Not sure how to choose between the Galaxy Watch Active 2 and the Fossil Sport? It’s a close call, that’s for sure. We’ve created this side-by-side comparison to make it easier.
Impressive Innovation
Galaxy Watch Active 2
$280 at Samsung
Pros
- Improved Sensors
- Digital rotating bezel
- Optional LTE connectivity
Cons
- Can get expensive with LTE
- New ECG feature not available yet
If you’ve been waiting for a Samsung fitness smartwatch that offers LTE connectivity among other innovative features, your dreams will come true with the Galaxy Watch Active 2.
Solid fitness watch
Fossil Sport
$267 at Amazon
Pros
- Variety of color options
- Convenient scrolling crown
- Great app support
Cons
- Wear OS still struggles
- Underwhelming battery life
Are you looking for a fun and colorful smartwatch with fitness tracking and reliable app support? The Fossil Sport is for you. Wear OS has its moments, but this watch is still a worthy competitor.
Choosing the perfect fitness smartwatch is no easy task, especially with all the options on the market these days. Two competitors you might consider are the new Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 and the Fossil Sport. While there are some similarities between the two, there are some essential differences that might help you determine the right fit.
If you’re partial to Wear OS for some reason, then the Fossil Sport may win you over. Google Assistant is an excellent addition as well, which is inarguably a superior choice than Samsung’s Bixby. However, if you’re investing in a smartwatch for detailed fitness tracking along with improved sensors and features, you’ll be in better hands with the Galaxy Watch Active 2.
Breaking it down
Pictured: Galaxy Watch Active 2
Both smartwatches come in an aluminum case, but the Galaxy Watch Active 2 also offers a stainless steel option. The Galaxy Watch Active 2 comes in two sizes: 40 mm and 44 mm. The color selection for the stainless steel variant includes black, silver, and gold, complete with a leather strap. If you go with aluminum, the color choices are aqua black, cloud silver, and pink gold, complete with a fluoroelastomer band. You’ll love the digital rotating bezel for seamless navigation. Say goodbye to the bulky hardware and hello to capacitive technology!
As for the Fossil Sport, the size options are 41 mm and 43 mm. The 41 mm variant comes in six trendy colors: red, blush, black, grey, light blue, and neon. The 43 mm offers fewer color options with black or smokey blue. Both sizes of the Fossil Sport come with a comfortable silicone band. If there’s any consolation for the subpar performance of Wear OS, it’s the convenience of the crown that allows you to scroll and click through the interface with ease.
| Display | 1.2-inch Super AMOLED, 360 x 360 | 1.2-inch AMOLED, 390 x 390 |
| Dimensions | 40 x 40 x 10.9mm | 43 x 43 x 12mm |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi b/g/n, LTE (select models) | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Water resistance | Up to 50m | Up to 50m |
| Battery Life | 2 days (varies by model) | 24+ hours |
| Sensors | HRM, electrocardiogram (ECG), accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, ambient light sensor | HRM, accelerometer, gyroscope, altimeter, ambient light sensor, |
| Operating System | Tizen OS | Wear OS |
| Storage | 4GB | 4GB |
| Interchangeable bands | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Built-in GPS | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| NFC Payments | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Electrocardiogram | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Optional LTE | ✔️ | ❌ |
When it comes to fitness tracking and features, both models are water-resistant up to 5 ATM. This means you can take them for a swim without worry. Additionally, they both offer built-in GPS and heart rate monitoring to gather all of your health and activity data. You’ll be at the mercy of Google Fit on the Fossil Sport, which simply isn’t as fulfilling as Samsung Health with Galaxy Watch Active 2. This is where the Fossil Sport’s app support comes in handy. You’ll have the option of using third-party solutions if Google Fit isn’t tickling your fancy.
The Galaxy Watch Active 2 outshines the Fossil Sport in some areas
The Galaxy Watch Active 2 outshines the Fossil Sport in some areas, though. This second edition delivers some noteworthy sensor improvements. You’ll receive a more accurate LED-based heart rate monitor, advanced accelerometer, improved GPS, plus an embedded ECG sensor. Samsung has mentioned this feature won’t be available at launch so we’ll have to wait and see when it’s up and running. Let’s not forget about the optional LTE radio, which allows for phone-free calls, text messages, media streaming, and even some social media use.
Pictured: Fossil Sport
You also have to settle for shorter battery life with the Fossil Sport. And while there is always the option of switching to the low-power mode for two additional days of juice, it’ll defeat the point of using a smartwatch. You’ll have to sacrifice most of the reasons you invested in a Wear OS device in exchange for the saving grace of low-power mode. Most smartwatch enthusiasts are going to bypass that, meaning you’ll have to accept your fate of daily charging.
Final verdict
Given the similar feature set and price range, you could easily go either way here. There’s no denying that they’re both great options. If you are intrigued by the idea of having more app support plus the luxury of Google Assistant readily available on your wrist, the Fossil Sport is a solid pick. But if you’re seeking a more robust fitness tracking suite and newer tech, you should consider the Galaxy Watch Active 2 instead.
It’s important to note that if you choose the Galaxy Watch Active 2 in the stainless steel model with LTE, you can expect the price to go up a bit. You can sign up for pre-order through Samsung.com starting on Sept. 6. The smartwatch will officially be on sale as of Sept. 27. We have to recommend this option for anyone who’s looking for the ultimate fitness smartwatch experience. If you want to leave no stone unturned when it comes to fitness tracking and innovative technology, this is the watch for you.
Impressive Innovation
Galaxy Watch Active 2
A perfect blend of fitness and tech
$280 at Samsung
Want to dig deeper into health and fitness tracking with your smartwatch? Do that and much more with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2. This watch was designed to give you the best of both worlds: fitness and tech right on your wrist.
Solid fitness watch
Fossil Sport
A solid pick despite some flaws
$267 at Amazon
The Fossil Sport has eye-catching hardware with a convenient scrolling crown that makes navigation as easy as it should be. Unfortunately, Wear OS still has its fair share of flaws, but it’s a solid pick nonetheless.
