The Galaxy Active wasn’t a successor to the Galaxy Watch, but it came in a very compact design with some very nice features. 6 months later, Samsung released the Galaxy Watch Active 2 which was equipped with a handful of features that its predecessor lacked such as rotating bezel, wider display, more durable, and enhanced activity tracking. Active 2 has of recent been cleared in South Korea for ECG and blood pressure monitoring. Meanwhile, the Active 2 comes in two sizes, 44mm and 40mm, and both are available in LTE and Stainless steel material. In this post, I compare the Galaxy Watch Active 2 vs Galaxy Watch Active to identify the differences between these two smartwatches.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 vs Galaxy Watch Active – Specs Comparison
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (44mm) (LTE) | Samsung Galaxy Watch Active | |
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ABOUT DEVICE |
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Device name | Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (44mm) (LTE) | Samsung Galaxy Watch Active |
Device type | Classic/Fitness/Standalone smartwatch | Classic/Fitness smartwatch |
Predecessor | Samsung Galaxy Watch Active | N/A |
Successor | N/A | Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 |
Date Released | September, 2019 | March, 2018 |
Gender | Unisex | Women (Also a great choice for men) |
WHERE TO BUY |
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DISPLAY |
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Display size | 1.4 inches (44mm) | 1.1 inch |
Display type | Super AMOLED Full color |
Super AMOLED Full color |
Display resolution | 360 x 360 pixels | 360 x 360 pixels |
Pixel density | -- | 463 ppi |
Display always-on | Yes | Yes |
Input type | Touchscreen, 2 physical buttons Digital rotating bezel |
Touchscreen, 2 physical buttons |
BODY |
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Shape | Circular | Circular |
Casing material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel/glass reinforced with polycarbonate |
Strap material | Leather | Silicone (leather straps also available) |
Bezel Material | Glass | Ceramics |
Weight | 42 grams (Stainless steel, without straps) |
23 grams (without straps) |
Color(s) | Sliver, black, gold (stainless steel) |
Black, silver, rose-gold and green |
Dimension | 44 x 44 x 10.9mm (44mm) | 39.5 x 39.5 x 10.5 mm |
Strap size | 20mm | 20mm |
Screen protection | Corning Gorilla glass DX+ | Corning Gorilla glass 4 |
Durability test | MIL-STD-810G | |
Waterproof rating | Yes, IP68, 5ATM MIL-STD-810G |
Yes, IP68, 5ATM MIL-STD-810G |
CLOCK FEATURES |
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Time/Date | Yes | Yes |
Alarm | Yes | Yes |
Stopwatch | Yes | Yes |
MEMORY |
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RAM | 1.5GB LTE | 0.75GB |
Internal storage | 4GB | 4GB |
Memory card slot | No | No |
MEDIA |
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Audio | mp3/mp4 | mp3/mp4 |
Microphone | Yes | Yes |
Loudspeaker | Yes | No |
Camera | No | No |
Music streaming | Yes | Yes |
CONNECTIVITY |
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Bluetooth | Bluetooth smart v5.0 LE | Bluetooth smart v4.2 LE |
NFC | Yes | Yes |
Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
Bluetooth calling | Yes | Yes |
NOTIFICATIONS |
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Calls alert | Yes | Yes |
SMS alert | Yes | Yes |
Email alert | Yes | Yes |
Reminder | Yes | Yes |
CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY |
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Network Technology | GSM/HSPA/LTE | No |
SIM | Yes, e-SIM | No |
FITNESS TRACKING |
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Steps | Yes | Yes |
Distance | Yes | Yes |
Calories | Yes | Yes |
Floors climbed | Yes | Yes |
Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes |
Heart rate monitoring | Yes | Yes |
VO2 Max. | Yes | Yes |
Stress | Yes | Yes |
Swim tracking | Yes | Yes |
Menstrual cycle tracking | No | No |
Blood pressure | Yes | No |
ECG Tracking | Yes | No |
Blood oxygen | No | No |
Preloaded sport modes | Yes | Yes |
PLATFORM |
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Operating system | Tizen OS 4.0 | Tizen OS 4.0 |
CPU | Dual core 1.15GHz | Dual core 1.15GHz |
GPU | -- | -- |
Chipset | Exynos 9110 | Exynos 9110 |
SENSORS |
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GPS | GPS/Glonass/Beidou/Galileo | GPS/Glonass/Beidou/Galileo |
Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
Gyroscope | Yes | Yes |
Heart rate sensor | Yes | Yes |
Barometer | Yes | Yes |
Compass | No | No |
Pulse Ox. | No | No |
Altimeter | -- | -- |
ECG | Yes | No |
Thermometer | No | No |
Ambient light | Yes | Yes |
OTHER FUNCTIONS |
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Interchangeable straps | Yes, 20mm | Yes, 20mm |
Custom watch face | Yes | Yes |
Voice Assistant | Yes | Yes |
Compatibility | Android 5.0+ & RAM 1.5GB+ iPhone 5+ and iOS 9.0+ |
Android 5.0+ & RAM 1.5GB+ iPhone 5+ and iOS 9.0+ |
Payment system | Samsung pay | Samsung pay |
Companion app | Samsung Gear app | Samsung Gear app |
BATTERY |
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Battery type | Non-removable Li-ion battery | Non-removable Li-ion battery |
Battery capacity | 340mAh | 230mAh |
Est. battery life | Standby :5 days+, Mixed usage: 2 days+ |
Standby :5 days+, Mixed usage: 2 days+ |
Charging mode | WPC based wireless charging | WPC based wireless charging |
Charging duration | About 1-2 hours | About 1-2 hours |
BOX CONTENTS |
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Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 | Samsung Galaxy Watch Active | |
Small and large straps | Small and large straps | |
Wireless charger | Wireless charger | |
Quick start guide | Quick start guide |
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 vs Galaxy Watch Active – Differences
Galaxy Active 2 |
Galaxy Active |
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Display |
1.4 inches (44mm) |
1.1 inches |
Bezel |
Digital rotating |
Digital rotating |
Dimension |
44 x 44 x 10.9mm |
39.5 x 39.5 x 10.5 mm |
Weight |
42g (stainless steel) |
23g |
Glass |
Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ |
Corning Gorilla Glass 4 |
Bluetooth |
Version 5.0 |
Version 4.2 |
Blood pressure |
Yes |
No |
ECG tracking |
Yes |
No |
Battery life |
2 days |
2 days |
Editor's Rating |
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Furthermore, while the Active has a case made of aluminum, the Active 2 is available in stainless steel and aluminum with the later representing the non-LTE model and the former is the LTE model. However, the Active is a more compact device than Active 2 which results in it’s lower weight, but in all, each of these two is a very lightweight smartwatch.
Going by the fitness tracking features, both the Active and Active 2 are well equipped to track your active life comprehensively. However, while each of these two is able to track your steps, sleep, distance, floors climbed, routes, heart rate, and calories, the Active 2 is a more holistic fitness tracker than the Active. Active 2 has an enhanced heart rate tracker which contains 8-LED compared to 4-LED on the Active. And like mentioned earlier, the Active 2 has been cleared in South Korea for ECG tracking and blood pressure monitoring joining the likes of Apple Watch 5 which also has the ECG tracking feature. Moreover, Active 2 has a better 32G accelerometer compared to 16G of the Active, this can ensure more accurate tracking and responsiveness to workouts.
The Stainless steel model of the Active 2 has LTE support which makes it a standalone smartwatch that allows you to make and receive calls without needing your phone. This feature might not be so enticing, but for individuals who need it, its a great addition that can help stay connected without having to carry your phone along.
The battery life of these two is about average when compared to all other smartwatches on the market. The Active has been tested to go about 2 days or more with light usage, while Active 2 with its bigger battery life, but bigger display will last about the same time as the Samsung Active watch.
Conclusion
Clearly, Active 2 is a better smartwatch than the Active. It looks more beautiful no doubt, and with the addition of digital rotating bezel, its easier to navigate. Active 2 is also a better activity tracker than the Active with enhanced sensors and more fitness features, and the LTE model is a comprehensive smartwatch.
If you already own the Active, an upgrade isn’t all that necessary. However, if you intend to buy a new smartwatch from Samsung, the Active 2 is your best bet.