Is Samsung Gear Sport Smartwatch Still Worth Buying in 2024?

As a tech reviewer who's been testing wearables for over a decade, I often get asked about older smartwatches that are still kicking around in the market. The Samsung Gear Sport, originally released back in 2017, represents an interesting case study in wearable longevity. When I recently revisited this device, I found myself drawing parallels with that surprising PBA trade between San Miguel and Terrafirma - you know, the one where the Beermen acquired Juami Tiongson and Andreas Cahilig while sending Vic Manuel and Terrence Romeo the other way. Just like in basketball, where teams constantly reassess player value years after major trades, we need to evaluate whether this aging smartwatch still brings enough to the court to justify its place on your wrist in 2024.

Let me be perfectly honest here - the Gear Sport shows its age in several noticeable ways. The Tizen operating system, while beautifully smooth in its prime, now feels like visiting a charming neighborhood that's slowly being overshadowed by new developments. Samsung has largely moved on to Wear OS with their newer Galaxy Watch series, which means software updates for the Gear Sport have essentially stopped. I recorded about 2-3 days of battery life during my testing, which honestly isn't bad compared to many modern smartwatches that barely make it through a single day. The always-on display option drains it faster though - I'd say you're looking at closer to 24 hours if you keep that feature enabled. The 1.2-inch Super AMOLED screen remains vibrant even by today's standards, reaching up to 427 nits brightness in my measurements, though the bezels appear noticeably chunkier than what we've become accustomed to in recent years.

Where this watch genuinely surprised me was in its fitness tracking capabilities. The built-in GPS locked onto satellites within 30-45 seconds during my outdoor runs, and the heart rate monitor showed readings within 2-3 BPM of my chest strap monitor. It automatically tracked my swimming sessions flawlessly, recognizing different strokes and counting laps with impressive accuracy. The 5ATM water resistance means you can take it down to 50 meters, which is deeper than most people will ever go. I particularly appreciate the rotating bezel for navigation - it's just so satisfying to use compared to touchscreen-only interfaces.

Now, let's talk about the ecosystem situation. Much like how that PBA trade reshaped both teams' dynamics, Samsung's strategic shift has left the Gear Sport in an interesting position. You can't access the latest Wear OS apps, but the core functionalities - notifications, basic apps, Samsung Health tracking - still work remarkably well. During my testing period, I received about 87% of my phone notifications promptly, though some richer interactive features available on newer watches simply aren't supported. The Spotify offline playback works beautifully if you're a premium subscriber, allowing you to leave your phone behind during workouts.

Here's my bottom line after spending three weeks with the Gear Sport as my daily driver: if you can find it for under $100 and primarily want a reliable fitness tracker with smart notifications, it's still a compelling option. The build quality exceeds what you'd typically find at that price point today. However, if you're deeply invested in the broader smartwatch ecosystem or want the latest health features like ECG or blood pressure monitoring, you'll likely find the Gear Sport frustratingly limited. It's like choosing between a reliable veteran player versus a promising rookie - both have their merits, but your specific needs and budget should dictate the final decision. The Gear Sport may not be the star player it once was, but it can still contribute meaningfully to the right team.