The smartwatch market is one that’s still maturing and getting off the ground, but for pioneers like Samsung, there’s a lot of progress to be made. Entering the market some time ago with the original Galaxy Gear, Samsung knows what they’re doing when it comes to wearables and their new Gear S2 has been the device worth waiting for. Or at least, that’s what early figures are suggesting, that is.
According to a recent report, 180,000 or so units of the Gear S2 have been sold in just eight hours in China. That might not seem like a huge figure, and indeed it’s not, but for a market where expensive technology items are often overlooked for more affordable alternative, this is a great start, indeed. The sales were made through JD.com, a very popular online retailer in China, which is perhaps down to the early success. Selling through the right outlet in China is part of the battle. The Gear S2 and Gear S2 Classic cost around $350 and $390, respectively in China and while these prices aren’t through-the-roof, there are cheaper alternatives out there. Of course, the fact that people are already complaining about supply shortages is another good sign for Samsung’s first smartwatch in some time.
Whether or not Samsung can convert this instant success in China to a global one remains to be seen, but so far customers and critics have been positive about the new device. Will a look and feel that is much more like a watch first, gadget second than say, the Apple Watch, it looks as though Samsung have a winner on their hands. Here in the US, the Gear S2 goes on sale at T-Mobile Stores in just a few days, and while it’s not all that cheap, it’s nowhere near as expensive as the original Gear S was, and will be more appealing to more users. With a fresh new UI and more features, the Gear S2 could be one of the better smartwatch options for those with Samsung devices.