Samsung Galaxy S7: Full Specifications

Samsung Galaxy S7 will have the most advanced specification and features. Let’s take a brief look on what are the specifications of Galaxy S7. Now both Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge Smartphone are launched. Let’s check out complete specs of Samsung’s latest flagship.

Model Name	Galaxy S7
Display	5.5 inch Display (1440 X 2560 Resolution) (Super AMOLED, Force Touch with  TouchWIZ UI)
Processor	Octa Core Snapdragon 820, Exynos 8890, 64 bit Chipset
Dimensions	142.4 X 69.6 X 7.9 mm, 152 grams
SIM	Nano SIM, Samsung Pay
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 5, IP68 Water & Dust Resistance
GPU	Adreno 530, Mali-T880 MP12 ~577 ppi pixel density
OS	Android v6.0 (Marshmallow OS)
RAM	4 GB
Memory	32 / 64 GB, Micro SD up to 200 GB
Camera	12 MP f/1.7 primary camera, 26 mm 5 MP Front facing camera with Dual Video call
Networking	2G, 3G, 4G LTE, HSPA, GSM support v4.2 Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi, A-GPS, GLONASS
Sensors	Fingerprint, Retina Scanner, Auto HDR, Gyro, OIS, Accelerometer, Barometer, Proximity, Heart Rate etc.
Battery	3000 mAh Non-Removable Battery
Colors	Black, Silver, Gold, White

The Edge variant of Galaxy S7 series has elegant design with edges. They comes with really advanced hardware and software integration for better performance. Both phones are powered by Quick charging which enables users to get high charging (83%) in just 30 minutes. Although most of the specs for Edge variant is same but it has slightly upper hand over normal S7. Let’s check out the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge specifications below:

5.5 inch SUPER AMOLED

1440 X 2560 pixels, ~534 ppi

150.9 X 72.6 X 7.7 mm, 157 grams

Android v6.0 Marshmallow

Curved Edge display

Snapdragon 820, Exynos 8890 Octa

4GB RAM, 32 / 64 GB, micro SD up to 200 GB

12 MP primary camera

5 MP front camera

3600 mAh non-removable battery

Processor:

Both phones are going to run on Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 as well as Exynos 8890 Octa processor.  The MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 processor runs 2.15 GHz Dual core chipset while Exynos 8890 Octa will have 2.3 GHz clocks per cycle. So, Exynos variant is more powerful as compare to Snapdragon. As per official announcement S7 flagship has 30% efficient CPU and 64% better GPU as compare to last year launched Galaxy S6.

RAM and Storage capability:

Samsung is manufacturing Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge Smartphone’s with 4GB RAM. It will have UFC 2.0 feature which will fasten your video recording experience with fast data storage. These phones will be available with 32 GB / 64 GB internal storage. You will be happy to know that GalaxyS7 flagship has micro SD card support up to 200 GB which is really great move by Samsung.

Display and design:

Talking about display sizes of these smartphone, Galaxy S7 boast a 5.1 inch SUPER AMOLED display and Galaxy S7 edge with 5.5 inch display. Both phones has QHD display with 1440 X 2560 pixels of resolution which is quite same as we have seen with its predecessors. The Galaxy S7 smartphone is going to have beautiful slick design (7.9 mm) and made of premium quality metal. It will have improved Force Touch TouchWIZ for better customisation.

Camera Specs & features

Now the phone is launched and we know the confirmed specs, yes it will not have 20 MP camera but you won’t find better than this. Samsung Galaxy S7 comes with a 12 MP, f/1.7 camera sensors and 5 MP front camera. This looks like quite disappointing as 12 mega pixels is very less as many low end devices these days features comparatively 12-16 MP. But it’s not like increasing pixels will help you to capture high quality images. The phone is going to have 12 Mega pixels f/1.7 aperture lens which offers large pixels and ability to capture high quality images even in low lights . The Galaxy S7 is capable of capturing 2160p@30fps, 1080p@60fps with dual Video and HDR which is exceptionally great.

Apple iPhone 6 VS Samsung Galaxy S6

 It's the clash of the titans, as Samsung’s best takes on Apple’s finest. But which is right for you?

Apple iPhone 6

Pros

• iOS operating system
• Popular apps launch first on iOS
• Award-winning design

Cons

• Shorter battery life than the S6
• No microSD slot

Samsung Galaxy S6

Pros

• Huge quad HD screen
• Metal build
• Wireless charging

Cons

• Third-party apps can be less polished
• No microSD slot

What do you want to read about?

• First Impressions
• Design
• Screen
• Camera
• Performance and battery life
• Value for money
• Verdict

First Impressions

The Samsung Galaxy S6 and iPhone 6 are two of the best smartphones around right now.

They’re both very highly specced, extremely desirable in terms of design and have bags of features. But there are plenty of differences between them.

Read on as uSwitch, the UK’s largest and most respected mobile phone comparison site, pits the handsets against each other to help you find the best smartphone for your needs.

The iPhone 6 is the first Apple phone with a 4.7-inch screen. Its predecessors, the iPhone 5, 5S and 5C, all had 4-inch displays, so this is a step up for Apple. That said, it’s still relatively small compared to others on the market.

Samsung’s Galaxy S6 boasts a metal body, which is a departure from its plastic predecessor. It too is an absolute stunner design-wise, and it runs Android, Google’s mobile operating system.

iPhone 6 at glance

• Apps are generally better quality than Android
• Works seamlessly with Mac computers and iPads
• iPhones are the easiest smartphones to use

Samsung Galaxy S6 at a glance

• Wireless charging (charging plate sold separately)
• Metal and aluminium construction
• 5.1-inch Super AMOLED screen is larger than iPhone 6

Design

The iPhone 6 has a new premium aluminium body and rounded corners that give it a friendly, though no less stylish, appearance. It’s amazingly slim – so much so that the camera lens protrudes from the back a little – and feels natural in the hand.

Compared to its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S6 is unrecognisable. Its sleek metal and glass design is up there with the best of them.

iPhone 6 at a glance

Extremely lightweight. If it wasn’t for its size, you could easily forget it was in your pocket.
The buttons have been redesigned to fit the new look. They’re long and oval-shaped rather than round as on previous models.
Power button is on the right side instead of the top, making it easier to reach.
A word of warning: it does get quite cold to the touch in chilly weather.

Samsung Galaxy S6 at a glance

Like all phones with a glass finish, the back is an absolute magnet for fingerprints.
It can also be a bit slippery, so it’s worth shelling out a little extra for a case.
It’s a tiny bit heavier than the iPhone 6, but not noticeably so.
Because of the new super slim design, the S6 doesn’t have a removable back. That means that, as with the iPhone 6, you can’t swap the battery.
There's no microSD card slot for expandable storage (once again, this is a feature missing from the iPhone 6). That slimness had to mean compromises.

Screen

The iPhone 6’s Retina HD screen is a little smaller than the Galaxy S6’s, but it still packs plenty of punch. And it performs especially impressively when viewed from wide angles, so it's easier to enjoy clips with your friends.

The Galaxy S6 boasts A 5.1-inch, 2K display, giving it a pixel per inch count of 576ppi. That extra sharpness, combined with the bigger size, is really noticeable side by side. But on their own, both phones are very impressive.

iPhone 6 at a glance

Resolution of 1,334x750 pixels equates to a pixels per inch count of 326ppi. The more pixels make up an image, the sharper it looks on-screen.
In real-world use that means the iPhone 6 offers natural-looking colours and exactingly defined images.
2K (also known as QHD or quad-high definition) is quickly becoming the standard. It’s a shame Apple hasn’t kept step with the rest of the smartphone world.

Samsung Galaxy S6 at a glance

Better contrast (the difference between light and dark colours, as it turns off pixels for 'truer' blacks) makes the S6 better for watching films.
Higher pixel count means sharper images than the iPhone 6.
5.1-inch screen is 0.4 inches larger than the iPhone 6.

Camera

The iPhone has long had one of the best cameras to be found in a mobile. And the iPhone 6 is no different. It’s quick to start up, simple to use and has a ton of features, such as auto HDR which enhances the difference between light and dark colours to give a more balanced image.

The Galaxy S6’s snapper has twice the resolution of the iPhone 6’s. But, as we’ll explain, that doesn’t tell the whole story. What it does have over the iPhone 6 is the inclusion of optical image stabilisation, though.

iPhone 6 at a glance

There's a lightning-quick burst mode and slo-mo and time-lapse video options for when you want to get creative.
Optical image stabilisation, which keeps the camera steady while you’re moving, is missing. For that, you’ll have to pay extra for the iPhone 6 Plus.

Samsung Galaxy S6 at a glance

The main camera performs slightly better in low light conditions. The results were less grainy than those from the iPhone.
The front-facer is also higher resolution, making for clearer selfies and video calls.
It's not quite as intuitive as the iPhone 6's camera.

Performance and battery life

On paper the Galaxy S6 has the edge over the iPhone 6 in this category.

Its battery is larger than the iPhone 6 and it’s home to a brawnier processor. But does that necessarily mean it performs better when it comes to real-world usage?

iPhone 6 at a glance

It zips through menus and we had no trouble whatsoever playing processor-intensive games, watching HD videos, emailing or browsing the web.
Games look fantastic too thanks to iOS Metal, a graphics application program interface that lets developers create stunning games.
Despite the bigger screen, battery life was very impressive. Even with really heavy use, it kept going until lunchtime on the second day before giving up.

Samsung Galaxy S6 at a glance

Less impressive than the iPhone 6 in the battery stakes, due to S6's power-sapping bigger, brighter screen. It was barely dinner time before it ran out.
However, Samsung’s ultra power save mode is genius. It turns the screen grayscale and prohibits app use, giving another 15 hours of use from just 9% battery.
The S6’s octa-core chip and 3GB of RAM give it plenty of power, so it flies through menus and handles games and movies super smoothly.
Value for money

Not many people are going to buy these handsets outright due to their premium price tags. Monthly deals are a better bet, as they spread the cost over two years.

But the good news is that both hold their resale value, so you'll get some cash back when you upgrade. You can currently pick up a second-hand iPhone 6 for around £400, and a Galaxy S6 for £420.

Verdict

The S6 offers more freedom to customise your phone.
Samsung's TouchWiz user interface is inconsistent and nowhere near as clean as Apple's iOS.

The iPhone 6 is easier to get to grips with and more of a pleasure to use.
For the first time, Samsung's phone has a slightly better camera than the iPhone, helped by the inclusion of optical image stabilisation.

Though the iPhone 6's screen is perfectly capable, the S6's screen is bigger and better.
If you want the extras, and will be watching a lot of films on your phone, go for the S6.
If you like simplicity and ease of use, the iPhone 6 is the better handset.

For years, Samsung has been playing catch-up. With this latest effort it has finally matched, and in many aspects, trumped Apple.

It's a points decision rather than a knockout blow. But we're awarding this one to Samsung.

Samsung S7 May Fall Just Shy of Innovation

The S7 also will have a USB Type-C port, which will make for faster charging; a camera optimized for low-light photography; and possibly a retina scanner and an external memory card slot in some versions, the report said. The camera lens will be flush with the back of the phone instead of bulging out as the Galaxy S6's lens does.

As it did with the Galaxy S6, Samsung reportedly will offer two versions of the S7, one a premium curved-screen device to be named the "Galaxy S7 Edge."

"The smartphone market is all about keeping up with the Joneses, and Apple has had its fair share of rule-making features," remarked Ramon Llamas, a research manager at IDC.

"Then again, Samsung did start the phablet craze," he told TechNewsWorld.

The Galaxy S7 series reportedly will be available in the United States in mid-March after being announced at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, in late February.

Galloping to Stay Current

Most of the new features to be included in the S7 are widely available in competitors' devices, and one, the microSD card slot, is returning to the Galaxy family after having been dropped in the Galaxy S6 series.

There have been rumors of a USB Type-C port for the S7 since this fall. It's available already on smartphones from some makers, including LG Electronics and Huawei Technologies. It's one of the technologies Apple reportedly is testing for the iPhone 7.

Fujitsu released a smartphone with a retina scanner earlier this year, as did ZTE. Its Grand S3, available in China, also offers retinal scanning.

"No vendor wants to be left out in the cold as one of the few who didn't adopt a new technology," IDC's Llamas said.

Taking on the Competition

Apple is the only maker that's a threat to Samsung at the high end.

"The S7 is really competing head-on with the iPhone," said David McQueen, a research director at ABI Research. "Most other Android vendors -- such as Motorola/Lenovo, Huawei, ZTE, LG and Sony -- have tried and failed to compete at the high end."

The recently launched US$700 BlackBerry Priv is "an obvious exception," he told TechNewsWorld, but "I'm not so sure that's going to fare well against Apple and Samsung at that price point, despite the obvious security benefits and hard keyboard."

Shoring up Samsung Sales

Sales of the Galaxy S6 reportedly have not hit the 70 million units Samsung predicted at launch. Deutsche Bank pegged sales at about 45 million, according to media reports.

Samsung has offered consumers a $100 Google Play credit to trade in their iPhones for an S6.

It offered a $300 gift bundle of accessories to new purchasers of the Galaxy S6 family or the Galaxy Note 5 to boost holiday sales last month.

The new features for the Galaxy S7 aren't likely to increase sales, Llamas predicted, because they "are incremental at best, and by themselves don't represent reasons for a jump-start. What end users want to see is not what these features can do, per se, but what these features can do for them."

While the new features make the Galaxy S7 even more Apple-like, "the problem Samsung and Apple, to some extent, face is how to make the new iteration of their flagship device different enough from last year's version to entice users to upgrade," ABI's McQueen pointed out.

"This is becoming ever harder to achieve," he said. "All [the flagships] look and feel the same, and are packed with very similar features, so it can ... boil down to brand strength, ecosystem and price.

More: http://www.technewsworld.com/story/82877.html

Best smartwatches 2015

What's the best smartwatch? 

The 10 best smartwatches you can buy today - best smartwatch reviews, best wearable tech reviews

Best smartwatch 2015: Why do I need a smartwatch?

There's an interesting theory that smartwatches are to the smartphone what wristwatches were to the pocket watch. Picture the way the average gentlemen used to have to rummage through his pocket for his watch prior to the 20th century - now skip forward 100+ years and the average smartphone user still has to dive into his/her pocket to check their phone. Read: The best smartphones: The best phone you can buy in 2016.

The kicker now is that your smartphone holds far more information than a pocket watch ever did, yet all of which is still locked into your pocket. The theory behind smartwatches is not for you to make calls with and speak into, like Inspector Gadget, but instead they provide a quick and easy way to check what notifications are on your smartphone, so you can decide whether it's worth delving into your pocket or searching around your bag to fetch your smartphone or not.

Best smartwatch 2015: What makes a good smartwatch?

So when testing for what is the best smartwatch, the important factors to consider are how much of your smartphone's functionalities can it perform, and how well does it handle each task, the final attribute is obviously style - it's still bling after all.

You'll also want to make sure it's compatible with your smartphone - some are only for iPhone or Android while others support most phones. Note that Android Wear now has iOS support but the experience is cut down in comparison. Some smartwatches use different software such as the Gear S2 which runs Tizen, Samsung's own OS - it's a legitimate alternative to Android Wear
.
As is stands, you'll need to pick a watch with more limited functionality if you want long battery life while ones which can do all sorts will typically last a couple of days. Fitness fans will want to look for a device with a heart rate monitor and built-in GPS, although the heart rate monitors are often poor.

We consider the important factors of a smartwatch to be level of notification detail, battery life, style, water resistance, compatibility with a range of devices/smartphones, plus additional features such as microphones Wi-Fi support so you don't have to connect to a phone for full functionality.

With very similar, if not identical, hardware on offer with many of the Android Wear smartwatches, a large part of the decision will come down to design and price.

Best smartwatches 2015

10. Samsung Gear 2

The Samsung Gear 2 is a stylish smartwatch packed with features but has limited appeal due to small list of compatible devices. It's still too bulky and many of those features don't work well or are unnecessary. Then there's the high price tag which means unless what the Gear 2 has to offer is genuinely what you want a smartwatch for, you'll be better off elsewhere.

Read our Samsung Gear 2 review.

9. Sony SmartWatch 2

Sony SmartWatch 2 is a good value for money smart watch. It improves on the original version in key areas such as design, battery life and showing the time. With plenty of apps to download and use, there's lots of functionality too.

Read our Sony SmartWatch 2 review.

8. LG G Watch

The LG G Watch is the best smartwatch we've reviewed so far, partly due to the affordable price tag and the excellent, albeit not flawless, Android Wear system. You will need a device with Android 4.3 or later, though. The design of the G Watch doesn't wow so check out the Gear Live and the upcoming Moto 360.

Read our LG G Watch review.

7. Apple Watch

We can't help but think that Apple has tried to do too much with this first generation Apple Watch. There are so many ways of interacting with it and so many different features and elements to get used to that the learning curve is surprisingly steep. It takes a lot of getting used to, and at times it feels counter-intuitive, something we're not use to with Apple devices.

That's why we'd struggle to recommend spending the £299 or more it'll cost you to buy this smartwatch. As is often the case, waiting for the second generation of the Apple Watch is likely to be a wise move, because Apple is going to learn a lot from this first generation smartwatch and from the customers and fans that are using it.

Read our Apple Watch review.

6. Microsoft Band 2

It is very difficult to score the Band 2, because it is such a specific product with a unique feature set. But let's unpack it: it is definitely good value, as the combination of sensors and features is much greater than any comparable product at this price. And it is well made if not the last word in elegance, nor with perfect battery life. If you are looking for a GPS runner's or cyclist's watch it is a good one at a good price, and it also offers the productivity and sleep tracking. And if you want a smartwatch you will like what the Band 2 does, but you may hanker after the ability to compose and send messages. Simply, I don't. I like to wear my dumb watch, and I like for my phone to stay in my pocket rather than on my wrist. So for me the Band 2 is a winner. 

Read our Microsoft Band 2 review.

5. Sony SmartWatch 3

The SmartWatch 3's biggest strength is its built-in GPS, but you'll still need a smartphone for driving directions. It's also great to see a standard USB charging port. The transflective screen is a good idea, but in practice battery life is no better than other smartwatches with better-looking screens. Ultimately, unless you're on a fixed budget, the G Watch R is the better choice. If you can't afford that, wait a few months: the price is bound to drop.

Read our Sony SmartWatch 3 review.

4. Samsung Gear S2

Based on our time with the Samsung Gear S2, we think it's a sleek smartwatch with an attractive design. It offers fairly standard smartwatch features like fitness tracking, but also includes some rather interesting features including a rotating bezel used for navigating the UI and enhanced app capabilities. At £249, it sits itself alongside the likes of the Moto 360 2, and we think the Gear S2 is a great, if not better option for Android users – especially with a custom, intuitive UI.

Read our Samsung Gear S2 review.

3. Motorola Moto 360 2

The new 2nd-generation Moto 360 is a decent smartwatch offering excellent build quality and hardware. The value is good if you avoid the extras on the Moto Maker but they are hard to resist. Battery life is fairly good and performance too apart from the odd moment. All of this is leading to a whole hearted recommendation, if only Motorola had made the one change we wanted – removing that flat tyre from the display. As much as we like the Moto 360, it's hard to look past this, as small as it may seem.

Read our Motorola Moto 360 2 review.

2. Huawei Watch

At a lower price, the Huawei Watch would be the best Android Wear smartwatch on the market but it's a little too much for our liking. Although it's absolutely stunning and the build quality is exquisite, the watch lacks GPS, the heart rate monitor doesn't work very well and the charger is fiddly.

Read our Huawei Watch review.

1. LG Watch R

Quite rightly, LG has decided to launch a round screen version of its first Android Wear device in the form of the G Watch R. It adds much needed style and class to the smartwatch and has an excellent round screen which doesn't have a section missing. It's a shame that it's more expensive than the Moto 360 but if you're going to spend £200, £25 isn't much extra. As long as you like the design of it over the Moto 360 which is down to personal taste.

Read our LG Watch R review.

Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch reviews

SAMSUNG GEAR S2: SPECS

• 42.3 x 49.8 x 11.4 mm
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC connectivity
• Circular watch face
• 1.2in 360x360 AMOLED display
• Heart rate monitor
• 1GHz Exynos 3250
• 512MB RAM
• 4GB storage
• 250mAh battery
• IP68 resistance rating
• Circular UI

SAMSUNG GEAR S2 REVIEW: DESIGN AND BUILD

The Samsung Gear S2 comes in two editions, the standard Gear S2, and one for those of us that love the classic wrist watch look, the Gear S2 Classic. Samsung says the smartwatch is designed for those who prefer a more timeless design, and we think they’ve hit the mark. We got our hands on the standard Gear S2, which comes in both silver and a slightly darker grey.

On the wrist, the Gear S2 feels pretty lightweight and comfortable to wear. Though it measures in at 42.3x49.8x11.4mm compared to the 11.5mm width of the first generation Moto 360 which people say is quite bulky, the Gear S2 doesn’t feel like a bulky watch. In fact, its weight and general build make it feel solid and premium, an issue that (in our opinion) Samsung has had with its past smartwatches.  

The real beauty of the design of the Gear S2 comes not with the circular display itself, but with the bezel of the watch. Instead of directly interacting with the screen of the Gear S2, users have the option of using the rotating watch bezel to scroll through the various menus and apps of the smartwatch.

When you turn the bezel, you’ll feel a gentle click which Samsung says will allow for muscle memory to eventually kick in and enable you to select apps without needing to look at the screen, although after using the watch for two weeks we still couldn’t manage it. It’s not a click generated by a vibration motor either, it’s mechanical. This means that there’s no battery life drain for those of you (and believe us, there will be a few) that just love the sensation of turning the bezel. It is pretty satisfying, we can’t lie.


Of course, users have the freedom of freely tapping and swiping directly on the watch face, but this isn’t how Samsung intends the device to be used. Although with this being said, we found using the bezel a little confusing when navigating the new circular UX, especially at first – but we’ll come to that below. Although with this being said, early adopters of the Apple Watch had the same issue and we don't hear many complaints about it months down the line, do we?

Samsung included Android-style back and home buttons on the side of the smartwatch to make using it an easier process, though we found it to be a bit of a fiddly process and we kept confusing the buttons as there is no real indication of which is which just by looking at it. 

SAMSUNG GEAR S2 REVIEW: HARDWARE AND SPECS

Let’s talk spec; the Samsung Gear S2 boasts a 1.2in AMOLED screen with a resolution of 360x360, which would sound nicer if Huawei hadn’t announced the Huawei Classic Watch, which features a 400x400 resolution, and is only £30 more expensive than Samsung’s offering. Although with this being said the Gear S2 has a fairly decent pixel density of 301ppi, so it’s far from a low-res display. It’s protected by Gorilla Glass 3 too, which is fairly standard for current smartwatches and should help protect your wearable from scratches and general damage.

The Samsung Gear S2 features a 1GHz Exynos 3250 processor coupled with 512MB of RAM along with 4GB of on-board storage, which provides a fairly responsive experience, and we didn’t encounter any lag during our time with the watch. It also has an IP68 rating, which means its dust and water resistant to a certain extent and will definitely survive being caught in the rain.

The Gear S2 also features not only Bluetooth, but NFC and Wi-Fi capabilities. Wi-Fi connectivity is especially impressive as it allows users to use the smartwatch when not connected to your phone when at home, work, or anywhere else with Wi-Fi.

Samsung has included a host of sensors to allow the Gear S2 to track your activity throughout the day and present it to you in a watch-style layout. Instead of just measuring calories (it still does, don’t worry!) it’ll measure the amount of activity you’ve done throughout the day and present it to you in blocks - green areas were areas where you were quite active (and the watch will motivate you when it detects this), yellow areas where you’ve taken it easy, and grey areas for when you’ve not moved at all.

It’s a good way to motivate yourself to get fit, but we found that it wasn’t very accurate at times. There were a handful of occasions where we’d be sat at our desks working, and the watch would count it as ‘light activity’. Although with this being said, we love the circular layout and when you haven’t been active for a while, you’ll get a little nudge to encourage you to get moving. You can also monitor your exercises with only a few taps, and we found it to be more accurate than its general tracking abilities.

In terms of battery life, the Gear S2 boasts a 250mAh battery that Samsung claims should last around 2-3 days on a single charge, with the use of Samsung’s built in battery saving mode. Without the battery saving mode on, you can expect a similar battery life to the Apple Watch, which gets you through the day and night without issue, but will usually run out of power at some point during the second day.

SAMSUNG GEAR S2 REVIEW: SOFTWARE

Samsung is using its own custom circular UX with the Gear S2, which works well with the hardware and overall design. The watch is easy to use, although it does require a bit of a learning curve to learn what all the buttons do, and which way to turn the bezel. Turning the bezel clockwise will scroll through your widgets, which can easily be customised to suit your needs – we have ours set up so we can easily initiate a run, track our daily activity and log our caffeine and water intake. Turning the bezel anticlockwise will display your notifications, and pressing one of the buttons on the side will display all installed apps on the watch. Simple, but as we say, it took a while to get used to.

The initial setup process is fairly straight forward, though you don’t just need to install the Samsung Gear app on your Android device – once installed, you’re prompted to install two more apps from Google Play in order for the phone to be able to communicate with the watch. But once you’ve gone through the setup process, the Gear app is the central command for everything to do with the Gear S2.

The Gear app is where you can customise the layout of apps on your watch, customise the watch face itself, along with a number of other settings. It’s also where you can browse for apps to install on the watch, although we noticed almost every app we installed required a full phone app to be installed to operate properly. While this isn’t any different from the likes of the Apple Watch and its companion apps, it’s frustrating having to download the app twice instead of having it all bundled together like Apple’s offering.

More: http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/review/wearable-tech/samsung-gear-s2-smartwatch-review-uk-3624670/

Sony SmartWatch 2 reviews

Sony SmartWatch 2: SPECS

• Sony SmartWatch 2: Specs
• 1.6in LCD screen (220x176)
• Water resistant IP57
• micro-USB
• Bluetooth 3.0
• NFC
• Compatible with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and later
• 42 x 41 x 9mm
• 123g

Smartwatches may seem like a fad, but Sony is back with the second generation of its SmartWatch.

Sony has honed the design of the SmartWatch for this second version. It's slimmer than before, looks more stylish and doesn't need clipping onto the strap.

An issue we had with the original SmarWatch was its bulkiness. Its successor is 9mm compared to 12.8mm. It's still occasionally difficult to get some items of clothing over it, but the situation is much better.

The SmartWatch 2 has a similar design but looks more modern with its square shape and silver bevelled edge. Although it's thinner than the original, the device itself is larger because the screen size has been increased.

Unfortunately, Sony has stuck with the same silicon rubber wrist strap (available in various colours) which is prone to getting a bit grubby and gets clammy. Luckily there are leather and metal options, though and you can use any 24mm strap you like. The SmartWatch 2 is water resistant (IP57) so no need to worry about it if you get caught in a rain shower.

The standard micro-USB port is a very nice touch, but requires a knife or pin to pry open.

A welcome design change is that it now charges via a regular microUSB port which sits on the side under a flap. It's a vast improvement on the proprietary connector which was unreliable.

Not only is the connection better, the battery life is too. The original SmartWatch only lasted a day when used heavily and a couple with a more regular amount. We've found the SmartWatch 2 comfortable chugs on for four or five days if you switch it off over night. Sony says it will last a week in low usage.

Bear in mind that connecting a device like this to your smartphone over Bluetooth will affect its battery life also.

There are a few smart watches on the market now and although made by Sony, the SmartWatch 2 isn't limited to the firm's own smartphones. You can use it with any running Android 4.0 or later. Not only is it versatile in this way, it's also cheaper than rivals such as the Samsung Galaxy Gear - £149 against £299.

The SmartWatch 2 is super-simple to setup. It's got an NFC chip built-in, so as long as your smartphone has one too, simple tapping them together with pair them up and away you go.

Sony has increased the size of the screen to 1.6in from 1.3in. It doesn't sound like much but you can see a lot more on the screen. There are also familiar back, home and menu buttons below the screen so navigation is no longer solely gestures.

The LCD display has a resolution of 220x176 which is a little way behind the Galaxy Gear's 320x320. It doesn't look as crisp and clear as Samsung's rival but it doesn't look too bad either – a little old-school looking perhaps.

We're pleased to report that unlike the original, the SmatWatch 2 shows the time constantly. The original didn't to save power so you couldn't just glance at the time, whereas this model shows the customisable clock face dimly. A press of the power button cranks up the brightness briefly and a second press will launch the full interface.

The full interface will be familiar to Android users with sets of 3x2 icons and a status bar at the top showing battery level, which page of apps you're on, the Bluetooth connection status, and the current time. There's even a drop down notification bar.

Main menu, showing five unread notifications (in this case, all are from Gmail) - note the '5' badged on the Gmail app.

Pre-loaded apps include am alarm, timer and flashlight which simply turns the entire screen white. But don't worry, that's just the beginning of what the gadget can do.

It's very difficult to miss a notification when wearing the SmartWatch 2, although we'd like the ability to adjust the vibration level. Anyone who misses calls, txts or emails because their phone is in a pocket or bag then this is exactly what the SmartWatch 2 is for.

You can go beyond basic notifications too, by installing apps for social networks like Facebook and Twitter, for example. The more you add, the more the watch will go off so you'll need to strike a balance.

The device lets you read text messages and emails but you can only reply to the former with an emoticon or pre-set message. The screen is too small to type on. You can also instruct the connected phone to make a call – handy if you're wearing a hands-free headset.

More: http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/review/smart-watches/sony-smartwatch-2-review-3476974/

Samsung Gear 2 reviews

SAMSUNG GEAR 2: SPECS

• Samsung Gear 2: Specs
• 1.63in Super AMOLED (320x320) touchscreen
• 4GB internal storage
• Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy
• 2Mp camera with autofocus and Sound & Shot
• 720p video recording at 30fps
• Microphone
• Speaker
• Infrared transmitter
• Heart rate monitor
• Accelerometer
• Gyroscope
• IP67 dust- and water-resistant
• 10.1mm
• 68g

After launching its Galaxy Gear smartwatch last year, Samsung is back with the Gear 2 so here's our full review. See: The 7 best smartwatches of 2014.

Wearable devices are booming, with more smartwatches and fitness trackers launching all the time. Along with the Galaxy S5 smartphone, Samsung has launched a trio of wearable gadgets consisting of the Gear 2, Gear 2 Neo and Gear Fit.

The Gear 2 is the top of range model and as such has a premium price tag. You'll have to splash out a whopping £300 for the smartwatch which is considerably more expensive than most. For example, the Sony SmartWatch 2 is now just £99 so you could buy three.

Before we even start looking at the Gear 2 in detail, it's worth pointing out that the device is only compatible with select Samsung smartphones. A very different approach to other smartwatch makers so you'll need a compatible phone to make it worth buying the Gear 2, or Samsung's other smartwatches.

The Gear 2 is compatible with a total of 17 different Samsung handsets including the Samsung Galaxy S5, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy S4 mini and Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 Edition). Visit the Gear 2 landing page for the full list.

SAMSUNG GEAR 2 REVIEW: DESIGN AND BUILD

We didn't like the bulky design of the Galaxy Gear and unfortunately, things haven't improved much with the Gear 2. The device is only marginally thinner and lighter at 10.1mm and 68g which is not ideal. The weight means you can't forget it's on your arm and the size means it's difficult to find under some clothing – and even if you can, a large bump looks a bit strange.

What the Gear 2 lacks in svelteness, it makes up for in style. There's no Samsung logo which is surprising but give the watch a clean and uninterrupted look. It's well made and the brushed metal finish oozes class. It's a great device for showing off.
Samsung Gear 2 design and build

It's nice to see the Gear 2 gaining the same IP67 certification which you'll find on the Galaxy S5. This means it's fully sealed from dust and water resistant up to a depth of one meter for up to 30 minutes. You can go running in the desert while it rains without worrying about your precious smartwatch.

A physical button sits below the screen and can be used to switch the Gear 2 on and off, but you can also just tap the screen itself. However, built-in sensors mean that the display magically comes to life when you turn your wrist to look at it. This means you can easily check the time or a notification, but the screen doesn't need to be left on constantly, therefore draining the battery.

Instead of adding to the bulk, the Gear 2 charges by clipping on a small plastic module which has a microUSB port. It's a neat solution but if you find yourself without that piece, which is easy to forget about, you've got no way of recharging the smartwatch.

Moving the camera from the strap to the main body (compared to the Galaxy Gear) means that the strap is now changeable for your own. That's always a good design feature for smartwatches.

We took a look at the 'charcoal black' Gear 2 but you can also buy it in 'gold brown' and 'wild orange'. Official straps are available in four different colours.

SAMSUNG GEAR 2 REVIEW: HARDWARE AND SPECS

Samsung has stuck with the same 1.63in SuperAMOLED (320x320) screen which it used for the Galaxy Gear and that's no bad thing. The display looks gorgeous with those classic Samsung eye popping colours and the Gear 2 has an outdoor mode (level 6 brightness) which switches off automatically after five minutes to conserve battery.

Inside is 4GB of storage for apps, photos, fitness data and music – you'll fill that up quickly if you want to listen to music straight from the Gear 2 (see features). Also built-in in is a camera, infrared transmitter and heart rate monitor. We'll take a look at these in more detail below.

Samsung says the Gear 2 offers a typical battery of two or three days while lighter users will get up to six. During our testing, those figures are about right with the Gear 2 offering fairly good battery life.

If you using mainly for getting notifications and switch the device off at night while you're asleep it will last the best part of or even a week. Those using features like the camera, pedometer and heart rate monitor regularly will find the Gear 2 will last a few days.

SAMSUNG GEAR 2 REVIEW: FEATURES

Being top of the line - and a typical Samsung product - the Gear 2 is packed with features. It's got just as many bells and whistles as a Morris dancing crew. However, many of them don't really need to appear on a smartwatch.

Like its predecessor, the Gear 2 has a camera which is now positioned in the main unit rather than the strap. It's a 2Mp camera with autofocus which can also record 720p video. Pictures are shot in a square ratio and automatically sent to the connected smartphone. Ok, it's in the realm of James Bond cool but realistically it's a novelty which is going to wear off after not too long.

Samsung Gear 2 infrared Another feature which is cool but we must file in that same novelty category is the infrared (IR) transmitter. This sits next to the camera and using the WatchOn Remote app, you can control devices like your TV. It's not restricted to Samsung devices but the small screen makes for a fiddly experience. At the end of the day, it's easier to do it with the actual remote or your smartphone if that has an IR blaster.

Handier, for fitness fanatics anyway, is the built-in pedometer and heart rate monitor. I've been using the Gear 2 with the Galaxy S5 which means a doubling up of these features but they're more useful in a watch than a smartphone. You can go out for a run with the Gear 2 alone, which is far more convenient. The main issue is that the heart rate monitor has to be in a specific position to work properly so can take numerous attempts.

You can even make and receive calls with the Gear 2, meaning there's a microphone for recording you voice and a tiny speaker so you can hear the person on the other end. It works but we can't think why you would want to have a conversation with someone over a watch. It's awkward, the quality suffers and don't even try doing it in a noisy environment since it's essentially a hands-free style call.

Something the Gear 2 can do without the need of a smartphone buddy is music playback – you can control what's playing on the companion device, too. You can connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones directly to the smartwatch and listen to your tunes. You can choose what tunes to transfer to the Gear 2's storage with the Gear Manager.

More: http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/review/smart-watches/samsung-gear-2-review-3512372/