Galaxy Watch Active 2 or Galaxy Watch 4: which one to buy?

In 2013, Samsung released its first smartwatch, the Galaxy Gear. Since then, the company has been improving its devices, and each year, adding more and more functions and features to them. An example of this is the 2019 launch of the Galaxy Watch Active 2, and in 2021, the Samsung Galaxy Watch4.

Smart watches are indispensable accessories for the demanding public that enjoys technology and keeping up with their health. Therefore, the Chinese company is always improving them, and investing in these technologies.

But after all, besides the name and year of release, what are the differences between the two devices mentioned above? Does the Watch4 have any extra features that the Active 2 doesn’t? Below, check out a comparison between them, and find out which is the best purchase option.

Galaxy Watch Active 2 or Galaxy Watch 4: Technical sheet

Below, check out the technical data of the two products launched by Samsung:

Galaxy Watch Active 2 or Galaxy Watch 4: Screen

When you look at the Galaxy Watch 4 and Active 2, the first notable difference is the design change that Samsung has implemented. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 features a 2.5D curved glass display with rounded edges.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch 4 has a flat screen inside its chassis, which now has flat sides. But what Samsung hasn’t changed between generations is the black capacitive bezel that serves as the input mechanism.

Each model is available in 40mm or 44mm case sizes. When it comes to case material, Samsung ditched the stainless steel case for the Watch 4 and adhered to aluminum. In that case, if you want the heaviest metal, you’ll need to upgrade to the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.

Among other changes, the buttons also got a redesign with the Watch 4 featuring two symmetrically placed oblong switches. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 has both a circular and an oblong clicker.

Furthermore, the implementation of a new health tracking system – enabled by the Bioactive Sensor – has also seen the Watch 4 become a millimeter thinner than the Active 2.

From the above, it’s important to note that the Galaxy Watch 4 is a step up from its predecessor, and the push for symmetry is welcome. However, despite the design changes, both watches maintain the same protection ratings, same screen type and same size.

Galaxy Watch Active 2 or Galaxy Watch 4: Processor and RAM

A significant change from Galaxy Watch 4 is the 5nm Exynos W920, which promises faster rendering, faster UI navigation. Furthermore, background processing ensures that data is quickly accessible.

Samsung has added 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of storage to the new Galaxy Watch 4. no longer Galaxy Watch Active 2, the user has access to 768 MB or 1.5 GB of RAM if you buy a model with Bluetooth or LTE, respectively. And both versions come with a paltry 4GB of storage.

From that, the advantage that the Galaxy Watch 4 has over the model 2 is undeniable. And this difference becomes even more relevant during the user’s daily use. Even more so if you’re planning on making it your running buddy while you leave your phone at home.

Finally, it’s worth noting that if you’re wondering how these devices will last a day, the Galaxy Watch 4 is designed to last up to 40 hours on a single charge, while the Active 2 has a battery life of 2 days.

Galaxy Watch Active 2 or Galaxy Watch 4: Features

Speaking of health-based features, Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch Active 2 share some features. This list includes the ability to monitor blood pressure, record ECGs, provide irregular heart rate notifications, and track workouts.

But the newer model has an advantage because it is better equipped to track sleep. And its new Body Impedance Analysis feature – built into the Bioactive Sensor – lets you provide metrics related to body composition, which includes basal metabolic rate, skeletal muscle, body water and body fat percentage.

Galaxy Watch Active 2 or Galaxy Watch 4: Software

The move to WearOS represents Samsung’s move away from Tizen, and the growth of its ecosystem. But there’s no denying that WearOS 3 is the best choice for most due to the window it opens to third-party apps.

If you’re worried about familiarity, the way you move around the operating system has remained pretty similar. As such, switching to the platform is nothing short of positive unless you own an iPhone or use a device without Google Mobile Services.

After all, which is the best?

Good, if you like better hardware, getting the Watch 4 is an easy choice to make. It has new sensors that can provide a higher level of detail and a new operating system that gives you access to more apps than the Watch Active 2.

On the other hand, if you’re just looking to keep tabs on your workouts and stay on top of your notifications, the Watch Active 2 is still a viable device to own.