Samsung's Gear S is going to be launched this October. And with Apple's introduction of the Apple Watch, the tech world is wondering how Apple's smart watch will fair in the market. After all, the Gear S is Samsung's sixth smart watch, making the South Korean tech company the seasoned veteran in the category.
When it comes to Gear S vs Apple Watch, no one can really say this early which one wins the battle. Both smartwatches offer something new to the market, which can actually be each one's selling point.
Here's a blow-by-blow comparison of the two newest smart watches today:
Watch Design
When it comes to design, the two watches are very different. First off, the Samsung Gear S has a bulkier design. It has a curved display with a single button underneath it. The wristband is almost the same width as the device making it look like an extension of the main device, and is offered in either strap type or bangle type. It offers a number of color options.
In comparison, the Apple Watch's design is more concentrated and detailed. According to TechTimes, the Apple Watch has a rectangular-shaped face. At the side, there is what they call the Digital Crown, which the user can use to scroll the screen and perform actions on the watch. It comes in two sizes and three different material choices for the device. There are also different designs for the wristbands.
Operating System
Samsung runs on Tizen OS, while the Apple Watch runs on its own Apple Watch OS. There's not much said about the Tizen OS, but it offers the functionality needed for the device, which works even without a phone. It also has Opera Mini for web browsing.
Apple has so far shown many different apps in the Apple Watch, featured in mosaic form, allowing the user to zoom in or out as well as customize the apps seen in the main screen.
Connectivity
The Samsung Gear S has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and it also has 3G. This means that the device can be used for messaging and calls even without tethering to a smartphone. The Apple Watch, on the other hand, needs an iPhone to be able to do many of its functions.
Consumer choice will boil down to what matters more to them: functionality over form, or the other way around. Or perhaps, it would be loyalty to their favorite brand that would influence their decision.
