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If you've been paying attention to Samsung's wearables over the past few years, the Gear Fit 2 will stand out immediately as an improvement over 2014's Gear Fit.
The added compatibility with almost all phones, GPS functionality, and improved method of charging are but a few of the worthwhile additions to Samsung's Gear Fit 2.
We liked
Samsung's 2016 tracker has gone under the knife, so to speak, and has come out looking focused as ever. The new look not only blends in better with the aesthetic of the company's other products, it looks good all on its own.
Among many other winning components, comfort stands out here. The more you wear the Gear Fit 2, the less you notice it. The less you notice it, the faster you can get on with your life and your fitter future. Both the wearable and the app do well to stay out of your way until it comes time to tracking stats.
It's a stellar value for anyone looking for a rather affordable, but competent, fitness tracker. The combination of the built-in GPS functionality, the impressive Super AMOLED display and its independent usability are a steal at US$179.
We disliked
For some wearables, this is the section when where we deliver the biggest blows. Thankfully, we don't have many for the Samsung Gear Fit 2.
The product is well-realized and does a good job at facilitating your journey, whether it be at the gym or on the sidewalk. That said, the barometer issues I encountered are disappointing. It's misleading to be told that I've scaled the better part of a skyscraper in height when I have not, and a bummer that it's probably the reason, in my case, behind the battery barely meeting its three day minimum life expectancy.
Lastly, where's the alarm function? I've since discovered that you can download an alarm app through Samsung's app store, but the fact that it's not available from first boot-up is disappointing.
Final verdict
If you're on the fence, this fitness tracker comes highly recommended for both beginners and more experienced thrill-seekers, though if you like to swim you might want to consider the newer, upgraded Samsung Gear Fit Pro 2.
As for the Fit 2, it's increasingly affordable price tag provides a low point of entry for those who really want to make a healthy change in their lives. In this, at least, Samsung's wearable is as capable as many trackers, of assisting you to meet your goals.
Competition
The Gear Fit may have been one of the most appealing options in 2014, but the market has changed and the Gear Fit 2 faced some extremely tough competition at launch, let alone with the newcomers since. Here are the biggest challengers to the Gear Fit 2, including its own successor the Gear Fit Pro 2:
Samsung Gear Fit Pro 2
The Samsung Gear Fit 2 Pro isn't a hefty upgrade to the Gear Fit 2, but there are a few improvements to an already great tracker.
The Gear Fit 2 Pro retains that gorgeous design that looks fantastic on your wrist and as it's sporting a big, beautiful AMOLED display you'll be able to see all of your stats nice and clearly.
It also comes with GPS built-in so you can leave your phone at home while you go for a run as well as a top-notch heart rate sensor that should give you one of the most accurate readings possible from a wrist based tracker.
But the best new skill it offers is the fact it will track your swimming too. There aren't many fitness trackers that do this and look as good as the Fit 2 Pro does.
Read the review: Samsung Gear Fit 2 Pro
Microsoft Band 2
Probably the most apples-to-apples comparison we can make, the Microsoft Band 2 and Samsung Gear Fit 2 go head-to-head in several ways.
They are close in price, though the Gear Fit 2 is the cheaper of the two. That said, you can commonly find deals on the Microsoft Band or Microsoft Band 2 that bring it down to sub-US$150 or sub-£150 prices.
On both, you'll find built-in GPS and a host of sensors to give you a detailed fitness breakdown. It really just comes down to style preference and whether you're in need of a device that can work with Windows 10 Mobile and iOS 9.
Read the full review: Microsoft Band 2
Moto 360 Sport
Moto's sporty version of the regal Moto 360, the Moto 360 Sport, is a popular choice amongst the fit, smartwatch-wearing crowd.
Like the Gear Fit 2, it features built-in GPS and robust tracking support. The fact that it runs Android Wear gives it a bit of an upper hand in the comparison.
However, it's a lot more expensive by comparison. In addition, the battery life is meager and the accuracy of its heart rate monitor don't stack up to what you'll get out of the box with Samsung's latest.
Read the full review: Moto 360 Sport
First reviewed: June 2016
