Samsung Galaxy Watch (42 and 46 mm) - pros and cons

While other mobile phone makers generally neglect the smartwatch and sports watch market, top-tier Samsung continues to advance rapidly in the industry. Last year, he presented the popular Gear Sport model, and in 2018 the time has come for a novelty in this series - the Samsung Galaxy Watch (42 and 46 mm), the advantages and disadvantages of which are discussed in this article.

It should be noted that some time ago the company had a comfortable watch under the Tizen shell called Gear, and the Galaxy trademark was used only for devices controlled by the Android OS. But now Samsung has decided to get rid of these formalities.

Review of Samsung Galaxy Watch (42 and 46 mm)

Samsung Galaxy Watch was another innovation presented together with the new Galaxy Note 9. The gadget replaced the well-known Gear 3 and, as the fans noted, the Korean manufacturer slightly changed their name.

How do they differ from previous models?

Outwardly, the watch is very reminiscent of the Gear S3 Frontier gadget with a round look and teeth on a rotating bezel. The Gear Sport was a bit thicker and angular in appearance, but inherited the 5 ATM water resistance from the latter. In simple terms, in theory, the device is capable of withstanding a depth of 50 m.It is worth noting that it is safe according to MIL-STD-810G standards, as well as IP68.

Among the major updates is the use of a completely new dual-core Exynos 9110 processor with a clock frequency of 1.15 GHz, made using 10-nanometer technology, which (according to the developers) is significantly more productive. The amount of built-in memory is 4 GB, RAM is 768 MB.

We updated the heart rate monitor, added functions for tracking human well-being. For example, the opportunity is provided to investigate the degree of stressful condition. And in the "native" sports program there are many new workouts, including strength training, which, according to the fans' reviews, were sorely lacking.

The role of the operating system is played by OS Wearable 4 versions based on Tizen. The Galaxy Watch now has a Bixby voice assistant. Otherwise, the differences are insignificant: they used Super AMOLED, the diagonal of which is 1.2 inches (in the 46 mm version - 1.3), the old resolution is 360x360, there is an automatic backlight control, as well as Always On Display.

The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass DX +, designed specifically for wearable devices. There are wireless GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth units. From scanners: a new heart rate sensor, gyroscope, barometer and even an altimeter. The battery power has been slightly lowered, now it is 270 mAh (for example, the Gear Sport had a 300 mAh battery), but the developers claim that due to the innovative processor, the battery lasts a long time (4 days). In the 46 mm version, the battery is much more powerful - 472 mAh, which in theory is enough for a whole week.

Look like or design and ergonomics

The design of the new model is very similar to the Gear S3 Frontier, as mentioned above. This is due to a rotating ring with teeth and grooves like mechanical devices.If you take a closer look, there is still a difference with the Frontier, but overall cosmetic: the teeth are now slightly smaller, and the grooves have slightly changed in appearance. The case, as before, is made of metal materials and is assembled integrally, from the security side, the display was slightly sunk into the case.

The 42 mm version is very similar in size and weight to an ordinary mechanical wristwatch, which cannot be said about the 46 mm version. The swivel ring is comfortable, rotates easily even with wet hands, does not slip. On the side you can see 2 mechanical keys: "Back" and "Home" (she is also responsible for the menu). Their dimensions and appearance are similar to the Frontier model - large, slightly convex cover. Users note that they are comfortable to work with gloves.

Galaxy Watch waterproof, 5 ATM approved. In theory, this allows the device to be immersed to a depth of 50 m, but in reality everything is a little more difficult. Do not forget that the gadget can withstand a water pressure of 5 atmospheres, and in some actual cases it can exceed the nominal figure.

For example, if you jump from a height into the water or suddenly hit the water with the hand on which the watch is worn, then the pressure can for some moment exceed these same 5 ATM. If we talk about a typical application, then the shower, rain, as well as washing dishes, the device withstands with ease. Users note that swimming at a depth of 3 m is also good.

The back cover is made of plastic, you can see the heart rate monitor, as well as a small hole in the ATM sensor. The heart rate scanner is updated again with 4 photographic transmitters and 1 LED. The whole block peeks out slightly from the panel, which allows the watch to sit more tightly on the hand. In addition, according to theory, this contributes to the accuracy of monitoring.

Three speaker holes are visible on one side, and next to the "Home" key is a spoken microphone that works through the clock using S Voice and the Bixby assistant.

The belt is removable. As before, the typical spring retention elements were used. In the 42 mm version, the belts are 20 mm wide. There are many variations from the firm. It is also allowed to put any other strap, the main thing is that the width is suitable. It is worth noting that the yellow belt looks very cool and not formulaic, but in combination with the style, the business will look ridiculous. As for the material, it is comfortable and does not cause discomfort.

The clasp is ordinary, as on classic devices. It is worth noting that already typical for the company, various hand sizes will be available for sale.

In general, the novelty is fully similar to a high-quality, expensive mechanical watch. In addition, the developers have included the ability to activate the sound of the arrows for maximum similarity with conventional wrist devices. As a result, the reliability of the assembly and design cannot be undermined: everything is done by 10 points.

Screen and controls

The model is equipped with a roundish multitouch screen, 1.3 inches in size (in the 42 mm version - 1.2). The developers used Super AMOLED, the resolution is 360x360px, all protected by Corning Gorilla DX + glass. The color palette is traditionally rich for this type of matrix, and the sharpness is controlled within 10 parameters, but in the sun it is automatically increased due to the light sensor, which makes it possible for the display to be readable. In general, working with this screen is a joy: it is quite large, has an excellent overview and is perfectly readable.

To work with the interface of the device, both a multitouch display and a navigation ring that is around it are used. The latter makes it possible not to block the data and rotates comfortably. In addition, on the right side of the shell of the gadget there are two mechanical keys: the top one is responsible for a step back, and if you hold it down for a few seconds, it opens Samsung Pay. The lower one, in turn, launches the software menu and returns to the main screen with the dial.It is worth noting that it is allowed to set an instant action on it by double-clicking, for example, opening exercises or assigning an alert.

Filling, connection, configuration

What's really new about the gadget is the filling. The device is developed on the basis of a dual-core Exynos 9110 processor with a clock frequency of 1.15 GHz, made using 10 nanometer technology. However, the RAM capacity remains the same (768 MB) with 4 GB of internal memory. For the model, this is enough to guarantee a nimble interface and instant application opening.

Of the wireless units in the Galaxy Watch, there is Bluetooth version 4.2, Wi-Fi, and an NFC module. The gadget connects to phones running Android OS version 5 or higher. They also work with iPhones where the operating system is at least version 9. In the situation with Android devices, a person will receive one hundred percent functionality, but on the iPhone, performance will be slightly limited due to the limitations of the "apple" system. For example, a person will not be able to receive notifications on the device every time; on Android, of course, there are no such difficulties.

To work with the device, you need to install the Galaxy Wearable program on your phone, thanks to which the connection and further configuration is carried out. In this application, a person will see the state of the gadget: the state of charge, the capacity of RAM and ROM.

There is also an opportunity to put on the watch “non-native” programs and dials from the proprietary Samsung Apps and, in addition, select and adjust one of the available dials. There are 13 last ones in the system, some of them are very similar to each other, so fans of diversity will have to look for different solutions in the Samsung store.

The program also became responsible for configuring the notifications shown on the Galaxy Watch display. This system supports all programs that are installed on the phone, so the owner has the ability to choose which alerts to show and which not.

In addition, for some of the notifications on the device itself there is a list of actions, for example, it is possible to read and respond in the Telegram chat, open Gmail, instantly respond to a letter, delete or send it to the archive. In general, it is a fairly smart system that makes it possible to control the alerts on the Galaxy Watch without touching the phone.

In addition to the wireless units, the model is used thanks to A-GPS / Glonass for designation purposes. This is necessary for monitoring some of the sports, and also for navigation, if you install a “non-native” program on the gadget for this purpose.

NFC in the watch functionality is necessary for the Samsung Pay payment service, which still does not work in Ukraine, but users expect that the company will very soon correct this defect.

The tested version of the watch did not have an LTE block, but the Galaxy Watch accepts incoming via Bluetooth. Consequently, they also work as a wireless headset, which is comfortable when driving or when you cannot answer a call using your phone. In addition, in the reviews, users note that the earpiece speaker in the device is now much louder.

Interface and software

The watch runs on OS Tizen 4.0. The entire interface of the Galaxy Watch is based around the screen, the application icons in the menu are arranged in a circle, and the widgets are drawn in such a way as to display the maximum necessary information based on the dimensions of the display. It should be noted that navigation through the interface is very comfortable to do using the ring around the screen.

The operating system interface itself practically does not differ from the previous version. The main display in it is invariably a dial showing time and other useful information. If you swipe to the right, the notification display will open, and to the left - widgets that can be deleted and changed to others.

The application menu is launched by the bottom key, which is located on the right side of the device. In addition, right from the dial, moving from bottom to top, a menu of quick settings is launched, in which the energy-saving and “Flight” mode is activated, as well as unlocking and locking the display for the period of swimming.It also provides an opportunity to configure sharpness, play music and launch a complete menu of parameters.

From the factory, the Galaxy Watch has programs for calls and SMS, contact editing, calendar, email and weather. In addition, the watch comes preinstalled with the S Health app, which collects information on the number of steps taken and training sessions. It is allowed to install other applications on the device using Samsung Apps, where, among other things, there are a lot of interesting clients for users.

Sports options

The built-in accelerograph, gyroscope, weather sensor, and heart rate monitor enable the watch to collect information about the wearer's bodily activity and heart rate. All this data is located in the S Health app, where it is analyzed in detail.

Galaxy Watch can monitor not only the distance traveled, but also running, swimming, cycling, as well as many sports exercises.

During exercise, the watch collects heart rate data thanks to the heart rate monitor. It is quite accurate when compared to similar scanners, but is inferior to the chest strap. At the same time, it is worth paying due attention to the fact that in the process of running the optical scanner measures the heart rate more accurately than during sports exercises in a fitness center or during swimming in a pool, since moisture is an obstacle.

Interesting fact! If you fall asleep in the Galaxy Watch, then they will automatically monitor the period and effectiveness of sleep, while the owner is allowed to set an alarm that wakes him up with a sound alert or vibration.

The built-in A-GPS / Glonass unit makes it possible for the device to monitor the distance covered while running or cycling. And for this purpose, you don't even need to use a phone, because the clock indicates geolocation without it. The launch of the A-GPS / Glonass unit in this situation will take about half a minute, but in a densely built-up megalopolis, this period of time can rise to a couple of minutes.

To indicate the height in the gadget, a sensor is provided, which works on the basis of a weather scanner, which determines the ATM difference at different heights.

In general, when compared with previous models, the list of sports options in the new product, although slightly, has increased. The Galaxy Watch now comes with swim support and a host of gym workout monitoring options.

Autonomy

Wireless charging remains the same. It connects to a power source through a MicroUSB-USB cable. When connected to the bottom of the stand, an LED is activated. In the process of connection, the display shows the real state of the battery and a green strip around the perimeter.

What's fascinating is that the battery dropped to 270 mAh (in the 46 mm version, on the contrary, it increased), which is why most users expected autonomy, as on older models. But, as it turned out, the statements about the improvement of the Exynos 9110, as well as the innovative 10 nanometer technology, are giving their own. It is possible to set the battery to zero in a day only during the first couples of using the gadget, since you will have to install all the programs, configure the little things, and so on.

Following this, the watch works stably for several days at maximum screen brightness, activated Always On Display, auto-monitoring of heart rate, stress level, and so on. With a similar load, the predecessors held out in full for a day or two.

Specifications

How much is?

Average price of Samsung Galaxy Watch 46mm:

• In Russia - 25,000 rubles;
• In Ukraine - UAH 10,000.

Average price of Samsung Galaxy Watch 42mm:

• In Russia - 26,500 rubles;
• In Ukraine - 10,500 hryvnia.

• Moisture protection;
• Contamination protection;
• Immersion in water up to 50 m;
• Appearance;
• Screen;
• Performance;
• Lots of useful sensors and options.

• MicroUSB socket on a regular stand.

Outcome

Galaxy Watch is an intelligent novelty from Samsung, which generally repeats its predecessor. But when compared with earlier versions, this gadget guarantees better autonomy, as well as complete protection while swimming. Consequently, this device will boldly enter the upcoming rating of high-quality gadgets of the innovative generation. An attractive appearance is also important, as well as an excellent list of parameters.

It is appropriate to say that this new product, like other models of smart gadgets from Samsung, will be the most suitable for owners of Android smartphones who need such devices not only for training, but also as an addition to the phone.