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The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is a stylish and feature-packed smartwatch that caters to fitness enthusiasts and tech-savvy individuals alike. Released as an upgrade to the original Galaxy Watch Active, the Active 2 offers improved health tracking features, a larger display, and enhanced software capabilities. This review will dive into the key features, pros, and cons to help you determine if it’s the right smartwatch for your needs.
Key Features of Galaxy Watch Active 2
Design and Display
The Galaxy Watch Active 2 sports a sleek and minimalist design. It comes in two sizes, 40mm and 44mm, with a choice of aluminum or stainless steel cases. The display is a Super AMOLED touchscreen with Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ for protection, ensuring durability. The edge-to-edge display maximizes screen real estate, and the digital rotating bezel adds a smooth, intuitive navigation experience.
Fitness and Health Tracking
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is its fitness and health tracking capabilities. It includes heart rate monitoring, ECG functionality, sleep tracking, and stress management. With auto-detection for exercises, the watch can track activities like running, swimming, cycling, and more without requiring manual input.
Samsung also introduces Running Coach, a feature that provides real-time feedback and fitness insights during runs. For swimmers, the watch is 5 ATM water-resistant, making it suitable for tracking laps in the pool.
Performance and Software
The Galaxy Watch Active 2 is powered by Samsung’s Exynos 9110 dual-core processor and runs Tizen OS, providing smooth performance. With 1.5GB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, it can handle multiple apps and store music directly on the watch for offline listening. Integration with Samsung Pay also allows for contactless payments.
Connectivity
The watch comes in Bluetooth-only and LTE models, allowing users to choose between standalone and connected options. The LTE model lets you make calls, send texts, and stream music without needing your smartphone nearby. It also supports Wi-Fi and GPS for accurate location tracking.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor for any smartwatch, and the Galaxy Watch Active 2 does a decent job here. The battery can last up to two days with moderate usage, although it may drain faster if you use features like continuous heart rate monitoring or LTE.
Pros of Galaxy Watch Active 2
- Sleek, Lightweight Design
The Galaxy Watch Active 2 is both stylish and comfortable to wear. The lightweight build makes it ideal for fitness tracking, and the design is versatile enough for both workout sessions and casual wear. - Comprehensive Fitness Tracking
With automatic exercise detection, heart rate monitoring, and advanced metrics for running, swimming, and cycling, the Active 2 excels in fitness tracking. It also includes stress monitoring and guided breathing exercises to manage stress levels. - AMOLED Display with Digital Bezel
The vivid Super AMOLED display is sharp and bright, even in direct sunlight. The digital rotating bezel is a unique addition, allowing for easy navigation without physically turning a dial. - ECG and Fall Detection
The Active 2 features ECG (Electrocardiogram) functionality, which monitors for irregular heart rhythms. It also includes fall detection, which sends alerts and can contact emergency services if you have a hard fall. - Tizen OS Performance and App Ecosystem
Samsung’s Tizen OS offers a smooth user interface and is compatible with a wide range of apps. While it may not have as many apps as the Apple Watch, it covers most of the essentials. - Water Resistance
The Galaxy Watch Active 2 is water-resistant up to 50 meters (5 ATM), making it a great companion for swimming workouts or when you’re caught in the rain. - LTE Support
The LTE variant allows you to use the watch independently of your smartphone, making calls, sending texts, and streaming music on the go.
Cons of Galaxy Watch Active 2
- Limited Third-Party App Support
Although Tizen OS is smooth and efficient, the app ecosystem is not as extensive as its competitors, especially when compared to Wear OS or Apple’s watchOS. This can limit the variety of apps available for download. - Battery Life Could Be Better
The Galaxy Watch Active 2’s battery life can last around two days with normal usage, but heavy use of features like GPS, continuous heart rate monitoring, and LTE can reduce battery life significantly. Some users may find themselves needing to charge the watch daily, particularly with the LTE version. - ECG and Fall Detection Availability
While the watch has advanced health features like ECG and fall detection, their availability depends on regional approval. This means these features might not work in some countries. - Price Point for LTE Model
The LTE version of the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is significantly more expensive than the Bluetooth model. This makes it a pricey option, especially for those who may not need standalone cellular connectivity. - Lack of Native Google Support
As the watch runs Tizen OS, Google services such as Google Maps, Google Assistant, or Google Pay are not natively supported. Users who rely on Google’s ecosystem may find this limitation a drawback.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 stands out as an excellent choice for users who want a balance between fitness features and everyday smart functionality. Its sleek design, comprehensive health tracking, and LTE connectivity make it a solid option in the smartwatch market. However, the limited third-party app support and battery life are areas where it falls short compared to competitors like the Apple Watch Series 7 or even some Wear OS devices.
If you are looking for a stylish, fitness-focused smartwatch with solid performance and don’t mind the limitations of the Tizen OS app ecosystem, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is a great buy. But if you prioritize a broader app ecosystem or longer battery life, you may want to explore other options.
Pros Summary:
- Stylish, lightweight design
- AMOLED display with digital rotating bezel
- ECG and fall detection
- Great fitness tracking and water resistance
- LTE option for phone-free use
Cons Summary:
- Limited app availability
- Battery life could be better with heavy usage
- Expensive LTE model
- Regional limitations for ECG and fall detection