I wasn’t going to do this comparison, perhaps because I thought it was inconsequential, but apparently, it isn’t. The Galaxy Active 2 as you may have heard succeeds the Active, it’s more stylish, more equipped than its predecessor, and it comes in two sizes; 44mm and 40mm. Both sizes are available in LTE and Bluetooth models. Both models have the same design, display, and possibly the same battery life. The features are also the same except that the LTE model has cellular capabilities that make it a standalone smartwatch. In this guide, we’re comparing the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 Bluetooth vs LTE so you know the differences and which is right for you.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (44mm) Bluetooth vs LTE Full Specifications Compared
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Galaxy Watch Active 2 LTE vs Bluetooth – What’s the Difference?
The main difference between the Active 2 Bluetooth and LTE models is that the latter ships with e-SIM that enable cellular connectivity which the former lacks. The LTE model is built with stainless steel and weighs a little more than the Bluetooth model built with aluminum material.
- Design
- Memory
- Cellular Connectivity
- Fitness Tracking
- Battery Life
Both the LTE and Bluetooth models spot the same design, it is the same sophisticated design, slim, sleek, and classy appearance with the introduction of a digital rotating bezel that eases navigation significantly on this device. While not forgetting that with the Active 2, you can customize your watch face simply by taking a picture of what you wearing.
However, while the Bluetooth model has an aluminum case, the LTE model has a stainless steel case. As a result, the LTE model weighs slightly more than the Bluetooth model. Although these two are still lightweight when compared to other high-end smartwatches, no doubt, that the Bluetooth model is more comfortable to wear all day long.
There’s also a difference in the available colors, while the Bluetooth model is available in cloud silver, aqua-black, and pink-gold, the LTE model is available in silver, black, and gold. Moreover, while the LTE model ships with leather straps, the Bluetooth model ships with fluoroelastomer straps. However, you can still change the straps to your preferred choice anytime with a 20mm compatible one.
There’s a difference in the allocated RAM sizes, while the Bluetooth model houses 0.768GB RAM size, the LTE model houses 1.5GB RAM. However, this would not mean a difference in performance when you consider the cellular connectivity feature of the LTE model.
The main difference between the LTE and Bluetooth model is the standalone features of the LTE model which the Bluetooth model lacks. The LTE model with e-SIM enables cellular connectivity features that allow you to make and receive calls directly from this device which of course makes it a standalone and a more comprehensive smartwatch.
However, the Bluetooth model with microphone and loudspeaker will allow you to make and receive calls directly from the watch via Bluetooth calling (the watch must be connected to the phone Bluetooth).
There’s no difference in the fitness tracking capabilities of these two, each is equipped to track your active life comprehensively.
Both house multiple sensors, an upgraded 8-photodiode heart rate sensor for improved and more accurate heart rate tracking, complete sleep cycle tracking, running coach with swimming added to make it 7 auto-tracked sport modes out of 39 preloaded sport modes. ECG tracking has also been added, joining the likes of Apple Watch Series 5 with the same feature.
Battery capacity is the same on both models. Although, with cellular connectivity features active on the LTE model, it’s expected to have a shorter battery life compared to the Bluetooth model. Otherwise, it’s the same battery life for both models.
Which is Better?
Both the Bluetooth and LTE models are outstanding smartwatches with sophisticated design, lots of features, and quite impressive long battery life. However, the LTE model being a standalone smartwatch is a more comprehensive smartwatch and clearly a better choice.
However, the Bluetooth model weighing slightly less is more comfortable to wear all day long and better wear for sports activities.
My Pick
I’ll go with the Bluetooth model, its cheaper, and I can make and receive calls directly from this device when connected to a phone Bluetooth which makes it a great bargain.