expand your horizons

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4

effortless classic

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2

If you just can't help but get your hands on the latest and greatest technology, you'll be glad to know that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is now yours for the taking. The sleek design incorporates some familiar elements from previous models, like the capacitive rotating bezel. you get a BioActive sensor, improved health/fitness tracking, and Wear OS 3.

Starting at $250 at Samsung

pros

GPS, HRM, NFC Optional New Wear OS 3 LTE Enhanced Health Tracking Capacitive Rotating Bezel

It's been around for a while, but the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is still one of the best Android smartwatches out there. Sure, it may not have the successor's new BioActive sensor, but you still get heart rate monitoring, ECG, tracking blood oxygen and more. You can also opt for LTE connectivity if you see fit.

Starting at $220 on Amazon

pros

Optional GPS, HRM, NFC LTE Excellent health/fitness tracking Capacitive rotating bezel More affordable

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2: A different kind of upgrade

You may not realize it from the name, but the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is the successor to the beloved Galaxy Watch Active 2. It may not have "active" in the name anymore, but this Android smartwatch is still very much focused on the Health. and fitness.

Not to mention, it's Samsung's first One UI watch with the new Wear OS 3. There's a lot to unpack when deciding whether to upgrade to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 from the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2. Obviously, if you want to experience a Galaxy Watch Powered by Wear OS, here's your chance. You'll also experience smooth performance and better health tracking. For some users, the answer is obvious. Others might need a little more conviction.

Embrace change with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4

Source: Daniel Bader / Android Central

Doing a side-by-side comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 will show some differences in physical design, but also many similarities. Both watches are available in 40mm and 44mm cases and have a capacitive rotating bezel around from the edge of the screen.

Unlike previous models, the Galaxy Watch 4 is only available in an aluminum case. If you're drawn to a stainless steel model, you should consider the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, which has a physical rotating bezel instead of a digital one. .Galaxy Watch 4 models are also very light, which is perfect for active people.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 1.2 or 1.4-inch Super AMOLED display 1.2 or 1.4-inch Super AMOLED Dimensions 40.4 x 39.3 x 9.8 mm 44.4 x 43 .3 x 9.8mm 40x40x10.9mm44 x 44 x 10.9mm Weight 25.9 – 30.3g 26 – 30g Connectivity Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi b/g/n, LTE (selected models) Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi b/g/n, LTE (select models) Water resistance 5ATM + IP68 / MIL-STD-810G 5ATM + IP68 / MIL-STD-810G Battery life 40 hours (varies by model) 2 days (varies by model) Sensors Bioactive sensor (HRM), electrocardiogram (ECG), accelerometer, gyroscope, geomagnetic, barometer, ambient light sensor HRM, electrocardiogram (ECG), accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, ambient light sensor Colors Aluminum : Black, Silver, Rose Gold, Green Aluminum: Aqua Black, Cloud Silver, Pink GoldStainless Steel: Black, Gold Silver Operating System Wear OS 3 Tizen OS Built-in GPS ✔️ ✔️ NFC Payments ✔️ ✔️ BIA ✔️ ❌ Optional LTE ✔️ ✔️

Regardless of whether you go for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 or the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, you'll get better internal specs. Both models offer 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, which is a huge improvement over the predecessor. What stays the same? It will have 5 ATM + IP68 water resistance ratings as well as MIL-STD-810G durability. You also get Wi-Fi connectivity and optional LTE connectivity.

Most people will agree that the biggest change is to the operating system. There's been a lot of buildup to this, so by now you probably know that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is the first smartwatch to run on Wear OS. 3. It's also the first Wear OS device to be powered by an Exynos SoC. The 5nm processor features a 20% faster CPU and 50% more RAM. You can expect smoother, effortless performance everywhere .

The Galaxy Watch 4 series also offers improved health sensors. The star of the show is the new 3-in-1 BioActive sensor, which consists of a single chip designed to take multiple measurements. Samsung claims that this chip puts the measurement tool closer to the user's skin to make the measurement more accurate. The BioActive chip runs three sensors: optical heart rate, electrical heart rate, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).

A new addition to the Galaxy Watch 4 is the BIA feature, which measures your overall body composition.

This allows you to monitor your heart rate, take an ECG reading, and measure your blood oxygen saturation. These features were available on the Galaxy Watch Active 2, but now the sensors are contained on a chip. A new addition to the Galaxy Watch 4 is the BIA function, which measures your overall body composition. This new tool takes a closer look at your health with key measurements like skeletal muscle mass, basal metabolic rate, body fat percentage and more.

Sleep tracking was already a strong feature of the Galaxy Watch Active 2, but Samsung took it further with the Galaxy Watch 4. For example, a compatible smartphone can now detect the sound of your snoring. When you combine this data with your levels blood oxygen levels during sleep and advanced sleep scores, you will have a much better understanding of your sleep patterns so you can improve your rest.

It's important to note that you still need to have the Samsung Health Monitor app installed on your smartphone to use these features regardless of these enhancements. If you don't know, that app is only available for download through the Samsung Galaxy Store, which is only available for download. available on Samsung Galaxy smartphones. In short, if you don't have a Samsung-branded Android phone, you're missing out on a lot. At launch, there's also no iOS support, and Samsung provided no background on when or if that might change.

Stick to what you know with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2

Source: Andrew Martonik / Android Central

Some people are creatures of habit, and that's fine. However, if you're still not ready to part with Tizen OS, you might want to stick with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2. Sure, the Galaxy Watch 4 Series offers some promising improvements. , but it is also the beginning of a new era. which may cause doubts to some users.

Considering how successful the Galaxy Watch Active 2 was, it makes sense that some people aren't lining up to pre-order right away. Its predecessor still offers a long list of useful features for fitness and smartwatch lovers. , the design isn't surprisingly different from the new series. You can also choose between a 40mm and 44mm case size, which translates to a 1.2-inch or 1.4-inch Super AMOLED display, respectively. Active 2 Bluetooth models come in a lightweight aluminum case, while LTE models are stainless steel.

Depending on the model you choose and your daily use, the battery life can last around two days. Considering all the functions and tasks you will perform on a daily basis, this is not bad at all. Speaking of features, you can choose a model LTE if you want to stay connected. This allows you to take calls, send texts and stream music without your phone.

Some of the most popular fitness features on the Galaxy Watch Active include Running Analysis and VO2 Max.

Some of the most popular fitness features on the Galaxy Watch Active include Running Analysis and VO2 Max. The Running Analysis feature helps users become better runners and improve their running form. The VO2 max feature indicates the maximum amount of oxygen that can be used during a workout. As a result, you will be able to monitor your overall fitness and performance capacity while increasing your endurance.

Many standard features help you track your fitness and work toward important milestones. For example, you'll have built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, and activity/sleep tracking. Another advanced feature is the electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor for detect irregular heartbeats that could indicate an underlying condition. You will also be able to monitor your blood oxygen saturation levels with the SpO2 sensor.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2: Should I Upgrade?

Source: Samsung

If you're curious enough about the new features of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and willing to take a chance on the company's Wear OS 3 smartwatch, a leap of faith might be worth it. Currently, it's not as expensive as its predecessor. In short, some of the new features include improved health/fitness tracking, smoother performance, and a new 3-in-1 BioActive sensor.

Those who already own the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 and are happy with its features and performance may not be eager to upgrade. Of course, you can always wait to see what reviews and other users have to say about it before making a decision. That said , you get more for your money with the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. If nothing else, it's worth considering.

expand your horizons

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4

more to love

If you're ready for a change, you'll love the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. It still has the essentials, like GPS, heart rate monitoring, optional LTE, ECG, and blood oxygen tracking. Now you get a One UI Watch powered by Wear OS 3 and many other new features.

effortless classic

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2

still one of the best

It's certainly not the new kid anymore, but the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is still a solid choice for fitness enthusiasts. You get GPS, heart rate monitoring, activity/sleep tracking, ECG, blood oxygen tracking, optional LTE connectivity and much more.

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Getting the best case

The Galaxy S20 FE is the best phone, so it deserves the best case

Samsung introduced the Galaxy S20 FE, and the device is sure to catch the eye of many. With stiff competition in the mid-range market, it is clear that Samsung wants to compete, and the S20 FE is fantastic. If you are choosing one of these amazing devices brand new, be sure to pair it with a case to keep it looking amazing.

Keep your screen scratch free

These Galaxy S21 Plus screen protectors will keep your screen looking good

The Galaxy S21 family of devices has finally launched, which means it's time to find some of the best accessories. After grabbing a case, you'll probably want to go ahead and snag a screen protector to provide extra protection over what Samsung has pre-installed on the device.