The smartwatch market offers options at every price point. We're pitting the newly released Lava Prowatch V1 against the well-regarded Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum to see how a newcomer stacks up against a seasoned competitor. This comparison focuses on understanding where each watch excels, given the significant information gap surrounding the Lava Prowatch V1's detailed specifications.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a proven track record and robust feature set, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum is the clear winner. Its Exynos 9110 chipset provides a demonstrable performance advantage, and the established software ecosystem offers a smoother experience. However, the Lava Prowatch V1 may appeal to budget-conscious buyers willing to trade performance for affordability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - 44mm LTE version only |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 - 44mm LTE version only |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, January 11 | 2019, August. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, January 11 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX+), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | - | 44 x 44 x 10.9 mm (1.73 x 1.73 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | - | 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 3 | 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, 500 nits | Super AMOLED |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core 1.15 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Exynos 9110 (10 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-T720 |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Tizen OS 5.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 4GB 768MB RAM, 4GB 1.5GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer |
| | - | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 270 mAh | Li-Ion 340 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black Nebula, Bluish Ronin, Peachy Hikari, Mint Shinobi | Cloud Silver, Aqua Black, Pink Gold, Phantom Violet |
| Models | - | SM-R830 |
| Price | About 30 EUR | About 300 EUR |
Lava Prowatch V1
- Potentially very affordable price point
- Likely lightweight and comfortable design
- Basic smartwatch functionality (notifications, activity tracking)
- Unknown processor performance
- Lack of detailed specifications
- Potentially limited app ecosystem
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum
- Powerful Exynos 9110 processor
- Wireless charging convenience
- Established Wear OS ecosystem and app support
- Higher price compared to potential Lava Prowatch V1 cost
- Battery life can be limited with heavy use
- Aluminum build may show scratches over time
Display Comparison
Given the lack of Lava Prowatch V1 display specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum features a 1.3-inch Super AMOLED display. AMOLED technology inherently offers superior contrast and vibrant colors compared to the LCD panels commonly found in budget smartwatches, suggesting a visual advantage for the Samsung device. The Active2's display resolution (360x360) also contributes to a sharper image. Without knowing the Prowatch V1's resolution and panel type, it's safe to assume the Active2 offers a superior viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is known for its camera capabilities, and the Lava Prowatch V1's camera specifications are unavailable. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 does not feature a camera. This isn't necessarily a drawback, as smartwatch cameras are often low-quality and rarely used. The absence of a camera on both devices contributes to a cleaner design and potentially better battery life.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum is powered by a dual-core 1.15 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU built on Samsung’s 10nm Exynos 9110 chipset. This provides a solid foundation for smooth operation of Wear OS and its associated apps. The Lava Prowatch V1’s processor is currently unknown. Given its likely price point, it’s reasonable to expect a less powerful chipset, potentially resulting in slower app loading times and less responsive interactions. The Exynos 9110’s architecture allows for efficient multitasking, a benefit for users who frequently switch between apps or use complex watch faces.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum has a 300mAh battery and supports wireless charging. Real-world battery life varies based on usage, but typically lasts around 36-48 hours with moderate use. The Lava Prowatch V1’s battery capacity and charging method are unknown. A larger battery capacity doesn't automatically equate to longer battery life; software optimization plays a crucial role. However, the Active2’s wireless charging capability offers convenience that the Prowatch V1 may lack, potentially relying on a proprietary charging cable.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Prowatch V1 if you need a basic smartwatch for notifications and activity tracking and are operating on a very tight budget. Its appeal lies in being an accessible entry point into the smartwatch world. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum if you prioritize performance, a refined user experience, wireless charging, and a wider range of health and fitness features. It's the choice for users who want a fully-featured smartwatch experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Exynos 9110 chip in the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 still capable of running modern apps smoothly?
Yes, the Exynos 9110 remains a capable processor for smartwatch applications. While newer chipsets offer incremental performance gains, the 9110 handles Wear OS and most apps without significant lag. It's more than sufficient for everyday tasks like notifications, fitness tracking, and music playback.
❓ What kind of straps are compatible with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum uses standard 20mm watch straps, offering a wide variety of replacement options. You can easily find straps made from silicone, leather, metal, and other materials from both Samsung and third-party manufacturers.
❓ Does the Lava Prowatch V1 support NFC for contactless payments?
This information is currently unavailable. Given its likely budget positioning, NFC support is not guaranteed. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum *does* support NFC for Samsung Pay and Google Pay, providing convenient contactless payment options.
❓ How water resistant is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum has a 5ATM water resistance rating, meaning it can withstand pressures equivalent to 50 meters underwater. This makes it suitable for swimming and showering, but it's not recommended for high-speed water sports.
