The successor to the Galaxy Watch Active, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is a fantastic smartwatch that spots an outstanding design as well as a decent share of interesting features. It cuts across as a fitness-focused and lifestyle smartwatch. The Active 2 as it is fondly called shares a lot of similarities with the older Gear Sport which has a slightly longer battery life but lesser activity tracking features. We compare the Samsung Gear Sport vs Galaxy Watch Active 2 to find out all the differences and to help you know which is a better smartwatch for you.
Note that the Active 2 is available in two sizes; 40mm and 44mm. Each of these sizes is also available in Bluetooth and LTE models. The LTE model is a standalone smartwatch as a result of an eSIM that enables cellular connectivity and allows it to make and receive calls independent of a smartphone. In this comparison, we’re comparing the 44mm Bluetooth model of the Active 2 against the Gear Sport.
Samsung Gear Sport vs Galaxy Watch Active 2 Specifications Compared
| Product Info |
 Samsung Gear Sport Full Specifications, Features, Price |
 Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (44mm) Bluetooth Full Specifications and Features |
|---|---|---|
| Price | - | $179.97 |
| ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE |
| Device name | Samsung Gear Sport | Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (44mm) |
| Device type | Fitness/Sport smartwatch | Fitness/Classic smartwatch |
| Gender | Unisex | Unisex |
| Release date | November, 2017 | September, 2019 |
| Predecessor | — | Samsung Galaxy Watch Active |
| Successor | — | Galaxy Watch 4 |
| Versions | — | Bluetooth only, LTE |
| BODY | BODY | BODY |
| Dimension | 42.9 x 44.6 x 11.6 mm | 44 x 44 x 10.9 mm |
| Weight | 67 grams | 30 grams (aluminum), 42 grams (stainless steel) |
| Shape | Circular | Circular |
| Case material | Stainless steel 316L | Aluminum, Stainless steel |
| Strap material | Silicone | Fluoroelastomer (Aluminum), Leather (stainless steel) |
| Bezel material | Stainless steel 316L | Aluminum, Bezeless |
| Strap size | 20 mm | 20 mm |
| Interchangeable strap | 20mm, Yes | Yes |
| Screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla glass DX+ |
| Water resistance | Yes, 5ATM | Yes, 5ATM |
| Durability test | — | MIL-STD-810G |
| Swim-proof | Yes, recommended | Yes, recommended |
| Color | Black, Blue | Aqua-black, Black, Cloud-silver, Gold, Pink-gold, Silver |
| DISPLAY | DISPLAY | DISPLAY |
| Display size | 1.2 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Display type | Super AMOLED, Full color | Super AMOLED, Full color |
| Display resolution | 360 x 360 pixel | 360 x 360 pixel |
| Pixel density | 424 ppi | — |
| Always on | Yes | Yes |
| Custom watch face | Yes | Yes |
| Input type | 2 Physical buttons, Physical rotating bezel, Touchscreen | 2 Physical buttons, Digital rotating bezel, Touchscreen |
| CONNECTIVITY | CONNECTIVITY | CONNECTIVITY |
| Bluetooth | Yes, Bluetooth v4.2 LE | Bluetooth v5.0 |
| Bluetooth calling | No | Yes |
| GPS | GLONASS, GPS | Yes, GPS/GLONASS/BEIDOU |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Yes, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| MEMORY | MEMORY | MEMORY |
| RAM | 0.75GB | 0.75GB |
| ROM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Memory card slot | No | No |
| CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY | CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY | CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY |
| Technology | None | None |
| SIM type | None | None |
| Band | — | — |
| NOTIFICATIONS | NOTIFICATIONS | NOTIFICATIONS |
| SMS alert | Yes | Yes |
| Calls alert | Yes | Yes |
| Email alert | Yes | Yes |
| Event reminder | Yes | Yes |
| Third-party apps alert | Yes | Yes |
| Reply to Notifications | - | - |
| MEDIA | MEDIA | MEDIA |
| Audio | mp3/mp4 | mp3/mp4 |
| Bluetooth music | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| SENSORS | SENSORS | SENSORS |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Altimeter | — | Yes |
| Ambient light | Yes | Yes |
| Barometer | Yes | Yes |
| Compass | No | — |
| ECG | No | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes | Yes |
| HRM | Yes | Yes |
| Pulse oximeter (SpO2) | No | No |
| Temperature | No | No |
| Other sensors | — | — |
| ACTIVITY TRACKING | ACTIVITY TRACKING | ACTIVITY TRACKING |
| Blood oxygen | No | No |
| Blood Pressure | No | Yes |
| Calories | Yes | Yes |
| Distance | Yes | Yes |
| ECG tracking | No | Yes |
| Heart rate monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Steps | Yes | Yes |
| Floors climbed | Yes | Yes |
| Stress | Yes | Yes |
| Fall detection | Yes | Yes |
| Menstrual cycle | Yes | Yes |
| VO2 Max | Yes | Yes |
| Swim-tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Underwater heart rate tracking | No | No |
| On-screen workout | No | No |
| Sport modes | 39 | 39 |
| BATTERY | BATTERY | BATTERY |
| Battery type | Non-removable Li-ion battery | Non-removable Li-ion battery |
| Battery capacity | 300mAh | 340mAh |
| Battery life | Regular usage: 3 days+, Standby:10 days+ | Regular: 2 days, Standby :5 days+ |
| Charging type | WPC based wireless charging | WPC based wireless charging |
| Charging time | 1-2 hours | 1-2 hours |
| Solar charging | No | No |
| PLATFORM | PLATFORM | PLATFORM |
| Chipset | Exynos 3250 | Exynos 9110 |
| CPU | Dual core 1.0GHz | Dual core 1.15GHz |
| GPU | — | — |
| Operating system | Tizen 5.5 | Tizen 5.5 |
| MISC | MISC | MISC |
| Companion app | Samsung Gear app | Samsung Gear app |
| Compatibility | Android 5.0+ & RAM 1.5GB+, iPhone 5+ and iOS 9.0+ | Android 5.0+ & RAM 1.5GB+, iPhone 5+ and iOS 9.0+ |
| Payment system | Samsung Pay | Samsung Pay |
| Voice command | Yes, Bixby | Yes, Bixby |
| Find my phone | Yes | Yes |
| Box content | Charger, Manual, Samsung Gear Sport | Charger, Manual, Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (44mm), Straps |
What’s the Difference?
Starting with the similarities, these two have the same super AMOLED display, inbuilt GPS, and same Tizen 5.5 version with the ability to track steps, calories, sleep, heart rate, and stress. Each of these two will also allow you to receive and reply to notifications. Moreover, both watches come with 4GB storage capacity that allows for onboard music storage.
While the Active 2 and Gear Sport share a lot in common, there are still some differences which we have listed below.
- Active 2 is slimmer
- Active 2 has an aluminum frame, Gear Sport has a stainless steel frame
- Active 2 has a digital rotating bezel, Gear Sport has a physical rotating bezel
- Active 2 has a slightly bigger display
- Active 2 has both microphone and speaker, Gear Sport has only a microphone
- Active 2 features ECG and blood pressure measurement
- Gear Sport has a longer battery life than Active 2
The Active 2 is slimmer than the Gear Sport which makes it sleeker and classier. It also weighs a little less which makes it a more comfortable to wear device. Although, the Gear Sport is slightly slimmer.
Although both watches are solidly built, the frame material is different. While the Active 2 has an aluminum frame, the Gear Sport has a stainless steel frame. This accounts for the lesser weight of the Active 2. Note that the LTE model of the Active 2 has a stainless steel frame paired with leather straps. Meanwhile, these two have silicone straps.
In terms of navigation, both watches have a touch-sensitive screen with two physical buttons. However, while the Active 2 has a digital rotating bezel, the Gear Sport has a physical rotating bezel. From my experience with the Active 2 and Galaxy Watch which also have a physical bezel, I honestly think the physical bezel offers better convenience.
Going further, while both watches have a super AMOLED display that’s very colorful and easy to read, the 44mm Active 2 has a 1.4 inches display which is slightly bigger than the 1.2 inches of Gear Sport. Although, the 40mm Active 2 has a 1.2 inches display size.
While there’s a microphone and speaker in the Active 2, there is only a microphone in the Gear Sport. As a result, you can make and receive calls directly on Active 2. Meanwhile, the Gear Sport will show you there’s an incoming call that you can answer, but you will have to continue the call on your phone. Moreover, there is a contact app in the Active 2 that syncs all contacts saved on your phone, thereby making it easy to find a contact you wish to call. Both watches feature a voice assistant supported by Bixby.
While both watches are well equipped to track your daily activities, the Active 2 is a more comprehensive activity tracker. It features ECG and blood pressure measurements which are not present in Gear Sport.
The Active 2 wins against the Gear Sport in every aspect except battery life. The Gear Sport has a slightly longer battery life than Active 2. You get about two days with the 44mm and just over a day with the 40mm unit of the Active 2. Meanwhile, the Gear Sport can go up to 3 days from a single charge.
Which is Better??
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is a more stylish device, it’s also a more comprehensive activity tracker, and with a speaker, it’s a more comprehensive smartwatch than the Gear Sport.