When it comes to smartwatches, Apple tends to be the best, but only if you are using an iPhone. For Android users, who are the majority, their best bet is to go with Samsung's Galaxy Watch Active 2. It's the wearable that Windows Central editor Zac Bowden and I both own and recommend, especially for those using a Surface Duo.
Samsung normally charges $260 for the Tizen-based watch, but for today it is just $199 for the 44mm version (which is what I use). If you want the smaller 40mm size, it's even cheaper at just $179 all for Cyber Monday. It's one of our favorite deals we've seen this Monday.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
The Galaxy Watch Active has great-looking high-quality hardware, a good display, strong battery life, and GPS. Plus, capable software with a capacitive bezel that makes navigation a breeze.
What makes the Galaxy Watch Active 2 so good is the combo of water resistance, a battery that easily lasts 2-3 days, a gorgeous, bright 1.4-inch display, and the fact it just works (unlike Google's WearOS, which can be finicky). Samsung also has a nice assortment of health features, including GPS for outdoor activities, heart rate, ECG (for AFib), blood-oxygen levels, blood pressure, and more.
The Galaxy Watch Active 2 is also just super comfortable to wear and a lot of fun to use. You can read the full review from Android Central for more details.
Samsung regularly updates this watch, including delivering a new firmware patch in September to turn on ECG and blood-oxygen levels. It has also received fall detection, VO2 max, running coach, and running dynamics within the last few weeks, keeping it on par with its flagship Galaxy Watch 3. You can see how it easily made Android Central's Best Anrdoid Smartwatch 2020.
Speaking of, the even more powerful Samsung smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 3 is still on sale too, running with a $60 discount.
Daniel Rubino is the Executive Editor of Windows Central, head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft here since 2007, back when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, Microsoft Surface, laptops, next-gen computing, and arguing with people on the internet.
