Samsung Galaxy Watch vs. Galaxy Watch Active - What are the differences?

Besides several versions of the Samsung Galaxy Watch there is also the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active. With a slightly lower price the Smartwatch is tempting. But where are the differences? Is the Galaxy Watch Active enough for you?

Comparison table

Differences between Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Watch Active

Overall, the Galaxy Watch Active* is the smallest version of all watches in the Galaxy Watch series. However, this does not mean that it is bad or unusable for you.

Size and weight

Already in the size it is noticeable that the Active version is smaller. For the comparison we have to consider that there are already 2 different versions of the Galaxy Watch series. These are 42 mm and 46 mm, which also directly describes the size of the watches.
 

• Galaxy Watch 46 mm: 46.0 x 49.0 x 12.9 mm
• Galaxy Watch 42 mm: 41.9 x 45.5 x 12.6 mm
• Galaxy Watch Active: 39.5 x 39.5 x 10.5 mm

The dimensions of the Galaxy Watch Active are already a good deal smaller, and of course it also looks more discreet on the wrist. This also has an effect on the weight. The Galaxy Watch Active is much lighter compared to the other two models:
 

• Galaxy Watch 46 mm: 82 grams
• Galaxy Watch 42 mm: 62 grams
• Galaxy Watch Active: 46 grams

Display

Due to the different sizes, the display sizes logically also differ. Here, too, the Galaxy Watch Active is the most compact model.
 

• Galaxy Watch 46 mm: 1.3"
• Galaxy Watch 42 mm: 1.2"
• Galaxy Watch Active: 1.1"

There are also different glasses used. The Galaxy Watch Active has a Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The other two models have a Corning Gorilla Glass DX+. But these are both excellent displays.

Hardware

The identical processor is built into all three models. This is the 1.15 GHz dual-core Exynos 9110, which is good for a Smartwatch. Also the RAM is identical with 768 MB. However, the 46 and 42 versions are still available with a built-in LTE. With 1.5 GB there is a bit more RAM.

In the operating system, Samsung relies on Tizen OS 4.0 for both the Active and the other two variants.

Sensors

Surprisingly, all variants have the same sensors on board:
 

• Barometer
• acceleration sensor
• position sensor
• Pulse sensor (24/7)
• ambient light sensor

GPS is also included in all three variants.

LTE

Built-in LTE, i.e. a slot for a Sim card, is only available with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 42 like 46. The Active is not available with LTE. For this reason, the larger models also have a built-in loudspeaker. So you can make phone calls directly over the clock and are completely disconnected from your smartphone. The prerequisite for this is of course the eSIM.

Music, internal memory

All models have an internal memory. This includes all 4 GB. However, these are not fully usable. With the Galaxy Watch Active 1.5 GB are freely available. The other two have 1.4 GB.

Battery life

Also in the battery capacity all three models of the Galaxy Watch differ. The 46 has 472 mAh. The 42er already only 270 mAh and the Active with 230 mAh is just behind. All models are charged wirelessly.

Unfortunately, Samsung is a bit understated about the battery life. This concerns all three models. It is partly spoken of one to three days. However, many experience reports speak only of one day.

Waterproof and swimming

All models have the same protection classes with 5 ATM and IP68. Thus the watches are waterproof up to 50 meters for 30 minutes.

Samsung states that the watches are not designed for extreme water sports. This includes scuba diving, water skiing and even jumping into the water.

Which Samsung Galaxy Watch is best for you?

There are two crucial differences between the Galaxy Watch (42 and 46) and the Galaxy Watch Active. These are the size and the function of a Sim card.

If you want a lightweight Smartwatch and don't need a built-in Sim and its associated features, the Galaxy Watch Active* is definitely your choice. From my point of view, the watch is not only more compact, but also more sporty.

If you want to use a sim card in your watch and the Smartwatch completely independent from your smartphone, you have to grab either the Galaxy Watch 42 LTE* or Galaxy Watch 46 LTE*. The addition LTE is important here, as both versions are also available without LTE. If you love big and a little more ostentatious watches, then Galaxy Watch 42 and 46 are also more suitable for you. Here it depends of course something on the taste.