Samsung Galaxy Watch Active Review
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active is a smartwatch designed for fitness enthusiasts and anyone else who’s always on the go. Buyers are able to track and monitor a wide range of activities that include running, cycling, swimming, yoga, and even pilates. They are also able to track their heart rate, stress levels, and sleep patterns while also having access to breathing and meditation exercises.
It is compatible with Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, which allows the buyer to set up and activate a number of different apps. These include Spotify, Samsung Health, and even Samsung Pay for use wherever it’s accepted. Furthermore, working GPS is present for safer and more efficient outdoor runs and walks.
All of this is wrapped up in a sleek and smooth design that comes in four different colors and can easily fit into a number of different environments. And the fact that it only costs $200 makes it even more appealing to buyers.
-Eye-catching design
-Lightweight and comfortable
-Access to multiple apps
-Multiple tracking features
-Bluetooth connectivity
-High display resolution
-Extremely versatile usage
-Disappointing battery life
-Lacks durability
-Inconsistant accuracy
Activities
Even while the buyer is not active, they're still able to fully utilize this watch during their regular daily lives. It can monitor stress levels, heart rate, and the number of steps taken, and buyers are also given access to meditation and breathing exercises. A sleep tracker is also included for even better monitoring of health habits and overall progress.
Basic Features
Unlike a number of smartwatches, which have a five-button configuration, this model has two buttons on its right-hand side to turn the screen on and off and switch between apps. However, most of its features can be accessed and utilized with the touchscreen.
Advanced Features
Thanks to the Samsung Health app, this watch comes readily equipped with a heart rate monitor and stress tracker. It also features a full sleep monitor as well as access to breathing and meditation routines, which several buyers feel makes it truly stand out.
As an added bonus, Samsung Pay can also be accessed via this watch for quick and easy in-store payment wherever it's accepted. Buyers set it up by downloading the app and entering their credit card information so that all they have to do to pay is hold their watch in front of a card reader.
Accuracy
There also doesn't seem to be a lot of online information when it comes to this watch's GPS. However, on professional reviewer did test it out extensively and found that it performed well above average.
Connectivity
All Samsung smartphones and most Android smartphones are able to work with this model, as are most iPhones that are currently on the market. Galaxy Buds can also be paired with this watch for easy music listening wherever the buyer goes.
While this quality has garnered mostly positive responses, a number of early reviews claimed that it diminished after a short period of time. It is unclear if this is due to an early manufacturing error or if it's a lingering issue that still needs to be addressed.
Apps
Buyer is also pleased to know that this device is compatible with Samsung Pay, which is accepted in more store locations than Apple Pay. After downloading the app and entering their credit card information, all buyers have to do is access the app and place their watch in front of a card reader.
Comfort
In addition, this particular model only weighs around 0.88 ounces, which is noticeably lighter than most smartwatches. Because of this, and its slightly smaller build, it will never feel heavy or cumbersome at any point throughout the day.
Style
Buyers are able to pick between four different color options when purchasing this particular watch. While black seems to be the most popular option, with silver being a close second, they can also choose between dark green and rose gold.
Durability
However, multiple reviewers have claimed that this watch is not resistant to scratches at all. A few stated that after a minor bump or drop, the screen will already show signs of damage. Others write that its connectivity and battery life begin to falter after a very short period of time.
Since most of these reviews were written shortly after this watch's release, it's unclear if these results were due to manufacturing errors that occurred early on in production. Regardless, these are criticisms that potential buyers should still keep in mind.
Face
Its main display measures 1.1 inches in diameter, just a bit less than the average watch measurement. With the added casing, it measurements come in at 39.5 x 39.5 x 10.5. This makes it noticeably smaller and thinner than most watches on the market.
According to multiple listings, its display resolution is 360 x 360 pixels. Considering that many smartwatches have a resolution set at 240 x240 pixels, this means that the buyer will be given incredible image quality if they purchase this model.
Band
The strap width is listed at 20mm, or 0.78 inches, which is standard for most watches. It can comfortably stay in place on the buyer's wrist without feeling too bulky or overwhelming. And while its overall length is not listed, it can be assumed that it will best fit all wrist sizes between five and eight inches around.
Size
The wrist band is 20mm thick, which is actually standard for most watches, and product photos indicate that it can comfortably fit all wrist sizes between five and eight inches around.
While its screen might be smaller than average, its display resolution is anything but. Listings have this feature at 360 x 360 pixels, which means that it provides incredible image quality even for a smartwatch.
Ease of Use
Because this screen is slightly smaller than those found on other smartwatches, several buyers have found it a bit challenging to use and read. Those with wider fingers would have a particularly difficult time using this model.
Power Source
According to its Samsung website listing, this watch can also be placed on top of any compatible Samsung phone or a quick power-up whenever the buyer is on the go.
Reviews seem to be very mixed when it comes to this watch's battery life, which is listed at 45 hours for normal usage and 90 hours for low usage. While some seem to be satisfied with this, a large number of buyers feel that this is far too short for their liking. Considering that similar watches made by Garmin can last up to or even more than a week on regular mode, these feelings are more than understandable.
Price
Considering its multiple tracking and monitoring features, level of water resistance, and ability to blend into most environments, this watch's price is considered by some to be quite a bargain. Similar watches made by companies such as Garmin are known to cost anywhere between $300 and $600.
With that said, there are some buyers who feel that this lower price reflects the lack of features that they will get with this model. It does not come with the built-in microphone that's found on other Samsung watches. Furthermore, a number of buyers claim that they were disappointed by its battery life and lack of durability.
Key Features
-Samsung Pay
-Samsung Health
-Pre-installed Spotify
-Tracking for multiple activities
-5 ATM water rating
-Bluetooth and WiFi compatible
-Touchscreen
-Gorilla glass lens
-Aluminum casing
-Fluoroelastomer wrist band
-Four color options
-$200 price tag
-45-hour to 90-hour battery life
Bottom Line
However, there are still a few features that are left to be desired. A number of buyers feel that its battery life is far too short, especially when compared to similar models made by Garmin. Others have complained about its lack of durability and inconsistent accuracy.
This model has still proven to be a high seller and garnered mostly positive reviews. With more versions in the works, there's plenty of hope that Samsung will take these critiques seriously and greatly improve this line of smartwatches.