If you love tech, you’re probably excited about updates and new models. As for choosing an excellent Android smartwatch, Samsung is always one of the top choices. The Galaxy Watch Active was first released 2 years ago. With the arrival of the Active 2 a few months later, we were once again spoiled. But which is best, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active or Galaxy Watch Active 2?
With improved and additional features, we have a lot to explore. In light of this, the first model remains an excellent smartwatch with tons of features and functions. It’s also more cost-effective for individuals on a tight budget. In fact, both of these smartwatches from Samsung have a lot to give. It’s your task to pick which option is preferable based on your requirements.
What’s new?
Both of these smartwatches share more than just names. They’re both jam-packed with great features like heart-rate monitoring, advanced fitness tracking, onboard GPS, smart notifications, and contactless payments via Samsung Pay, to name a few.
Sensors
A real-time ECG feature will help you detect irregular heart rhythms. Improvements include a more precise LED-based heart rate monitor, a sophisticated accelerometer, and better GPS accuracy. When coupled with the latest Samsung Health Monitor app, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 now has blood pressure monitoring.
And more
A recent upgrade has also given the Galaxy Watch Active 2 some of the capabilities of the Galaxy Watch 3. The Running Analysis function is intended to encourage you to improve your technique, prevent injuries, and become a better runner. Users may now calculate their VO2 max, the maximum oxygen concentration a person can use during intensive exercise. This function can assist you in determining your overall fitness and performance capability so that you can gradually enhance your endurance.
Emergency features
The Fall Detection function is now available to Galaxy Watch Active 2 users. You’ll be given the choice to send an SOS notice to up to four chosen contacts when a possible fall is detected. Another helpful addition is on-wrist communication.
Messages
You can now see emoticons and pictures on your wrist instead of using your smartphone when you get a message.
A smartwatch will also display the entire thread of a conversation as opposed to only displaying one message. The scroll capture function allows you to snap a screenshot of your smartwatch and send it as a picture to your smartphone.
LTE
The most notable update is the addition of a cellular LTE connection to the Galaxy Watch Active 2. Applications on your phone send alerts to your wearable as normal, but the LTE model offers improved compatibility for apps like Twitter and Youtube. This enables you to view videos and engage with tweets without having to take your phone out of your pocket. With this function, you’ll be able to make a call and send and receive messages without carrying your smartphone with you during exercise.
Rotating bezel
As you may recall, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 addressed the long-awaited desire for a rotating bezel, which was missing from the original. Users who adored the original now have their wishes fulfilled. According to many users, one of the most attractive features of the new device is its responsive bezel.
The redesigned digital rotating bezel lets you explore the Active 2 interface while keeping the screen size as large as possible. There are no bulky moving components to worry about since it’s right on the AMOLED screen. To progress screens and choose applications, spin it both clockwise and counterclockwise. This unique function, however, is no longer limited to the 2nd version.
Fitness and health monitoring
Fitness and health monitoring have changed significantly in recent years. The enhanced Running Coach function, on the other hand, now includes real-time pace data. Before you begin, you’ll be given a summary of what to anticipate from your exercise. As you walk, jog, or run, you can hear audio prompts from the watch speaker or Bluetooth headphones.
The Galaxy Watch Active gets more than just a responsive bezel with this upgrade. The new “My Style” feature on the original Watch Active allows users to personalize watch faces to match their clothes. When the software update is downloaded, users will be able to use Bixby Voice for launching workout programs and all the features it offers. The original version of the Watch Active 2 now includes many of those features that distinguished its predecessor.
Finally, the activity monitoring on this new replacement is mostly unchanged. It can still track over 39 exercises, monitor sleep habits, and provide guided meditation to help manage stress. As you’ll see, the Galaxy Watch Active is still a fantastic wearable and a great rival. However, the updated version does provide some additional features for some users.
Verdict
How does Samsung Galaxy Watch Active differ from Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 Aluminium 44mm?
- 0.4mm thinner (10.5mm versus 10.9mm)
- 27.2% higher pixel density
- 5g lighter (25g versus 30g)
- 4.5mm narrower (39.5mm versus 44mm)
- 22.37% smaller
What makes Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminium 44mm better than Samsung Galaxy Watch Active?
- 0.5 days longer battery life (2.5 days versus 2 days)
- Can be used to answer calls
- 47.83% more battery power
- Automatically syncs
- 0.8 newer Bluetooth version (5 versus 4.2)
- 27.27% bigger screen size (1.4 inch versus 1.1 inch)
- Route tracker
- Irregular heart rate warnings
If you’ve been waiting for an LTE-enabled fitness wristwatch and are already familiar with the Galaxy ecosystem, the upgrading is a no-brainer.
You might consider upgrading if you are interested in all the new features and improvements. You’ll also have the choice of two other sizes: 40mm and 44mm. The larger size is ideal for people with larger wrists, and the 1.4-inch display is stunning. Lightweight aluminum with a soft band and quality solid stainless steel with a leather strap is also available. You’ll also enjoy the fact that the bands of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 are replaceable.
Should you upgrade?
When comparing these two, you might discover that you prefer the Galaxy Watch Active 2. You’ll like all of the new features and the careful attention to the important details. If you were dissatisfied with the first Galaxy Watch Active, we suggest upgrading for sure. Those satisfied with the original and do not need ECG or LTE might choose not to update.
In general, it doesn’t make sense to pay so much more for the predecessor than the Watch Active 2 unless you want those bells and whistles. After all, you still get all of the tracking and smartwatch functions that come with the original watch.
Depending on the model, the new smartwatch varies in price. The most inexpensive of the group is the 40mm aluminum Bluetooth-only version. The price will increase if you choose the bigger 44mm model or add an LTE connection. In any case, both of these watches are excellent choices for fitness enthusiasts. A replacement for the Galaxy Watch Active 2 may soon be on the way after the product was on the market for quite some time. It may be better for certain consumers to wait until the next model is released.
If you’re keen to learn more about Samsung watches, check out our Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Overview.
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Last Updated on February 3, 2022
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