Samsung Gear S2, S2 Classic Tizen Smartwatches Arrive Stateside October 2nd Priced From $299
After generally underwhelming the masses with its previous smartwatch efforts, Samsung looks to have a winner on its hands with the Gear S2 and Gear S2 Classic. And if you’ve been eagerly waiting to get your hands on Samsung’s latest wearables, you’ll be happy to learn that you’ll have the opportunity to purchase them this Friday, October 2nd.
The entry-level Gear S2 is priced at $299.99, while the more “premium” Gear S2 Classic is just $50 more at $349.99. To put that pricing in perspective, the 38mm Apple Watch Sport starts at $349.99, while the cheapest Moto 360 (second generation model) starts at $299.99.
Samsung Gear S2 Classic and Gear S2
The Gear S2 and Gear S2 Classic feature 1.2-inch, fully circular 360x360 displays and are powered by a 1GHz dual-core Samsung processor with 512MB of RAM. There is also NFC technology incorporated into the smartwatches, which will make them compatible with the recently launched Samsung Pay touchless payment service, and both are rated for IP68 water and dust resistance. An integrated 250 mAh is rated for up to three days of battery life per charge, which is quite respectable in this class.
There will also be versions with integrated 3G connectivity that will arrive “later this fall” on Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile wireless networks -- sorry, Sprint customers. The cellular versions feature a beefier 300 mAh battery and will last up to two days per charge.
Although the Gear S2 and Gear S2 Classic run Samsung’s homegrown Tizen operating system, compatibility isn’t limited to just Galaxy smartphone (as was the case for previous Samsung smartwatches). Both are compatible with just about any smartphone running Android 4.4 or higher and is equipped with at least 1.5GB of RAM. Samsung has also hinted that support might come in the future for Apple’s iPhone.
You can read HotHardware’s hands-on preview of the Gear S2 and Gear S2 Classic right here.
