The smartwatch market offers a wide range of options, from feature-packed flagships to more affordable alternatives. We're pitting the newer Honor Watch 5 against the well-established Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum to determine which offers the best blend of features, performance, and value. The Active2, while older, remains a popular choice due to its sleek design and established ecosystem, but the Honor Watch 5 aims to disrupt with potentially improved battery life and modern features.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing battery life and potentially a more modern feature set, the Honor Watch 5 appears to be the stronger contender. However, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum benefits from a mature software experience and a proven track record, making it a solid choice for those already invested in the Samsung ecosystem.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - 44mm LTE version only |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 - 44mm LTE version only |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | No |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 05 | 2019, August. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX+), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 45.6 x 39.4 x 11 mm (1.80 x 1.55 x 0.43 in) | 44 x 44 x 10.9 mm (1.73 x 1.73 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | No |
| Weight | 35 g (1.23 oz) | 30 g (1.06 oz) |
| | - | 50m water resistant (IP68)
Compatible with standard 20mm straps
ECG certified
Touch-sensitive bezel
MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ |
| Resolution | 390 x 450 pixels (~322 ppi density) | 360 x 360 pixels (~364 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.85 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Type | AMOLED, 1000 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core 1.15 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Exynos 9110 (10 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-T720 |
| OS | MagicOS 8 | Tizen OS 5.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 4GB | 4GB 768MB RAM, 4GB 1.5GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer |
| | - | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless |
| Type | Si/C Li-Ion 480 mAh | Li-Ion 340 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold, Green | Cloud Silver, Aqua Black, Pink Gold, Phantom Violet |
| Models | - | SM-R830 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 300 EUR |
Honor Watch 5
- Potentially longer battery life due to newer chipset.
- Likely more affordable price point.
- Modern features and software (assuming recent updates).
- Unknown chipset performance and specifications.
- Less established ecosystem and app availability.
- Brand recognition is lower than Samsung.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum
- Proven performance with the Exynos 9110.
- Mature software experience and app ecosystem.
- Seamless integration with Samsung devices.
- Shorter battery life compared to newer models.
- Older chipset may struggle with demanding tasks.
- Higher price point compared to some competitors.
Display Comparison
Specific display details for the Honor Watch 5 are currently unavailable. However, given Honor's recent smartwatch offerings, it likely features an AMOLED panel. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum utilizes a 1.3-inch Super AMOLED display. The Active2’s display benefits from Samsung’s color science, offering vibrant and accurate colors. Without knowing the Honor Watch 5’s resolution or peak brightness, it’s difficult to definitively say which is superior, but the Active2’s established display quality is a strong point. The Active2’s aluminum bezel contributes to a premium feel, while the Honor Watch 5’s materials remain unknown.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Honor Watch 5 nor the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum are known for their camera capabilities, and neither device is expected to have a camera. This section is therefore not applicable to this comparison.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum is powered by the Exynos 9110 dual-core 1.15 GHz processor, fabricated on a 10nm process. This chipset, while capable, is several generations old. The Honor Watch 5’s processor is currently unknown, but given the market positioning, it’s likely a more recent, potentially more efficient chipset. The 10nm Exynos 9110, while adequate for basic smartwatch functions, may exhibit some performance limitations when handling demanding apps or complex watch faces. The Honor Watch 5, with a potentially newer architecture, could offer smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. The Active2’s performance is sufficient for notifications, fitness tracking, and basic app usage, but it won’t compete with flagship smartwatches in terms of raw power.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for the Honor Watch 5 is currently unknown. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum has a 300mAh battery. The Exynos 9110’s 10nm process isn’t particularly power-efficient, resulting in typical real-world battery life of around 36-48 hours for the Active2 with moderate use. The Honor Watch 5, potentially utilizing a more efficient chipset and optimized software, could offer significantly longer battery life. The Active2 supports wireless charging, a convenient feature, but the Honor Watch 5’s charging capabilities are currently unknown. A larger battery capacity in the Honor Watch 5, combined with a more efficient processor, would be a significant advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Watch 5 if you need extended battery life and are comfortable exploring a less-established smartwatch platform. Its likely focus on efficiency will appeal to fitness enthusiasts and those who dislike frequent charging. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum if you prefer a refined user experience, seamless integration with Samsung devices, and a wider range of readily available apps and watch faces. It's ideal for users who value polish and ecosystem compatibility over cutting-edge specs.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9110 chip in the Galaxy Watch Active2 overheat during intensive use, like GPS tracking for long runs?
The Exynos 9110 is known to generate some heat under sustained load. While it won't typically overheat to the point of malfunction, users have reported noticeable warming during extended GPS tracking or demanding app usage. This isn't a dealbreaker for most, but it's something to consider if you frequently engage in long, GPS-intensive activities.
❓ Given the lack of specific specs for the Honor Watch 5, how can I be sure it's a worthwhile upgrade from a basic fitness tracker?
The Honor Watch 5's value proposition hinges on its potential improvements in battery life and feature set compared to the Active2. If you're upgrading from a basic fitness tracker, look for reviews focusing on the Honor Watch 5's app ecosystem, notification handling, and overall smartwatch functionality. A longer battery life and a more comprehensive feature set would justify the upgrade.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 still receiving software updates, and for how long will support continue?
Samsung has ended major software updates for the Galaxy Watch Active2, but it continues to receive security patches. While the Active2 will remain functional for some time, it won't benefit from new features or significant performance improvements. This is a key consideration if you prioritize long-term software support.
