Samsung Galaxy Fit vs. Galaxy Watch Active 2: Which should you buy?

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2

Just a few months after the release of the original Galaxy Watch Active, Samsung has spoiled us with a second edition and it's mighty fine. You'll enjoy built-in GPS, NFC payments, a digital rotating bezel, and improved sensors for optimal tracking.

Samsung Galaxy Fit

It might be small but there's a lot of power packed into this compact device. The Samsung Galaxy Fit is the ideal activity tracker that also tracks heart rate, sleep, and stress levels. You'll have everything you need at a truly unbeatable price.

For some fitness fanatics, this choice might seem like a no-brainer. If you want all the features you could ever need, get the Galaxy Watch Active 2. However, when you take a closer look at the details, there are many reasons to consider both of these wearables.

Both are stunning

It might seem like a bare-minimum fitness tracker on the surface, but the Samsung Galaxy Fit has a lot to offer when it comes to health and fitness tracking. It's quite affordable for all its features, too. You'll have activity tracking, heart-rate monitoring, notifications, plus sleep and stress tracking.

When you first see the all-new Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, it'll be difficult to peel your eyes away. This sleek and stylish wearable is the definition of new and improved. You'll have the option of an LTE model this time around, which is one of the major upgrades. It also boasts a new sensor, the electrocardiogram (ECG), which can detect signs of irregular heartbeat related to atrial fibrillation.

While the ECG feature isn't available just yet, it's a nice touch for those who want a closer look at their heart health. This is a bit anti-climactic for a new release but at least we can count on it being available in the future. Samsung also says that the heart rate monitor and accelerometer have been improved on the Watch Active 2.

Key differences

So, what are the key differences between this fitness tracker and smartwatch? Most notably, the Galaxy Fit can provide smartphone notifications via Bluetooth connection, but you won't have Wi-Fi or optional LTE connectivity like you do with the Galaxy Watch Active 2. For some wearable enthusiasts, this could easily be the deciding factor.

While the Galaxy Fit does offer some nice activity-tracking features, you won't have built-in GPS or the Running Coach feature for monitoring real-time pace metrics, which the Galaxy Watch Active 2 has. This neat addition provides you with a breakdown of what your workout session will look like before you begin. During your routine, it coaches you with audio cues you can hear through Bluetooth headphones or the speaker in the watch.

We should also mention that the Galaxy Fit isn't equipped with NFC for contactless payments. If you want the full smartwatch experience with Samsung Pay, you'll have to spring for the Galaxy Watch Active 2. It's also worth noting that the Fit runs on Realtime OS, which is far less robust than Tizen OS on the Watch Active 2.

There are some physical differences as well. There are two size options this time around, including a 44mm with a 1.4-inch display and the 40mm with a 1.2-inch display. Additionally, both sizes are available in an aluminum case, which is the standard option. You have the choice of upgrading to a more heavy-duty stainless steel model if you're willing to pay for it.

The Active 2 features a new digital bezel that you slide your finger around to navigate the interface without any bulky moving parts. It appears Samsung heard our cries when the rotating bezel was left out of the first edition. However, a recent update now makes this stand-out feature available on the original Galaxy Watch Active.

There are various band and color combinations to pick from, so you'll be able to sport the Watch Active 2 in style. Speaking of style, with the Galaxy Wearable app, you can use the My Style color extraction app to take a photo of your outfit and it will generate a selection of watch faces based on the color scheme for you to choose from.

If you're content with a solid set of tracking features in a small package, the Galaxy Fit isn't a bad choice. In addition to tracking steps, distance, heart rate, sleep, and stress levels, you have automatic activity tracking for six workouts. This device can automatically track running, walking, cycling, elliptical training, rowing, and dynamic workouts. You can also manually select from 90 additional activities via the Samsung Health app, which is pretty impressive.

While the Galaxy Watch Active 2 has plenty of smartwatch-related features, there is still an emphasis on the "active" element of this wearable. There are some nice improvements to look forward to, like a faster and more accurate LED-based heart rate monitor, an advanced accelerometer, and improved GPS. Let's not forget about the optional LTE connectivity and pending ECG feature that we mentioned earlier.

Other than that, you can expect the same core fitness tracking features that came with the original Galaxy Watch Active. The new edition follows the first edition in its ability to track over 39 workouts, offers stress tracking plus guided meditation, sleep tracking, and the aforementioned improved Running Coach feature.

Which do you buy?

When it comes to feature sets, it's fairly obvious that the Active 2 defeats the Fit by a mile. Then again, it all depends on what you're looking for in a wearable. If you simply don't require all the extra features, then it doesn't make sense to pay top dollar for them. In that case, the Galaxy Fit will handle all of your basic tracking needs while being light and comfortable on your wrist. A week of battery life isn't a bad deal, either.

For those who want the best of the best when it comes to tracking and smartwatch tech, the Active 2 is the clear winner here. You can't beat the important sensor upgrades, the physical improvements, or all the new features it offers. We would recommend the Galaxy Watch Active 2 to anyone who's looking for a true fitness smartwatch experience. We were pretty impressed when we finally got our hands on it. You can check out the full review to learn more.