Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2: sporty smartwatch in an improved new edition
Samsung presented the Galaxy Watch Active almost six months ago and now the Galaxy Watch Active2 follows. It is slightly better equipped, gets the bezel back and offers virtually all the features of the more expensive Galaxy Watch despite focussing on fitness and health functions.
Compared to the first version, Samsung has enlarged the screens on the Galaxy Watch Active2. You can choose between 40 and 44 millimetres for the Super AMOLED display. This corresponds to diameters of 1.2 and 1.4 inches. Doesn't sound like much compared to the 1.1 inches of the Watch Active, but it should be noticeable.
Digital bezel, larger display and more precise sensors
The watch face of the Galaxy Watch Active2 is not only larger, but also gets the bezel back. In the past, other smartwatches could be operated via the much-praised rotating bezel. Samsung dispensed with it on the first Watch Active. It is now back in digital form on the Watch Active2. In other words, you move your fingers over the edge as if you were turning it. The watch registers this and also provides feedback through vibrations.
Samsung has also installed more precise sensors. The Galaxy Watch Active2 now measures the pulse with eight instead of four LED lights and is supposed to detect movements twice as accurately. The ECG sensor, which can provide data on heart health beyond the pulse, is completely new.
Samsung uses the sensors to automatically recognise seven activities such as running, walking, cycling, swimming or rowing. You can enter 39 more manually. An improved "Running Coach" is designed to help you with your running training. There are also advanced sleep analysis algorithms and a stress level display.
Integrated into the Samsung system
Samsung has installed its proprietary Tizen OS software on the Galaxy Watch Active2. As with the Galaxy smartphones, the user interface is One UI. The smartwatch is of course integrated into the Galaxy ecosystem. Your data ends up in Samsung Health, the Bixby voice assistant is on board and a connection to the smart home is possible via the SmartThings standard. You can also control and trigger the camera on the Galaxy S10, S9 and Note 9 via the watch.
The standard version of the Galaxy Watch Active2 connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. The LTE version can also go online independently. You can use it to make calls, receive messages and use some apps without a smartphone.
If you want the watch to match your outfit, Samsung has the right app on sale. It is called "My Style App". You use it to take a photo of your outfit and then select one of the five suggested colour patterns.
The Galaxy Watch Active2 is available in two versions: An aluminium version with a fluoroelastomer strap - this is synthetic rubber, i.e. plastic. This should be more suitable for sports than the stainless steel version with a leather strap.
Price and availability
Samsung plans to sell the Galaxy Watch Active2 from 6 September. However, you will have to wait until 27 September for the LTE version. In terms of colour, you can choose between silver, black and gold, with Samsung naming the colours slightly differently for the aluminium version than for the stainless steel version.
The recommended retail prices in Germany are between 299 euros (40 mm aluminium) and 469 euros (44 mm stainless steel with LTE). In Switzerland, they are between 309 and 479 francs. <p
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