Discovered the look befitting its name

The predecessor, Galaxy Watch Active, was rather ambiguous. Contrary to its name, which intended to sound like a sports watch, the design and size were closer to a dress watch. And it was difficult to find unique features that set it apart from the previous Galaxy Watches. On the other hand, the diameter of the case for this new model is 4.5mm longer, which made me wonder whether the bigger size alone can justify its identity as a “sports watch.” It certainly looks more active than the 39.5mm case.

It’s still slim enough to look like there’s no bezel, but the 4mm thick area on the outside of the screen is where no display appears. It raises me a question why a metal bezel was not used in this area. If the bold metal bezel had been used in this area, it could have given the watch a much sportier look. This is a design tactic which sports watches trying to boost the durability usually use.

Active2 44mm which is 4.5mm bigger than the predecessor

Design

The most interesting is the sand blasting processing of the case surface. This is a metal surface processing technique that is rarely used in watches. But recently Bulgari Octo, a contemporary luxury sports watch, ushered in the sand blasting processing by showcasing models that have applied the sand blasting processing to cases and bracelets. However, if you take a close look at the case finishes, it would be easier for you to find out the defects in this processing than in old ones. The surface is uneven and the reflecting surface is not luxurious. And it is easily exposed that the case is affixed by a plate, rather than a solid metal. This is a processing technique that suits smartwatches, but is not for a luxurious image. Another problem is that the volume of the lugs is not proportional to the case, making it look shabby. The satin brushed processing just for the pusher located on 2 o’clock direction of the case side also makes no sense.

Functionality

You can choose almost every sport an ordinary person can encounter, which allows for more detailed record measurements and activity reports. This is what people would expect from the word “active.” And the watch does not always record how much you exercise. You can decide when to record, and it can also provide guidelines for more accurate measurements. Most of the features, however, are actually what you’ve experienced in previous Galaxy Watch series. Likewise, I could find modest upgrades in these very subtle areas. It’s not a major evolution, but these minor upgrades quite satisfied me, making me feel that its health care features have enhance. It may be mistaken, but it’s important that like Galaxy Watch, the products which boost their every feature to the highest level of the existing smartwatches apply to their successors how much they care about what their users want.

Summary

Every time I use a Galaxy Watch, I feel that it certainly has a different sensibility than that of Apple Watch. When I used an Apple Watch, I thought at the beginning, “This watch does even this,” and “It is clever!” There are many similar moments. But as one week passed by, I started to think, “Why is it so difficult to set up like the way I want?” and “Every individual has different taste, don’t they? On the other hand, when I used a Galaxy watch, I thought at the beginning, “Why do I have to set up so many things like this? and “Asking so many trivial things is a little bit annoying. However, a few weeks later, I feel more and more that it provides excellent tailored services and I want to change and try a new setting. Therefore, its concept is more of customization compared to that of Apple Watch.

One notable drawback is that the rubber straps which came with the watch makes me feel heavy when wearing it. Of course, the physical properties of the material have no ventilation feature, but it feels exceptionally cramped. I admit they tried to make users feel more comfortable to wear with intaglio carving of the strap inside. But it doesn’t do the trick. The case and the design connection are good. However, I don’t think it’s something to be overlooked because the people who choose this watch over Apple Watch are those who seek higher functional satisfaction than those who choose Apple Watch. Meanwhile, it is hard to find any other unsatisfactory software feature.