When I first strapped the Samsung Gear Sport onto my wrist back in 2018, I remember thinking how sleek it felt compared to other chunky smartwatches of that era. Fast forward to 2024, and I still find myself glancing at its circular Super AMOLED display with appreciation—it’s bright, crisp, and honestly holds up well even today. But is the Samsung Gear Sport smartwatch still worth buying now, six years after its initial release? Let’s dive into that question step by step, drawing from my own experience and some broader observations, including how tech adoption varies in different regions—like when I heard from a friend in the Philippines who mentioned, "Yung iba naman nasa probinsiya," referring to how people in the provinces often rely on durable, older tech due to limited access to the latest gadgets. That got me thinking: maybe this watch fits perfectly in such scenarios.
First off, let’s talk setup and daily use. Unboxing the Gear Sport, you’ll notice it’s lightweight at about 50 grams, which makes it comfortable for all-day wear, whether you’re hitting the gym or just lounging around. To get started, you’ll need to pair it with your smartphone via the Samsung Gear app—I’d recommend using a Samsung device for the best experience, though it works with most Android phones running 4.4 or later and iPhones with iOS 9.0 up. The process is straightforward: download the app, enable Bluetooth, and follow the on-screen prompts. I’ve done this multiple times, and it usually takes under 10 minutes. Once connected, you can customize watch faces, sync notifications, and track basic activities like steps and heart rate. One thing I love is the 5 ATM water resistance; I’ve taken it swimming without a hitch, and it holds up better than some newer models I’ve tested. However, be aware that the battery life isn’t stellar—I get about 2-3 days with moderate use, but if you’re heavy on GPS or music streaming, expect to charge it daily. That’s a trade-off I’m willing to make for its sporty design, but if you need longer endurance, you might look elsewhere.
Moving on to fitness and health tracking, this is where the Gear Sport shines for its age. It comes with built-in GPS, which I find accurate for runs and hikes—comparing it to my phone’s GPS, it’s usually within 5-10 meters in urban areas. The heart rate monitor uses a optical sensor that’s decent for casual use; during my workouts, it’s been within 5 bpm of a chest strap, though it can lag during intense intervals. For steps and sleep tracking, it’s reliable enough, but don’t expect advanced metrics like SpO2 or ECG that you’d get in newer wearables. I’ve logged over 200 activities on this watch, and the data syncs smoothly to Samsung Health or other apps like Strava. A pro tip: calibrate the GPS outdoors for better accuracy, and avoid wearing it too loose to prevent false heart rate readings. This ties back to that provincial mindset I mentioned earlier—in areas where people might not have easy access to high-end gyms or latest tech, a sturdy device like this can be a game-changer for basic fitness routines without breaking the bank.
Now, for the software and compatibility aspects, the Gear Sport runs on Tizen OS, which Samsung has since moved away from in favor of Wear OS. That means no major updates since around 2020, but in my use, the existing features like notifications, music control, and Samsung Pay still work flawlessly. I’ve paired it with my Galaxy S10 and even an older iPhone 7, and while iOS support is limited—you can’t reply to messages or use all apps—it’s sufficient for basic alerts. If you’re into app ecosystems, this might feel dated; there are only about 50-60 dedicated apps in the Galaxy Store, and many developers have stopped supporting Tizen. But honestly, for my needs—checking time, tracking workouts, and controlling Spotify—it’s more than enough. I’ve noticed that in places like the provinces, where internet connectivity can be spotty, having a device that doesn’t rely heavily on constant updates is a plus. Just remember to keep the firmware updated to the latest available version (mine’s on R600XXU1CSA1) to avoid bugs.
When it comes to value and longevity, the Gear Sport can be a steal if you find it refurbished or on sale. I’ve seen prices drop to around $80-$120, which is a fraction of what new smartwatches cost. From my perspective, it’s worth it if you prioritize durability and core features over cutting-edge tech. The stainless steel casing and Gorilla Glass 3 have held up against scratches in my daily wear, and the band is replaceable, so you can customize it easily. Battery degradation is a concern—after years, mine lasts about 20% less than new—but it’s manageable with a power bank on the go. Weighing the pros and cons, I’d say if you’re in a budget-conscious situation or live in an area with limited tech infrastructure, like many in the provinces, this watch offers reliable performance without the fuss of frequent upgrades.
So, circling back to our main question: Is the Samsung Gear Sport smartwatch still worth buying in 2024? In my opinion, yes, but with caveats. It’s a solid choice for fitness enthusiasts on a budget, or for those in regions where newer models aren’t as accessible. The design, water resistance, and basic smart features hold up well, and as my friend’s comment reminded me, sometimes practicality trumps having the latest gadget. If you can overlook the aging software and shorter battery life, you’ll get a dependable companion that I’ve personally enjoyed for years. Just pair it with a modern phone, and you’re good to go—it might not be the flashiest, but it gets the job done with a touch of nostalgia.