Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 vs Galaxy Watch3 - What are the differences?

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 did not deliver what many expected. Especially the missing rotating bezel disappointed many Samsung fans. There was only a digital version.

Now Samsung has brought the Samsung Galaxy Watch3 on the market. In many points the two watches are identical. But the Samsung Galaxy Watch3 has a rotating bezel. Let's take a closer look at the differences between the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch3 in comparison.

Comparison table

Differences between Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch3

Size and weight

Both generations are available in two sizes each. However, the Samsung Galaxy Watch3 is 1 millimeter larger in both variants.
 

• Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2: 40 and 44 millimetres
• Samsung Galaxy Watch3: 41 and 45 millimeters

In the thickness the Samsung Galaxy Watch3 is also slightly thicker. In the small version the watch measures 11.1 and 11.3 millimeters, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 is 10.9 millimeters thick in both versions.

Logically, the Samsung Galaxy Watch3 is also heavier in weight. In my opinion, the weights are relatively unimportant. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 has a weight of 26 to 30 grams. The weight of the Samsung Galaxy Watch3 is between 49.2 and 53.8 grams.

Fitness and health

The two watches have many similar functions related to fitness and health. But with the Samsung Galaxy Watch3 you get a few more functions. These include for example:

Measuring and recording the oxygen saturation of the blood
Detection of waste in oxygen saturation

However, these functions are not available everywhere. In Europe and the USA these functions cannot be used at this time.

Rotating bezel

The rotating bezel seems to be the core element of the new Samsung Galaxy Watch3*. Despite the physical element, the watch is not significantly heavier. Samsung has thus succeeded in a good implementation.

Many loyal Samsung fans will be happy about this upgrade of the Samsung Galaxy Watch3.

Battery life

In terms of battery life, the Samsung Galaxy Watch3 offers a little more. The watch is advertised with a battery life of 2+ days. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 has a specification of 2 days smooth.

LTE

Both watches are available with LTE. However, a special version must always be purchased. You can easily recognize this by the addition LTE. The devices are of course a bit more expensive. LTE is available in the smaller and also larger versions of Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch3.

Waterproof

Furthermore the Samsung Galaxy Watch3 is also waterproof. This was also the case with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2. Up to 50 meters (5ATM) the devices withstand the water. Both watches are certified with IP68.

Which Samsung watch is better?

As you can see in the comparison, both watches are very similar. The differences lie in the slightly larger dimensions and the physical rotating bezel.

In my opinion, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2* is the better choice. Especially with the release of the Samsung Galaxy Watch3 the price will drop a little bit. So if you don't need a rotating bezel, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 will be sufficient. There you also have the digital solution of the bezel if necessary.

One criterion for the Samsung Galaxy Watch3* would be the design. But for that you have to dig a little deeper into your pocket.
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