Choosing the right smartwatch can be tough, especially with Samsung's impressive lineup. The Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum and the Galaxy Watch4 are both excellent options, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Watch4 is the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster processor, Wear OS integration, and improved health tracking features. While the Active2 remains a stylish and capable smartwatch, the Watch4 offers a more modern and feature-rich experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - 44mm LTE version only | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 - 44mm LTE version only | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August. Released 2019, September | 2021, August 11 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX+), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX+), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 44 x 44 x 10.9 mm (1.73 x 1.73 x 0.43 in) | 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm (1.75 x 1.70 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 30 g (1.06 oz) | 30.3 g (44mm), 25.9 g (40mm) (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 | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
50m water resistant (IP68)
Compatible with standard 20mm straps
ECG certified
Blood pressure monitor
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ | Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ |
| Resolution | 360 x 360 pixels (~364 ppi density) | 450 x 450 pixels (~321 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.4 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| | Always-on display | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.15 GHz Cortex-A53 | Dual-core 1.18 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Exynos 9110 (10 nm) | Exynos W920 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T720 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Tizen OS 5.5 | Android Wear OS 4, One UI Watch 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 4GB 768MB RAM, 4GB 1.5GB RAM | 16GB 1.5GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 |
| | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 340 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 361 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cloud Silver, Aqua Black, Pink Gold, Phantom Violet | Black, Pink Gold, Silver, Green, Thom Browne Edition, Bespoke Edition, PXG Golf Edition |
| Models | SM-R830 | SM-R860, SM-R870 |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum
- Classic, minimalist design
- Wireless charging
- Good value for the price
- Bright and vibrant display
- Older processor
- Tizen OS (no Wear OS apps)
- Limited health tracking features compared to Watch4
Samsung Galaxy Watch4
- Faster performance (Exynos W920)
- Wear OS integration (access to Google Play Store)
- Advanced health tracking (ECG, body composition)
- Improved display
- Higher price
- Slightly bulkier design than Active2
Display Comparison
The Galaxy Watch Active2 features a Super AMOLED display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Watch4 also boasts a Super AMOLED display, but with slightly improved brightness and resolution. Both offer excellent visibility even in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches, and users typically rely on their smartphones for photography.
Performance
This is where the Watch4 shines. Its Exynos W920 chipset (5nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Active2's Exynos 9110 (10nm). Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother navigation, and improved overall responsiveness on the Watch4.
Battery Life
Battery life is generally comparable, with both devices offering around 1.5-2 days of typical use. However, the Watch4's more efficient chipset *might* offer slightly better longevity under heavy usage.
Buying Guide
The Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum is a good choice for users prioritizing a classic, minimalist design and a more affordable price point. The Galaxy Watch4 is ideal for those seeking the latest Wear OS features, enhanced performance, and advanced health and fitness tracking capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy Watch4 worth the upgrade from the Active2?
Yes, if you value performance, Wear OS, and advanced health tracking. The Active2 is still a good watch, but the Watch4 offers a significantly improved experience.
❓ Does the Galaxy Watch4 have a camera?
No, neither the Galaxy Watch Active2 nor the Galaxy Watch4 have a built-in camera.
