Samsung Gear S2 hands-on: Svelte design and a brilliant rotating bezel

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ars.AD.queue.push(["xrailTop", {sz:"300x251", kws:["bottom"], collapse: true}]);BERLIN—The Samsung Gear S2 is an odd beast. It's easily the best-looking smartwatch Samsung has ever made, and while it doesn't quite match the premium styling of the Apple Watch or the Moto 360, its stainless steel construction and small size make it rather handsome. The trouble is, like previous Gear smartwatches, it also runs Samsung's Linux-based Tizen OS—and no matter how good it might be, it's tough to see developers opting to develop for it over the likes of the Apple Watch or Android Wear.

That the Gear S2 wasn't even mentioned in Samsung's main IFA presentation is telling. Early rumours pointed to the company unveiling a suite of new apps for the smartwatch during the show, and while there are quite a few now available on the Gear app store, the selection isn't as broad as its competitors. Samsung told us that the Gear S2 will be compatible with a range of Android phones, not just the company's own Galaxy devices.

The rectilinear silhouette of previous Galaxy Gear watches has finally been given the boot in favour of a circular screen, with two possible stainless steel finishes: a smooth sci-fi look with proprietary rubber watch straps (pictured above); and another version that looks slightly more like a traditional watch, with a knurled bezel and standard watch strap lugs. I prefer the look of the latter, but both have their charms.