14 DAY TRIAL // It didn't take long for smartwatches to go back to their roots and stop their squarish mini-LCD screen shenanigans, as Samsung announced its new smartwatch line, the Gear S2, to be more akin to classically rounded watches than what we've seen up till now.
But there's a catch; they're smartwatches after all, so the rounded shape of the watch and the screen is put to good use. Users can control the smartwatch's functions by rotating the bezel or by pressing home or back buttons on the side of the watch. However, if anyone is curious if there is a touchscreen involved or not, that's pretty unclear from the press release.
The new Gear S2 features a Tizen-based operating system and will be available in many different configurations. But for now the new line comes only with three distinct models, the Gear S2, the Gear S2 classic and Gear S2 with 3G, and obviously it begins from the cheapest to the most expensive.
The Gear S2 is the simpler design of them all. It will be available in a dark gray case with a dark gray band, or a silver case with a white band. It measures 43.6mm x 39.9mm x 11.4mm, and it weighs 42 grams. The second model is the Gear S2 Classic, which features a more stylish looking black case and a leather strap. It measures 43.6mm x 39.9mm x 11.4mm and weighs 42 grams.
Samsung Gear S2, big, heavy, stylish
The last of the batch is the Gear S2 with 3G that has an e-SIM and support of mobile data, complete with voice capabilities, and, yes, you can use the watch with or without a phone. Its size is 41.8mm x 44mm x 13.4mm and it weighs 51 grams, being definitely the heaviest of them all.
All of them have IP68 dust and water-resistant cases, sensors for heart rate and ambient light and are complete with motion sensors for fitness tracking.
Samsung didn't disclose any price availability or when and where it will be available for purchase, but it's very likely it will show up at IFA in Berlin.
