Samsung presented the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 at the beginning of August 2019, after its predecessor had only been released about half a year earlier. The smartwatch is special in that it has a digital, rotating bezel. It also has the ability to create an ECG on the wrist and register abnormalities such as atrial fibrillation or problems with the heart rhythm in good time. However, this function – just like the fall detection – first needs certification to be unlocked. Apart from that, the sporty smartwatch is equipped with a GPS module, an optical heart rate monitor, an NFC chip and integrated storage. It is available in two case sizes and is optionally available as an LTE version.
In this article
Technical details
| Screen size | 1,20 / 1,40 inches |
| Wrist material | Plastic, Rubber / Silicone, Metal, Stainless steel |
| Size watch case | 40 / 44 mm |
| Connectivity | LTE, WLAN, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| GPS | Yes |
| Battery life | Up to 4 days |
| Supported systems | Android, iOS |
| Water resistance | Yes |
| Display | Super-AMOLED |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Pulse monitor, Pulse monitor without chest strap, Sleep monitor, Pedometers, GPS |
| Microphone included | Yes |
| Speaker included | Yes |
Two case sizes and a world first
This had not been seen before the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2: a digital bezel. Basically, the operating concept of a rotating bezel is considered typical for the manufacturer Samsung. It was therefore all the more surprising that exactly that was missing in the predecessor of this model. In return, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (check out the Samsung store) shines with this novel technology, for which the edges of the OLED display are rounded. To scroll through the menu, this area around the actual screen can be moved in both directions.
Another advantage of this “touch bezel”, as it is called in English: The edges could be slimmed down, which resulted in favor of larger screens. Prospective buyers have the choice between two case sizes. The more compact model comes in at 40 millimeters, with a display of 1.2 inches. The second option is more generous at 44 millimeters, with a 1.4-inch display. A resolution of 360 x 360 pixels applies to both sizes.
Different builds
The buyer does not only have a choice of dimensions, but also of the casing material. Samsung offers stainless steel or the alternatively lighter aluminum. The stainless steel variants are available in silver, gold and black. They are combined with a leather strap. The aluminum versions are available in rose gold, silver and black. These watches come with a rubber strap. While some color schemes seem to be intended for women, others are more unisex and not necessarily intended for men.
For the completely independent LTE version, however, only stainless steel is provided as the case material. Regardless of the version, all smartwatches prove to be waterproof and thus also suitable for swimming without any problems.
Guardian angel and health coach
Not yet from the start, but as soon as the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 receives certification for it, it will advance to a full-fledged companion for sports and health. It has the appropriate capabilities in the form of an ECG sensor that can register abnormalities in heart activity. The smartwatch immediately warns of any suspected problems such as atrial fibrillation or cardiac arrhythmia.
Also an absolute added value is the integrated fall sensor. Through this, the watch automatically detects when its wearer falls. It then asks if everything is okay. If there is no prompt response, it initiates an emergency call. In the case of the LTE version, this is done directly via the smartwatch, in the other versions in connection with the smartphone. However, patience is still required until this feature is available in Germany. Without approval, the manufacturer is not allowed to unlock these capabilities on the wearables.
The whole world of sports and everyday life in one watch case
Partner in everyday life and during workouts – the smartwatch fulfills these two tasks in equal measure. To record workouts, wearers can on the one hand choose from around 40 activities themselves and start them. Alternatively, the watch recognizes numerous sports itself based on typical movement patterns. It then informs the user that the recording is about to start and collects important data. This includes the steps taken and distances covered, the pulse rate, the amount of calories burned, and the distance covered during outdoor tours. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is also equipped with GPS for this purpose.
During a workout, the smart watch also provides real-time tips on request and helps to make the workout even more efficient. Motivation is provided by the integrated music storage, which is four gigabytes in the standard variants and eight gigabytes in the LTE version. It is possible to manually store tracks as well as synchronize Spotify lists. Premium users of the streaming service can download them to the watch and access them even without an existing Internet connection. The music is played via Bluetooth headphones.
The Samsung “Running Coach” as a smart trainer for all runners offers seven programs. A stress detection of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is also mandatory. With the help of the apps Calm and Samsung Health, an increased stress level can be efficiently counteracted.
Great companion for everyday tasks
In everyday life, the smart watch does not only earn its merits because of its compatibility with Android and iOS. When connected to a smartphone, it provides information about incoming calls and messages. Not only can the camera shutter be activated from the wrist, but presentations can also be controlled in this way. If you want to adapt the design of the smartwatch to your current look, you tell the smartwatch and its “My Style Algorithm” your chosen outfit. The Galaxy Watch Active 2 then adjusts the watchface.
The LTE version of the smartwatch can be paired with the cell phone, but it does not have to, since it is also capable of working completely independently. The integrated eSIM allows starting or accepting calls directly via the watch. Messages can be sent and received in the same way. Surfing the web and streaming music does not require a paired smartphone either. Thus, users also have the chance to download apps and watchfaces directly from the web to the Galaxy Watch Active 2.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is the sporty sister of the Galaxy Watch and this is especially evident in the design. Outwardly a bit smaller and perhaps cooler, it has not changed in terms of technical features and range of functions.
Therefore, we can only say the same about the Active 2 as we did about the Galaxy Watch – an almost perfect smartwatch that is a lot of fun and looks damn good.
If you’re looking for more performance (and you’re okay with paying double the price), check out the Garmin Venu 2 Plus.
