Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2

Compared to its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is only a minor update. The Active 2 still has its predecessor’s modern, minimal, and slimmer look. It is rigorous and manageable enough to go for a run while having enough capabilities and features to rival the Apple Watch 5. However, with the extra features, the Active 2 is pricier than its predecessor.

It is still a solid choice for Android users who are looking for a smartwatch outside the iOS ecosystem. Of course, the smartwatch is still compatible with an iPhone with limited functionality though.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 Price 

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is available for purchase with a starting price of $279.99 for the 40mm model. For the bigger 44mm version, users will have to pay $299. LTE models are also available.

The launch price puts the device between the now-discounted Apple Watch 3 and the Apple Watch 5.

But if you want the Active 2’s functionality and save a bit of money, you could go for the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active. The Active 2 brings some extra features including LTE availability, digital haptic dial, and extra workout features. These are nice but they probably are not worth the price hike.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 Design and Display

Both options of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 are pretty light. For the smaller 40mm version, its weigh is 26g while the larger 44mm model weighs 30g.

Like the original Active, Active 2 comes with an aluminum body. There are three color options: aqua black, pink gold, and cloud silver. LTE models are in stainless steel but at a higher price. There are three different colors: gold, black, and silver.

The cheaper model is paired with a rubberized Fluoreoelastomer band.

If you prefer a classier look, you can choose the heavier stainless steel body and a leather strap. It is possible to switch the band if you want to.

At the back of the watch is a heart rate monitor that has eight photodiodes, delivering accurate readings.

The two side buttons are the same, a home button below to bring up your apps and a back button on top outlined in some case colors. By default, you can double tap the home button to bring up smart assistant Bixby. You can also set it as a shortcut to your favorite app.

The Samsung Galaxy Active 2 is equipped with the Super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 360 x 360. The smaller model has a 1.2-inch screen while the larger option sports an 1.4-inch screen. It is enough to filter through essential information.

Most of the first-party apps of Samsung are optimized for this display. The new digital dial helps users navigating through the menus easier. It isn’t as satisfying or as precise as the originaal Galaxy Watch’s tactile bezel. Every time you switch to the next setting or app, there is a vibrating tic.

It is a lot less loose compared to swiping, which you can still do if you want to. In fact, when you turn on the watch, swiping is the default method as the digital dial isn’t switched on. The dial is worth a try as it keeps your finder out of the way.

Samsung Galaxy Active 2 Performance and Software

The Active 2 is equipped with an Exynos 9110 dual-core chipset at 1.15Ghz. This is the same chip used in the Galaxy Active and the original Galaxy Watch. The smartwatch has 768MB of RAM. For the LTE model, that is upgraded to 1.5GB.

That is enough to zoom around the interface. But with the operating system as well as pre-loaded apps, you only have 1.5GB left to fiddle with.

Like its predecessor, the watch runs on Samsung’s One UI and Samsung’s trusty Tizen. The rotating dial helps users seamlessly sift through apps or notifications.

Unfortunately, Tizen’s support for third-party apps hasn’t been improved. Aside from run-mapping, calorie counters, and flashlights, it’s a high chance that you will need to rely on first-party apps. In this regard, Tizen is still lagging behind Apple watchOS and Wear OS.

The included apps are useful. However, iOS users won’t get to access all that benefit, like interacting with email or replying to messages. There are some things that have been improved. For example, Find My Phone will buzz your iPhone even when you turn Do Not Disturb mode on. However, you won’t get to try the full functionality of the smartwatch if you don’t own an Android phone.

Samsung Galaxy Active 2 Fitness

Fitness features and apps haven’t changed much. There are still 39 modes to track your workout, like walking, running, swimming, and cycling.

Generally, exercise modes work fine for routines related to cardio. But they struggle to work with motion-defined ones. For example, the “Crunches” mode, only counts reps when users’ hands are extended far over their knees. This means the smartwatch won’t count reps for crunches with arms crossed over chest. This problem extends to other workouts as well, like Jumping Jacks and Arm Extensions.

The Galaxy Watch Active has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. It can survive up to 5 meters underwater. There is a “water lock” mode with which the smartwatch will disable touchscreen functionality and vibrate to get rid of excess water.

The watch also comes with an electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect the rhythm and electrical activity of your heart. This feature is also used on the Apple Watch 4 and 5.

However, for Samsung Galaxy Active 2, this feature is not available at launch although the hardware is already here. Samsung needs to get approval from each country for its use.

Samsung Galaxy Active 2 Battery Life

With typical use, the smartwatch can last through two whole full days, Lots of activity like running the GPS or playing music can drain the battery’s capacity faster. It all depends on how much you use the smartwatch. There is also a battery-saving setting.

The 40mm model has a 247mAh battery while the larger model has a 340mAh battery.