Galaxy Watch 4 vs Active 2: Which Samsung Watch Reigns?
Choosing the right smartwatch can feel overwhelming, especially with so many fantastic options on the market. If you’re an Android user, chances are you’ve considered a Samsung smartwatch. But with the release of the Galaxy Watch 4, how does it stack up against the popular Active 2?
This comparison dives deep into the features, performance, and overall value of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and the Galaxy Watch Active 2. We’ll explore everything from design and display to fitness tracking capabilities and battery life. This will help you decide which smartwatch is the best fit for your needs and lifestyle.
Get ready to discover the key differences between the Galaxy Watch 4 and the Active 2. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each, empowering you to make an informed decision. Let’s find out which Samsung smartwatch deserves a place on your wrist!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | galaxy watch 4 | active 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Wear OS Powered by Samsung | Tizen OS |
| Processor | Exynos W920 Dual-Core | Exynos 9110 Dual-Core |
| Display | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Screen Size | 1.2″ or 1.4″ | 1.2″ or 1.4″ |
| Storage | 16GB | 4GB |
| RAM | 1.5GB | 768MB |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Sensor | Yes (Samsung BioActive Sensor) | Yes |
| ECG & Blood Pressure Monitoring | Yes | Yes (limited regions) |
| Water Resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Battery Life (Typical Use) | Up to 40 hours | Up to 43 hours |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Build
- Galaxy Watch 4: Features a more modern design with a rotating digital bezel (Classic model) or a streamlined design (Standard model). Offers a premium feel with aluminum or stainless steel options. Pros: Sleek, stylish, and durable. Cons: Bezel can add bulk.
- Active 2: Boasts a minimalist and sporty design with a touch bezel for navigation. Lightweight and comfortable for workouts. Pros: Lightweight, comfortable, and stylish. Cons: Less premium feel compared to the Watch 4.
- Winner: Watch 4
Processor and Performance
- Galaxy Watch 4: Powered by the Exynos W920 processor, offering significant performance improvements over the Active 2. Provides faster app loading, smoother animations, and overall improved responsiveness. Pros: Faster and more efficient. Cons: None significant.
- Active 2: Equipped with an Exynos 9110 processor, which is still capable but shows its age. Can experience occasional lag, especially with demanding apps. Pros: Reliable. Cons: Slower performance.
- Winner: Watch 4
Operating System
- Galaxy Watch 4: Runs Wear OS powered by Samsung, offering a significantly improved user experience with access to the Google Play Store and a wider variety of apps. Pros: Modern, feature-rich, and versatile. Cons: Requires a Samsung account for full functionality.
- Active 2: Uses Tizen OS, which is a proprietary operating system. It’s user-friendly but has a smaller app selection compared to Wear OS. Pros: User-friendly and efficient. Cons: Limited app selection.
- Winner: Watch 4
Health and Fitness Tracking
- Galaxy Watch 4: Includes advanced health tracking features, such as body composition analysis (BIA) and improved sleep tracking. Offers a comprehensive suite of fitness tracking options. Pros: Advanced health features and accurate tracking. Cons: BIA may have limitations.
- Active 2: Provides accurate tracking for a variety of workouts, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking. Offers a good range of fitness features. Pros: Reliable fitness tracking. Cons: Lacks body composition analysis.
- Winner: Watch 4
Display
- Galaxy Watch 4: Features a vibrant and crisp AMOLED display, offering excellent clarity and brightness. Provides a great viewing experience. Pros: Excellent display quality. Cons: None significant.
- Active 2: Has a bright and clear AMOLED display, suitable for outdoor visibility. Offers good display quality. Pros: Good display quality. Cons: Not as bright as the Watch 4.
- Winner: Watch 4
Battery Life
- Galaxy Watch 4: Battery life is generally around 1-2 days, depending on usage. Can be shorter with heavy use of GPS and other features. Pros: Decent battery life. Cons: May need daily charging with heavy usage.
- Active 2: Battery life typically lasts for about 2 days with moderate use. Provides good battery performance for its class. Pros: Good battery life. Cons: None significant.
- Winner: Active 2
Durability
- Galaxy Watch 4: Offers improved durability with a sapphire crystal display on some models, providing better scratch resistance. IP68 water resistance. Pros: Durable and scratch-resistant. Cons: None significant.
- Active 2: Durable design with Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ and 5ATM water resistance. Suitable for most activities. Pros: Durable and water-resistant. Cons: Not as scratch-resistant as the Watch 4.
- Winner: Watch 4
Price
- Galaxy Watch 4: Generally more expensive due to its advanced features and newer technology. Offers a premium price point. Pros: Feature-rich. Cons: More expensive.
- Active 2: Typically available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option. Offers good value for its features. Pros: More affordable. Cons: Older technology.
- Winner: Active 2
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Operating System | galaxy watch 4 |
| Processor | galaxy watch 4 |
| App Ecosystem | galaxy watch 4 |
| Health Tracking Features | galaxy watch 4 |
| Design | (Subjective) |
| Value | active 2 |
What They Have in Common:
- Display: Both watches feature vibrant Super AMOLED displays, providing clear and crisp visuals for all your notifications and fitness data.
- Water Resistance: Both the Galaxy Watch 4 and Active 2 are rated 5ATM, offering excellent water resistance for swimming and other water activities.
- Gps: Both smartwatches include built-in GPS, allowing you to track your outdoor workouts without needing your phone.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Both devices offer continuous heart rate monitoring, giving you valuable insights into your cardiovascular health during workouts and throughout the day.
- Notifications: You’ll receive notifications from your phone, allowing you to stay connected and informed without constantly checking your phone.
Galaxy Watch 4 Vs Active 2 Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy Watch 4 boasts a more modern and refined design compared to the Active 2. It offers a sleeker look with a rotating digital bezel on some models, providing intuitive navigation. The Active 2, however, retains a sportier aesthetic, focusing on lightweight comfort and a minimalist design. Build quality is excellent in both, with durable materials like aluminum and stainless steel used in their construction. Consider your personal style preferences when choosing between the two.
Display and Screen Quality
Both smartwatches feature vibrant AMOLED displays, providing excellent clarity and brightness. The Galaxy Watch 4’s display is slightly improved, offering a sharper and more detailed visual experience. The Active 2’s display is still excellent, with rich colors and good visibility even in direct sunlight. Both watches also have a scratch-resistant glass to protect the screen. The Watch 4’s brighter screen makes it a touch more readable.
Performance and Software
The Galaxy Watch 4 runs on Wear OS powered by Samsung, offering a significant upgrade in performance and access to a wider range of apps through the Google Play Store. The Active 2, on the other hand, runs on Tizen OS, which is known for its smooth performance and user-friendly interface. While Tizen is great, Wear OS provides a more versatile experience. The Watch 4’s faster processor also provides a snappier feel.
Health and Fitness Tracking
Both watches offer comprehensive health and fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and a wide variety of workout modes. The Galaxy Watch 4 introduces advanced features such as body composition analysis, providing insights into body fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass, and more. The Active 2 still provides accurate and useful fitness data, but it lacks the advanced body composition analysis. The Watch 4 provides a more holistic health overview.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a crucial factor, and the Active 2 generally offers slightly better battery life than the Galaxy Watch 4. Both watches can last for about a day and a half to two days with moderate use. The Galaxy Watch 4’s battery life has improved in recent updates. Charging is done wirelessly, but the Watch 4 charges marginally faster. Battery life may vary depending on usage patterns and the features you utilize.
Price and Value
The Galaxy Watch 4 typically comes with a slightly higher price tag than the Active 2, reflecting its newer technology and advanced features. However, the Active 2 remains a great value, especially if you can find it at a discounted price. Consider your budget and the features you prioritize when deciding which smartwatch offers the best value for your needs. Both offer excellent features, but the Watch 4’s advancements come at a cost.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy galaxy watch 4 If…
- You want the latest Wear OS experience with access to a wider range of apps and Google services.
- You prioritize a faster and more powerful processor for smoother performance.
- You desire advanced health tracking features and more comprehensive insights.
- You prefer a more modern and refined design.
Buy active 2 If…
- You prefer a sleeker, more minimalist design.
- You are looking for a more affordable option.
- You value the simplicity and user-friendliness of Tizen OS.
- You still want a feature-rich smartwatch for fitness tracking and basic smartwatch functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Galaxy Watch 4 and Active 2?
The primary difference lies in the operating system and features. The Galaxy Watch 4 runs on Wear OS, offering wider app compatibility and improved performance. The Active 2 uses Tizen OS, known for its user-friendliness. The Watch 4 also boasts advanced health tracking features like body composition analysis, which the Active 2 lacks. Consider app availability and health features when deciding.
Which watch has better performance?
The Galaxy Watch 4 generally offers better performance due to its faster processor and optimized Wear OS software. It provides a smoother and more responsive experience when navigating menus, launching apps, and performing various tasks. The Active 2 is still fast, but the Watch 4 is noticeably quicker. The Watch 4 gives you a more fluid user experience.
Does the Galaxy Watch 4 have a rotating bezel?
Some models of the Galaxy Watch 4 do come with a rotating digital bezel, which provides an intuitive way to navigate the user interface. This feature is not available on all Watch 4 models. The Active 2 does not have a rotating bezel. It relies on a touch-sensitive bezel for navigation. The rotating bezel is a key differentiator.
Which smartwatch is better for fitness tracking?
Both smartwatches are excellent for fitness tracking. The Galaxy Watch 4, with its advanced body composition analysis, provides a more comprehensive health overview. The Active 2 still excels at tracking workouts, heart rate, and sleep. The Watch 4’s additional features make it marginally better, but both are suitable for fitness enthusiasts. The Watch 4 offers a more holistic health approach.
How is the battery life of the two smartwatches?
Both watches offer decent battery life. The Active 2 generally has a slightly longer battery life, typically lasting for about two days with moderate use. The Galaxy Watch 4 can last for around a day and a half to two days. Actual battery life depends on usage patterns. Both offer similar battery life, with the Active 2 having a slight edge.
What are the key differences in display quality?
Both watches feature vibrant AMOLED displays, but the Galaxy Watch 4’s display is slightly improved, offering a sharper and brighter experience. The Active 2 still has an excellent display with rich colors and good visibility. Both screens are protected by scratch-resistant glass. The Watch 4’s display has a slight edge in clarity.
Which smartwatch is the best value for money?
The Active 2 can be a better value, especially if found at a discounted price. The Galaxy Watch 4 offers more advanced features but at a higher price. The best value depends on individual priorities and budget. Consider which features are most important. The Active 2 offers great features at a lower price.
Final Verdict
The Galaxy Watch 4 emerges as the superior choice, offering a more modern design, enhanced performance, and advanced health tracking features. While the Active 2 remains a solid smartwatch with excellent features and a more affordable price point, the Watch 4’s upgrades make it the better overall option for most users. The improved Wear OS experience and the body composition analysis are significant advantages.
Winner: Galaxy Watch 4