After releasing several smartwatches with square and rectangular faces, the Samsung Gear S2 and Gear S2 classic are that company’s first round-faced pieces, meaning fans of a more traditionally shaped watch will appreciate the S2’s classic look.
But what really makes the Gear S2 special is that some models have their own connection to the Verizon network—meaning you can make calls, send texts and more from your wrist. It’s a feature most smartwatches don’t have.
Want to know more? Here are some questions you may have about Samsung’s flagship smartwatch:
What’s new compared to its predecessor?
One of the more noticeable differences is the Gear S2’s circular design compared to the squarish design of its forerunner. The new smartwatch features a unique rotating bezel, which you can turn to scroll through messages, zoom into maps and skip to the next song.
Other new features include a host of fitness-related functions, such as a 24-hour activity log that lets you view your progress and patterns at a glance. It can also send reminders to motivate you to stay on track and even has a tracker that lets you keep up with your water vs. caffeine intake.
Does it have a network connection?
Some models have a 3G connection, so you can connect to Verizon’s network to take calls, send texts and check emails directly from the Gear S2. Other models of the S2 just have a Bluetooth connection, so you’ll need your phone nearby to perform most functions.
What’s the difference between the Gear S2 and the Gear S2 classic?
Think of them as spending time at the gym versus time at a business conference. Both feature the rotating bezel and circular design, but the S2 classic is the more stylish option. With its stainless-steel body, genuine black leather band and premium finish, it looks and feels as elegant as a luxury watch, but with the added benefits of connectivity.
What kind of apps can it run?
Some of the coolest apps that can run on the Gear S2 are designed for health and wellness, including S Health, which lets you track your daily exercise activities and heart rate, and Nike+Running, which uses GPS to accurately track where you’ve been. For iOS users, it also incorporates Spotify into the Nike+Running app so you can easily switch tracks to find the right motivation for that last half-mile. (The same feature is coming soon for Android.)
Twitter Trends puts your Twitter feeds right on your wrist, Kevo lets you open your house door without having to dig through your bag for your keys.
What kind of display does it have?
The Gear S2 has a 1.2-inch circular, Super AMOLED display, which incorporates the touch layer directly into the screen rather than as a layer on top of it. That means the display is not only more responsive to your touch, but that it’s also easier to see in bright light, whether you’re checking a friend’s Twitter feed or seeing how far you’ve run on your workout.
How does it charge?
You charge the Gear S2’s battery—which lasts up to two to three days—with the included wireless charging dock.
What about memory?
The Gear S2 features 4 GB of internal memory. That means you can store about 300 songs while still having enough room to run the apps mentioned above, plus others like the Samsung Milk Music service.
What are some of the customizable features?
You can personalize it with a variety of custom watch faces and interchangeable watchbands, including genuine leather. The Gear S2 is available in silver and dark grey while the Gear S2 classic has a black leather band.