It has only been a few months since the debut of original Watch Active and Samsung has already launched its successor. The new Watch Active 2 brings a galore of features ranging from ECG support, an LTE (Cellular) version with a stainless steel design, rotating touch bezel, Google Translate integration, an advanced accelerometer (32 g-forces), a larger display, minimal design to an overall improved package.
But, is it good enough to compete against its biggest adversary i.e. Apple Watch Series 4?
So, if you’re out and about to buy a smartwatch and confused between the two smart wearables, the following comparison might help you out to reach an informed decision.
Before we go into details, here is the quick specs comparison of Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 vs Apple Watch Series 4.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 vs Apple Watch Series 4 spec comparison
| Model | Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 | Apple Watch Series 4 |
| Design | Circular, Flat Dial Design | Rectangular, Curved Dial Design |
| Display | 40mm/44mm, 360 x 360, Super AMOLED, Gorilla Glass DX+ | 40mm/44mm, 448 x 368, Color AMOLED, Sapphire Crystal Glass |
| Weight | 25 grams | 40 grams |
| OS | One UI 1.5 based on Tizen OS | Watch OS preview v6 |
| Processor | Exynos 9110 chip | Apple S4 |
| Memory | 40mm: 768MB RAM
44mm: 1.5GB RAM |
N.A. |
| Storage | 4GB | 16GB |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Connectivity and Sensors | GPS, NFC, WiFi, LTE (Cellular), Bluetooth 5.0, Barometer, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ambient Light Sensor, Heart rate sensor | GPS, NFC, WiFi, LTE (Cellular), Bluetooth 5.0, Barometer, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ambient Light Sensor, Heart rate sensor |
| Colors | Aluminum: Cloud Silver, Aqua Black, Pink Gold with a rubber strap Stainless Steel: Silver, Black, Gold with Leather strap |
Silver, Gold, Space Gray |
| Price |
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Galaxy Watch Active 2 vs Apple Watch 4: Design
While the Galaxy Watch Active 2 adorns the round watch face like its predecessor, Apple Watch 4 has a rectangle face. Galaxy Watch Active 2 has a flat dial design while Apple goes for a curved dial design.
You also get to change watch face colors matching your clothing and wear using the all-new “My Style” feature in Watch Active 2.
Upfront, both Apple and Samsung watch sport a 40 and 44 mm AMOLED display. However, in the case of the latter, we also get a slightly larger 360×360 pixel resolution.
Interestingly enough, Watch Active 2 brings back the much-adored rotating outer bezel. Unlike the physical module of the precursor, it’s a haptic response built-in with the touch screen bezels.
Go with the Galaxy Watch Active 2, if you want a lighter watch. It weighs around 25 grams and in contrast, the Apple Watch 4 is hefty at 40 grams.
That all said, Apple Watch has a premium appeal to it. It has better support and options when it comes down to accessories.
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Galaxy Watch Active 2 vs Apple Watch 4: Health & Fitness features
Here’s a quick comparison chart of health and fitness features available in both Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 and Apple Watch Series 4.
| Health & Fitness Features | Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 | Apple Watch Series 4 |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes, with 8 Photodiode sensors | Yes, with 8 Photodiode sensors |
| Electrocardiogram | Awaiting FDA approval. But, yes it’s now available | Available to use, with a De Novo classification by the FDA. |
| Activity tracker | 39 workouts (7 auto – running, walking, cycling, swimming, rowing machine, elliptical machine, and dynamic workouts) | Automatic workout detection (run, walk, swim, row, hike, wheelchair, High intense interval training, elliptical, rower, stair stepper, yoga), Menstruation tracking, Noise app, |
| Stress and Sleep tracker | Samsung Health with Calm integration | Apple Health with the Breathe app integration |
| Water resistance | 5 ATM, IP-68 | 5 ATM |
| Built-in GPS and accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
Watch Active 2 also bears the same accelerometer that measures 32 g-forces. However, the company hasn’t revealed how it plays out as a feature. But, we safely guess the feature to be something similar.
Galaxy Watch Active 2 vs Apple Watch 4: Performance
The Galaxy Watch Active 2 is engined by the Exynos 9110 chipset, along with 768MB of RAM on the Bluetooth variant, while the LTE (Cellular) variant has 1.5GB of RAM. The 40mm packs a 247 mAh battery while the larger 44mm variant ships with a larger 340 mAh cell.
The Apple Watch 4, on the other hand, runs on Watch OS v5 (compatible with preview v6). Well, the RAM quantity is kept secret by Apple. But, we safely guess it to carry at least 768MB of RAM. Yet again, the battery size isn’t known. But like the Series 3, it should endure at least 18 hours.
Since, both the wearables come in LTE (Cellular) editions, you can call via them without using the phone. With an active internet connection using WiFi or data, you can use a slew of apps on Galaxy Active 2 like Youtube, Twitter, Google Translate, Spotify, etc. Besides, you can also use proprietary apps on both watches.
Series 4 Watch is tightly confined to the Apple ecosystem. This has its pros and cons. It works seamlessly across the Apple landscapes “only”, which is to say that you can’t use the Apple watch with an Android phone. But this isn’t the case with Samsung smartwatch. Watch Active 2 extends its compatible to – Android: Android (5.0 or higher, RAM 1.5GB or above) as well as iOS (v9.0 or above, iPhone 5 and above).
Galaxy Active 2 vs Apple Series 4: Which Smartwatch to buy?
The Apple Watch Series 4 is widely available now. Samsung Watch Active 2 will be available from September 27, 2019. By then, Apple Watch Series 5 might see the daylight.
Samsung Watch Active 2 is a major upgrade over the previous generations and comes closer to Apple Watch Series 4. We must acknowledge the fact that Series 4 dates back to Fall 2018, and still features all the amenities that you get with the new Active 2. The Series 5 is rumored to premiere in the Apple event slated for September 2019, which is just a month away.
But, it will be pricey like Series 4, which starts from $400 (40mm) going unto $430 (44mm). Shell out an extra $100 for LTE (Cellular) model. On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 kicks off at $280 (40mm) going upto $300 (44mm). The pricing details of LTE versions are yet to be revealed. Needless to say, they will be priced more. Still, Samsung’s watch stands a better affordable pick amongst the two.
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So, if it all boils down to price, then the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 gets the major draw. It is minimal, lighter, and works across more devices. However, for a refined premium piece of tech, go with Apple Watch Series 4.
So, which one gets your pick? Are you considering other options such as the Fossil Gen 5, Huawei Watch GT, or the rumored Pixel Watch? Let us know down in the comments.
