Samsung Gear S hands-on

We are running around IFA getting you all the goodies, and there is no way we can leave Berlin without giving you a good look at the new Samsung Gear S. Just like you, we were eager to get our hands all over this standalone smartwatch. Does it feel as good as it looks? It is certainly a very unique device. Our first impression was that it looks very much like a Samsung Gear Fit, with a curved display and body that seem to gracefully wrap around your wrist.

Of course, the Gear S is wider and features a full experience the Gear Fit could only dream of. Straps are easily replaceable, as the watch can be removed from them in a second. We were shown two different strap versions, the one we have all seen and a wider one. You won’t miss the home button right below that AMOLED display.

Turn the device around and you will find a heart rate monitor and a nanoSIM card slot embellishing the back. If that wasn’t enough for high-tech sensors, you may be surprised by the UV sensor in the front, which will keep an eye on radiation levels for you.

Samsung Gear S specs

• Tizen OS
• 2-inch Super AMOLED (360x480p)
• 1 GHz dual-core processor
• 512 MB of RAM
• 4 GB of ROM
• 300 mAh battery
• IP67 rating

Of course, the device can make calls and take advantage of your carrier network. Text input capabilities are provided by Fleksy keyboard.

The UI is also very simple. You can swipe left to access notifications, while swiping right will showcase a customizable widget. Simply swipe down to see the main menu. Partners are lining up, so this little phone/smartwatch could be more successful than we thought. Are you signing up for one?