contribution to the smartwatch industry. Released in August 2018, the Samsung Galaxy smartwatch comes in 2 sizes: 42mm and 46mm. With the smaller model, you can select between the rose gold or silver casing. However, the larger model is only available with the silver case.
Building on previous models, the Samsung Galaxy smartwatch is dust-resistant and is water-resistant up to 50 metres (165 feet). The smartwatch screen is made of sturdy Gorilla Glass DX+ so you needn’t worry too much about cracks and scratches! Furthermore, the watch’s “Eject Water” function allows users to expel liquid that has seeped into the Samsung Galaxy smartwatch.
So, if you are interested to find out more about this marvelous product (as we are!), read on for everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy smartwatch.
Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch Product Specifications
You can purchase the Samsung Galaxy smartwatch in 2 different sizes: 42mm and 46mm. Both models share the same specifications:
Water Resistance: Up to 50m, IP68, MIL-STD-810G certified
Operating System: Tizen-based Wearable OS 4.0
Chipset: Exynos 9110 Dual-core 1.15GHz CPU
Storage: 4GB Internal Memory
Memory: LTE 1.5GB RAM / Bluetooth 768MB RAM
Connectivity: 3G/LTE, Bluetooth 4.2, WiFi b/g/n, NFC
Sensors: Accelerometer, Gyro, Barometer, HRM, Ambient Light
Other Features: Bixby smart assistant, microphone, speaker, vibration
Compatibility: Android 5.0 and above, iOS 9.0 and above
About The Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch Operating System
The Samsung Galaxy smartwatch utilizes the Linux-based Tizen operating system. In our opinion, it is a better alternative to Google’s Wear OS and Apple’s Watch OS. Furthermore, the Tizen OS performs faster compared to competitors on most occasions.
You need only a few taps and presses to reorder and customize the screens. For its factory setting, the home screen shows date, time and battery level. The watch’s categorization is also extremely user-friendly and customizable. Hence, you’ll have easy access to the various apps on the smartwatch.
All Samsung Galaxy smartwatch models feature a rotating bezel, which works as a screen selector when you rotate it left or right.
While Tizen is an excellent operating system, there are fewer apps on this Samsung smartwatch, as compared to devices running on Android or iOS.
Users can install over 70,000 Tizen apps but popular mobile applications from leading vendors such as Facebook, Google, Instagram, Twitter, Yelp and others are missing. For example, you can receive and reply to notifications from messaging apps like Facebook Messenger or Twitter, but you cannot start a new message thread.
Users who are accustomed on Google’s Android apps might need some time to familiarize themselves with apps that power the Galaxy Watch. On the bright side, you can add songs using the Galaxy Wearable app and directly download music if you are a Spotify Premium member.
Bixby — Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch Virtual Assistant
The latest Samsung smartwatch is equipped with its own personal voice assistant called Bixby. Compared to Apple’s Siri or Microsoft’s Cortana, there is room for improvement. Bixby copes well with basic tasks such as calling, texting or checking the weather for you. However, it is unable to perform other functions such as showing directions to your selected destination.
We suggest downloading the Here WeGo navigation app, as a perfect substitute for getting directions.
Integration With IoT Devices
Like many other leading smartwatches, you can sync the Samsung Galaxy smartphone with other smart home devices. Using the “SmartThings” app, link up with your other IoT devices with the press of a button.
Advanced functionality enables users to switch on and off smart home devices automatically depending on the watch status. For instance, you can have certain appliances activated if your smartwatch displays you are awake or working out and turn off smart devices when you are asleep.
This automation feature is somewhat limited to performing basic functions, though. For instance, your Galaxy Watch cannot control other smart home devices based on your location.
Excellent Battery Life
The 42mm Samsung Galaxy smartwatch boasts a battery life of up to three days, powered by a 270-mAh battery. The 472-mAh battery in the 46mm model can power your Galaxy Watch for up to four days.
You should bear in mind that using the GPS and the heart rate monitor will drain the battery much faster.
Pros And Cons Of Owning A Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch
If you consider investing in a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, you should keep in mind the following pros and cons of owning a Galaxy Watch.
Pros:
- Nice analog watch design
- Decent water-resistance
- Excellent battery life
- First-rate OLED screen
- Rotating bezel as part of user interface
- Remarkable OS and core smartwatch software
- Excellent support for Samsung Pay
Cons:
- Exclusive wireless charger
- No Google Maps, WhatsApp, FB Messenger, Twitter and Instagram
- Bixby assistant needs improvement
- Workout tracking is nowhere as developed as its competitors
- Limited internal storage
Is Galaxy Watch Smartwatch For You?
With its excellent battery life, you can consider the Samsung Galaxy smartwatch a “best-buy smartwatch”. Moreover, the watch’s user interface is intuitive and easy to operate, thanks to its Tizen OS and rotating bezel.
There are fewer applications for the Tizen OS as compared to apps available for Wear OS or iOS. But, you still have plenty of fully functional applications to choose from.
As a matter of fact, Samsung Galaxy Watch outperforms smartphones running Wear OS. It also compares well to watches running on iOS, even though it lacks a large number of integrations that Apple smartwatches offer.
It works best when you pair it with an Android smartphone, especially from Samsung. But it can work with iOS as well, albeit with limited functionality. The general consensus from experts is that the Samsung Galaxy smartwatch is the most complete smartwatch by Samsung to date, and one of the best smartwatches available in today’s market.
If you wish to purchase your very own Samsung Galaxy smartwatch today, the 42mm version is available on Amazon for $294.99. The larger 46mm model is also available on Amazon for a very affordable $338.98.
Looking for more Samsung Galaxy accessories? Why not try out OEM stereo headphones specially designed for Samsung Galaxy S8 and S9 users! These hot-selling earbud headphones are available on Amazon for just $7.50. What’s more, shipping is free!
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