It's only been six months since Samsung released the Galaxy Watch Active, but the tech company is already unveiling the Active 2.
The new Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is slated for release on Sept. 27 with prices starting at $279. While the second-generation smartwatch is set to grab the spotlight, the original Active will still be sold in the market at a discounted price.
There are a couple of old features from the original and other Samsung watches that made their way to the Active 2, such as the spinning outer bezel.
However, while Samsung kept a few features around, they made significant upgrades that make the second-generation smartwatch a much more packed device.
The New: LTE, Heart Rate, And Fitness Features
For one, the Active 2 is a little bit bigger and thicker than the first iteration, although the model comes in two different sizes of 40mm and 44mm. There are four different color options of black, silver, gold, and lily gold.
Users can also choose between the Bluetooth-only version with the aluminum frame and rubber straps or the LTE version with a stainless steel frame and leather straps.
Instead of a physical bezel like previous Samsung watches, the Active 2 shows off a haptic-response touch bezel, which many reviewers say is a nice and smooth experience.
Samsung is boosting the smartwatch's fitness capabilities with an improved heart rate sensor and an additional four LEDs in the heart rate monitor. It also comes with a new, more powerful accelerometer.
The Galaxy Watch Active 2 features a real-time running coach that can help athletes reach their fitness goals.
This new version is also available with or without LTE. With this feature, apps such as Spotify and YouTube could run on the wristwatch even without a phone connected.
Two other interesting additions that Samsung included in the new Active watch: Google Translate and a My Style program. The latter allows users to take a photo of a piece of their clothing, then produce watch faces that match the clothing patterns.
What's To Come: ECG Sensor Features
To be clear, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 already comes with a built-in electrocardiogram, which reads heart rate and heart rhythm to detect potential arrhythmia. However, the feature has not yet been medically cleared.
According to CNET, Samsung has been inviting medical institutes to conduct research using the Active's ECG. However, there is no concrete timeline for the feature's official launch. Samsung has not yet confirmed any type of FDA clearance.
Samsung is likely to release more details about the Galaxy Watch Active 2 during their Unpacked event.
