The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 are the two recent offerings from the tech giant. The Galaxy Watch Active2, which was released in August 2019, is the least costly offering from Samsung. However, the big question on many people’s minds is just how similar is the Galaxy Watch 3 and is it worth upgrading?
Let’s see how both watches stack up against each other.
Galaxy Watch Design
The Active 2 is the smaller of the two watches, although there really is very little in it. It comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes compared to the 41mm and 45mm offered by the Galaxy Watch 3. In fact, these two models are far closer in size than previous smartwatches from Samsung have been. It’s not a bad thing.
Both models offer to navigate via two buttons. However, on the Active 2 Watch, these are flushers offering a more streamlined and sleeker look. Both watches offer the quality of display you would expect from a manufacturer like Samsung; 360 x 360 resolution is sharp, bold, and colorful. Both smaller-sized models offer a 1.2-inch display, with the larger models offering 1.4 inches. The main difference is the bezel. The Galaxy Active2 has a touch-sensitive bezel making it smaller and lighter. The Galaxy Watch 3, however, offers a rotating bezel which makes it a little larger and heavier.
- There is little to choose here so personal choice over bezel type may well be the important factor to consider.
Galaxy Watch Materials
The Active2 is a chunky but lightweight watch and comes in aluminum or stainless steel. The Galaxy Watch 3 is only available in stainless steel.
The Active2 comes in gold and black in all size options, while the watch 3 is available in silver or black in the larger size and bronze or silver in the smaller size.
- This one really is down to personal preference as there really isn’t very much to choose between the two.
Waterproof rating
Both models have a waterproof rating of 5ATM, which means that if you are looking for a watch suitable for swims up to 50m or showering, both offer the same features.
- There really is nothing to choose between the two models when it comes to waterproof rating.
Smartwatch features
Both the Active 2 and the Galaxy Watch 3 can take calls (if you have the LTE version) and download apps. This means that in combination with the fact that both offer plenty of RAM, you can also enjoy a smooth user experience. On a technical note, however, the Active 2 only provides 4GB compared to the Galaxy Watch 3’s 8GB.
- The Galaxy Watch 3 has the edge in terms of memory.
Smart features and health tracking
As you might expect with a slightly newer watch, the Galaxy Watch 3 does have a few features that the Active 2 does not have. It is a little smarter, offering the option to reply to messages with better pre-loaded responses.
When it comes to fitness tracking, the Active 2 is, in fact, a little better than the Galaxy Watch 3. Its weight is ideal for swimming, running, and HIIT. The smaller Galaxy Watch 3 is also good, so it depends on how important this particular feature is for you. Both models have accelerometers, GPS, and heart rate monitors offering you round-the-clock tracking for your fitness, as well as stress tracking, guided breathing, and plenty of motivational features.
However, if it is more in-depth data you are looking for, then the Active 2 offers automatic recognition of activity with its common sports mode. Perhaps this is something that may, however, be added to the Galaxy Watch 3 in a software update? Samsung has certainly been hinting at some new features yet to come, which may well bring the Galaxy Watch 3 in line with the Active 2 in terms of fitness tracking.
On the health front, both models offer blood pressure monitoring, blood oxygen measuring and have ECG sensors.
- If smartwatch features are top of your list, then opt for the Galaxy Watch 3. If however fitness tracking is your number one priority, then you really can’t go wrong with the Active 2.
Conclusion
There are several differences between the two models. However, they are relatively minor. All it boils down to between the Active 2, and the Galaxy Watch 3 is a personal preference. The size and weight of the watch, as well as a preference for more fitness features or smartwatch features, are likely to drive your choice. There are plenty of reasons that the Active 2, despite being older, is still an incredibly popular model.
Now it’s finally here, check out the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
| Product | Supplier | |
| Galaxy Watch 5 | Amazon | Check Price |
| Galaxy Watch 5 | eBay | Check Price |
| Watch 4 Classic | eBay | Check Price |
| Galaxy Watch 4 | Target | Check Price |
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Last Updated on December 30, 2021
A highly motivated all-around writing professional with experience in writing about modern technology. Joanne writes for Superwatches for over 2 years now. Joanne specializes in product comparisons and reviews for us and we truly appreciate the quality of her work.
Lives in Congleton, UK.
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A highly motivated all-around writing professional with experience in writing about modern technology. Joanne writes for Superwatches for over 2 years now. Joanne specializes in product comparisons and reviews for us and we truly appreciate the quality of her work.
Lives in Congleton, UK.