Samsung Gear Sport
PRICE $299 ON SALE Late 2017
Last year, Samsung’s wearable line was clearly defined. You had the Gear S3 for those who wanted a smartwatch they could pass off as a classical timepiece, if the onlooker was a tiny bit tipsy, and the Gear Fit2 for people who were all about the health and fitness.
This year at IFA 2017, Samsung decided to close the Venn diagram for those stuck in the middle: welcome, Gear Sport. It looks closer to the S3, but it’s aimed at those who get their kicks on the trail, in the gym or even in the swimming pool.
Because the first trick up the Gear Sport’s wristband is water resistance to a depth of 50m. Granted, it’s a little showy if the only other thing you’re wearing is a pair of Speedos, but if you’re serious about fitness you probably care more about heart-rate tracking than fashion faux pas.
Samsung will initially sell the Gear Sport in either black or blue, but you can change the wristband if you want something more exotic. The bezel can be rotated to control apps and tasks – note it’s Tizen-based, so no Android Wear apps here.
The usual optical heart rate monitor sits on its rear, with all tracking done via the Samsung Health app that’s built into Samsung phones (but an extra download for those who own other Android handsets).
Cleverly, the watch will automatically track workouts without you having to actively tell it you’re starting. That works well on the Gear Fit2, in my experience, and I’ve little reason to doubt it will function just as well here – theoretically being able to separate the walk to your bike from the subsequent ride down the hill. And, thanks to the built-in GPS chip, it should do this accurately.
The Sport looks like it’ll be a serious contender when it comes out later this year – although no UK price