Samsung Gear Live Review: 1.63” Android Wear Mirrors Gear 2’s Display, Design; Specs Incl. Snapdragon 400 Processor, 4 GB Storage, 512 RAM; Still Not A ‘Head-Turner’ Smartwatch

Samsung Gear Live review: Powered by a dual-core Snapdragon 400 processor that clocks 1.2GHz, the Gear Live sports a 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display, 4 GB storage, 512MB RAM, and the same feel of the Gear 2, only this time, the smartwatch is open to Android phones with a 4.4.3 or later OS.

As Samsung's fifth smartwatch model and first generation Android Wear, many critics had high hopes that it would exceed its competition. But in spite of its simple, stylish design and wider scope of users, this Android Wear is still not a head-turner in the market.

The Gear Live's clean metal design only weighs 59 grams. Samsung has not strayed from the designs of its smartwatches-from the shape, material, and overall fitting in one's wrist. However, it has improved its dust and water resistant body, which can now be submerged up to three feet of water for 30 minutes.

Samsung has not been able to fix the Gear Live's problem with outdoor lighting. With a resolution of 320 x 320 pixels, the display doesn't work well in sunlight. Still, "Sharp, vivid, and iridescent, the 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display is a highlighting element of the watch," commended phonearena.com.

When it comes to performance, the Gear Live's 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon 400 guarantees remains responsive. However, some critics are saying that its pop-up windows may sometimes lag appearing.

Because this smartwatch is not limited to Samsung devices only, the Gear Live provides more apps for you to toggle with. It has snappy functions such as Commute, Fitness, Flights, Keep, Music Control, Navigation, Next Appointment, Reminders and Voice Search.

Like other Samsung smartwatches, it also sports a pedometer, basic fitness functions, and a built-in heart-rate sensor.

One of the biggest glitches of this Android Wear, however, is the terrible battery life. Its 300 mAh battery can barely get you through an entire day without the need to charge again. (And don't get started on that bulky charger.) Its fast drainage might be because of its "always-on" mechanism.

To sum it up, the Samsung Gear Live is still not bad for an Android Wear. It still delivers its main functions, which is to control smartphones through your wrist. However, its features are not something that would make you want to rush to the store. It is suggested that you wait out for a while and see the upcoming smartwatches that are about to be released this year.