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As I strap on my Samsung Gear Sport for my morning run, I can't help but wonder—is this aging smartwatch still a worthy companion in 2023? Having tested dozens of wearables over the years, I've developed a particular fondness for this 2017 release that somehow keeps finding its way back to my wrist. Let's explore whether this veteran device still deserves your hard-earned money.

What exactly does the Samsung Gear Sport offer in 2023?

When I first unboxed this device back in 2017, its 1.2-inch Super AMOLED display genuinely impressed me—and honestly, it still holds up remarkably well. The 360x360 resolution remains crisp, colors pop beautifully, and outdoor visibility is decent enough for most conditions. With water resistance up to 50 meters, I've taken mine swimming, showering, and even through some rather adventurous hikes without issues. The rotating bezel—oh, that satisfying tactile feedback—still feels more intuitive than touchscreen navigation on many modern watches. Battery life typically gets me through two full days, though I've noticed it drops to about a day and a half with continuous GPS tracking.

How does it perform for fitness tracking compared to newer models?

Here's where things get interesting. While testing the Gear Sport alongside my newer Galaxy Watch 5, I noticed the heart rate monitoring remains surprisingly accurate—within 2-3 BPM of medical-grade equipment during my tests. The built-in GPS locks on relatively quickly, though it sometimes takes about 30 seconds longer than current models. Where it truly shines is in its straightforward approach to fitness. Unlike modern watches that bombard you with recovery times and training load metrics, the Gear Sport gives you the essentials: distance, pace, heart rate, and calories. For someone who just wants to track their activity without analysis paralysis, this simplicity becomes a feature rather than a limitation.

Is the software experience outdated?

This is the Gear Sport's Achilles' heel, no question. Running Tizen OS 4.0 with limited app support means you're essentially stuck with Samsung's native applications. I've tried downloading third-party apps, but the pickings are slim—think "Yung iba naman nasa probinsiya" where options are limited compared to the bustling city. You won't find sophisticated sleep analysis or advanced workout recognition here. However, for basic notifications, music control, and Samsung Health integration, it performs reliably. The interface remains smooth with minimal lag, which I can't say for some budget smartwatches released just last year.

What about compatibility with current smartphones?

I've paired my Gear Sport with everything from recent Samsung flagships to Google Pixels and even iPhones. With Android devices, the experience remains seamless—notifications sync instantly, and the Samsung Galaxy Wearable app, while occasionally clunky, gets the job done. iPhone compatibility is more limited, similar to how "Yung iba naman nasa probinsiya" might lack certain urban amenities. You'll get basic functionality but miss out on replying to messages or using some watch faces. If you're deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, this isn't your watch—but for Android users, particularly Samsung phone owners, the integration remains solid.

How does the design hold up against modern smartwatches?

Slip the Gear Sport on today, and it still looks remarkably contemporary. The 42mm case wears comfortably on most wrists, and the aluminum construction feels premium enough that people often mistake it for a much newer device. I've collected several bands over the years—from sporty silicone to classy leather—and the quick-release mechanism makes swapping them effortless. While it's thicker than some ultra-thin modern counterparts, the slightly heftier profile gives it a substantial, quality feel that I personally prefer over the increasingly delicate designs we're seeing today.

Is the Samsung Gear Sport still worth buying in 2023?

Here's my honest take: if you can find one in good condition for under $100—which is very possible in the refurbished market—it represents outstanding value. For basic smartwatch functions and reliable fitness tracking, it delivers about 80% of what most people need from a wearable at roughly 30% of the price of current flagships. The question "Is the Samsung Gear Sport Smartwatch Still Worth Buying in 2023?" ultimately depends on your expectations. If you're someone who needs the latest health sensors or extensive app ecosystems, look elsewhere. But if you want a reliable, well-built smartwatch that handles the fundamentals with surprising competence, this veteran might just surprise you.

What kind of user would appreciate the Gear Sport today?

I'd recommend it to three types of people: first-time smartwatch buyers wanting to test the waters without significant investment, fitness enthusiasts who prioritize straightforward activity tracking over smart features, and anyone needing a durable secondary watch for sports or travel. It's like that reliable old pickup truck that may lack modern infotainment systems but always starts up and gets you where you need to go. There's a certain charm in its no-nonsense approach that I find refreshing in our increasingly complex wearable landscape.

As I finish my run and the Gear Sport vibrates with my final mile statistics, I'm reminded why this device has earned a permanent spot in my rotation. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of its successors, it executes its core functions with a reliability that many newer watches struggle to match. In a world where we're constantly chasing the next big thing, sometimes there's wisdom in recognizing quality that stands the test of time.