Samsung is one of the unequivocal leaders in regards to Android-compatible smartwatches, and while the Galaxy Watch Active may not be its most powerful or feature-rich option, it is one of the best values we've ever seen from the company.
The Galaxy Watch Active is essentially a smaller, more affordable version of 2018's Galaxy Watch, and if you have $200 to spend on a new wearable, it deserves to be at the very top of your shortlist.
Here's everything you need to know!
- Samsung nailed the design
- The fitness features are pretty great
- Check out the specs
- We compare it to Samsung's other devices...
- ...and watches from other companies
- All four colors look great
- Don't forget the accessories!
Fitness tracking and smarts for cheap.
For $200, it's tough to do much better than the Galaxy Watch Active. On one hand, it's a powerful smartwatch with growing app support and intuitive notification handling. On the other, it's a fitness tracker with advanced features such as GPS and waterproofing.
It's really lightweight and good for small wrists
A lot of Samsung's previous smartwatches have been inaccessible for many potential customers due to their large, bulky designs. With the Galaxy Watch Active, that's a non-issue.
The Galaxy Watch Active measures in at just 39.5 x 39.5 x 10.5mm with a weight of 25g. For comparison's sake, the regular Galaxy Watch (the 42mm model) is 41.9 x 45.7 x 12.7mm and weighs 49g. So yeah, quite a big difference.
Petite designs aren't something we see as often as we should in the smartwatch space, so having that aspect present on the Galaxy Watch Active is fantastic.
Samsung's fitness/health features are better than ever
Like you might guess with the name of Samsung Galaxy Watch Active, a big focus of this gadget is to help you get and stay in shape.
The Galaxy Watch Active keeps tabs of your all-day activity, such as steps, floors climbed, calories burned, and how far you've walked in a given day. It also has built-in sleep tracking that can analyze your various sleep stages throughout the night and reminders to move and meditate throughout the day.
Other fitness features we love are the included heart-rate monitor, IP68 waterproofing, and built-in GPS that enables you to map your runs without having to take your phone with you.
Here are the specs
Curious as to what makes the Galaxy Watch Active tick? Samsung outfitted it with a wide array of interesting specs, including things like 4GB for storing your apps and local songs, IP68 waterproofing to keep it safe during swim sessions, and a lot more.
The full specs list is as follows.
| Cateogry | Galaxy Watch Active |
|---|---|
| Display | 1.1-inch 360x360 AMOLED Gorilla Glass |
| Battery | 230mAh |
| Storage | 4GB |
| GPS | ✔️ |
| NFC | ✔️ |
| Heart rate | ✔️ |
| Resistance | IP68, 5ATM MIL-STD-810G |
| Band size | 20 mm |
| Case material | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 39.5 x 39.5 x 10.5 mm 25 g (w/o strap) |
How does it compare to Samsung's other wearables?
As great as the Galaxy Watch Active is, it's far from the only smart wearable in Samsung's lineup.
The Galaxy Watch and Gear Fit2 Pro are still both really good here in 2019, making it a difficult choice to decide if you should just go ahead and get the Active or give some consideration to Samsung's other options.
Below, you'll find comparisons to both the Galaxy Watch and Gear Fit2 Pro to help make your decision a bit easier.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Active vs. Galaxy Watch: Which should you buy?
- Should I upgrade from the Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro to the Galaxy Watch Active?
What about other smartwatches?
In addition to the smartwatches/bands Samsung's creating, the Galaxy Watch Active is also going up against a heap of devices from other OEMs in the tech space.
The Galaxy Watch Active is going up against some really tough competition, such as the Fitbit Versa, Fossil Sport, and more.
It holds its own against these competitors incredibly well, and even if you're liking what you're seeing with the Galaxy Watch Active, it's worth giving our comparisons a read just to be absolutely certain you're buying the smartwatch that best suits all of your needs.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Active vs. Fitbit Versa: Which should you buy?
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Active vs. Fossil Sport: Which should you buy?
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Active vs. TicWatch Pro: Which should you buy?
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Active vs. TicWatch S2: Which is right for you?
Samsung has four great colors to choose from
Along with being sleek and lightweight, the Galaxy Watch Active is also quite stylish.
Samsung offers the Galaxy Watch Active in four colors, including Black, Silver, Rose Gold, and Green. Which one should you get? We've got a little guide below to help you out.
Which Galaxy Watch Active color should you get?
These are the best accessories you can get for it
The Galaxy Watch Active is really great on its own, but if you want to make your experience even better, we recommend buying a few accessories to go with it. Specifically, watch bands and screen protectors.
You can use any 20mm watch band with the Galaxy Watch Active, allowing you to change up its entire look in the blink of an eye. Samsung includes a standard silicone sport band that does a good job at getting you started, but we highly recommend getting a couple of other options so you can switch up your look whenever you want.
Along with that, a screen protector will help to ensure that the Watch Active's display doesn't get damaged throughout daily use. It's not as fun a new watch band, but it's crucial if you plan on wearing this thing every single day.
You can buy it right now!
Interested in picking up the Galaxy Watch Active for yourself? If so, you can go out and buy one right now.
The Galaxy Watch Active will set you back just $200 no matter which color you get, and depending on when you buy, you might be able to find a deal/promotion to help you save a few bucks.
Fitness tracking and smarts for cheap.
For $200, it's tough to do much better than the Galaxy Watch Active. On one hand, it's a powerful smartwatch with growing app support and intuitive notification handling. On the other, it's fitness tracker with advanced features such as GPS and waterproofing.
