Samsung Gear S Review: But I Don't Wanna Be Dick Tracy

Samsung started the smartwatch push in earnest with its over-the-top Galaxy Gear just last year. Now, some six smartwatches later, Samsung is releasing one that can make its own calls. The Gear S is a tiny phone on your wrist. But is that really a good idea? Discuss Bookmark

Great battery life; Curved design; Fulfills the smartwatch promise

Cumbersome in size; Only works with Samsung phones; Needs an additional data SIM

No. There's a lot you could potentially do with a watch that has its own data connection, but the Gear S doesn't do those things. And the Gear S is big and ugly in order to shove in that limited functionality. The trade-off just isn't worth it.

Nutzo battery life; The Gear S's 300 mAh battery isn't even big by smartwatch standards and still I was able to get a whole two days out of it in one stretch, and on the night in-between I was even using it for sleep tracking; This should be the baseline for smartwatches, period.

Ugh, it's so big and ugly and unhip ; It's vitally important to be able to wear a smartwatch without being uncomfortable, physically or mentally; Wearing the Gear S made me uncomfortable in both ways.

Samsung Gear S hands-on review

The Samsung Gear S might have some decent specs but we just don't understand the concept of a smartwatch which can take a SIM-card. It's too expensive, and the vast majority of users will find the device simply too big. Sorry Samsung, we just don't get this one.

Samsung Gear S review: Bigger and badder, but not in a good way

The Samsung Gear S smartwatch breaks new ground with phone-free communications, but makes too many compromises. With a high up-front price and monthly service charge, buy at your own risk.

Receives calls, text messages and notifications without a phone nearby.; Battery life is better than most full-color smartwatches.;

Large, clunky design with annoying clasp and snap-on charger.; Expensive up-front price with an additional monthly cost for wireless service.; Contacts won’t recognize your number for outgoing calls.; Interface is confusing, inconsistent and lacking in actionable notifications.;