Is that Galaxy smartwatch worth buying?
The new smartwatch is good fun, but won’t suit everyone, writes Blayne Slabbert.
Smartwatches are not the most popular gadgets around but they can be a handy piece of tech. To make it worthwhile, you need to think about why you want one, as there’s not much point paying for all that tech just to use it to check the time.
Smartwatches have two main strengths – as an extension of your phone to stay in touch, or as a way to track your exercise.
Samsung’s latest offering the Galaxy Watch does both tasks well and also looks great, too.
It’s on sale in New Zealand and comes in two sizes: 42mm ($499) and 46mm ($549). The main benefit of the larger size is that the battery lasts three to four days compared to two to three for the smaller version. If you are considering one, you’ll need an Android phone.
Design
First-generation smartwatches were a bit bulky but modern versions, such as the Galaxy Watch, are slim and light (the larger model is only 63g) and it feels no different to wearing a normal watch.
It also doesn’t look like a smartwatch, which is something I really like.
The strap is simple but not too thick, which means it’s light and comfortable. It’s not that sturdy but fine for doing outdoor sports, and it has the advantage of being waterproof down to 50 metres.
If you’re the type of person who needs to know immediately when a new notification arrives then it may be useful.
Using it
Getting the watch connected requires downloading the Galaxy Wear app on your Android phone.
You then pair your phone to your watch via Bluetooth. It took me several attempts to get the connection sorted. Thankfully you only need to do this process once as it then automatically connects.
Once you are synched, the first thing to do is to choose the watch face. There are thousands of options, with styles ranging from traditional to practical, to look-scool-but-is-hard-to-read.
You can then set what information you see on the watch face, such as battery level, number of steps you’ve taken, calories burned, date, or weather.
The app is also used to load on music, which you can then listen to via Bluetooth headphones.
To navigate, you turn the bezel with each turn taking you to the next app. It’s also used to adjust settings and it makes it easy to do things like set an alarm.
You can add and remove apps on the watch easily. I liked this feature and I set mine up with only the ones I particularly liked as this created an uncluttered experience.
There is also a 1.3-inch touchscreen which can be a bit fiddly if you have big fingers.
One thing to note is that the watch didn’t wake up each time I lifted my arm to check it and I sometimes had to flick my wrist to get it going.
Staying connected
The Samsung Watch works well to keep you connected to messages, emails and other notifications.
If you’re the type of person who needs to know immediately when a new notification arrives then it may be useful. However, I’ve always got my phone with me and I didn’t feel the need to replicate what it already does.
If you want, you can get texts and emails – but some popular apps, such as Facebook Messenger, are not supported.
Also, you need to know that this smartwatch doesn’t have its own cellular connection. It can connect to wi-fi networks but you’ll need your phone with you to connect online and receive messages when out and about.
Fitness features
This is where the watch is at its best. If you like to track health stats then you’ll enjoy this watch. If you want to improve your health then it also has features to keep you motivated.
The Samsung Health app can track dozens of different exercises, including tracking your sleep, which I found to be quite accurate.
You can also download and run fitness apps such as Map My Run or My Fitness Pal.
There are no native apps for Strava or Runkeeper but you can connect them to the watch through the Samsung Health app.
Another neat feature is how the watch vibrated if you stayed still too long.
Little prompts like this are surprisingly useful in getting you to move. You can turn this off if it gets annoying.
Other options
The smartphone market has matured in the past year and there are now several good options available.
If you have an iPhone you are best off with an Apple Watch. Android and iPhone owners could consider the Fitbit Versa, which has received good reviews.
Samsung has a few other choices too. The Gear S3 Frontier ($699) has more of an outdoors appeal, while the Gear Sport ($399) is the slimmest model and has more of a fitness focus.
Verdict
The Galaxy Watch was fun to use and I really liked how it didn’t look like a smartwatch.
The best thing about it was how simple it was. Once set up I really enjoyed the minimalist interface and the ease of navigation.
The fitness apps are also great and will help beginners and more experienced athletes track their progress.
It’s not perfect, though. The setup was a little frustrating and it doesn’t always wake up when you raise your arm.
If you are thinking about a smartwatch (and own an Android phone) then the Galaxy Watch is definitely worth considering.