The smartwatch market is booming, and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the vivo Watch 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro. Both offer premium features, but cater to slightly different needs and preferences.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro takes the crown for overall performance and feature richness, thanks to its robust chipset and extensive Samsung ecosystem integration. However, the vivo Watch 2 offers a compelling alternative with a focus on health tracking and a potentially more attractive price point for some users.
| 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), titanium frame |
| Dimensions | 46.4 x 46.4 x 11 mm (1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in) | 45.4 x 45.4 x 10.5 mm (1.79 x 1.79 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 47 g (1.66 oz) | 46.5 g (1.66 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
*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 (body temperature) |
| | - | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wireless | 10W wireless |
| Type | - | Li-Ion 590 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Brown, Silver | Black Titanium, Gray Titanium |
| Models | WA2156A | SM-R925F |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 110 EUR |
vivo Watch 2
- Stylish Design
- Excellent Health Tracking Features
- Competitive Price
- Good Battery Life (around 2-3 days)
- Less Powerful Processor
- Limited App Ecosystem Compared to Wear OS
- Less Rugged Build
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro
- Powerful Performance (Exynos W920)
- Long Battery Life (4-6 days)
- Rugged Titanium Build
- Extensive Samsung Ecosystem Integration
- Wear OS with Google Play Store Access
- Higher Price
- Samsung Ecosystem Dependence
- Bulky Design for Some
Display Comparison
Both watches feature vibrant AMOLED displays, but the Galaxy Watch5 Pro generally offers slightly better brightness and outdoor visibility. The vivo Watch 2's display is still excellent, but the Samsung's is arguably more refined.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches.
Performance
The Exynos W920 chipset in the Galaxy Watch5 Pro provides a noticeable performance advantage over the vivo Watch 2. Apps launch faster, animations are smoother, and overall responsiveness is superior. The vivo Watch 2 is still capable, but the Samsung feels more premium.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro boasts a significantly larger battery and optimized power management, resulting in longer battery life – often lasting several days on a single charge. The vivo Watch 2 offers respectable battery life, but falls short of the Pro's endurance.
Buying Guide
The vivo Watch 2 is ideal for fitness enthusiasts prioritizing health tracking and a stylish design, especially those already invested in the vivo ecosystem. The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro is best suited for users deeply embedded in the Samsung ecosystem, demanding top-tier performance, and needing rugged durability for outdoor adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which watch is better for fitness tracking?
Both offer comprehensive fitness tracking, but the vivo Watch 2 has a slight edge in specialized health metrics and potentially more accurate heart rate monitoring for some users. The Galaxy Watch5 Pro excels with its GPS and outdoor activity tracking.
❓ Can I use the Galaxy Watch5 Pro with an iPhone?
While you can pair the Galaxy Watch5 Pro with an iPhone, functionality is limited compared to using it with an Android phone. You'll miss out on features like replying to messages and making calls.
