When comparing Samsung Gear S vs Samsung Gear Live, the Slant community recommends Samsung Gear S for most people. In the question“What are the best smartwatches?” Samsung Gear S is ranked 15th while Samsung Gear Live is ranked 25th. The most important reason people chose Samsung Gear S is:
With access to 3G and 2G networks, as well as Bluetooth and WiFi, the Gear S keeps you connected, with or without your smartphone.
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Pros
Pro Stand-alone Connectivity
With access to 3G and 2G networks, as well as Bluetooth and WiFi, the Gear S keeps you connected, with or without your smartphone.
Pro Android Wear
Pro Bastic fitness tracking capabilities
Currently the heart rate monitor works with Samsung's S-Health app. The heart rate monitor itself works good, but the app is somewhat clunky and there aren't that many features to speak of except for tracking your heart rate over time. Hopefully it will be compatible with third-party apps that build on it.
Pro Good display
The Gear Live has a clear 320x320 sAMOLED display, with rich blacks that blend with the bezel. It may be slightly harder to see the information in direct sunlight.
Pro Reasonable water resistance
Submerging the watch in water might not be a good idea, but it won't stop working due to rain or if you spill your tea on it.
Pro Built-in Wi-Fi
Pro Good build quality
Unlike other Android Wear smartwatches available currently, this has an aluminum body.
Cons
Con Expensive
Depending on the carrier or if it's bought directly from Samsung price varies, but it costs over $300 regardless of it's supplier.
Con Horrible charging mechanism
Multiple reports of the charging mechanism breaking or not working properly. In addition, the design is fiddly and annoying due to its snap-on nature.
Con Incompatible with older Android OS versions
Make sure you're Android phone's OS version is 4.3 or higher and it supports Bluetooth 4.
Con Hard to see text in direct sunlight
It may be slightly harder to see information in direct sunlight.
Con Bad battery life
Samsung's Gear Live has a 300mAh battery that lasts less than a full day.