After the very good Galaxy Watch in 2024, Samsung release with the Galaxy Watch Active. A refined version, but nevertheless of quality.Read this Samsung Galaxy Watch Active Review to discover more.
- Model: Galaxy Watch Active
- Autonomy: 2 days in normal use
- Dimensions: 40 mm x 40 mm x 10.5 mm (H x W x D)
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active:
The Galaxy Watch 42 and 46 mm released last year quickly found their audience. Easy, since this version of the smartwatch was very successful. Suffice to say right away, this is also the case with the Galaxy Watch Active. However, the model chooses a more “light” version. A good point for some reasons, a bad point for others.
Unboxing of the Galaxy Watch Active
The smart health connected watch was delivered to us in pretty pretty white packaging. The word “Watch” and a visual of the watch adorn the top of the box. Some features of the watch are shown on the side. When you lift the cover, you discover the watch, wrapped around another small round box that contains the charging cable.
A second bracelet is also present. At the bottom of the cover is a small tab on which to pull. It allows you to reach the rather summary user manual. Do not try to catch it without the tongue, it is almost impossible (yes, we tried).
Design and ergonomics: A very pleasant aesthetic
The Galaxy Watch Active has a much more attractive aesthetic than the Galaxy Watch. The heaviness of the latter disappears for a clean design which will suit both women and men. Two buttons on the side. The bottom one turns the watch on and off and locks it. The top one is used to go back in the menus and to unlock the watch. The black contours of the screen seem rather imposing at first. Unfortunately this is also the case when using …
Note that the version we received had a gray bracelet, but a version with black bracelet is also available. Moreover, it is even possible to change the strap as desired and very easily to personalize your watch.
The bracelet still has a defect: the buckle. Indeed, it is necessary to pass the end of the bracelet which protrudes from below, therefore between his wrist the bracelet. Suffice to say that this is not the best idea that Samsung had. Not only is it not practical, but it also pulls the skin when passing the tongue. We understand the idea of not letting a piece of bracelet hang down, but the silicone makes maneuvering unpleasant.
At the back of the watch, a magnetic surface allows it to be recharged. The location is not very successful and the watch often tends to slip. If it moves a few centimeters, the connection between the refill and the accessory is lost. So be sure to place it precisely if you plan to charge the Galaxy Watch Active during your absence.
The interface of the smart health connected watch is very successful. Even if the rotating bezel has disappeared, wristwatch use is very intuitive. The first button for the health home screen, the second for the navigation menu. Swiping to the right accesses the menu when the watch is locked. We navigate rather easily in the menus. Access the notifications menu by swiping to the right, parameters by swiping from top to bottom and services to the left. You can change the order of the screens to navigate more easily. Useful, because taking your marks will still require a little practice.
Samsung Galaxy Active features
The Galaxy Watch Active has lots of cool features. The Galaxy Wearable application already allows you to obtain various information on the ride such as the remaining battery time or the available RAM. Very classic, but it will mainly be used to transfer files between the smartphone and the watch.
On the sports side, the active Galaxy Watch is also level. The smart health connected watch offers different modes depending on the activity chosen: running, cycling, swimming … Accompanied by the very good Samsung Health app, playing sports with the Galaxy Watch Active on your wrist is a real pleasure, especially thanks to the Integrated GPS. The data on physical performance (number of steps, sleep, daily physical activities) are clear and the navigation is pleasant.
The physical activity detector is practical if you forgot to start your session. A detector which sometimes tends to do what it likes and to launch out without reason simply because you move too much. Well, it’s better to have an overly sensitive system than not enough. The device also has a heart rate monitoring that works very well. A system also allows you to reduce your stress with an inspiration-expiration cycle.
The functionality of autopause is also very interesting. You may have to stop during a session, especially in the city. Autopause then detects a change in activity which readjusts your follow-up. Convenient.
The only concern with these two applications is their installation. If this is the first Samsung smartwatch you have, installing Samsung Health, Wearable and their various plug-ins will take a little time and a lot of space. Add to that the Samsung Pay app, still very convenient to pay with the watch. Provided that your bank is compatible.
Regarding communication, messaging has good ideas, such as pre-recorded sms, which avoid typing on the keyboard a simple thank you or good day. The messages can even be modified in order to put its own shortcuts. Convenient for followers of “mdrrr” and others “we eat MacDo tonight?”. In fact, we will especially appreciate the shortcuts so as not to have to use the keyboard. The size of the screen, because of these famous black borders, does not facilitate the capture at all. Nothing unacceptable either if we do not make a summary of his weekend at grandmother, but all the same.
At least, whatever the ambient light, the screen remains very readable thanks to the quality OLED panel.
Autonomy
The battery life of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active is truly disappointing. During extensive use, it only takes two and a half days. The biggest concern comes from the charging time. 2.5 hours are required to recharge the watch when the battery is completely empty. It’s long, too long. It would be tolerable if the autonomy was exceptional, which is far from being the case.
The Galaxy Watch Active faces the competition
Facing the Apple Watch Series 4
The war between Apple and Samsung continues and intensifies with the arrival of the Galaxy Watch Active. The smart health connected watch is positioned as the direct competitor to the Apple Watch. In terms of design and ergonomics, advantage to the Watch Series 4 and its larger and more user-friendly screen. Its autonomy is also better and the model is eSIM 4G compatible.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active is a very good smart health connected watch. See came out a “lighter” model of the Watch was enough to suggest a decline in quality. Finally, the Watch Active has a superb design, many features and a successful interface. A few sports features make it a very good alternative to real market specialists.
Comparison the price
Conclusion of the Galaxy Watch Active Review
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active is a very good smart health connected watch. Seeing a “light” model come out of the Watch was enough to suggest a drop in quality. Finally, the Watch Active has a superb design, many features and a successful interface. A few sports features make it a very good alternative to real market specialists.
Unfortunately, some faults prevent the watch from being placed in the very top of the basket. Its poor autonomy is a real black spot. The watch does things the wrong way around by quickly discharging and dragging to charge. The black edges of the screen reduce the usable screen area. Finally, the strap buckle could also have been better thought out. This does not prevent us from recommending the Galaxy Watch Active, especially since the smart health connected watch is sold at an affordable price, around 200 dollars.
Design and Ergonomics : a watch as beautiful to contemplate as pleasant to wear. Its clean design is very pleasant, only the screen is a little small because of its contours
Easy to use : Beautiful and intuitive menu (with a little practice). Installing the various applications requires a lot of free space.
Application : Wearable and Health does not offer anything very advanced, but their interface is clear and intuitive. Samsung Pay is very convenient.
Features : Many features for the smart health connected watch. Athletes will certainly find more complete models elsewhere, but it has nothing to be ashamed of in the face of competition.
Quality / Price ratio : A very good value for money.
AB SMART HEALTH REVIEW
