The smartwatch market offers a wide range of options, from premium flagships to budget-friendly alternatives. We're pitting the Realme Watch S, a newcomer focused on affordability, against the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum, a slightly older but still capable smartwatch known for its refined design and feature set. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing value, the Realme Watch S offers a compelling package with wireless charging at a significantly lower price point. However, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum wins for those who demand a more powerful processor and a more established smartwatch ecosystem.
| 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 | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 03. Released 2020, November 14 | 2019, August. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX+), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 47 x 47 x 12 mm (1.85 x 1.85 x 0.47 in) | 44 x 44 x 10.9 mm (1.73 x 1.73 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 48 g (1.69 oz) | 30 g (1.06 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m)
Compatible with standard 22mm straps | 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 | Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ |
| Resolution | 360 x 360 pixels (~278 ppi density) | 360 x 360 pixels (~364 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.3 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Type | IPS LCD | 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 |
| | eMMC 4.5 | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, 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 | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 390 mAh | Li-Ion 340 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver | Cloud Silver, Aqua Black, Pink Gold, Phantom Violet |
| Models | - | SM-R830 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 300 EUR |
Realme Watch S
- Significantly lower price point
- Wireless charging support
- Potentially longer battery life due to simpler hardware
- Lack of detailed specifications
- Unknown processor performance
- Potentially inferior display quality
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum
- Powerful Exynos 9110 processor
- High-quality Super AMOLED display
- Established Samsung ecosystem integration
- Higher price tag
- Potentially shorter battery life due to processor demands
- Older model, may receive fewer software updates
Display Comparison
Both watches utilize wireless charging, but details regarding display technology are absent for the Realme Watch S. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum features a Super AMOLED display, known for its vibrant colors and excellent contrast. Without specifics on the Realme Watch S’s panel, it’s difficult to assess its color accuracy or brightness. The Active2’s display benefits from Samsung’s established display expertise, offering a superior viewing experience, especially outdoors. The bezel design on the Active2, while present, is minimized, providing a more immersive experience than a potentially larger bezel on the Realme Watch S.
Camera Comparison
Neither device features a camera, a common omission in smartwatches focused on fitness and notifications. This simplifies the design and reduces power consumption, focusing resources on core smartwatch functionality.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum boasts a significant performance advantage thanks to its Dual-core 1.15 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and Exynos 9110 (10 nm) chipset. This allows for smoother app operation, faster loading times, and a more responsive user interface compared to the Realme Watch S, which lacks any disclosed processor information. The 10nm fabrication process of the Exynos 9110 also suggests better power efficiency, potentially offsetting the performance demands. Users who frequently use apps or rely on complex watch faces will find the Active2’s processing power invaluable.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor, but specific mAh ratings are unavailable for the Realme Watch S. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum’s battery performance is heavily influenced by usage patterns and features enabled. Both devices support wireless charging, offering convenient replenishment. The Active2’s Exynos 9110 chipset, while powerful, can consume more power, potentially requiring more frequent charging compared to a less powerful, but more efficient, Realme Watch S. Without concrete battery capacity data for the Realme Watch S, a direct comparison is challenging, but the Active2’s wireless charging provides a comparable convenience factor.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Watch S if you need a functional smartwatch with essential features like activity tracking and notifications, and are on a tight budget. Its wireless charging is a bonus. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum if you prioritize performance for running apps, a more polished user experience, and integration with the Samsung ecosystem, and are willing to pay a premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9110 chip in the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum overheat during intensive use?
While the Exynos 9110 is a capable processor, it can generate heat during prolonged use of demanding apps or features like GPS tracking. Samsung implemented thermal management solutions, but users may experience slight warming during extended workouts or navigation sessions. It's unlikely to cause significant discomfort, but it's a factor to consider.
❓ How does the Realme Watch S compare to the Active2 in terms of fitness tracking accuracy?
Without detailed sensor specifications for the Realme Watch S, a direct comparison is difficult. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum utilizes a variety of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, and heart rate sensor, providing generally accurate fitness tracking data. The Active2 also benefits from Samsung Health's advanced algorithms. The Realme Watch S's accuracy will depend on the quality of its sensors and software, which are currently unknown.
❓ Is the lack of detailed specifications for the Realme Watch S a cause for concern?
The limited information available for the Realme Watch S is a valid concern. It makes a comprehensive comparison challenging and introduces uncertainty regarding its performance and features. However, the lower price point suggests it's targeted towards users who prioritize affordability over cutting-edge specifications.
