Choosing the right smartwatch can be tough, especially with Samsung's impressive lineup. The Galaxy Watch4 and Active2 Aluminum are both excellent options, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which one deserves a spot on your wrist.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Watch4 is the clear winner thanks to its newer Wear OS, improved processor, and advanced health tracking features like body composition analysis. However, the Active2 remains a stylish and capable option, particularly for those prioritizing a more classic watch design and potentially longer battery life.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - 44mm LTE version only |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 - 44mm LTE version only |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | No |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 11 | 2019, August. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 27 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX+), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX+), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm (1.75 x 1.70 x 0.39 in) | 44 x 44 x 10.9 mm (1.73 x 1.73 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | No |
| Weight | 30.3 g (44mm), 25.9 g (40mm) (1.06 oz) | 30 g (1.06 oz) |
| | 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 | 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+ | Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ |
| Resolution | 450 x 450 pixels (~321 ppi density) | 360 x 360 pixels (~364 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.4 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| | Always-on display | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.18 GHz Cortex-A55 | Dual-core 1.15 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Exynos W920 (5 nm) | Exynos 9110 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 | Mali-T720 |
| OS | Android Wear OS 4, One UI Watch 5 | Tizen OS 5.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 1.5GB RAM | 4GB 768MB RAM, 4GB 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 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer |
| | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 361 mAh | Li-Ion 340 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Pink Gold, Silver, Green, Thom Browne Edition, Bespoke Edition, PXG Golf Edition | Cloud Silver, Aqua Black, Pink Gold, Phantom Violet |
| Models | SM-R860, SM-R870 | SM-R830 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 300 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy Watch4
- Wear OS 3.0 (improved app ecosystem)
- Faster Exynos W920 processor
- Body Composition Analysis
- Improved Brightness
- Rotating Crown
- Shorter battery life compared to Active2 (potentially)
- Some users may miss the rotating bezel
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum
- Classic watch design
- Rotating bezel for intuitive navigation
- Comfortable fit
- Potentially longer battery life
- Older Exynos 9110 processor
- Tizen OS (limited app ecosystem compared to Wear OS)
- Lacks advanced health features like body composition analysis
Display Comparison
Both watches feature vibrant Super AMOLED displays, but the Watch4 boasts a slightly higher resolution and improved brightness. The Active2's rotating bezel offers a unique and intuitive navigation experience, while the Watch4 relies on touch controls and rotating crown.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches.
Performance
The Watch4's Exynos W920 chipset (5nm) provides a significant performance boost over the Active2's Exynos 9110 (10nm). Expect smoother navigation, faster app loading times, and overall snappier responsiveness on the Watch4.
Battery Life
While both offer all-day battery life, the Active2 *may* offer slightly longer usage depending on usage patterns. The Watch4's more powerful processor and advanced features can impact battery drain.
Buying Guide
The Galaxy Watch4 is ideal for fitness enthusiasts and those wanting the latest Wear OS experience with access to a wider range of apps. The Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum is a great choice for users who prefer a more traditional watch aesthetic, value a comfortable fit, and don't need the absolute latest features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy Watch4 worth the upgrade from the Active2?
If you value the latest Wear OS, improved performance, and advanced health tracking features, then yes. Otherwise, the Active2 remains a solid choice, especially if you prefer its design and potentially longer battery life.
❓ Which watch has better app support?
The Galaxy Watch4, running Wear OS, has significantly better app support compared to the Active2's Tizen OS.
