The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic: A Refined Retro with Wear OS Power
The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic marks the triumphant return of the iconic rotating bezel, a feature that made its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch5, feel a bit… barren. This tactile element, a joy to use, sets the Classic apart from many other smartwatches and fitness trackers. Beyond that nostalgic touch, the Watch6 Classic offers a familiar yet refined design, pushing the boundaries of what a wearable can do.
A Design That’s Both Modern and Classic
The Watch6 Classic comes in two sizes, a 43-mm and 47-mm case, both options sporting a premium stainless steel construction that feels sturdy and robust. It’s worth noting that the regular Watch6, lacking the rotating bezel, is available in 40-mm and 44-mm sizes.
While visually similar to its predecessor, the Watch6 Classic boasts several subtle enhancements. The bezels, now thinner than before, offer a more modern aesthetic while still providing adequate space to grip and rotate. The display itself, although maintaining its AMOLED technology, now boasts brighter colors and greater clarity, making it a pleasure to view even under bright sunlight.
Wear OS: The Power of Google Meets Samsung’s Health Expertise
The Galaxy Watch6 Classic runs on Wear OS 4, the latest iteration of Google’s smartwatch platform. This means users have access to apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant, bringing the convenience of Google’s ecosystem to your wrist.
Beyond the power of Google, the Watch6 Classic also leverages Samsung’s extensive health and fitness tracking capabilities:
- SpO2 Measurements: Track blood oxygen saturation levels for insights into your overall well-being, especially during sleep.
- Auto-Workout Detection: The watch intelligently identifies and tracks various physical activities, eliminating the need to manually start a workout session.
- Sleep Tracking: Gain deeper insights into your sleep patterns, including sleep stages and duration.
- FDA-Cleared Irregular Heart Rate Notifications: Receive alerts if your heart rate deviates significantly from your usual rhythm, potentially indicating health concerns.
- Blood Pressure Monitoring: While available on the Watch6 Classic, this feature is not yet FDA-cleared in the US. It’s also important to note that blood pressure readings should not replace professional medical diagnoses.
- ECG: This feature, allowing for electrocardiogram readings, is restricted to Samsung phones for the time being.
A Worthy Alternative: Garmin Venu 3
While the Watch6 Classic offers a compelling blend of design, versatility, and health features, those seeking a truly feature-packed alternative might consider the Garmin Venu 3 ($460).
Here’s why the Venu 3 holds its ground:
- Long Battery Life: This is where the Venu 3 truly shines – boasting an impressive two weeks of battery life on a single charge. This is a significant advantage over the Galaxy Watch6 Classic, which offers approximately two days of use.
- Enhanced Fitness Tracking: The Venu 3 benefits from Garmin’s multi-band satellite technology, enabling more accurate workout tracking, even in challenging environments.
- Sleep Coach with Nap Detection: Garmin’s proprietary health software now includes a robust sleep coach with nap detection, providing detailed insights into your sleep patterns and offering personalized guidance.
- Morning Report & Body Battery: The Venu 3 delivers valuable information with its Morning Report, which summarizes your sleep, stress levels, and bodily readiness. The Body Battery feature provides insight into your energy levels throughout the day.
The Venu 3, however, does have some drawbacks:
- Price: It comes at a premium compared to the Galaxy Watch6 Classic, making it a more expensive option.
- No Temperature Sensing: Unlike the Watch6 Classic, the Venu 3 lacks temperature sensing capabilities, which can be useful for health monitoring and sleep analysis.
- Mic and Speakers: The Venu 3’s onboard microphone and speakers are not known for their clarity, making calls or using voice assistants less enjoyable.
The Verdict
The Galaxy Watch6 Classic is a refined and versatile smartwatch that offers a balanced blend of style, functionality, and health tracking features. The return of the rotating bezel is a welcome addition, bringing back a much-loved feature that distinguishes it from the competition.
However, if battery life is a top priority and you prioritize advanced fitness tracking and detailed sleep analysis, the Garmin Venu 3 might be a better choice.
Ultimately, the best smartwatch for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. The Watch6 Classic caters to those who value style, convenience, and a familiar Samsung ecosystem, while the Venu 3 appeals to fitness enthusiasts and those seeking unparalleled battery life.
Which will you choose?