With a wide range of smartwatches in the market today catering to different needs and budgets, choosing the right one can be tricky. Two of Samsung‘s most popular smartwatch models are the Galaxy Watch 3 and the Galaxy Watch Active 2.
At first glance, they may look almost identical. But when you dig deeper, there are some key differences that set them apart. This comprehensive comparison guide will break down all the similarities and differences between the Galaxy Watch 3 and Active 2 to help you decide which one better suits your usage and priorities.
Side-by-Side Detailed Spec Comparison
Here is a detailed specifications comparison table highlighting all the major features and hardware of both models side-by-side for easy reference:
| Specifications | Galaxy Watch 3 | Galaxy Watch Active 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size |
41mm – 1.2 inches 45mm – 1.4 inches |
40mm – 1.2 inches 44mm – 1.4 inches |
| Display Resolution | 360 x 360 pixels | |
| Display Type | Circular Super AMOLED, Always On Display | |
| Bezel | Rotating physical bezel | Capacitive touch bezel |
| Case Material | Stainless steel | Aluminum, Stainless steel (LTE model) |
| Strap Material | Interchangeable (Leather, Silicon, Stainless steel) | |
| Dimensions |
41mm: 41 x 42.5 x 11.3 mm 45mm: 45 x 46.2 x 11.1 mm |
40mm: 40 x 40 x 10.9 mm 44mm: 44 x 44 x 10.9 mm |
| Weight |
41mm: 48.2g 45mm: 53.8g |
40mm: 26g 44mm: 30g |
| Battery Capacity |
41mm: 247mAh 45mm: 340mAh |
40mm: 247mAh 44mm: 340mAh |
| Battery Life (Typical) | Around 1-2 days | |
| Charging Method | Magnetic wireless charging | |
| Sensors | HRM, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ambient Light Sensor | |
| Water Resistance | 5ATM + IP68 / MIL-STD-810G | |
| GPS | Built-in GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | |
| Activity Tracking | Up to 40 activities auto-tracked | |
| Health Tracking | Steps, Calories, Heart Rate, ECG, Blood oxygen (SpO2), Sleep stages | Steps, Calories, Heart Rate, Sleep stages |
| Smart Features | Notifications, Contacts, Email, Calendar, Music control, Bixby Voice assistant, Samsung Pay | |
| Compatibility | Android 5.0+ / iPhone 7+ with iOS 10.0+ | |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi b/g/n, NFC, Optional 4G LTE | |
| Storage | 8GB | 4GB |
| RAM | 1GB | 1.5GB |
| Chipset | Samsung Exynos 9110 Dual core 1.15GHz | |
| OS | Tizen 5.5 | Tizen 4.0 |
Display and Design Comparison
Size and Weight
The Galaxy Watch 3 comes in 41mm and 45mm size options, while the Active 2 has 40mm and 44mm variants. So if you have small wrists, the 41/40mm models would be more suitable. For larger wrists, go for the 45/44mm versions.
In terms of weight, the Galaxy Watch 3 is noticeably heavier due to its stainless steel build and larger physical rotating bezel. The base Active 2 has an aluminum body which makes it over 20 grams lighter. So when doing vigorous workouts, the Active 2 will definitely feel less bulky on your wrists.
Display Resolution and Type
Both models come with a vibrant full circular Super AMOLED display with an “Always On” mode. The display quality is equally good with resolution of 360 x 360 pixels. Viewing angles and sunlight visibility is also excellent thanks to the AMOLED panel.
Navigation: Rotating Bezel vs Touch Bezel
One major difference between the two watches is the navigation system. The Galaxy Watch 3 brings back Samsung’s signature rotating bezel that was missing on the Active 2. It gives very fine control when scrolling through Tizen OS menus or apps. The crisp clicks feel satisfying to use.
The Active 2 instead has a touch sensitive bezel which tries to mimic the rotating experience. But it lacks the haptic feedback and responsiveness. It can be frustrating to use at times. The touch bezel is also prone to unintended inputs specially when working out.
So when it comes to usability, the Galaxy Watch 3’s physical rotating bezel is far more functional and intuitive. This remains one of its biggest advantages over the Active 2.
Health and Fitness Tracking Comparison
The Galaxy Watch series has always been geared more towards health and fitness tracking rather than hardcore smartwatch functionality. And that remains a key focus area for both the models we are comparing. Let’s see how they stack up.
Basic Activity Monitoring
For day-to-day activity metrics like steps tracking, calories burnt, floors climbed, active minutes and workout detection, both watches work almost identically. They leverage the built-in acceleration, gyroscope and barometer sensors efficiently to provide reliable data round the clock.
You also have automatic workout detection for up to 40 activities like walking, running, cycling, rowing machine, dynamic workouts and more. So casual usage is covered excellently on both Galaxy watches.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Continuous heart rate monitoring technology has matured a lot over the past few years. And Samsung’s watches now compete favorably with dedicated fitness bands and trackers.
You get accurate real time heart rate readings, alerts for abnormal rates, resting heart rate trends and heart rate zones training on both the watches. Heart rate tracking also enables reliable calorie burn data.
Advanced Health Features – ECG, SpO2 and Sleep Tracking
This is an area where the Galaxy Watch 3 pulls ahead significantly thanks to its upgraded sensor hardware and algorithms.
The Galaxy Watch Active 2 focuses mainly on fitness. But the Watch 3 goes a few steps further into health monitoring. Key additions include:
-
ECG App: Allows taking on-demand electrocardiogram readings to check for irregular heart rhythm including signs of atrial fibrillation.
-
Blood Oxygen Monitoring: The SpO2 sensor measures blood oxygen saturation levels. This can indicate issues like sleep apnea or altitude sickness.
-
Advanced Sleep Tracking: Sleep patterns are analyzed in further depth and classified into 4 distinct stages – REM, light, deep and awake times. Help identify sleeping issues.
These extras make the Galaxy Watch 3 a more holistic health monitoring wearable rather than just basic activity/workout tracker like the Active 2.
Battery Life and Charging Comparison
With typical usage involving notifications, activity tracking and occasional GPS, you can expect around 1.5-2 days of battery life from both Galaxy Watch models reviewed. The larger variants (45mm / 44mm) tend to last a bit longer between charges.
Heavy usage with continuous heart rate monitoring, GPS workouts and always-on display will drain the battery faster. But you should still get through a full day easily.
Charging is easy with the included wireless magnetic charger cradles. They use USB Type-C cables for faster charging support. Takes 1.5-2 hours for a full charge from 0 to 100%. Quick 20-30 minute top-ups can add another day of runtime easily.
Overall, battery life is at par for both models. No major differences that should sway your buying decision here.
Connectivity Options
For connectivity, both watches come with Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi b/g/n, NFC and GPS/GLONASS/Galileo built-in. Bluetooth range is excellent and pairs quickly with Android or iOS devices.
WiFi allows accessing some features without having your phone nearby. NFC enables tap to pay with Samsung Pay. And the GPS gives accurate pace, distance and route maps for outdoor workouts without carrying your smartphone.
LTE Variants
Additionally, LTE versions are also available for both models. These allow receiving calls, texts, emails and notifications over cellular data even when phones are not connected. So you can stay connected on the go without phone.
But LTE does hit battery life considerably. You’d be lucky to get a day’s usage with always-on LTE. So weigh the costs vs benefits of cellular connectivity here. Stick to Bluetooth models if battery life is a priority.
Software, UI and Smart Features
Performance and responsiveness
Thanks to the capable Exynos 9110 dual core chipset and 1GB RAM, performance is snappy on both Galaxy watches. Tizen OS menus and UI are slick and seamless to navigate. There are no noticeable lag or stutters during daily operations.
The Galaxy Watch 3 feels a bit more refined and optimised thanks to updated hardware and OS version. But general usage experience is excellent nonetheless even on the year old Active 2.
UI Customisations
Extensive watch face customisations are available on both models. Tizen provides one of the best platforms for designers and brands to create varied, gorgeous watch faces. From classy analogues to minimalist digitals – take your pick.
Notifications and Smart Features
Standard smartwatch features like app notifications, messaging responses, music controls and Samsung Bixby voice assistant work reliably on the watches. Samsung Pay lets you tap to pay on the go via NFC.
Another highlight is seamless compatibility across Android and iOS platforms. You get largely similar functionality regardless what phone OS you use. This sets Galaxy watches apart from the competition.
But don’t expect full blown smartwatch functionality like you’d get with Wear OS or WatchOS platforms. The focus still remains strongly fitness and health here.
Pricing and Value Comparison
Being the newer and advanced model, it’s no surprise that the Galaxy Watch 3 demands a premium over the Active 2 pricing:
- Galaxy Watch 3 41mm Bluetooth: $399
- Galaxy Watch 3 45mm Bluetooth: $429
- Galaxy Watch Active 2 40mm Bluetooth: $199
- Galaxy Watch Active 2 44mm Bluetooth: $229
The above prices are Samsung’s MSRP at launch. Discounts from online retailers can give even better value.
If staying under $300 is important, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 delivers an extremely well-rounded experience at that budget point with hardly any major compromises. Spend the extra only if you specifically want the rotating bezel UI or advanced health sensors present on the Watch 3.
But at their respective pricing points and target audiences, both Galaxy watches deliver immense bang for buck that outmatches most Wear OS smartwatches around the $200-500 mark.
Conclusion
Based on our detailed Galaxy Watch 3 vs Galaxy Watch Active 2 comparison, a few key conclusions can be drawn:
-
For most users focused on activity tracking, workouts and basic smartwatch functions, grab the Galaxy Watch Active 2 to save some money. Still holds up excellently even in 2023.
-
But if you want the best-in-class Samsung watch experience with refined design, rotating bezel UI and advanced health monitoring, get the Galaxy Watch 3 despite the higher price tag.
-
Casual and fitness users should pick the more affordable Active 2 with its lightweight build perfect for workouts.
-
The Galaxy Watch 3 suits those who want a premium smartwatch for everyday usage that goes deeper into health insights.
-
Both models work equally well across Android and iOS making them versatile options.
So which of these excellent Samsung smartwatches is better for you? That depends largely on your budget, usage needs and feature priorities ultimately. Hopefully this detailed comparison guide gave you clarity to decide. Let us know if you have any other questions!
