Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2

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Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2
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Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Review

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2, launched in 2019, is a versatile smartwatch that combines fitness tracking with smart features in a sleek and stylish package. This review explores its specifications, pros, cons, and overall performance to help you decide if it’s the right smartwatch for you.

Specifications

  • Display:
    • 1.4-inch (40mm) or 1.2-inch (44mm) Super AMOLED
    • Resolution: 360 x 360 pixels
    • Always-on display
  • Processor:
    • Exynos 9110 Dual-Core 1.15 GHz
  • Operating System:
    • Tizen OS 5.5
  • RAM:
    • 1.5GB
  • Storage:
    • 4GB internal storage
  • Battery:
    • 247mAh (40mm) / 340mAh (44mm)
    • Battery life: Up to 2 days on normal use
  • Connectivity:
    • Bluetooth 5.0
    • Wi-Fi b/g/n
    • NFC for Samsung Pay
    • Optional LTE model available
  • Sensors:
    • Heart rate sensor
    • Accelerometer
    • Gyroscope
    • Barometer
    • ECG monitoring
  • Water Resistance:
    • IP68 and 5ATM rating
  • Compatibility:
    • Android 5.0 or higher
    • iOS 9.0 or higher
  • Weight:
    • 40mm: 26g (Wi-Fi), 30g (LTE)
    • 44mm: 30g (Wi-Fi), 34g (LTE)
  • Features:
    • Fitness and health tracking (heart rate, sleep, stress, etc.)
    • Samsung Pay
    • Customizable watch faces
    • Music playback control

Pros of Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2

  1. Elegant Design:
    • The Galaxy Watch Active2 features a sleek, minimalist design that appeals to both fitness enthusiasts and everyday users. It comes in various colors and finishes, allowing for personalization.
  2. Vibrant Display:
    • The Super AMOLED display is bright and vibrant, offering excellent visibility in various lighting conditions. The always-on display feature enhances usability.
  3. Comprehensive Fitness Tracking:
    • With a wide range of fitness and health tracking capabilities, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress management, the Active2 caters to users looking to maintain or improve their health.
  4. Long Battery Life:
    • The battery life of up to two days, depending on usage, is competitive for smartwatches in this category. The device also supports quick charging.
  5. LTE Connectivity:
    • The optional LTE model allows users to stay connected even without their smartphone, making it convenient for workouts or outdoor activities.
  6. Customizability:
    • Users can choose from various watch faces and straps, enabling a personalized look that matches their style.
  7. Integration with Samsung Ecosystem:
    • The watch seamlessly integrates with other Samsung devices, enhancing the overall user experience for those already in the Samsung ecosystem.
  8. Water Resistance:
    • The IP68 and 5ATM ratings mean the watch can withstand immersion in water, making it suitable for swimming and other water-related activities.

Cons of Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2

  1. Limited App Availability:
    • While the Tizen OS supports many essential apps, the overall app ecosystem is less extensive compared to competitors like Wear OS or watchOS.
  2. Performance with iOS:
    • Although the Active2 is compatible with iOS devices, some features may be limited compared to when paired with Samsung smartphones.
  3. Bulkiness:
    • Despite being stylish, some users may find the watch slightly bulkier than competing models, which could affect comfort, especially during sleep tracking.
  4. Price:
    • The pricing may be considered high for a smartwatch, especially for budget-conscious consumers.
  5. Battery Management:
    • While the battery life is decent, intensive usage (like GPS tracking or music streaming) may drain the battery faster than expected.
  6. No Built-in GPS:
    • The absence of built-in GPS in the standard model may be a drawback for serious runners or outdoor enthusiasts who prefer to track their routes without a phone.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 is an impressive smartwatch that effectively combines style, functionality, and health tracking features. Its elegant design, vibrant display, and comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities make it an appealing choice for those looking to enhance their health and fitness journey.

While it has a few drawbacks, such as limited app availability and performance issues when paired with iOS, it still stands out as a top contender in the smartwatch market. If you’re already within the Samsung ecosystem or seeking a stylish, feature-rich smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch Active2 is definitely worth considering.

 

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 User Review

Design That Feels Modern and Comfortable

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 really impressed me with its sleek, minimalist design. It’s lightweight, has a soft silicone band, and the circular display feels much more like a traditional watch than the squarish designs of competitors like the Apple Watch SE. The build is solid, with options in both aluminum and stainless steel, depending on your preference and budget.

Display and User Experience

The AMOLED screen is vibrant and easy to read in all lighting conditions. The touch bezel is surprisingly intuitive, allowing you to scroll through menus without smudging the display. Navigation with Samsung’s Tizen OS is mostly smooth, though I did notice occasional lag compared to the faster UI on the Apple Watch SE or Fitbit Versa 3. Still, the customizable watch faces and widgets give it a distinct edge in personalization.

Fitness Tracking and Health Features

For fitness, the Watch Active2 tracks a wide range of workouts automatically, including walking, running, cycling, and swimming. The heart rate monitor is accurate, and the sleep tracking has been fairly detailed. However, the blood pressure and ECG features are still region-locked or require separate apps, which is a bit frustrating compared to Fitbit’s more open features. Still, I find Samsung Health to be a well-organized and detailed platform overall.

Battery Life and Charging

The battery life is decent, but not outstanding. With moderate use, I get around 1.5 to 2 days on a single charge. That’s noticeably less than what I used to get from my Fitbit Versa, which could stretch into 4+ days. Wireless charging is a nice touch, though it’s slow, and the charger itself isn’t very travel-friendly.

Apps and Ecosystem

While the Galaxy Watch Active2 supports a fair number of third-party apps, it’s not nearly as rich as what Apple Watch offers. You’ll find essentials like Spotify, Strava, and some messaging support, but don’t expect deep app integration. That said, notifications work well and are easy to interact with directly from the watch, especially for Android users.

Finally

Overall, the Galaxy Watch Active2 is a strong option if you’re an Android user looking for a stylish and capable smartwatch. It balances fitness tracking and smart features well, though it does lag slightly behind in battery life and app ecosystem compared to the likes of Apple and Fitbit. For a detailed breakdown, check out the official Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 page.