Hey guys! Today, let's dive into the world of the Samsung Galaxy Watch released back in 2017. While it might not be the latest and greatest anymore, this smartwatch still holds a special place in many hearts. We're going to explore everything from its design and features to its performance and what makes it a worthwhile option even now. Whether you're a longtime Samsung enthusiast or just curious about older smartwatches, this is for you!

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy Watch from 2017 sports a classic, circular design that mimics the look of traditional watches. This was a deliberate choice by Samsung to appeal to a wider audience who might have been hesitant about the futuristic aesthetics of some earlier smartwatches. The watch case is made from stainless steel, giving it a premium feel and ensuring durability. You wouldn't want something delicate strapped to your wrist all day, right? The rotating bezel is one of the standout features, allowing you to navigate menus and apps with a satisfying click. It's tactile and intuitive, making the user experience much more enjoyable than simply swiping on a screen. The watch is also water-resistant, so you don't have to worry about splashes or even swimming with it. This is a huge plus for active users who want to track their workouts without fear of damaging their device.

The screen is a vibrant Super AMOLED display, which means colors pop and blacks are deep and inky. This makes it easy to read notifications and view information even in bright sunlight. The display is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, adding another layer of durability to prevent scratches and cracks. Let's face it, we all bump our watches into things from time to time! Comfort is also key when it comes to wearable devices, and the Galaxy Watch doesn't disappoint. It comes with a variety of straps that are easy to swap out, allowing you to customize the look and feel of your watch to match your personal style. Whether you prefer a sporty silicone strap or a more sophisticated leather band, there's an option for everyone. The watch is also designed to be lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods, so you won't even notice it's there during your daily activities.

Key Features and Functionality

One of the biggest draws of the Samsung Galaxy Watch is its comprehensive suite of features. As you might expect, fitness tracking is a major focus, with the watch able to monitor a wide range of activities including running, cycling, swimming, and even more specialized workouts. It can automatically detect when you start exercising, so you don't have to manually log your activities. This is incredibly convenient for those who want to track their fitness without having to think about it too much. The watch also has a built-in GPS, allowing you to accurately track your routes and distance without needing to rely on your smartphone. This is a great feature for runners and cyclists who want to leave their phones at home while still being able to record their workouts. In addition to fitness tracking, the Galaxy Watch also offers a variety of other useful features.

It can track your sleep, providing insights into your sleep patterns and helping you to improve your sleep quality. It also has a heart rate sensor, which can monitor your heart rate throughout the day and alert you to any potential issues. Of course, the Galaxy Watch also handles all the basic smartwatch functions, such as displaying notifications from your smartphone, allowing you to answer calls and respond to messages directly from your wrist. You can also use it to control your music, set alarms, and even make payments using Samsung Pay. The watch is powered by Samsung's Tizen operating system, which is known for its smooth performance and intuitive user interface. Tizen also offers a wide range of apps, allowing you to customize your watch to suit your needs. While the app selection might not be as extensive as on Wear OS or Apple's watchOS, there are still plenty of useful and interesting apps to choose from. The watch also has a long battery life, which is one of its biggest advantages over some of its competitors. Depending on your usage, you can easily get several days of battery life on a single charge.

Performance and Battery Life

In terms of performance, the Samsung Galaxy Watch from 2017 is surprisingly snappy, even by today's standards. Thanks to its dual-core processor and ample RAM, the watch is able to handle most tasks with ease. Apps load quickly, and the user interface is generally smooth and responsive. Of course, it's not going to be as fast as the latest and greatest smartwatches, but it's still more than capable for everyday use. The battery life is another area where the Galaxy Watch shines. Depending on your usage patterns, you can expect to get anywhere from two to four days of battery life on a single charge. This is significantly better than many other smartwatches on the market, which often require daily charging. If you're a heavy user who uses the watch for a lot of fitness tracking and notifications, you'll probably need to charge it every other day. But if you're a more casual user, you might be able to stretch it out to four days or even longer. The watch also supports wireless charging, so you can easily top it up using a Qi-compatible wireless charger.

This is a convenient feature that allows you to charge your watch without having to plug it in. Overall, the performance and battery life of the Samsung Galaxy Watch are both excellent, making it a great choice for those who want a reliable and long-lasting smartwatch. While the Samsung Galaxy Watch is a capable device, it's worth noting that it may not receive the latest software updates. Samsung typically provides software updates for its smartwatches for a few years after they are released, but eventually, support will end. This means that you may not be able to access the latest features and security updates on the Galaxy Watch. However, the watch will still continue to function as normal, and you can still use it to track your fitness, receive notifications, and perform other basic tasks. If you're someone who always wants to have the latest and greatest software, this might be a deal-breaker. But if you're happy with the features that the Galaxy Watch already offers, it's still a great value.

Is It Still Worth Buying in 2024?

So, the big question: is the Samsung Galaxy Watch from 2017 still worth buying in 2024? Well, it depends on your needs and priorities. If you're looking for a budget-friendly smartwatch that offers a good balance of features and performance, the Galaxy Watch is definitely worth considering. You can often find it for a fraction of the price of newer smartwatches, and it still offers a lot of value for the money. However, if you're looking for the latest and greatest features, or if you need a smartwatch that supports the latest software updates, you might be better off with a newer model. The Galaxy Watch is also a good option for those who prefer a classic, traditional watch design. Its circular display and rotating bezel give it a timeless look that is sure to appeal to many people. It's also a great choice for those who want a smartwatch with long battery life. The Galaxy Watch can easily last for several days on a single charge, which is a huge advantage over many other smartwatches on the market.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch in 2024 is a personal one. Consider your needs, your budget, and your preferences before making a decision. If you do decide to buy it, you're sure to be happy with its features, performance, and battery life. Just remember that it's an older model, so don't expect it to have all the bells and whistles of the latest smartwatches. But if you're looking for a reliable and affordable smartwatch that gets the job done, the Galaxy Watch is definitely worth a look. The Samsung Galaxy Watch (2017) remains a solid choice, especially if you prioritize classic design, decent performance, and excellent battery life without breaking the bank. Its intuitive rotating bezel and durable build make it a user-friendly option for everyday wear. However, bear in mind its age and the limitations that come with it, particularly in terms of software updates and access to the newest features. If you're seeking a basic, reliable smartwatch experience, this could be a great fit.