Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2

Time to get fit

Fitness watch could be your heart's desire

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch (see our review, Issue 542, page 26) is a leading Android rival to the Apple Watch, and this latest version introduces a larger screen and two watch sizes. A ‘touch bezel’ is now standard, meaning the black area around the screen can be used to adjust options.

There are also tweaks to the built-in heart- rate monitor and GPS, but the most dramatic new feature, an electrocardiogram ( ECG), won’t start working until it gets regulatory approval. The ability to estimate blood pressure is also promised for the near future.

How much does all this cost? Samsung lists the regular Aluminium edition at £359 for the 40mm size and £379 for 44mm, with a £90 discount to £269 or £289, in pink or black. Shopping around online, we found Amazon offering the 44mm in black for £255 and in pink for just £196, both matching Samsung’s inclusion of a free wireless charger. The 4G LTE edition, which connects without Wi-fi and comes in stainless steel with a classier leather strap, starts at £489 reduced to £399 from Samsung, and we couldn’t find it cheaper.

This makes it hard to rate on value, but with its traditional round design and vibrant screen it’s a very good smart watch, with comprehensive features including swim and sleep tracking.

Battery life is short, promising only ‘a day and more’. But on the plus side, limited integration with high-end fitness products won’t bother most buyers.