The smartwatch market is booming, and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Today, we're pitting two strong contenders against each other: the vivo Watch 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch5. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which wearable deserves a spot on your wrist.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 takes the crown for overall performance and ecosystem integration. Its Exynos W920 chipset and robust app support offer a smoother experience. However, the vivo Watch 2 might appeal to those prioritizing health tracking and a unique design, especially within the vivo ecosystem.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 22 | 2022, August 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 29 | Available. Released 2022, August 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, stainless steel frame 316L | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 46.4 x 46.4 x 11 mm (1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in) | 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm (1.75 x 1.70 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 47 g (1.66 oz) | 33.5 g (44mm), 28.7 g (40mm) (1.02 oz) |
| | 5ATM water resistant
50m water resistant | MIL-STD-810H compliant*
50m water resistant (IP68)
Compatible with standard 20mm straps
ECG certified
Blood pressure monitor
Armor aluminum frame with tougher drop and scratch resistance (advertised)
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 450 x 450 pixels (~321 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core 1.18 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | - | Exynos W920 (5 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Android Wear OS 4, One UI Watch 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 2GB | 16GB 1.5GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, altimeter, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature) |
| | - | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wireless | 10W wireless |
| Type | - | Li-Ion 410 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Brown, Silver | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold, Sapphire |
| Models | WA2156A | SM-R915F, SM-R905F |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 170 EUR |
vivo Watch 2
- Longer battery life
- Unique square design
- Advanced health tracking features (SpO2, sleep monitoring)
- Competitive price
- Less powerful processor
- Limited app ecosystem compared to Samsung
- Software experience may not be as polished
Samsung Galaxy Watch5
- Powerful Exynos W920 chipset
- Seamless Android integration
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Extensive app ecosystem
- Rotating bezel (on some models) for easy navigation
- Shorter battery life
- Can be more expensive
- Some features require a Samsung phone for full functionality
Display Comparison
Both watches feature AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and excellent visibility. The Galaxy Watch5 generally has a slightly brighter display and more customizable watch faces, while the vivo Watch 2's display is well-integrated into its unique square design. Resolution is comparable.
Camera Comparison
Neither the vivo Watch 2 nor the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 have built-in cameras. This is a common omission in smartwatches.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 boasts a significant performance advantage thanks to its Exynos W920 chipset. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother animations, and a more responsive user interface. The vivo Watch 2's performance is adequate for basic smartwatch functions but may feel slightly less snappy.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key differentiator. The vivo Watch 2 typically offers longer battery life (potentially up to 10 days) compared to the Galaxy Watch5 (around 40 hours with typical use). This difference stems from the vivo Watch 2's more power-efficient chipset and software optimization.
Buying Guide
The vivo Watch 2 is ideal for users deeply invested in the vivo ecosystem, prioritizing advanced health tracking features (like blood oxygen saturation and sleep monitoring), and appreciating a distinctive design. The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 is best for Android users seeking a feature-rich smartwatch with seamless integration, a vibrant app ecosystem, and strong performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 compatible with iOS?
While the Galaxy Watch5 connects via Bluetooth to iOS devices, functionality is limited compared to Android. You'll miss out on features like notifications, calls, and some app integrations.
❓ Does the vivo Watch 2 have NFC for contactless payments?
Yes, the vivo Watch 2 supports NFC for contactless payments through vivo Pay, but availability may vary depending on your region.
