Samsung Gear S2 Active: Guide, Tips, And Expert Review

by Jhon Lennon 55 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Samsung Gear S2 Active, a smartwatch that was quite the talk of the town back in its day. Even though newer models have since hit the market, the Gear S2 Active still holds a special place for its sleek design, fitness-focused features, and overall usability. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about this smartwatch, from its key features and setup to troubleshooting tips and comparisons with more recent models. Whether you're a long-time user or considering snagging a pre-owned one, stick around – we've got you covered!

Key Features of the Samsung Gear S2 Active

Let's kick things off by highlighting the key features that made the Samsung Gear S2 Active stand out. First and foremost, its design is both sporty and stylish, making it suitable for workouts and everyday wear. The watch boasts a vibrant circular Super AMOLED display, which is crisp, clear, and easy to read even in bright sunlight.

One of the standout features is its rotating bezel, which allows for intuitive navigation through menus and apps. Instead of swiping on the screen, you can simply twist the bezel to scroll through notifications, adjust settings, or launch apps. This tactile control is incredibly satisfying and sets it apart from many other smartwatches.

On the fitness front, the Gear S2 Active comes equipped with a built-in heart rate sensor, accelerometer, and gyroscope. These sensors enable it to track your steps, distance, calories burned, and sleep patterns. It also supports automatic activity detection, so it can recognize when you're walking, running, cycling, or engaging in other workouts. Plus, it's water-resistant, so you don't have to worry about damaging it during sweaty workouts or rainy days.

Beyond fitness tracking, the Gear S2 Active offers a range of smart features, including notifications, music playback control, and the ability to install apps from the Samsung Galaxy Apps store. It also supports NFC for contactless payments via Samsung Pay (though its availability may vary depending on your region and bank). Overall, the Gear S2 Active is a well-rounded smartwatch that strikes a good balance between style, functionality, and fitness tracking.

Setting Up Your Samsung Gear S2 Active

Now, let's walk through the process of setting up your Samsung Gear S2 Active. If you're starting from scratch, you'll need to pair it with your smartphone using the Samsung Gear app. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices, so you can use the Gear S2 Active regardless of your phone's operating system.

  1. Download and Install the Samsung Gear App: Head to the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store and search for the "Samsung Gear" app. Download and install it on your smartphone.
  2. Turn on Your Gear S2 Active: Press and hold the power button on the side of the watch to turn it on. Follow the on-screen instructions to select your language and agree to the terms and conditions.
  3. Pair Your Watch with Your Phone: Open the Samsung Gear app on your smartphone and tap "Start." The app will scan for nearby devices. Select your Gear S2 Active from the list of available devices.
  4. Confirm the Pairing Code: A pairing code will appear on both your watch and your phone. Verify that the codes match and tap "OK" on both devices to confirm the pairing.
  5. Sign In to Your Samsung Account: If you're not already signed in, the app will prompt you to sign in to your Samsung account. If you don't have one, you can create one for free. Signing in to your Samsung account allows you to sync your data across devices and access additional features.
  6. Grant Permissions: The app will ask for various permissions, such as access to your contacts, calendar, and notifications. Grant the necessary permissions to enable the full functionality of the Gear S2 Active.
  7. Customize Your Settings: Once the initial setup is complete, you can customize your settings in the Samsung Gear app. This includes choosing watch faces, configuring notifications, setting up Samsung Pay, and adjusting fitness tracking preferences.

Once you've completed these steps, your Samsung Gear S2 Active should be fully set up and ready to use. Take some time to explore the various features and settings to get the most out of your new smartwatch!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best devices, you might run into occasional glitches or issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips for common problems you might encounter with your Samsung Gear S2 Active:

  • Connectivity Issues: If your watch isn't connecting to your phone, try the following:
    • Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on both your watch and your phone.
    • Restart both your watch and your phone.
    • Unpair and re-pair your watch with your phone.
    • Make sure the Samsung Gear app is up to date.
  • Battery Drain: If your watch's battery is draining too quickly:
    • Reduce the screen brightness.
    • Disable features you don't use, such as Wi-Fi or GPS.
    • Limit the number of notifications you receive.
    • Close unused apps running in the background.
  • Notification Problems: If you're not receiving notifications on your watch:
    • Make sure notifications are enabled for the Samsung Gear app in your phone's settings.
    • Check the notification settings in the Samsung Gear app to ensure that the apps you want to receive notifications from are selected.
    • Restart both your watch and your phone.
  • Fitness Tracking Inaccuracies: If your watch isn't accurately tracking your fitness activities:
    • Ensure that the watch is snug but not too tight on your wrist.
    • Calibrate the watch's sensors by walking or running a known distance.
    • Update the Samsung Health app to the latest version.
  • Watch Freezing or Crashing: If your watch freezes or crashes:
    • Press and hold the power button for several seconds to force a restart.
    • If the problem persists, try resetting the watch to its factory settings (note that this will erase all your data).

If you've tried these troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing issues, you may want to consult the Samsung support website or contact Samsung customer service for further assistance.

Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Your Gear S2 Active Experience

To truly get the most out of your Samsung Gear S2 Active, here are some tips and tricks to enhance your experience:

  • Customize Your Watch Face: The Gear S2 Active offers a variety of watch faces to suit your style and preferences. Experiment with different designs and complications (the small pieces of information displayed on the watch face) to find the perfect combination.
  • Use the Rotating Bezel: Master the art of using the rotating bezel for navigation. It's much faster and more intuitive than swiping on the screen, especially when you're on the go.
  • Explore the App Store: The Samsung Galaxy Apps store has a wide selection of apps designed specifically for the Gear S2 Active. Browse the store to discover new apps that can enhance your productivity, fitness, or entertainment.
  • Set Up Quick Responses: In the Samsung Gear app, you can set up custom quick responses for replying to messages directly from your watch. This can save you time and effort when you're in a hurry.
  • Utilize S Voice: The Gear S2 Active supports Samsung's voice assistant, S Voice. Use S Voice to make calls, send messages, set alarms, or perform other tasks hands-free.
  • Take Advantage of Samsung Pay: If Samsung Pay is available in your region, set it up on your Gear S2 Active for contactless payments. It's a convenient and secure way to pay for purchases without having to carry your wallet.
  • Track Your Sleep: The Gear S2 Active can track your sleep patterns automatically. Wear it to bed to gain insights into your sleep quality and identify potential areas for improvement.

Gear S2 Active vs. Newer Models: Is It Still Worth It?

With newer smartwatches like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 6 now available, you might be wondering if the Gear S2 Active is still worth considering. Here's a comparison to help you decide:

  • Design and Display: The Gear S2 Active has a classic circular design with a Super AMOLED display. Newer models offer larger displays, slimmer bezels, and more advanced display technologies like sapphire glass.
  • Performance: The Gear S2 Active is powered by a dual-core processor and has 512MB of RAM. Newer models have more powerful processors and more RAM, resulting in smoother performance and faster app loading times.
  • Features: The Gear S2 Active offers a solid set of features, including heart rate tracking, activity detection, and notifications. Newer models add features like blood oxygen monitoring, ECG, and advanced sleep tracking.
  • Battery Life: The Gear S2 Active has a battery life of around 2-3 days with moderate use. Newer models offer longer battery life, with some lasting up to 4-5 days on a single charge.
  • Price: The Gear S2 Active is significantly cheaper than newer models, especially if you buy it pre-owned. This makes it a good option for budget-conscious buyers who don't need the latest and greatest features.

So, is the Gear S2 Active still worth it? It depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for a stylish and functional smartwatch for basic fitness tracking and notifications, and you don't want to spend a lot of money, the Gear S2 Active is still a decent option. However, if you want the latest features, better performance, and longer battery life, you're better off investing in a newer model.

Conclusion

The Samsung Gear S2 Active remains a capable and stylish smartwatch, even years after its initial release. Its rotating bezel, fitness-focused features, and compatibility with both Android and iOS devices make it a versatile choice for a wide range of users. While newer models offer more advanced features and better performance, the Gear S2 Active still holds its own, especially for those on a budget. Whether you're a seasoned smartwatch user or just starting out, the Gear S2 Active is worth considering if you're looking for a reliable and affordable wearable. So, go ahead and rock that Gear S2 Active with confidence – it's a timeless classic that still delivers value today!