The first generation smart watch by Samsung that offers many of the functions of a smart phone, such as making and receiving calls, sending text messages, downloading apps and even capturing photos and videos. The Galaxy Gear runs a heavily-modified version of Android operating system optimized for the smaller 1.63-inch touch screen. There are no widgets, multiple home screens or multi-tasking toolbars, but just a simple clock face home screen and an icon-based menu system that shows one option at a time. Using simple swipe gestures, users can navigate through the menu to access apps, phone dialer and camera.

There are two microphones on either side of the watch face that work in tandem for noise cancellation during phone calls, and the speaker is built into the band's buckle. The 1.9-megapixel camera is located on the top end of the watch band. The Galaxy Gear is designed as a "companion device", meaning it has to be paired with a smart phone to function properly.