The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 and the Gear S2 Classic were both flagship smartwatches in their time, but they represent different eras of Samsung's wearable technology. Choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum is the clear winner for most users. Its newer processor, improved display, and Wear OS compatibility offer a significantly smoother and more feature-rich experience. However, the Gear S2 Classic retains a certain charm and can be a good budget option if you prioritize classic design.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - 44mm LTE version only | HSDPA |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 - 44mm LTE version only | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | No | - |
| Technology | HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August. Released 2019, September | 2016, February. Released 2016, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX+), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 44 x 44 x 10.9 mm (1.73 x 1.73 x 0.43 in) | 44 x 46.9 x 13.4 mm (1.73 x 1.85 x 0.53 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 30 g (1.06 oz) | 54 g (1.90 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 | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Compatible with standard 20mm straps |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 360 x 360 pixels (~364 ppi density) | 360 x 360 pixels (~424 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.4 inches | 1.2 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| | Always-on display | Always-on display
Rotating bezel |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.15 GHz Cortex-A53 | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Exynos 9110 (10 nm) | Exynos 3250 Dual |
| GPU | Mali-T720 | Mali-400MP2 |
| OS | Tizen OS 5.5 | Tizen OS 2.3.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 4GB 768MB RAM, 4GB 1.5GB RAM | 4GB 512MB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/e |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer |
| | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay | S-Voice natural language commands and dictation
MP3/M4A/AAC/WAV player
Photo viewer
Voice memo/dial/commands
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless (Qi) |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 48 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 340 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 300 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cloud Silver, Aqua Black, Pink Gold, Phantom Violet | Black, Rose Gold, ceramic bracelet |
| Models | SM-R830 | - |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 250 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum
- Modern Wear OS experience
- Brighter, higher-resolution display
- Faster performance
- Better battery life
- Sleek, sporty design
- Can be more expensive
- Less classic watch aesthetic
Samsung Gear S2 classic 3G
- Classic watch design
- 3G connectivity (if needed)
- More affordable
- Rotating bezel for easy navigation
- Slower performance
- Less vibrant display
- Shorter battery life
- Older Tizen OS (limited app selection)
Display Comparison
The Galaxy Watch Active2 boasts a vibrant Super AMOLED display with a higher resolution and always-on functionality, providing a much sharper and more readable experience, especially outdoors. The Gear S2 Classic's AMOLED display is good, but noticeably less bright and detailed.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This was a common omission in older smartwatches.
Performance
The Active2's Exynos 9110 chipset and 10nm process offer a significant performance boost over the Gear S2 Classic's Exynos 3250 and 28nm process. Apps load faster, animations are smoother, and overall responsiveness is noticeably better on the Active2. The Gear S2 can feel sluggish at times.
Battery Life
The Active2 generally offers better battery life, typically lasting 1.5-2 days with moderate use, while the Gear S2 Classic often requires daily charging, especially with 3G enabled.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum is ideal for fitness enthusiasts and those seeking a modern smartwatch experience with access to the latest apps and features. The Samsung Gear S2 Classic 3G is a good choice for users who appreciate a traditional watch aesthetic and want a reliable smartwatch without breaking the bank, understanding its limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Gear S2 Classic still worth buying?
It can be a good budget option if you prioritize the classic watch design and don't need the latest features. However, be aware of its limitations in performance and app selection.
❓ Does the Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum support 3G?
No, the Active2 Aluminum does not have 3G connectivity. It relies on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
