Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatches range from $150 to $400 depending on the model and where you shop
Samsung stopped making the Galaxy Gear line in 2015, so you will not find new ones from Samsung directly. If you want a Galaxy Gear smartwatch, you are buying used or refurbished stock from third-party sellers. Prices vary widely based on condition, model year, and seller. A used Galaxy Gear S3 typically costs $150 to $250. A Galaxy Gear S2 in working condition runs $100 to $180. Older models like the original Galaxy Gear or Gear 2 sell for $50 to $120 if you find them at all.
The reason prices are low is that these watches are outdated. They run Tizen, an operating system Samsung abandoned. They do not connect to modern Samsung phones the way current smartwatches do, and many apps no longer work. Before you buy used, check the exact model number and confirm it will pair with your phone.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatches have not been manufactured since 2015, so all available units are used or refurbished.
- Used Galaxy Gear S3 models typically sell for $150 to $250, while older Gear S2 models range from $100 to $180.
- These watches run Tizen software that is no longer supported, and compatibility with modern Samsung phones is limited or nonexistent.
- If you want a current Samsung smartwatch with active support, the Galaxy Watch series is the modern replacement and costs $200 to $400 new.
Where used Galaxy Gear watches are sold
eBay is the most common source for used Galaxy Gear smartwatches. Listings there show the actual condition, battery health, and whether the watch comes with a charger. Prices on eBay range from $80 to $350 depending on model and seller rating. Always check the return policy before bidding, because a watch that looks fine in photos may have a dead battery or unresponsive screen.
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist have local listings where you can inspect the watch in person before paying. Prices are often lower than eBay because there is no shipping cost and no seller fees, but you have no buyer protection if the watch stops working after you leave. Amazon also lists used and refurbished Galaxy Gear units through third-party sellers, though prices tend to be higher than eBay and the return window is shorter.
Pawn shops and used electronics retailers sometimes stock older smartwatches, but inventory is unpredictable. Call ahead to ask if they have Galaxy Gear models in stock rather than visiting without knowing what they have.
Why the Galaxy Gear line was discontinued
Samsung released the original Galaxy Gear in 2013 and followed it with the Gear 2, Gear S, Gear S2, and Gear S3 over the next two years. The watches were expensive for the time and did not offer much beyond notifications and basic fitness tracking. Battery life was poor, and the Tizen operating system had far fewer apps than Android Wear (now Wear OS) or watchOS.
By 2015, Samsung decided to shift focus to the Galaxy Watch line, which launched in 2018. The Galaxy Watch runs Tizen but with better hardware, longer battery life, and stronger integration with Samsung phones. Samsung has not made a Galaxy Gear watch since, and the company has moved away from Tizen entirely on newer models.
Compatibility with current Samsung phones
Galaxy Gear watches from the S2 and S3 era will not pair with Samsung phones running Android 10 or newer. If you have a Galaxy S21, S22, S23, or any recent Samsung phone, a used Galaxy Gear will not work. The Bluetooth pairing protocol changed, and Samsung did not release updates to make old watches compatible with new phones.
If you have an older Samsung phone running Android 8 or 9, a Galaxy Gear S2 or S3 may still pair, but you will encounter app compatibility issues. Many apps that worked in 2015 have been removed from the Tizen app store, and Samsung no longer pushes security updates to these watches. Using an outdated smartwatch on an old phone creates security risks if you use it for payments or sensitive data.
Modern alternatives to the Galaxy Gear
If you want a smartwatch that works with Samsung phones today, the Galaxy Watch 6 or Galaxy Watch 6 Classic are the current options. Both cost $300 to $400 new and run Wear OS, which has a much larger app library than Tizen. They pair reliably with any Samsung phone running Android 10 or newer and receive regular software updates.
If you want to spend less, the Galaxy Watch 5 (the previous model) is often discounted to $200 to $250 at retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart. It has the same core features as the Watch 6 and still receives updates. For non-Samsung phones, the Apple Watch works with iPhones, and Wear OS watches from brands like Fossil, Garmin, and Mobvoi work with Android phones across all manufacturers.
What to check before buying a used Galaxy Gear
If you decide to buy a used Galaxy Gear anyway, inspect the battery first. Open the watch settings and look at the battery health percentage. A battery below 70 percent capacity will drain quickly and may not hold a charge overnight. Replacement batteries for Galaxy Gear watches are hard to find and expensive relative to the watch's value.
Test the screen for dead pixels or discoloration. Turn the watch on and swipe through the watch faces to see if any part of the display is dark or unresponsive. Check that the physical buttons click and respond. Ask the seller whether the watch has ever been dropped or water-damaged, because cosmetic damage often hides internal problems.
Confirm the model number matches the listing. The model number is printed on the back of the watch or in the settings menu. Different Galaxy Gear models have different compatibility, so knowing exactly which one you are buying matters. Ask the seller for the original charger or confirm you can buy a replacement before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Galaxy Gear watch with an iPhone?
No. Galaxy Gear watches only pair with Samsung phones. They do not work with iPhones or Android phones from other manufacturers. If you have an iPhone, you need an Apple Watch. If you have a non-Samsung Android phone, look for a Wear OS smartwatch instead.
Will a Galaxy Gear watch receive security updates?
No. Samsung stopped supporting the Galaxy Gear line in 2015 and has not released updates since. Using an unsupported smartwatch for payments, passwords, or sensitive data carries security risks. If security matters to you, buy a current smartwatch model that still receives updates.
How long does the battery last on a used Galaxy Gear?
Original battery life was one to three days depending on the model and usage. A used watch with an aged battery may only last a few hours. Before buying, ask the seller how long the battery lasts on a full charge and check the battery health percentage in the settings menu.
Is it worth buying a used Galaxy Gear instead of a new Galaxy Watch?
No, unless you are buying it as a collectible or for parts. A used Galaxy Gear costs $150 to $250 and will not work with modern Samsung phones. A new Galaxy Watch 5 costs $200 to $250 and works with current phones, receives updates, and has a larger app library. The new watch is a better value.
Where is the cheapest place to buy a used Galaxy Gear?
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist often have the lowest prices because sellers avoid shipping costs and marketplace fees. eBay prices are higher but include buyer protection and a return window. Pawn shops vary widely. Always compare prices across all three before buying, and factor in shipping cost if you are buying online.