Samsung’s first try at this type of “smart” band, which shipped in 2014, launched with flaws ; only caused Samsung’s Galaxy phones ; and initially only tracked a couple of activities — and it also cost $200. In contrast, the new $180 Gear Fit 2 wristband works with phones running newer versions of Android, has built-in GPS, and tracks a boatload of fitness activities — numerous that I couldn’t try all of them albeit I’ve been wearing it for three weeks. This Isn‘t your basic step counter.
The intent behind the Samsung Gear Fit 2 is clear : Samsung wants to obtain as much people because it can into its hardware ecosystem, but chunky metal smartwatches generally don’t make great fitness trackers. And when there’s also a sliver from the market that will gravitate toward a Fitbit Surge, or purchase an Apple Watch — and millions of these people are available — Samsung wants to ensure it’s there, too.
At this time, though, there’s still a tradeoff with these items : you either opt for something lightweight and simple, having a long-lasting battery, or you opt for a bright, colorful display and sacrifice battery life. The Gear Fit 2 is that the latter. But will the platonic sort of the activity-tracking wearable even exist yet? I’d say no. And thus in the planet we’re currently in, where there isn‘t any fitness tracker that will it all, this is among the absolute best tradeoffs.
Since the very first thing you’ll notice will certainly be its display, let’s cover that first. Specification of the Gear Fit 2 includes a 1.5-inch Super AMOLED touchscreen. This display, using its black background and punchy colors, is glossy, rich, and responsive. It features a slight curve inwith it, like the very first Gear Fit, but lacks the weird bezel of their predecessor. And Samsung has opted to display all the data vertically upon the band, which suggests you don’t need to twist your wrist to learn stuff like notifications.
There’s just one bad thing I must say in regards to the display : it’s difficult to discover outdoors, even with brightness set to the very best level. (This can be a complaint I‘ve in regards to the Apple Watch, too. ) For a lot of this isn’t a deal breaker, except for me It‘s. When I’m cycling in traffic, the very last thing I‘d like is to need to strain to discover the info givenfor my wrist. When I’m running outdoors, I’m usually eyeing the minutes until I’m done using the damn run. Wearables with transflective or monochrome LCD displays are a far better option during these cases.
The massive display also means the Gear Fit 2 is big. Nobody would describe it as delicate and it also doesn’t fit the narrative thread of wearable maker creates something that appears like jewelry. That’s fine, but just understand that it’s visiting seem like a clunky fitness wearable. However the Gear Fit 2 is comfortable, which matters plenty when one thinks of stuff like sleep tracking. The tracking section of the band has two physical buttons : a power / home button, and also a back button. Upon the underside are optical heart rate sensors. The wristband is made of the flexible polymer, and includes a railroad-style strap you observe on lots of wearables.