After two years, Samsung has officially unveiled the Gear Fit2, its fitness tracker follow up to the Gear Fit, and while the leaks have generally proved to be spot on, there were a few features we didn't expect.
Onboard standalone music will be a huge upgrade along with the option to choose between two different Fit2 sizes. Considering the first Gear wasn't entirely comfortable, we're hoping the new offering is better.
Essential reading: Samsung Gear Fit2 review
With the devices's updates, Fit2 seems better poised to compete with Microsoft Band 2, the other wearable that's also a cross between a fitness tracker and smartwatch.
Read on to find out the rest of the official Gear Fit2 specs, features, price and release date.
Gear Fit2: Design
The Gear Fit2 certainly looks more watch-like than its predecessor, and features a new textured strap that also makes it much sportier.
Read this: Samsung Gear IconX wireless earbuds official details
Materials used include aluminium polycarbonate and fiberglass while the screen is made from Gorilla Glass 3 and the strap from elastomer. The band is waterproof, with an IP68 certification, which means you can take it down to the watery depths of 1.5 metres for a maximum of 30 minutes.
The Fit2 is also about the same size as the previous iteration – however as mentioned previously, it will now come in two sizes for different wrists: small (size of wrist: 125-170mm) and large (size of wrist: 155-210mm).
Despite the variations in sizes, there's no difference in features, display size, resolution or battery except that the large version is slightly heavier at 30 grams while the smaller is 28 grams.
Updated: Samsung Gear Fit 2 review
There are also more colour options now as you can choose from black, blue and pink in both sizes. They aren't the flashiest of options but it's better than plain ol' black.
Gear Fit2: Specs
Where the first Gear Fit has a 1.84-inch curved super AMOLED display with a 432 x 128 pixel resolution, the second-gen device comes with a smaller 1.5-inch screen – but it will retain the curved super AMOLED display with a resolution of 432 x 216. With its colour touchscreen, the 322 pixels per inch squeezed in is bound to look bright and clear on the wrist.
You'll also find 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage, all powered by Tizen through a Samsung-made 1GHz dual-core processor.
Though there's no altimeter, Samsung says the Fit2 can still detect when you walk up stairs. The other sensors packed inside include GPS, heart rate monitor, gyroscope, barometer and accelerometer.
The GPS is completely built-in so you don't have to carry your phone around during outdoor workouts. You'll also be able to see a map of your running or biking route (along with running pace) all displayed on the screen.
Fit2 also keeps track of your heart rate more closely during exercises – and checks on your heart rate every 10 minutes.
Gear Fit2: Features
Keeping with the new trend of auto-tracking, the Gear Fit2 will be able to auto-detect and track steps, calories and sleep, along with being able to recognise when you're doing squats, riding a bike, using a rowing machine or doing yoga, which it will then log accordingly.
You can transfer fitness data between S Health and other 'select' fitness apps while Gear Fit2 also provides a 'Step Goal Challenge' that can be instantly shared with friends and family on Facebook.
Notifications include text, calls, email, apps and calendar. Similar to most smartwatches and the Band 2, you can also send pre-written quick replies and emoticons to anyone who calls or messages you.
New to the device is a standalone music player which is probably what the 4GB of storage will be used for. Now, Samsung says you can leave your phone behind for workouts. You'll need Bluetooth supported headphones to connect up to the Fit2 which is probably why Samsung is also conveniently releasing the Gear IconX wireless earbuds.
The audio formats it's able to play are MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC, M4A, AMR, AWB, OGG, OGA and 3GA.
Samsung is also teaming up with Spotify for a dedicated app, although you'll still need your phone to play streaming music as there's no mobile connectivity on board.
Gear Fit2: Battery and compatibility
At 200 mAh the battery lasts three to four days, or five if you're generous with usage. This is 10 mAh smaller than the first Gear Fit, however it also lasted the same amount of time.
While the Fit2 isn't tied down to Samsung devices, it's still only compatible with Android 4.4 handsets. Sorry, iOS users.
Gear Fit2: Price and release date
For all the features you get – standalone GPS, music with decent battery life, colour touchscreen and more – the Fit2 sounds like the wearable to get for those who don't want to shell out for a screen-less fitness tracker or expensive smartwatch.
The Fit2 is even more appealing when you figure in its $180 price tag, which sets it a bit under the $250 Microsoft Band 2 and well below the Apple Watch.
You can preorder Samsung's Gear Fit2 online from Amazon, BestBuy, and Samsung, or wait to buy it at retail on June 10.
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