Samsung Gear IconX 2020 (SM-R140) Review: Pair Skating

Editor's Choice

Bogdan Vyazovsky 03/08/2019

We present to your attention a review of the Samsung Gear Icon X 2020 wireless headphones.

At the 2017 presentation, Samsung presented improved Icon X headphones, which now support new features and high-quality sound.

The gadget is positioned as a sports headset that is resistant to damage.

Over the past two years, Samsung and Apple have launched a campaign to eliminate the widespread use of wired headphones.

According to them, such a step will make using a smartphone more technologically advanced and simpler.

The constantly breaking wired headset is being replaced by compact headphones that charge themselves and are controlled by gestures.

While Cupertino has taken more drastic measures (they stopped using the 3.5mm jack completely), Samsung still gives its users the right to choose.

All of their smartphones have a standard headset jack and come with some pretty good headphones. In parallel, the company is developing a wireless headset that has already surpassed AirPods in functionality.

Official sales of the new Gear Icon X in the world started in January 2018. Let's look at what headphones can do and what are their advantages over their competitors.

Specifications

The Gear IconX is the second wireless headphone released by Samsung. Compared to previous versions, the developers listened to the opinions of customers, releasing a device with improved technical characteristics.

Their complete list is available in the table below:

Equipment

User comments regarding the previous version of the headphones definitely benefited the product.

Wireless headphones have a minimum package. All that is included in it is, in fact, the headset itself, a special storage case, as well as a set of cartilage clamps.

Naturally, it wouldn’t be possible without a synchronization/charging cable . Here we are talking about a USB Type-C cable, made in white.

According to the owners, the synchronization cable copes well with long-term use, since the insulation now has a slightly increased thickness.

A Type-C to USB adapter was also placed inside.

Fig.1. Front side of the package with headphones

You can see what the complete package looks like in the image below.

Fig.2. Delivery set: headphones, ear pads, case and cord with adapter

Autonomy

Due to the fact that the manufacturer almost doubled the battery capacity inside the headphones (from 47 to 82 mAh), the operating time was significantly optimized.

According to official statements, if you listen to music from a synchronized device, the operating time will be up to five hours.

If the owner prefers to listen to music stored in the headset's internal memory, this time will increase by another two hours.

Which, in fact, is logical, because the system does not use the energy-demanding Bluetooth wireless protocol.

In general, the stated parameters correspond to reality.

At the same time, owners note a strange feature - the main earphone, through which the entire headset is controlled, can discharge faster.

Attention! On the one hand, this is not very critical, since the charging case saves the situation, but on the other hand, the owner needs to know in advance about this nuance so that if one earphone is completely discharged, he does not think that the headset is out of order.

Fig.3. Headphones inside the case

Charging is carried out using the supplied case. Users are also given the opportunity to quickly replenish energy via the included Type-C USB port.

The energy reserve of the supplied case is enough to charge the headphones almost twice, set to zero.

Design and main functions of Samsung Gear IconX

The Samsung Gear IconX is sold in a simple cardboard box inside a plastic bean case that doubles as a charger for the headphones. The kit includes two pairs of tips, in addition to those that the headphones are already equipped with, a cable for charging the case and two OTG connectors for connecting to the phone: microUSB and Type-C.

The case looks pretty decent, high quality. The only negative, if you can call it a disadvantage at all, is that it is too big. Compared to AirPods, it is more massive and convex than Apple's flat box. You can't put one in your pocket. Inconvenient.

The kit also includes instructions, if you need them, of course. Because to connect the Gear IconX to your phone, you don’t need to perform complex magical rituals. You just need to turn on the Bluetooth connection on your smartphone and hold down the button with the Bluetooth icon on the case. Connect to headphones on your phone. Ready. Works with all devices that have Bluetooth connectivity, be it a phone, computer or tablet.

The Gear IconX 2020 no longer has heart rate sensors. They spent too much battery power, which naturally reduced the headset's operating time. However, the old chip with built-in memory has been preserved. On the Gear IconX, you can play music straight from the nearly 4GB memory of the case itself. This allows you to extend the operating time of the headphones up to 8 hours. If you play music from your phone, this time is reduced to 5 hours. The case's battery can charge a discharged headset just once. Here the Koreans clearly let us down, because the battery of the AirPods case allows you to revive the headphones as many as four times.

The Samsung headphone case itself charges via USB-C in just a few hours. And it powers the headphones much faster. They can be fully charged in an hour.

Connection

To connect the headset to a laptop, smartphone, tablet and other compatible device, the Bluetooth 4.2 wireless protocol is used.

Despite the fact that the technical specifications state that it is not possible to synchronize with devices running iOS, you can still connect to an Apple smartphone or tablet.

However, with one amendment – ​​not all functions will be available. Synchronization with Android devices allows you to unlock the full potential of your device.

The usual creation of a wireless pair is practiced only for standard music playback.

If the owner wants to use all the functionality, to do this, you must first install the proprietary Gear Manager application on your mobile device.

It is available in the Play Store in the public domain, so there should be no problems with downloading.

It is also worth noting that updates are actively being released for the program, aimed at providing new features and eliminating discovered bugs.

Using a proprietary application, the user is provided with a wide range of settings, a choice of voiced alerts, as well as real-time audio transmission directly from the connected gadget.

Fig.4. Branded application

The 2020 model has its own memory with a capacity of 4 gigabytes.

This is quite enough to download your favorite tracks and listen to them without additional synchronization.

Users note that the presence of integrated memory eliminates the need to carry a mobile phone, which will interfere with physical exercise.

In addition, direct listening to music files has a positive effect on the overall autonomy of the device.

During independent tests, experts spoke positively about the connection with other connected gadgets.

It is noted that the device encountered signal interference 2-3 times, affecting the communication of the headphones with each other. However, they were short-lived and almost unnoticeable.

Functionality

The Gear wireless headphones come with available Bluetooth profiles that are common on other headphones of the same type.

A2DP is a profile responsible for transmitting audio in stereo format for improved sound. Built-in AAC and SBC codecs;

AVRCP - allows you to transmit voice commands to control the device, music in the player or switching media files on the smartphone;

Hands Free - provides full wireless control, the ability to control Samsung Iconx even while driving a car;

Headset Profile - enables the ability to use both the Gear headset and the player simultaneously.

Autonomy

The operating time of the Gear Icon X headphones in music listening mode is 7 hours when using a Samsung wireless gadget as a player. If you synchronize with your phone, the operating time will be 5 hours.

This duration is enough for a trip or flight. Athletes don’t have to worry about being discharged at the wrong moment—the Gear Iconx has enough autonomy for training.

Connection

The advantage of Gir headphones is that they can be connected to devices: from a tablet and smartphone, to a laptop or computer. If the smartphone is not an old model, then there will be no problems with the first synchronization.

If the Samsung Gear application is not installed, then before the first connection, install an application that allows you to control Iconx and adjust the sound. Initially, connect the case via a cable to a smartphone or other device; when you activate the application, pairing of the device with the smartphone begins.

Don’t forget about the old connection option, which is preferred by those who do not want to install the application on their phone. To do this, there is a bluetooth activation button on the case itself.

Place the wireless iPhones in the case, press the button, the detected device will appear on the phone. When connected, Samsung Gear performs standard functions of a wireless headset and headphones, but for more complex ones, such as a heart rate monitor, pedometer and music control, including its settings, it is worth installing the manufacturer's application.

How to control gestures

Wireless Samsung Iconx are controlled via a special touch panel on the body of each earphone. The sensor distinguishes between touches, number of touches and press duration.

Sometimes the Gear's touchpad may not work, the sensor area is small, and the sensor will freeze if the temperature changes or gets wet.

Gear Iconx Controls:

• single touch – stop music, play;
• double tap - play the next track, answer the call and end the call;
• triple tap – play the previous track;
• Single touch and hold - listen to the menu, reset an incoming call;
• double tap and hold to play the next playlist;
• Swiping up or down on the sensor increases or decreases the volume of the Gear Samsung Iconx's music.

Features not available on smartphones from other manufacturers

The functions on smartphones from other manufacturers are different. In some, transferring music from the phone to headphones using a USB adapter does not work; in others, the sports trainer and voice prompts are not activated.

It is recommended to find out what functions are available on your smartphone before purchasing, and also download an application for extensive functionality. However, if you use the device only for standard functions of the player and headset, then there is no need for additional functions.

Design features and capabilities

The almost cubic cardboard box carefully stores inside the complete package, which, as noted earlier, includes headphones, a case and additional accessories.

The shape of the headset somewhat resembles a large bean. The case has a beautiful appearance and is characterized by high build quality (as are the headphones themselves).

But if you compare it with the AirPods storage case, then it loses to its competitor in terms of compactness.

The flatter, rounded box with the American competitive device fits easily into a small jeans pocket.

By the way! In the case of these ears, the case can only be placed in a large pocket, but this will not be able to completely hide the case, since it will significantly protrude from the fabric.

Fig.5. Headphone design

Inside the box you can also see synchronization instructions. It is more aimed at users who have decided to test the practicality of a wireless headset for the first time, rather than at advanced owners.

At the same time, beginners will also not encounter problems regarding connection.

After all, to do this, it’s enough to create a mobile pair by turning on Bluetooth on each of the gadgets in advance.

The updated 2020 version lost the heart rate monitor, which was previously installed in each of the headphones.

The reason is that the built-in sensors consumed too much energy. And indeed, getting rid of the heart rate monitor, coupled with an increase in the internal volume of the batteries, was only beneficial.

The Gear IconX is now one of the longest-lasting music playback devices on the market.

In standby mode, the headphones will last up to 10 hours, when playing music from the internal memory - 7 hours, when synchronized - 5 hours.

Again, compared to its main competitor - AirPods, the case allows you to replenish the headset's charge 4 times, while the device's charge is less than two.

Charging the case itself lasts approximately 2.5 hours, while replenishing the energy reserves in the headphones occurs very quickly. For example, to continue using for an hour, just put a pair of headphones in the case for 10 minutes.

As for the design, the design differs minimally from the headphones released a year earlier.

On the other hand, differences are still present, and they are very important.

In addition to the aforementioned lack of a heart rate monitor, the engineers decided to add a number of alternative colors to complement the standard gray color - pink and black.

Fig.6. All color options

In the production of the case, high-strength plastic was used, painted in the same color, including the ear pads.

The front part also contains contacts for connecting to the charging case, an LED and a proximity sensor.

On the outside of the device there is a touch panel for finger control.

Even despite the increase in size of the 2020 model, one earbud weighs only eight grams.

Thanks to the carefully thought-out shape of the case, the headphones fit tightly, but at the same time carefully, to the walls of the auricle.

As a result, even with prolonged use, the owner will not experience any discomfort.

If the owner correctly selects the cartilage retainer and ear pad for each headphone, after 10-15 minutes the person will not notice that there is a headset in his ears.

Fig.7. This is what the headset looks like when in use

The presence of a touch panel on the outside of the case makes it easier to control the operation of the device.

Through pre-programmed gestures, the user can adjust the volume, control playback, and so on.

For now, doing this is not entirely comfortable, because the touch panel is miniature in size.

It is noted that the device is not always able to correctly respond to commands given by the owner.

The charging case has a more elongated shape. Considering that the engineers had to increase the capacity of the built-in battery, this, although insignificant, still affected the final weight of the device.

Samsung Gear IconX 2020 (SM-R140) Review: Pair Skating

Over the past couple of years, not only Apple has been actively promoting the idea of ​​abandoning the 3.5 mm headphone jack and switching to Bluetooth headphones. On the one hand, phone manufacturers are gradually abandoning this retiring socket. On the other hand, they are developing interesting models of completely wireless paired headphones. No matter how conservative music lovers advocate (billions of headphones already purchased on hand around the world, the “impossibility” of transmitting “real” quality via Bluetooth), the quality of sound transmission via a Bluetooth connection is constantly growing, and the rejection of a headphone jack allows you to free up even more space inside the smartphone case, where, as you know, every cubic millimeter counts for a long time. Samsung Gear IconX 2018 represents the second generation of paired Bluetooth headphones, presented at IFA 2020 this fall along with the Gear Sport smartwatch and the advanced fitness bracelet Gear Fit2 Pro. And these are not just miniature headphones, but a smart device (with its own application, of course), which can play the role of an independent player and fitness trainer.

What's included in the Samsung Gear IconX (2018) package?

The box with the headphones contains a charging case with a built-in battery (its capacity is sufficient to fully charge both headphones), a standard USB cable with a USB-C plug, two USB adapters with USB-C and microUSB connectors (I didn’t immediately understand why) and three sets of rubber ear pads and headphone arms. The ear pads are the same size, of course, round and interchangeable, but the letters R or L are written on the arms, and they fit only one earphone - left or right.

Although the Gear IconX has a separate smartphone app, there are four LEDs on the body of the case that indicate different charging and connection states. The instructions contain a summary table that deciphers all this color music. In 2020, it would be logical to reduce the entire user interface to an application. But since the IconX can be used as a standalone player with 4 gigabytes of built-in memory, perhaps it makes sense to have such an alternative signaling system. In general, it’s time to get used to total miniaturization a long time ago, but all these numerous contacts, sensors, microphones and LEDs continue to amaze me in such small devices.

What the Gear IconX headphones look like in real life

The first thing that catches your eye is the ergonomic shape of the headphones. Taking into account the touch panel for control and the great desire not to lose them during use, they need to be inserted into the ear only in a strictly defined way. We've all become accustomed to replaceable ear pads (although they are being replaced by Comply foam earbuds, which are even more interesting), but I must admit, this is the first time I've encountered separate replaceable ear pads. Usually, if present, they are combined with ear pads.

What does the IconX earphone consist of?

As I said, the IconX earphone is a pretty high-tech device. In general, it was not for nothing that Samsung brought IconX into a separate brand. This includes various advanced things (such as Project X, with an unambiguously visible desire to give it the status of an icon of style and technology). Each earphone has 4 GB of internal memory, an 82 mAh battery, two microphones (the second is used to filter noise during a call and is needed to transmit background sounds to the earphone - as, for example, Here One does) , a tactile sensor (it determines whether the headset is currently on or not) and a touch panel for controlling volume, calls and switching songs.

How to connect IconX to your phone

If you have a Samsung smartphone, and not the cheapest one, and bought this year, there shouldn’t be any difficulties. Just insert the headphones into the case, charge them and connect them to... your smartphone with a cable. To do this, use one of the adapters, which turns the USB plug into microUSB or USB-C. After which (I had a Galaxy A5 2020 at my disposal), the Samsung Gear application launches, which will allow you to connect, configure and manage IconX. If the application does not start (or you do not have a Samsung smartphone), then you should start by installing this application and immediately install the Gear IconX 2020 plugin for it. In general, such an abundance of settings has always been annoying in Samsung smart accessories (why not make one, universal application), but it’s worth saying that this year the degree of hell has noticeably decreased. You'll see, after a couple of years of such trial and error, everything will work perfectly.

There is a third, old-school way to pair the IconX with a smartphone. You need to put the headphones in the case and press the button with the Bluetooth icon to the right of the charging socket. The LED will blink and the headphones will go into the old familiar pairing mode. After which my headphones appeared in the list of devices under the name Gear IconX (9D52). In this mode, they can play the role of a regular wireless headset, but for other smart functions and to use them in player mode, you will have to install the application. If you have a Samsung smartphone, everything is fine (for this reason, by the way, such an accessory can be given to the owner of a Samsung smartphone - it will be a good gift), if not, some of the functions will not be available. On the one hand, this is unfair to buyers of smartphones from other manufacturers, on the other hand, Samsung is unlikely to be able to check the functionality of all functions with all possible models in the world. In general, the ideology here is simple (nothing personal): if you want trouble-free operation, buy a Samsung smartphone. Given its market share, one can hardly blame the company for this.

What can the IconX application do?

The application has two tabs - Information (opens by default upon startup) and Settings. In the first tab, you can adjust the volume, switch the earphone, which becomes the “host” during training (its sensor monitors and counts movements), and copy music to the headphone memory. You can also launch the Samsung Health application from this tab to track your training results (the first time you press it, of course, you will be prompted to install it). And switch the music playback source - headphone player or smartphone.

In settings, you can select applications from which notifications will be heard. And determine which tips from the virtual trainer will stress you out and motivate you to play sports.

The headphone search function will not be superfluous - when activated, both headphones begin to squeak, gradually increasing the volume. If one of them is lost, you can turn off the beeping of the second by pressing a button. By the way, if the headphones are on, the smart application will refuse to turn on this squeak, motivating its behavior with the phrase “apparently, the headphones are now on.” In the settings you can also control sound commands and control some functions without taking out your smartphone. If you press the touchpad and hold your finger there, then one by one (the order of actions can be changed) the menu sections from the list in the third screenshot are spoken. This way you can launch the Android voice assistant (for example, while driving) or turn on/off external sound (for example, a runner runs up to a pedestrian crossing and wants to temporarily hear the noise of cars).

How to copy music to IconX

There are three (more precisely, two, just with different transport) ways to copy music to the headphone memory. Install the Gear IconX Manager application (available for Windows and Android). By the way, distribution kits of both versions are in the headphone memory - if you insert them into the case and connect them to the computer, they are in the TOOLS folders. You can copy from your smartphone's memory via Bluetooth or a cable connection (for this you will again need one of the adapters included in the package). The fastest, of course, is via cable. Where to get music from - from a smartphone or computer - depends rather on where you store it.

How to control IconX with gestures

There is a whole signaling system to control gestures (it’s not for nothing that touch panels were installed on both headphones). These include tap, double tap, triple tap, and tap and hold with double tap and hold. Also, simply swiping your finger from top to bottom or from bottom to top, decreases or increases the volume, respectively. It all works quite well, but errors also happen. I would say my error rate was in the 20-30% range with a completely sloppy touch style.

What features are not available on smartphones from other manufacturers?

Perhaps no one will answer this question exactly, not even the IconX developers. I've used the headphones with several smartphones. For example, Huawei Mate 10 Pro did not allow you to copy music via a USB adapter. The difference is not fundamental, but I would say that the user of “non-native” Samsung smartphones should be prepared for surprises or to overcome possible technical difficulties. Although, if you use the headphones only as a player and a wireless headset for your smartphone, you can survive the lack of any additional smart functions like a fitness tracker or headphone search.

Do IconX headphones fall out of my ears?

Every time I come across miniature headphones, I ask myself this question. But it is worth saying that modern gadgets already fit perfectly in the ears and do not fall out. In the case of IconX, we are talking about a gadget that is also intended for running, so here the developers played it safe. Hence the clever ear tips and the ergonomic shape of the earphone. The main thing is to try all the ear pads and attachments before use and choose the best one so that you feel comfortable wearing them and the headphones don’t fall out on their own. In general, during my use I myself have never encountered such cases of loss. I believe that something extraordinary must happen for the earphone to actually fall out of the ear.

Which IconX earbud stores music?

In fact, the music is stored in both headphones at once. Because each, in fact, is an independent device, synchronized with another similar device. When you understand this, the next question arises - are there cases of desynchronization? I have never found myself in such a situation either, although I will not say that its occurrence is impossible.

How long do IconX last?

A question that can never be answered exactly, because everything is very individual. The manufacturer promises up to 7 hours of operation in player mode, up to 5 when playing music in conjunction with smartphones, and up to 4 hours in talk mode. From experience, I will say that this indicator very much depends on the volume level and all manufacturers use the average hospital volume level in their calculations. I listen to music at maximum volume (firstly, in extreme modes it is best to check battery life, and secondly, I like it better), this time was about one and a half times less for me. And do not forget that the battery of the case itself ensures a full charge of the batteries even in field conditions. Full charging time is about 2 hours.

How are the 2020 IconX different from the 2020 model?

There are few external differences - the shape of the case has changed, from oblong to more compact. The color options of black, blue and white are now black and pink. The headphones have become heavier - instead of 6.3 grams, each one began to weigh 8 (although it is unrealistic to evaluate this with human senses). The entire case has changed from 52 to 54.5 grams. Now about the good stuff - all the extra weight went into increased battery capacity: they got 82 mAh instead of 47 each. The battery capacity of the case has increased from 315 to 340 mAh. The supported Bluetooth version has been updated from 4.1 to 4.2. The requirements for smartphones remain the same: to work you need Android version no lower than 4.4 with a minimum of 1.5 GB of RAM.

Price issue and competitors

Samsung Gear IconX 2020 now costs 5,000 hryvnia. Frankly speaking, it’s hard to name direct competitors for them. It is clear that in terms of image they have to compete with Apple AirPods, which are interesting, but also not without flaws and now cost a thousand more. It is stupid to compare these two models point-blank - the audiences are too different, choosing different religions of the ecosystem. There is also an interesting model, Here One, priced at 8,000, with its own application and the idea of ​​background sound, but IconX also has this option, although without an extended equalizer system, preset profiles for the subway, airport, and so on. Plus, IconX is also a fitness device and a four-gigabyte player. Therefore, it is wrong to compare them with any sports wireless headsets.

Bottom line

IconX 2020 is an interesting uber-fitness gadget, worthy in its innovations of involvement in “Projects X” (as secret laboratories for new research within equipment manufacturing companies are usually called). These are three devices in one - a miniature wireless headset, a player with a memory capacity of 4 GB (in practice, of course, a little less due to the memory partition with computer software) and a fitness tracker. This gadget is well worth its 5,000 hryvnia, but it is best suited for owners of Samsung smartphones (which, in fact, is what the manufacturer wanted). Owners of other smartphones will have to work hard to ensure that everything works as it should, and some smart functions may still remain unavailable in their smartphones. These headphones do not fall out of your ears, the operating time is enough for several hours (you can’t dream of a full day). The case allows you to double this time, but to charge you will have to remove the headphones and place them in the case for a couple of hours. At the same time, it is worth noting Samsung’s noticeable progress in developing applications for smart accessories - body movements (especially for owners of smartphones of that brand) need to be done noticeably less than a year or two ago. This is very pleasant and comfortable - in fact, you can connect IconX to your smartphone from one application without having to go into the Bluetooth settings of your smartphone. If in the next version of IconX they add water resistance for swimming in the pool, I will definitely buy it for myself. Because this will be the world's first waterproof stereo headset with a built-in player. And, by the way, swimming also fits perfectly into the ideology of this model, since it is one of the types of fitness training. So I wouldn't be surprised if Samsung developers are already working on this right now.

Samsung Gear IconX 2018

IconX is a fairly high-tech device.
It is three devices in one - a miniature wireless headset, a player with 4 GB of memory and a fitness tracker. The gadget is well worth the money, but is best suited for owners of Samsung smartphones (which, in fact, is what the manufacturer wanted).

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uber fitness gadget

4 reasons to buy Samsung Gear IconX 2018 headphones

• You have a Samsung smartphone and want to try modern technology
• Are you looking for an interesting and modern gift for the owner of a Samsung smartphone?
• Are you attracted to the idea of ​​a Bluetooth headset with a built-in player?
• Do you actually use Samsung fitness apps in your life?

3 reasons not to buy Samsung Gear IconX 2018 headphones

• You don't have a Samsung smartphone and aren't prepared to overcome technical difficulties
• You need long battery life in your wireless headphones
• You are not ready to be a technology pioneer and pay for it

For those who want to know more

• Apple AirPods review
• Samsung Galaxy Buds Review: The Less-than-Ideal Bluetooth Headphones You'll Want to Buy
• Review of Huawei FreeBuds: paired technomagic that doesn’t break the bank
• MPOW T5 review: long-lasting wireless TWS headphones at half the price
• Sony WF-SP700N review: ear clams
• Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H5 review

Sound

To use them as a standalone music player, you'll have to remember the good old days when you had to search for mp3 files and then download them to your mobile device via cable.

It's exactly the same here. iPhone owners will not be able to play audio files from streaming services because the maximum file size downloaded to headphones is software limited to 60 megabytes.

The connection quality is at an excellent level, taking into account the features of Bluetooth technology.

Once every couple of hours, the sound in one of the headphones may disappear for a split second, and then immediately return.

The reason for this behavior is a number of typical Bluetooth interferences that occur in equal conditions with other competing devices.

For example, if there is an obstacle between the smartphone and the headset, a microwave oven is operating close to the user, and so on.

There is no noticeable sound delay while watching videos, so you can watch your favorite movies and entertainment videos on YouTube without discomfort.

Info! The sound corresponds to the level of A-class products. The bass is elastic, sometimes it may seem that the headphones independently saturate the low frequencies with depth, or there is simply too much of them.

The reproduction of mid and high frequencies is less expressive, but overall the sound is very balanced and clear.

The volume reserve is excellent, but excellent insulation will not force the owner to regularly turn it up to the maximum level.

Fig.8. During training

Speech transmission is not a problem area. The interlocutor hears the speaker’s voice perfectly.

You will encounter minor difficulties only when you are in a noisy environment, or in an open area with strong gusts of wind that blow out the microphones.

Engineers thought about the safety of those who prefer to train with headphones.

There is an option to “pass” ambient sounds. The trick is that the microphone picks them up, processes them, and then plays them back slightly in the background.

But there is one point

I don't wear headphones very much, but not very little either. I liked them, so the testing took two months. I don’t know how long they were used before me, but the point is that at the end of the second month of use, the right earphone treacherously malfunctioned. It works, but the music plays very quietly, and walking with a loud left earphone and a quiet right earphone is a so-so pleasure.

It was useful to read user reviews and realized that I was not the only one: some people have a similar problem, they need to contact the service center and figure it out.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• The charge will last for a day of active use if you have a case with you.
• Comfortable case design.
• Several ear pad options to choose from.
• Good sound insulation.
• Splash protection.
• Can be used as a headset for communication.
• Availability of built-in memory for downloading your favorite tracks and further playback without a smartphone.
• Wide range of settings in the proprietary application.
• High build quality.
• Availability of fitness functions.

Flaws:

• Large case that is enough for just two charges. If the first time it is enough to charge the headphones completely, after the second attempt the headset will not fully replenish the energy reserve.
• Minimum opportunities for owners of Apple equipment.
• High price.
• The touch panel on the outside of the headphones does not always cope well with user commands, so they often have to be repeated.
• Intermittent deterioration in sound quality when there is interference nearby.

Advantages and disadvantages suggest that the Gear IconX is, first of all, a headset for Android device owners.

It is this operating system that allows you to reveal the maximum advantages.

Fig.9. Gesture control

Reviews

I have a pair of '18s. I haven’t tried using it in severe frosts yet, but in the ’17 version they didn’t seem to complain. Discharges at the same speed.

I followed the news about the device, I wanted to buy headphones last year, but after the announcement of the updated model, I still wanted to save up some money and buy new ones. The ear pads do not put pressure on the ear, perfect for jogging. You forget about your headphones in 10-15 minutes. One charge is enough for me. True, I would like to see a smaller box. And so, I'm happy with the purchase.

I don't know why, but this is my situation. I use a virtual trainer in the app, he recommends that I run 2 kilometers. I run 7 laps around the stadium, 300 meters each, and the result shows me that I ran 2.7 kilometers. I don’t know, maybe it’s the GPS that’s slow, or maybe the app boosts my self-esteem. The headphones are comfortable, but after the first 30 minutes of listening to music I had to adjust the equalizer - the bass was too deep. But for fans of club motifs, this is most likely a cool model.

A pair of Gear Icon X cost me 10,500 rubles at a discount. For your money, in principle, the result is expected. There is practically no interference, the sensor is comfortable to operate in dry weather. When it rains, of course, any touchpad will start to get dull. Under a hat or hood, the headphones are almost invisible. The battery charge is enough to listen to music on the bus. But for very long trips, it’s still worth taking a power bank to charge the case.

Video reviews

Below we invite you to familiarize yourself with the list of the most popular reviews on the device.

Samsung Gear Icon X: a unique wireless headset

A compact wireless headset from Samsung with the functionality of a full-fledged fitness tracker, heart rate monitor and the ability to store music in a 4 GB storage capacity.

Review Review Samsung Gear IconX 2018

The best wireless headphones from Samsung.

Sound

You don’t expect particularly high-quality sound from sports headphones, but compared to the previous version, the Gear IconX 2020 was able to surprise. The model provides a fairly wide stage, well-developed mids and highs, but fails in the lows. Thus, the headphones are not suitable for bass lovers; there is practically no bass here. But overall, the sound quality is good, and the volume reserve is enough to listen to music even in a noisy environment.

As a result, the Gear IconX 2020 are not only suitable for listening to music while playing sports, they can be used as everyday headphones.