Tool Reviews

The Galaxy Watch Active 2 is an example of how details can transform an ordinary watch into one of the best and most comfortable devices. The first series of watches appeared in early 2019, and users had their own complaints about them, such as the swivel dial frame that made the original Samsung Galaxy Watch so popular. But for the Active 2, the manufacturers clearly set out to get the most out of the watch.

The preservation of the characteristics of the first model has definitely benefited the watch – it has remained relatively compact, and the design is still minimalist. This is the main difference from the large and bulky Galaxy Watch, which appeals to those who tend not to draw much attention to their watches. As for the functions, everything is obvious here – Samsung once again tried, and very successfully, to compete with the Apple Watch 5. This, of course, affected the cost of the device.

We note right away that this watch is most suitable for confident Android users and those who are not too focused on fitness tasks.

Source: cnet

Modifications

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 went on sale in autumn 2019 in two versions: 40mm and 44mm. Both versions are significantly different, plus models with LTE support came out later. The cost is approximately equal to the price of the Apple Watch Series 3, which, unfortunately, has already been discontinued. So the watch manages to create an alternative to competitors, while maintaining a more reasonable price tag.

Design

Externally, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 40mm is a clean copy of a similar Watch Active model. The 44mm model takes a larger size, but in a more comfortable format, as opposed to the 46mm version of the original Galaxy Watch.

Both versions of the watch are lightweight. The smaller one weighs only 26g without a strap, while the larger one weighs 30g. The watch feels good on the wrist, but it does not interfere at all during classes or runs.

Like Active, the second generation of watches received an aluminum case. Color options include silver, aqua black and rose gold. An alternative option is models with LTE support, the body of which is made of stainless steel. The option is a little more expensive, but the colors are exactly the same.

The band is made from rubberized fluoroelastomer, a material familiar to anyone who has used the Apple Watch. And this is no accident, since such a strap is firmly held on the hand and feels very natural, which allows you to avoid discomfort during sports. This strap is comfortable throughout the day.

Source: Samsung

The strap is interchangeable, so if you get bored with the appearance or mechanical damage appears, you can always replace it with a metal bracelet or any other offered by the company.

On the back of the watch case is a heart rate sensor and 8 photodiodes, twice as many as the previous model.

There are two buttons on the side, in this Active 2 is also no different from Active. There is another back button on top and in some models it is highlighted. And of course, the home button is at the bottom and opens access to applications. By double clicking on it, you can open Samsung’s smart voice assistant Bixby. If you do not use it, there is nothing to worry about, in the settings you can set any other option, including Google Assistant, or simply make the button a quick access to the most used application.

The watch display is a round Super AMOLED panel with a resolution of 360×360. It is 0.1 inches larger than the Active in the 40mm model. The 44 mm version received a 1.4-inch screen and the same resolution.

This screen size is almost the standard for smartwatches and it is enough to view information, read text and messages.

Most of Samsung’s native apps are already optimized for this screen size, but third-party apps don’t always play perfectly. For example, YouTube on such a watch will only create problems.

The clock is controlled by the digital dialing function. Menu navigation is fairly easy and precise, although the control ring on the Galaxy Watch seems to be more comfortable, the Active 2’s controls come a close second. Plus, vibration notifies you every time you switch a function in the menu or settings.

This is much more convenient than trying to press the display, although the Active 2 also has such an opportunity. And yet, digital dialing is much more convenient, because the finger does not hit the screen and you can see what exactly you turn on.

Source: Trusted Reviews

Performance and Software

The Galaxy Watch Active 2 is powered by an Exynos 9110 processor with two cores. This is another similarity with the Active model and with the original Galaxy Watch. The frequency is 1.15 GHz and for a watch this is not only enough, but very fast. The watch runs on 768 MB of RAM in the regular version and 1.5 GB in the LTE version.

If we talk about the shortcomings, then the built-in memory comes to mind first. 4 GB is enough for navigation and running applications, but in practice, after downloading everything you need, you will have about 1.5 GB of free space, and of course, you will not be able to download a lot of music or third-party applications. This does not cause any particular complaints for most users, but it cannot be said that there is no room for improvement.

As for the operating system, this is the Samsung One interface, stretched over the Tizen OS. Again, since the first generation Active, the system hasn’t changed much. It’s easier to work with, definitely thanks to the new typing method, but even that takes some getting used to and some practice.

Samsung was keen to focus on new features, such as the ability to take photos with a smartphone through the watch app, and even use filters.

Quite a modern solution for mobile photography.

When it comes to third-party apps, Tizen hasn’t done much in this regard. The main applications are flashlights, calorie counter, running maps, etc. For the rest it is better to rely on native applications. Tizen in this regard is significantly behind WatchOS and even WearOS.

All the best features are delayed for Android users, from the ability to reply to a message to email interactions that go beyond notifications. iOS users will get their own options, for example Find My Phone will work even with DND enabled. But compared to Android, the functionality of the watch will be noticeably limited.

Fitness functions

The Galaxy Watch Active 2 offers 39 workout tracking modes in the system. Among the modes there are separate ones for running, cycling, walking and swimming. The watch does best with tracking cardio workouts, when gestures come into play, then the device becomes more difficult and affects the fact that it was not intended as a targeted fitness device. For example, squats are only fixed if the user extends their arms.

But the watch has no problems with jogging, and the Galaxy Watch Active 2 easily synced with Bluetooth headphones, which allowed you to comment and take notes right during your workout.

Listening to music is somewhat difficult, and this is especially noticeable for iPhone users. You can synchronize an account in a streaming service with the watch, but keep in mind that any notification makes the sound of the music quieter, so the user will not experience the pleasure of being completely immersed in the track.

The Galaxy Watch Active 2 is IP68 water and dust resistant, which means it can be submerged up to a depth of 5 meters. The watch even has a special lock option – it disables the touch screen functions and gets rid of excess water with the help of vibration.

Another feature is the built-in ECG capability that allows you to read your heart rate.

Source: Samsung

Battery

Samsung made a lot of promises when releasing the watch, but one thing that turned out to be a pleasant surprise was the battery capabilities. With standard use, the watch worked quietly for two days. This is significantly less than some other devices can offer, especially more fitness-oriented ones, but you need to take into account the specifics of the watch. And in this regard, although the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is inferior to the original Galaxy Watch with its 4 days of operation, it does much better than its main competitor, the Apple Watch.

Of course, it all depends on the tasks that you set for the clock. If you use GPS, listen to music, etc., then the battery drains faster. Additionally, the watch has a battery saver mode that turns off Wi-Fi and puts the device in “gray mode”.

The battery capacity of the 40mm model is 247 mAh, slightly more than the Active (230 mAh). The model with a diameter of 44 mm received a 340 mAh battery, but it is worth considering that it also has a larger screen, so the battery life is approximately equal.

Who is this watch for?

The Galaxy Watch Active 2 is a quality smartwatch with many social and sports features. First of all, they are suitable for Android users who want to keep track of every detail and new data throughout the day, even while jogging. The watch expands the functionality of the smartphone and allows you to track health indicators. It cannot be said that all these features have been brought to perfection, but the Galaxy Watch Active 2 has its advantages and they are quite obvious. For those who are looking for a more serious model, we would recommend the Galaxy Watch. But if you’re concerned about looks and style compatibility, then the Active 2 is more than the perfect choice. Due to its size, the watch is rather inconspicuous, but it looks expensive and impressive.

If you’re using the Apple ecosystem, then the Galaxy Watch Active 2 might not be the best option. The operating system is noticeably weaker than WatchOS, and the functionality for iPhone users is limited. Therefore, for all Apple users who do not plan to move to Android, we still recommend choosing the company’s native watch, especially since last season’s models are always available at about the same price as the Galaxy Watch Active 2.

If you still want to stick with an Android watch, don’t forget that there are many more interesting options among the various models. Many of them work on more comfortable operating systems and are much better “friends” with iOS, so be careful and pay attention to the characteristics that are important to you.