Samsung Galaxy Watch

[JG_RSA]

So the details for the new "Gear S4" (which isn't a Gear anymore or an S4) has been released last week, and frankly I'm a little disappointed.

It's unfortunate that there isn't a black 46mm version. As someone looking to upgrade from the S3 Frontier, I don't want to go for the smaller 42mm Midnight Black version with the 1.2" screen.
I chose the S3 Frontier over the S3 Classic because I prefer the look of it (seems like many do), especially with the matching black steel band that I've purchased for mine. It's "less silver" than the S3 Classic though, thankfully.
It otherwise does not look much different compared to the S3 Frontier, so you'll probably have to tell your friends that you've got a new watch - most people probably wouldn't notice.

I'm not really blown away by the specs either. The bigger battery is welcome, but I can't say that I've really ever had issues with the Gears' battery life since I put mine on charge almost every night regardless of the remaining battery life. I was expecting them to at least up the RAM and storage. 4GB really isn't a lot if start adding apps and a few music tracks. I was expecting it to be at least increased to 8GB. I was also hoping for Bluetooth v5. That would have been a big selling point.

Interestingly, they've dropped MST support on it for Samsung Pay and, like the Gear Sport and S2, it only supports NFC. I've found MST to be unreliable and at times even frustrating, even with the S8 phone, but if you persist, it works. It's not really a great loss for me (now that the novelty has worn off, I only use Samsung Pay on card terminals that has NFC), but still odd that they've dropped this feature since it is a big advantage for Samsung Pay over other NFC only tap-and-pay options.

I'm glad that they've stuck with Tizen - there were rumors that Samsung might opt to go with Wear OS instead - and the rotating bezel. The loss of either of those would have been a deal breaker to me.

Overall, I'm in no real rush to upgrade and I don't think they've done enough to convince the average S3 owner to upgrade or steal some market share from the Apple Watch.
Hopefully we'll finally get the LTE version locally at least, although that has more to do with the local networks than Samsung.

Thoughts?

 

[Mike-r]

I'm still wearing my S3 and still love it. I don't think I'll upgrade to the S4 unless this one gets stolen or drowns or something.

Thanks for the review on the S4 though. Was looking for a few this week.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

 

[COHBoss]

@JG_RSA

The biggest thing that pissed me off is the lack of storage... come on Samsung, it is flipping 2018!!!!!! 8GB is a must, maybe even 16GB would be ideal to really enable you to be phone-less while exercising...

 

[JG_RSA]

Yeah, I was expecting at least 8GB to rival the Apple Watch.
4GB disappears very quickly.

 

[JG_RSA]

@Mike-r
Looks like we have the same watch band

 

[COHBoss]

Yeah, I was expecting at least 8GB to rival the Apple Watch.
4GB disappears very quickly.

I just can't get over it.... I'm so angry In all honesty, cheaping out on storage in this day and age of how cheap memory cards are...... seriously lame.

 

[JG_RSA]

Some good news at least.

Samsung confirmed that the 128GB model of the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 will be priced at R18,999 in South Africa, while the Galaxy Watch Bluetooth will be priced from R5,499-R6,499.

Hume told MyBroadband that the 512GB model of the Galaxy Note 9 will be available in South Africa next month and will be priced at R23,999.

“Towards the latter part of September, we will see the first Note 9 512GB devices becoming available,” said Hume.

He also confirmed that the LTE version of the Samsung Galaxy Watch would launch in South Africa through mobile operators.

“I expect mobile operators will probably be making some announcements shortly regarding the launch of the new LTE-enabled Galaxy Watch in South Africa.”

No confirmed launch date for Android 9 on Samsung smartphones

 

[Tygerr]

I suppose since it's still Tizen, it doesn't have any integration for Google Assistant/Google Home yet either, does it?

 

[JG_RSA]

Probably not.
I'm not sure if they are sticking with the S Voice assistant or if it will (eventually) get Bixby.

 

[JG_RSA]

From this review, it looks like it has Bixby. Not really something I'm super excited about, but it answers the question above.
Samsung Galaxy Watch review | TechRadar

 

[Tygerr]

I just don't think I'm ever going to get into the smart watch game. I've been wanting a Samsung watch for ages, since the Gear S2. They look so cool, and I've even played around with some demo models - the bezel interface is very neat.

But they keep taking backward steps in functionality I would consider useful:

• Bixby instead of Google Assistant (I have a smart home fully integrated with Google Home. Would be nice if my watch could play with)
• No Google Maps? Seriously, this is the most useful app in the world. Why would you not incorporate it in your watch?
• No Whatsapp - can probably live without this, but just seems silly not to try capture more users by getting these messaging apps incorporated
• "And while Samsung Pay is present, the company cut the Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) technology that made it special" - I've been using Samsung Pay on my smartphone since it launched here in SA and it's awesome! The MST functionality makes it super-amazing since I've been able to use it at 99% of the merchants I've shopped at. Why would you cut out functionality that works and adds value? (nevermind answering, Samsung has a history of doing this... IR remote on the S1 to S5 anyone?)

I know none of the Google Wear OS watches are any good and the Apple Watch doesn't really do any better than the Samsung offerings, and even though the fitness/sensor improvements and battery life seem like good steps forward for the Samsung watch, I just keep getting underwhelmed every time someone releases a new smart watch.

 

[JG_RSA]

@dakdriver has one for sale if there are any takers
[Sale] - Samsung Galaxy Watch | Wearables

 

[JG_RSA]

The watches are now listed on the Samsung ZA site.
The LTE model is mentioned under Benefits, but nothing under Specs (just the BT version).
Samsung Pay is also mentioned, so perhaps it will be available at launch too. I don't see a reason why it can't be. The issue is with MST on the watches with some card terminals, as mentioned in my Samsung Pay South Africa thread, but these watches are NFC only. Either way, when I get one, I'll use the workaround to get SP working on it.

 

[JG_RSA]

Confirmed. We are getting the LTE version, finally.
Form meets function in the stunning new Galaxy Watch

I spoke to a Samsung rep at a Vodacom store and apparently they will have the LTE version by the end of October. I'll try and get more info today at Menlyn.
Seriously considering replacing my Gear Sport with this now.

 

[dakdriver]

The problem is still none of the SA providers have support for the e-sim, correct?

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

 

[JG_RSA]

Vodacom is advertising the 42mm version in their October booklet, but there isn't any stock. I have had the Vodacom store in Menlyn confirm that it is indeed the LTE version. It is advertised as part of a contract (it's own; not as an add-on to another contract/device), so it does seem legit. I will get hold of the booklet and post a photo of it some time during the week.
I have put my name on a list for one, but may hold out for the 46mm instead. Nobody seems to know if Vodacom will offer the 46mm LTE one for certain at this stage though.

 

[JG_RSA]

Here's the advert.

Has anyone been able to get their hands on one of these (the LTE version)? I have had several agents confirm that this is indeed the LTE version.
I've tried several Vodacom stores, but none had any in stock. MTN doesn't have them listed on their system at all at the moment.

I'm considering the 42mm now. It's certainly better looking than the Gear Sport, which I'll be replacing with one.
I've seen the 46mm in store and I'm not loving the silver/black bezel look. Perhaps I will learn to like it

 

[JG_RSA]

The LTE version is now officially available from Vodacom.

 

[JG_RSA]

Has anyone actually been able to get an LTE one in stock anywhere AND successfully had it activated on your cell number?

I have been at at least 10 Vodacom stores and none had stock. Answers range from "getting tomorrow" to "perhaps next month" or blissful ignorance as to its existence. It seems like you cannot buy one with a prepaid SIM (yes, I know it doesn't take a physical sim card) or its own contract. It has to be linked to your existing Vodacom number, like the Twincall of old. Why, I have no idea.

I have a Twincall (second SIM) on my contract, which I got years ago for a car phone (before Bluetooth was around) and the big issue I had with it was that only one SIM was active at a time even though both indicated signal. I had to switch off / flight mode one phone and then enable flight mode and switched it off again on the other phone and (just to be sure) make a call (normally voicemail) to get the phone that I wanted to work to work. Otherwise I would be carrying my phone and calls and messages would go to the car phone or I would want them to go to the car phone and my cell phone would ring with no way of answering it on the car phone.
I'm concerned that it would be the same problem with my phone and the watch. Can someone confirm?
If a call comes in, does it ring on both devices? If you make a call from the watch (without being connected to the phone via BT), does it still indicate the phone's number on the receiver's side or does it have its own number, as is the case with Twincall?

I finally found one at Vodaworld today, but they could not link it to my account. I must have spent nearly 45 minutes waiting while they called around and sent messages to someone on the phone, but ultimately had no luck. Finally it was blamed on an IT problem which "would be fixed tomorrow", but I could buy the watch today and then maybe it will work tomorrow. I politely declined as I know what the changes are of it just miraculously started working tomorrow and what kind of support I'm likely to get once the sale was concluded.

I wanted the 46mm anyways, even though I prefer the look of the black 42mm, it does have a bigger screen vs. my Gear Sport that it will replace plus bigger battery vs. the 42mm Galaxy watch. They only had the 42mm Midnight Black one.

The hunt continues...

 

[JG_RSA]

I've just followed-up again with the Vodacom Shop in Vodaworld.
They still can't get the required service to activate on my account (I've told them that I'll take the 42mm one they have if they can get it working) and have no idea when they'll have the 46mm one in stock.
Nobody can tell me for certain how the one number on two devices (as explained above) will work either.

I'm slowly starting to give up on this. If Vodaworld can't get it sorted, not sure who can at this stage.

 

[Qui_Illustrati]

The S3 Frontier is a better purchase.

 

[JG_RSA]

The S3 Frontier is a better purchase.

I already have a Frontier and Gear Sport (and an S2 Classic that lives in a drawer which I won't get rid of due to sentimental value).
I want to replace the 42mm Gear Sport with the Galaxy Watch - hoping on a 46mm; bigger screen, bigger battery.

The Frontier is a fine watch, which is why I'm not getting rid of it at this stage and it supports MST (with another region flashed) on Samsung Pay which the Galaxy Watch (like the Gear Sport) does not, but it's not waterproof and we never got the LTE version locally. We probably never will; not sure if imported ones will ever be able to be loaded onto local networks.

Apart from being a true standalone watch/phone, the Galaxy Watch LTE version also has more RAM compared to the BT only versions, which can't be a bad thing.
Plus, I want it because I want it.

 

[JG_RSA]

Finally...

Now just waiting to get it registered on Vodacom... Seems like I'm one of the first. Everyone's still learning (or clueless).
Bless them, they are trying.

 

[JG_RSA]

.

 

[JG_RSA]

Day 3, several calls, escalations to team leaders and Solutions Experts (🙄😂) and it seems like I'm no closer to getting the eSIM activated.
Everyone is very sorry, but the watch won't accept "sorry" as an activation code for the mobile network service.
Promises of tomorrow when the Supreme Leader and apparently my only hope will be back at work.

 

[Soul Assassin]

Day 3, several calls, escalations to team leaders and Solutions Experts ([emoji849][emoji23]) and it seems like I'm no closer to getting the eSIM activated.
Everyone is very sorry, but the watch won't accept "sorry" as an activation code for the mobile network service.
Promises of tomorrow when the Supreme Leader and apparently my only hope will be back at work.

That's probably Jannie, he will sort you out.

 

[JG_RSA]

I may come across as a 🤬, but the whole process has been a frustration. The watches were advertised months ago in the Vodacom booklets, only to mysteriously disappear the next month.

Finally the are again advertised in store and in the booklets, but no store has any stock. Those who do actually know the difference between the LTE and BT ones (I was told straight up by several people that no such product exists) offer to order one, I leave my details with several stores asking them to call me if stock arrives - not single call. I find a 42mm black one at Vodaworld (after waiting in line for more than an hour, despite being told by the Samsung rep at the Samsung display that the watches will only be available by April or May), but they can't even load the VoLTE service in my account. I run out of time and leave. I chat to a consultant on Vodacom's website, but get told that I can only get the watch if I take an S10. Apparently can't check stock at the physical stores either.
By chance stumbled upon the store in Centurion Mall. They had a 42mm black one, but offered to check stock at other stores and find that Kolonade has two 46mm ones. All of the other stores told me that their systems aren't linked and they can't check stock at other stores. It might be that Centurion and Kolonade happen to be owned by the same franchisee. Regardless, I drive out to Kolonade.
They deny having any in stock. I insisted that they check and the consultant returned with a 46mm LTE. I take a ticket and wait ~30 minutes for my turn. The lady activates VoLTE on my account and tell me I am good to go. Try to pay, but the watch isn't on the system. Another 15 minute wait while they conjure up a number that the system finally accepts, only it's now R6299 instead of the R5799 I was quoted at other stores. I take a breath and pay - I've come this far.

Set up the watch and, "big surprise", it does not just magically work.
Go back to the store, but it's dark and locked (load shedding), so I leave. Phone Vodacom and I am blamed because I must have thrown away my activation code...
Then the calls and escalations start.

How can they launch a product with no training provided, no stock or any idea how to actually get it loaded onto the network?

/rant over

 

[JG_RSA]

So I've phoned Vodacom again after 10:00 after not receiving the promised follow-up call after 9:00.

It has again been escalated, but was told that it could take a week to resolve, but I must keep checking my email for the QR code.
I was promised a follow-up call on Thursday.

The adventure continues.

 

[JG_RSA]

Finally, some progress...
No idea when it will actually be sorted, but I'm not greedy. Progress.

So it seems like my concern regarding Twincall is also my problem.
I still have Twincall active on my account/number and apparently Twincall + eSIM = NoNo
Who knew? Certainly not Vodacom, until just now.

OK, so I don't really need the second SIM (a pain in the behind to use in any case, as explained above), so I've given instruction to either kill off the secondary number or convert it to prepaid.
No idea, how long that will take, but at least now we know what the problem is.

Here's some info in eSIM and how it's supposed to work.

Vodacom Terms and Conditions - eSIMS Wearable T & Cs

Vodacom Terms and Conditions - eSIMS Wearable Terms and Conditions

www.vodacom.co.za

If you intend on getting an eSIM device activated, take a sleeping bag and supplies with and don't leave the store until you have the QR code.
Good luck and may the Twincall not be with you.

 

[JG_RSA]

I had to chuckle at the irony.
I contacted Vodacom Support on Twitter and asked for an update/assistance.
While chatting, I received an email from the Vodashop assisting me with the Twincall + eSIM issue explained and shared it in my chat with Vodacom Support.
Vodacom Support asks me to keep them updated...