The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 combines elegant looks with the functions of a fitness watch. Our test model is the 44 mm version (R820) in the color Aqua Black. The large display as well as features like LTE and various measurement functions make the Active 2 the perfect sports and everyday companion.
| Product name: | SM-R825F |
| Available colors: | Pink Gold, Crown Silver, Aqua Black |
| Operating System: | Tizen |
| Connectivity: | Bluetooth 5.0, WLAN 2.4 GHz, NFC, GPS, LTE – eSIM |
| Sensors: | Accelerometer, barometer, gyro sensor, heart rate monitor, light sensor |
| Display: | Super AMOLED, 1.4″ (34.5 mm) |
| Processor: | Dual core, 1.15 GHz |
| Memory (in GB): | Working memory: 1.5 / Internal device memory: 4.0 (Of which freely available: approx. 1.4) |
| Battery: | 340 mAH, Qi-Charge (wireless) |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) and weight: | 44 x 44 x 10.9 / 30 grams |
| Price: | € 79.64 * |
Scope of delivery
The accessories, as well as the complete scope of delivery is very manageable. The watch comes in a small square box. Included in the box, besides the watch itself, is the docking station with associated cable, an instruction manual, as well as a sheet on which the warranty policy can be read.
Design and workmanship
The design of our watch is very simple and elegant. Due to the classy black color and minimalistic design, the watch looks more like a high-priced smartwatch rather than a sports watch. The already pre-assembled wristband is also black and made of plastic. If we had to describe the surface with one word, the word would probably be “velvety”. The wristband makes a high-quality impression, is not sticky and is very nice to the touch. The plastic band has a width of 20 mm and can easily be exchanged for other 20 mm bracelets.
The workmanship is very successful all around. All materials are conscientiously chosen and give no reason for complaint.
The Galaxy Watch Active 2 in everyday use
The setup was by and large very unproblematic and convenient. You install the app GALAXY WEAR and the associated WATCH ACTIVE plugin on your smartphone, connect the watch to your smartphone and you can start personalizing it. We will go into more detail about the app and the other applications under the point “APP”.
The watch is also a perfect everyday companion due to its minimalistic shape and elegant black color. At first and second glance, it does not look like a fitness smartwatch, so you can easily wear it in the office or on “fancier” occasions.
The feel of the Active 2 is very good. It is very light at 30 grams and is hardly noticeable on the wrist. The included plastic wristband is also of very good quality. It is easy to close and the rest of the strap is pushed in towards the inside.
Of course, we also tested it during sports, for which I got dressed up and tested the watch during a small home workout. The multitude of functions that the Active 2 offers the user were very helpful. Once you have chosen a program, the calorie consumption is determined based on movements and the pulse. Only the height of the watch was noticed negatively during the workout. The watch is very high for our taste and it pressed a bit on the back of the hand, e.g. during exercises where you have to bend the wrists.
Overall, however, it can be operated very well, as well as the bezel. This is the outer edge of the watch, with which you can scroll through the individual pages. This is equipped with a touch sensor in the Active 2. Thus, you always have to touch the display when using it, which always results in unsightly fingerprints.
Like every Samsung smartwatch, the watch is IP68 certified and protected against water penetration. The certification states that the watch can be worn without problems while jogging in the rain or washing up. However, the IP code does not take water pressure into account. However, the Active 2 is manufactured according to ISO 22810 standard and guarantees water protection up to 5 ATM. Thus, it is also suitable for swimming.
Display
A 1.4-inch Super AMOLED color display adorns the watch. It offers 360 x 360 pixel resolution and rich colors thanks to OLED technology. OLED displays also have the fantastic property of displaying the image well visibly even from the most impossible viewing angles. We also noticed the touch function positively. All commands were implemented very precisely, so there is no room for any complaints here.
Battery
The 340 mAh battery charge is very solid overall and lasts several days, depending on usage of course. Functions like continuous heart rate monitoring or running apps like Spotify will naturally shrink the battery relatively faster. The watch is empty and you want to recharge it? No problem, the Active 2 supports Qi Charge and is easily charged via the included docking station. The watch clings to the station with the help of magnets and always stays in the same spot. The bottom of the station is also magnetic, so it holds onto metallic surfaces. We dare to doubt whether the magnetic underside is of much use for the majority of users.
In optimal use, although “optimal” is not elaborated on by Samsung, a rated power of about 60 hours is given. That corresponds to about 2.5 days. In our test, the watch was empty after 1 day and just under 8 hours with a permanently activated display and constant heart rate measurement. Quite acceptable as we find.
Connectivity & Compatibility
Our test object has LTE and that in a very modern way. Samsung relies on E-SIM in the Active 2, which will accompany us more and more in the future, even in smartphones. E-SIM (Embedded SIM), which means “embedded” or “permanently installed”. With the E-SIM, we have the option of loading the parameters from our SIM card onto it and using it on the move. This then allows the user to make phone calls, for example, without being connected to the smartphone. We already know the E-SIM from other manufacturers and models, so it’s not a complete novelty, but it’s still a smart solution.
We tested the watch with an iPhone 11, a Huawei P20 Pro and a Galaxy S20. That the watch is compatible with the Galaxy S20 was to be expected. However, it became more exciting when it came to the compatibility with iOS, but we could not determine any problems here either. Likewise, when used with a Huawei P20 Pro.
App
The Galaxy Wear app is very clearly designed. On the first page, “Home”, we can already find all the setting options we need. One has the option to change the entire display via the app or to rearrange the order of the individual widgets. But also the setting of general things, like brightness and sound or vibration, is no problem here. With the middle tab, we have access to dials in all shapes and colors, some free and some paid.
Unlimited possibilities thanks to Galaxy Store
With the Galaxy Store, we have access to numerous apps and widgets that only show the complete potential of the watch. Besides apps for cycling or golfing, we also find “nice to haves” like Spotify. Many of the apps that were interesting for us are paid. You should therefore take a close look at the apps’ weaknesses and functions.
Conclusion
Overall, with the Galaxy Active 2 you get a classy fitness smartwatch that you don’t have to hide in everyday life. The workmanship is very good and offers no reason for complaint. The battery charge is very solid and lasts for almost two days depending on the usage. The app is clearly designed and is not a blank slate even for beginners since all functions and settings are sufficiently labeled and described. The Galaxy Store offers a variety of apps for sports activities. Unfortunately, many of them are paid, which does not directly mean that they are good. Thus, one should inform oneself about possible weaknesses before buying the app.
The color reproduction and viewing angle stability of the display is excellent. For personalization, the app offers a tab under which you can change the watch face according to your preference and application area.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
Workmanship
Comfort
App
Store
Functions
Connectivity
89/100
A noble fitness smartwatch with a large app store that does not have to hide in everyday use.
