As a gadget lover researching your next smartwatch purchase, you‘re likely considering Samsung‘s popular Galaxy Watch line. Two compelling and capable options are the recently released Galaxy Watch 4 and its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch Active 2. On the surface these watches may look nearly identical – but under the hood, several key differences make each model unique.
This buyer‘s guide will compare the Galaxy Watch 4 and Active 2 models across all major areas – from design and displays to performance, software, sensors and pricing. By evaluating each watch‘s distinct capabilities, budgets, and limitations, you‘ll discover which is the best smartwatch choice for your needs. Let‘s dive in!
At a Glance: Watch 4 vs Active 2 Comparison
Before analyzing each watch in detail, this quick table summarizes the core hardware differences:
| Spec | Galaxy Watch 4 | Galaxy Watch Active 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | August 2021 | August 2019 |
| Display | 1.2” or 1.4” Super AMOLED, Up to 450 x 450 resolution | 1.2” or 1.4” Super AMOLED, 360 x 360 resolution |
| Case Sizes | 40mm, 44mm | 40mm, 44mm |
| Processor | Samsung Exynos W920, Dual core 1.18GHz | Samsung Exynos 9110, Dual core 1.15GHz |
| Memory | 16GB storage, 1.5GB RAM | 4GB storage, 768MB RAM (LTE model has 1.5GB RAM) |
| Battery (rated) | 44mm: 361 mAh 40mm: 247 mAh |
44mm: 340 mAh 40mm: 247 mAh |
| Charging | Wireless and USB fast charging support | Wireless and USB fast charging support |
| OS | Wear OS Powered by Samsung (Wear OS 3) | Tizen OS 5.5 |
| Sensors | HRM, ECG, BIA, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Light | HRM, ECG, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Light |
| Connectivity | LTE (select models), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS/Glonass | LTE (select models), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS |
| Water Resistance | 5ATM + IP68 / MIL-STD-810G | 5ATM + IP68 / MIL-STD-810G |
| Price | Starts at $249 | Starts at $179 |
Now that you‘ve seen the watches side-by-side, let‘s analyze their designs, displays, performance, features, and other key metrics in greater detail. Comparing these aspects shows where each model excels or falls short.
Design and Display
Physically, both the Galaxy Watch 4 and Active 2 share a familiar circular body with sleek curved display glass. Button layouts vary slightly, with the Watch 4 featuring two reversible pushers versus the Active 2‘s rotating bezel and single button. Despite this, dimensions stay compact across both lineups. Even 44mm models measure less than 13mm thick to remain comfortable for all-day wear.
Aesthetically, visual differences boil down to styling preferences. The Watch 4 boasts a more classic yet high-tech look, with flattened display lens and sides. Slim aluminum bodies with haze, gray or black finishes keep it looking discreet yet premium.
The Active 2 delivers brighter color options from black to pink gold with slightly flashier body lines. It forgoes the Watch 4‘s robotic edges for smoother curves and rounded corners. Overall, both sport modern styling fitting both casual and athletic use.
You‘ll appreciate each watch‘s vibrant Super AMOLED touchscreens boasting excellent brightness and clarity for indoor/outdoor visibility. A key display upgrade on the Watch 4 is higher pixel density for crisper imagery. The 44mm size gains a particularly nice resolution boost up to 450 x 450 pixels versus the Active 2‘s max 360 x 360 display. Expect more defined text and vivid graphics if opting for the larger model.
Both also share the signature circular user interface of Samsung‘s Tizen OS. But you‘ll notice tweaks once the Watch 4 boots into its revamped Wear OS interface. More on that later!
Performance and Battery Life
Suggestively named Exynos W920 silicon powers the Galaxy Watch 4 for demonstrably snappier responses compared to its predecessor. Benchmarks show the new chipset improving processing speeds by nearly 2x over the Active 2‘s capable but aging Exynos 9110 hardware.
For comparison, Geekbench tested the Watch 4‘s multi-core performance at 4x that of the Apple Watch Series 6. The Active 2 rated closer to 2x as fast by the same metric. So in terms of sheer horsepower, the Watch 4 sees a massive boost for smoothly swiping menus or loading data-rich health apps.
The 1.5GB memory allotment also keeps more apps and services actively running in the background without slowdowns. This helps if you want offline music support or expect timely notifications from multiple messaging or social media apps. LTE models of both watches allow leaving your phone behind thanks to generous built-in storage for playlists.
Now for battery expectations: both deliver roughly 24 hours of continuous usage before prompting an overnight recharge. Rated capacities see a slight reduction with the Watch 4, but disabling features like continuous heart rate monitoring or the Always On display will keep either watch humming into a second day.
Charging times are equally swift, leveraging Samsung‘s wireless charging tech to replenish from empty in as little as 90 minutes. So despite minor battery life concessions, the Watch 4 regains juice quickly for reliable all-day endurance.
Health sensors and tracking
As capable fitness companions, both the Active 2 and Watch 4 provide continuous heart rate data courtesy accurate optical monitors. This allows following resting, workout and sleeping heart rates 24/7. Each watch can also detect irregular rhythms and take manual ECG readings using integrated electrodes.
So where‘s the health sensor edge? Twofold:
Enhanced BioActive Tracking – The Galaxy Watch4 debuts Samsung‘s new 3-in-1 BioActive sensor combining optical heart rate, electrical heart and bioelectrical impedance (BIA) monitoring into a single low-profile chip. This unlocks next-level body composition metrics like skeletal muscle mass, basal metabolic rate, body water and even body fat percentage right from your wrist!
More Precise Data Collection – This unified sensor cluster sits closer to the skin for notably improved heart and BIA data accuracy over the Active 2. Noise reduction algorithms in the background boost reliability as well.
Both models track activity metrics using built-in GPS, barometric altimeters and accelerometers for pacing runs or rides, counting floors climbed and monitoring workout intensity. Automatic workout profiles also make logging activities like crunches or squats nearly effortless. But the Watch 4 certainly ups the health insight factor if leveraging that enhanced BioActive sensor.
Smart connected features
Two key features define a modern smartwatch beyond basic fitness: notifications and payments. Both watches mirror phone alerts to keep you looped in without constant phone-glancing. Reply options also allow issuing handy canned responses by voice or typing short messages out.
Each delivers tap-and-pay convenience as well for grab-and-go shopping. Here too you‘ll notice a divergence – the Watch Active 2 uses Samsung Pay while the newer Watch 4 adopts Google Pay by virtue of its revised operating system. More details on that pivotal change next.
If connected features matter most, LTE connectivity equips both models for leaving phones behind when heading out the door. With the watches handling calls directly or streaming playlists from their onboard storage, freedom from phones is only a $50-100 upgrade away for ultimate flexibility.
Software updates and support
Historically Samsung smartwatches utilized the brand‘s own Tizen OS instead of Google‘s Wear OS platform used by Fossil, Mobvoi and other fashion-forward brands. But in a surprise move, Samsung merged the two this year by introducing Wear OS Powered by Samsung.
This Wear OS 3 foundation optimized by Samsung‘s One UI Watch overlay fuses Tizen‘s excellent software with Wear‘s more open ecosystem. The result? Galaxy Watch 4 owners enjoy smarter integrations with Android phones plus access the vast Google Play store for apps.
Conversely, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 remains capable but confines users to Samsung‘s more limited Tizen app selection. And more crucially, Samsung confirmed Active 2 owners won‘t be eligible for the new unified Wear OS 3 upgrade.
This effectively gives the newer Galaxy Watch 4 access to a wider, more supported software environment moving forward. It‘s a key differentiation beyond just hardware changes and cements the Watch 4 as Samsung‘s premier smartwatch platform for years to come.
Pricing and value comparison
Considering its dated platform support, Samsung still sells the dependable Galaxy Watch Active 2 at an attractive $179 starting price. Combining proven health tech and smart features into a compact sporty design, it retains appeal for cost-conscious upgraders.
In contrast, the cutting-edge Galaxy Watch 4 commands a steeper $249 entry reflecting its modernized construction and up-to-date software. But measured against industry-leaders like the $400 Apple Watch Series 8, Samsung‘s pricing stays relatively grounded for such capable wrist tech.
Ultimately preferences and budgets dictate which model deserves your investment. Seek a stylish activity tracker with just enough smarts? The Galaxy Watch Active 2 likely satisfies without overspending. If eyeing next-generation features and fuller phone integration matter more, the Galaxy Watch 4 makes a compelling case despite higher initial cost.
The Verdict: Which Model Should You Buy?
On paper the Galaxy Watch 4 unquestionably outpaces its predecessor across processing power, memory, sensors and software support. Yet hardware tells only part of the story – real-world usage fit also factors heavily for wearables seen as lifestyle accessories as much as cutting-edge gadgets.
Here‘s how to size up both models:
Buy the Galaxy Watch Active 2 if you want:
- Proven fitness tracking in a compact, sporty design
- A cost-effective smartwatch with ample notification support
- Longer 2 day battery life for lighter usage
- Smoother curved aesthetics over a angular tech style
Buy the Galaxy Watch 4 if you want:
- Blazing app performance and snappier menus
- Deep health insights from advanced BioActive tracking
- Access to more apps via Google Play store integration
- A unified platform that may see longer-term support
As a tech enthusiast diving into the details, I‘m confident you now have the knowledge to pick the right model for your needs. Both Galaxy watches deliver attractive designs, stellar displays and robust software ecosystems catering to active users. It just comes down to deciding between proven value or advanced technology setting the stage for Samsung wearables‘ next era.
Whichever route you take, enjoy the experience! Reach out if any other questions pop up along the way.
