UPDATED 00:35 EDT / SEPTEMBER 01 2015

NEWS

Samsung unveils Gear S2, Gear S2 3G smartwatches: Bonus ‘classic’ version

After merely teasing its Gear S2 smartwatch at an event last month, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. on Monday officially announced two versions: the Gear S2 and Gear S2 classic. While much of what Samsung revealed matches previous rumors, the announcement details key differences between the two versions, how the bezel and user interface (UI) navigation work and the inclusion of near field communications (NFC) for mobile payments.

According to Samsung, the Gear S2 classic (in black above) was “made for users who prefer a more timeless watch design, offering an elegant Black finish with a matching genuine leather band.” The Gear S2 (in white above), says the company is “ideal for those who are on-the-go and have an admiration for minimal and modern design.”

As far as the internal workings go, both the Gear S2 and Gear S2 classic feature a 1.2-inch circular AMOLED display (320×320, 302ppi), 1.0GHz dual-core processor, Samsung’s own Tizen based wearable platform, IP68 dust and water resistance, 4GB of onboard storage, 512MB of RAM, NFC, heart rate monitor, Wi-Fi (b/g/n), and 250mAh batteries claimed to last from two to three days on a single charge and can be wirelessly recharged.

The Gear S2 classic is smaller and lighter than the Gear S2, measuring just 39.9×43.6×11.4mm and weighing 42g compared to the Gear S2, measuring 42.3×49.8×11.4mmand weighing 47g.

Both smartwatches feature a rotating bezel and Home and Back buttons to navigate through the UI in order to access notifications and apps.

The Gear S2 is also offered in a 3G version with a 300mAh battery offering a typical use of two days. The Gears S2 3G incorporates what Samsung calls “the first-ever e-SIM with voice capability,” allowing users to perform functions on their smartwatch without being tethered to their phone. Samsung did not specify what functions will be autonomous of a connected smartphone.

Although the Gear S2 supports NFC to enable mobile payments, Samsung provided no further details on how this will work in relation to the company’s own mobile payments service, Samsung Pay, due to start roll out later this year.

In addition to standard Samsung S software features, the Gear S2 provides at-a-glance notifications for calendars, emails, news, and texts. Voice input is supported. The Gear S2 comes with the Nike+ Running app and Samsung’s own S Health app pre-installed.

The Gear S2 is available in a Dark Gray case with a Dark Gray band and a Silver case with a White band. The Gear S2 classic is available in a Black case with a Black leather band. Watch bands can be swapped with one click and Samsung says its plans on launching more options.

Samsung has not released any details regarding pricing or availability, but the Gear S2 range will be on display at IFA 2015 later this week, so we hope to learn more then.

Image(s) via Samsung Mobile Press

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