Galaxy Watch is riddled with issues and should be avoided (2 years ownership)

[Ubiquitary]

Since owning my GW4 classic LTE for 2 years now I have given up on Samsung and will likely convert to Apple next phone purchase. This is the second GW4 I've owned as the first had to be swapped under warranty for charging issues. 

The LTE version randomly over heats when connected to LTE in low coverage areas. This issue has been reported by hundreds of other owners and Samsung has completely ignored it and should of been a product recall.

Samsung pay fails extremely frequently to a point where I can't even trust it and just use my phone instead. The software is slow, clunky and has frequent glitches. Recently I had an issue where Samsung Pay on GW kept asking to "stay connected to phone" even though it was definitely connected via Bluetooth and disabled the card I had saved to the watch and also wouldn't let me delete the card. I have had to re-add my debit card again and now have 2 copies on my watch where one is disabled and cannot delete and the other works fine. No online articles regarding this issue. 

The watch continues to chew through battery at an alarming rate even when taken off the wrist and sat on a table. Over 50% in 8 hours. 

I cannot emphasise how slow the watch is, opening the Samsung pay app takes over 5 seconds most of the time or just fails to load completely and then won't even work with with the eftpos machine. Turning on the power saving feature makes it even worse, the watch stutters and drops frames in almost all menus, constantly having to close background apps just for the watch to be even half responsive. 

For a nearly $600AUD watch its inexcusable. I work in the mobile repair industry and deal with both Apple and Samsung daily. There are definitely more features available on Samsung devices but what is the point when half of them don't even work. 

[CasperAUS]

Return it then and ask them to repair it

[Ubiquitary]

Return to where? The closest Samsung store is over 1000km away from where I live and I have to give up my watch for 2 weeks? All these issues happened with the first GW4 I got and from what I've read in forums these issues aren't unique to mine. Easier to just avoid Samsung for now on.

[CasperAUS]

You've heard of Australia Post? They can deliver almost anywhere in Australia.

[SamsungClaudette]

Hey @Ubiquitary

Thanks for reaching out. I suggest sending an error report within 2-3 minutes of the issue occurring for this to be investigated by our research and development team. Error reports assist with identifying any deviations in your device performance. Once analysed, our team will get back to you with a response to advise further steps.

To send an error report for a wearable, follow these steps:

1. Go to Galaxy Wearables app > click on the device desired on the side menu
2. In the side menu, tap Contact us > Error reports (in the Get help section)
3. Fill in details and the frequency of the issue that you have with the wearable.
4. Click send.

Kind Regards,

SamsungClaudette

[Ubiquitary]

I have sent numerous diagnostic reports. Samsung needs to be just better.

[SamsungClaudette]

Hey @Ubiquitary

Based on what you've described, I recommend for you to head into your nearest authorised service centre with your proof of purchase so that we can take a closer look into this. Please be aware that due to our Privacy Policy, your device may be factory reset before being assessed. I highly recommend backing up your device via Smart Switch, OneDrive and/or Google to ensure none of your data is lost.

For more information on how to back up your device: https://www.samsung.com/au/support/mobile-devices/back-up-samsung-device/

To book an appointment prior to heading in-store or to drop off your device via Australia Post: https://www.samsung.com/au/support/your-service/main

To find your nearest store: https://www.samsung.com/au/samsungstore/

Kind Regards,
SamsungClaudette

[CasperAUS]

If you read the thread properly, you'll see he is over 1000km away from the nearest service centre