It's official, the Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch will cost less than an Apple Watch

The Samsung Gear S2 features a 1.2inch round display, the firm's first

SAMSUNG'S stylish new smartwatch FINALLY has a price, albeit US-only.

 

It has been several weeks since Express.co.uk went hands on with the stylish new Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch, which was launched at the IFA consumer electronics tradeshow earlier this summer.

The beautiful Samsung Gear S2, the South Korean firm's seventh smartwatch to date, is a beautiful device.

It also has a rotating bezel – like a divers watch – which scrolls and navigates around the custom Tizen operating system.

 

There are also physical home and back buttons on the right-hand side of the 1.2inch circular display, these are used to quickly dismiss notifications on your wrist.

NFC and optional 3G connectivity mean you can use the watch to make contactless payments and phone calls without the need to be tethered to your paired smartphone.

The Gear S2 will ship in two different variations, a sport-focused entry-level model with a rubber strap, and the Gear S2 Classic, which has a leather band and looks more like a traditional timepiece.

 

The entry-level Samsung Galaxy Gear S2 is cheaper than the Apple Watch Sport

The Gear S2 has NFC for contactless payments and optional 3G connectivity

 

The Gear S2 runs Samsung's own Tizen software and is compatible with iOS and Android

Samsung has now revealed that the Gear S2 will start from $299.99, around £198 converted – a little more expensive than the LG Watch Urbane and some $50 cheaper than the entry-level offering from Apple.

Meanwhile, the Gear S2 Classic starts from $349.99 – some £230 converted – which matches Apple's lowest Watch offering.

Samsung Gear S2 watches hit US shelves on October 2nd from Samsung.com, Amazon.com, Best Buy and Macy's.

UK prices and release dates have yet to be confirmed.