Samsung’s ambition with the Gear Fit2 is a fitness wearable that can stand on its own.
4GB internal storage for music means you can leave your phone behind on runs and rely on a library of up to 1,000 songs (depending on .mp3 file quality). A built-in GPS module and heart rate monitor further facilitate disconnection from the mobile device. Additionally, the wearable is IP68 certified, meaning it’s dust and water resistant so users can take the wearable just about anywhere.
You’ll see a review analyzing just how well the Samsung wearable stands up to use in the near future, but before that, here’s a first look at the Gear Fit2, priced at $249.99 CAD and available at Samsung Experience Shops in Best Buy locations across the country.
The Gear Fit2 bears a strong resemblance to the Microsoft Band 2, a competitor that is currently priced at $199.99 in Canada. Another similarly marketed competitor is the Fitbit Blaze, which retails for $299.95. Neither have the Fit2’s internal storage, but both have GPS and heart rate monitoring.
The Gear Fit2 comes in three colours: blue, pink and black. It is 24.5 mm widthwise and 51.2 mm lengthwise along the front.
In addition to the GPS, the Fit2 features a heart rate sensor, accelerometer, gyro sensor and barometer. The device runs on a 1.5GHz dual-core processor with 512MB of RAM.
The Gear Fit2 app allows users to easily customize notifications and layout from their phone, find the Gear if it’s lost (courtesy of GPS tracking) and send music straight to the device.
The Gear Fit2 comes in two sizes: large, for wrists 155-210mm, and small, for wrists 125-170mm. MobileSyrup was sent the large size, seen here on an appropriately sized wrist. Unfortunately, the reviewer has a tiny wrist resulting in an awkward look that slightly misrepresents the actual appearance of the device.
In addition to basic tracking features showing steps and heart rate, users can set screens for water or caffeine intake, which they self-monitor.
The Fit2 has a 1.5″ (38mm) sAMOLED display with 216 x 432 pixel resolution. In comparison, the original Gear Fit’s screen is 1.8″ (45mm), but, despite having a larger screen, weighs a gram less than the Fit2, which is 28g in small, 30g in large.
Unlike the Gear Fit, the Fit2 is compatible with non-Galaxy Android devices running 4.4 or above, as well as Galaxy devices running at least Android 4.3. A minimum of 1.5GB of RAM is also required.
In addition, the Fit2 is able to push SMS, call, email, app and calendar notifications from the user’s Android smartphone to the wearable itself.
Related reading: Samsung Gear Fit2 now available in Canada for $249.99
MobileSyrup may earn a commission from purchases made via our links, which helps fund the journalism we provide free on our website. These links do not influence our editorial content. Support us here.
