The smartwatch market offers a wide range of options, from premium flagships to more affordable alternatives. We're pitting the TCL MoveTime, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2500, against the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum, featuring Samsung's Exynos 9110. This comparison focuses on how chipset architecture and manufacturing process impact real-world performance and user experience, especially considering the MoveTime's position as a budget-friendly option.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a smoother, more responsive experience and wireless charging convenience, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum is the better choice. While the TCL MoveTime offers a compelling price point, the older Snapdragon Wear 2500 struggles to match the Exynos 9110's efficiency and processing power.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - 44mm LTE version only |
| 4G bands | 3, 8, 20 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 - 44mm LTE version only |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE, Cat4 150/50 Mbps | No |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 03. Released 2021, Q1 | 2019, August. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX+), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 45 x 41 x 14.5 mm (1.77 x 1.61 x 0.57 in) | 44 x 44 x 10.9 mm (1.73 x 1.73 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | No |
| Weight | 50 g (1.76 oz) | 30 g (1.06 oz) |
| | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 mins) | 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+ |
| Resolution | 320 x 360 pixels (~342 ppi density) | 360 x 360 pixels (~364 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.41 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.09 GHz Cortex-A7 | Dual-core 1.15 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8909W Snapdragon Wear 2500 (28 nm) | Exynos 9110 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 304 | Mali-T720 |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Tizen OS 5.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 4GB 768MB RAM, 4GB 1.5GB RAM |
| | eMMC | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer |
| | - | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 600 mAh | Li-Ion 340 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Cloud Silver, Aqua Black, Pink Gold, Phantom Violet |
| Models | MT43A | SM-R830 |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 300 EUR |
TCL MoveTime
- Significantly lower price point
- Potentially longer battery life due to simpler features
- Functional fitness tracking capabilities
- Outdated Snapdragon Wear 2500 chipset
- Slower performance and responsiveness
- Less efficient power consumption
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum
- Faster and more efficient Exynos 9110 chipset
- Wireless charging support
- Smoother user experience and app performance
- Higher price point
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to a highly optimized MoveTime build
- May require more frequent software updates to maintain performance
Display Comparison
Neither device's specifications detail display characteristics beyond size. However, given the Active2's higher price point and Samsung's display expertise, it likely benefits from superior color accuracy and brightness. The MoveTime, targeting a lower price bracket, likely utilizes a more cost-effective panel. Bezels are likely comparable, given both devices aim for a modern smartwatch aesthetic, but the Active2's display technology is expected to be more advanced.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is marketed for its camera capabilities, and detailed camera specs are unavailable. Smartwatches generally prioritize functionality over photographic excellence. Any camera present on either device is likely intended for basic tasks like QR code scanning or quick visual notes, and image quality will be limited.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2's Exynos 9110, built on a 10nm process, significantly outperforms the TCL MoveTime's Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2500 (28nm). The Exynos utilizes a dual-core Cortex-A53 architecture clocked at 1.15 GHz, while the MoveTime employs a quad-core Cortex-A7 at 1.09 GHz. Despite the higher core count, the Wear 2500's older, larger manufacturing process and less efficient architecture result in lower performance and higher power consumption. This translates to slower app loading times, less fluid animations, and potentially more noticeable lag on the MoveTime. The 10nm Exynos offers better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained use.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the Exynos 9110's superior power efficiency, stemming from its 10nm process, will likely result in longer battery life for the Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum, even if the MoveTime has a slightly larger battery. Furthermore, the Active2 supports wireless charging, offering a more convenient charging experience compared to the MoveTime's likely reliance on a proprietary cable.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL MoveTime if you need a basic smartwatch for notifications and fitness tracking on a very tight budget, and are willing to accept compromises in performance and features. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum if you prefer a more refined user experience, faster performance for apps and health tracking, and the convenience of wireless charging, even at a higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon Wear 2500 in the TCL MoveTime struggle with demanding apps?
Yes, the Snapdragon Wear 2500 is an older chipset built on a 28nm process. It will likely exhibit noticeable lag and slowdowns when running multiple apps or more complex features, especially compared to the Exynos 9110 in the Active2.
❓ Is the wireless charging on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Aluminum a significant advantage?
Absolutely. Wireless charging offers a much more convenient charging experience, eliminating the need to fumble with cables. It also reduces wear and tear on the charging port, potentially extending the device's lifespan.
❓ How does the older chipset in the TCL MoveTime affect software updates and long-term support?
The Wear 2500 is nearing end-of-life support. This means the TCL MoveTime may receive fewer software updates, potentially impacting security and feature availability over time. The Active2, while also older, benefits from Samsung's more robust software support ecosystem.
