Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Review: Minor Upgrades, Major Refresh?
While Samsung has been lauded for its innovation in the smartphone space, their smartwatch offerings have been playing it safe lately. The Galaxy Watch 6 series, comprising the Galaxy Watch 6 and the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, follows this trend, bringing incremental upgrades to the existing features. But are these minor refinements enough to justify an upgrade, or are they simply a continuation of Samsung’s conservative approach to WearOS?
Let’s delve into the details and see if the Galaxy Watch 6 series manages to deliver a smartwatch experience that truly stands out from the crowd.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Price and Variants
The Galaxy Watch 6 series comes in two distinct models, each available in multiple variants:
- Galaxy Watch 6: Offered in 40mm and 44mm case sizes, the same as its predecessor. The Bluetooth variants are priced at Rs. 29,999 and Rs. 32,999, respectively, while the cellular variants cost Rs. 33,999 and Rs. 36,999.
- Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: It also comes in two sizes, 43mm and 47mm. The Bluetooth variants are priced at Rs. 36,999 and Rs. 39,999, respectively, while the cellular variants cost Rs. 40,999 and Rs. 43,999, respectively.
Despite being a premium offering, Samsung’s color and finish options remain limited compared to competitors. The Galaxy Watch 6 comes in Silver and Graphite, while the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is available in Silver and Black.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Design and Specifications
The Galaxy Watch 6 sticks to the familiar design language of its predecessors, with an aluminium case, flat sides, and the same button arrangement. The most prominent change is a thinner bezel, which results in a slightly larger display. However, the design remains relatively unchanged compared to the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5, making it feel somewhat stale in its third iteration.
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, on the other hand, makes a welcome return after a year’s absence, bringing back the beloved rotating bezel. This physical element, which serves as a navigation alternative to Apple’s digital crown, is a standout feature, adding a touch of classic charm and functionality to the wearable. Samsung has cleverly managed to reduce the bezel’s width while accommodating a larger display than the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic and even the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. This slim bezel gives the stainless steel case a cleaner, more modern look. The dual-tone finish, combining polished and brushed stainless steel, adds a premium touch.
Both models feature two physical buttons that can be customized for various functions. While the build quality and finish are commendable on both watches, the strap on the standard Galaxy Watch 6 is noticeably softer and more comfortable than the one on the Classic. Thankfully, both models utilize 20mm straps, allowing for easy swapping. Despite the larger 47mm case, the Classic remains comfortable to wear even during sleep.
Both the Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic share similar specifications, including:
- Exynos W930 chipset (5nm)
- 2GB RAM (a 500MB bump from previous models)
- 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display with sapphire crystal protection (both 44mm Galaxy Watch 6 and 47mm Galaxy Watch 6 Classic)
- 425mAh battery capacity (both 44mm Galaxy Watch 6 and 47mm Galaxy Watch 6 Classic)
- 5ATM water resistance and IP68 rating
- MIL-STD-810H certified for durability
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Performance
The displays on both models are supremely bright, reaching 2,000 nits of peak brightness, making them easily viewable in all lighting conditions. The built-in speakers are loud enough for clear audio during calls and Google Assistant responses. The microphones capture clear audio, even in windy environments. The availability of LTE connectivity makes both watches ideal for staying connected on the go, leaving your smartphone behind.
Software:
- No companion app required: The necessary apps are pre-installed on Samsung devices.
- Seamless experience with Pixel 7a: The watch pairs well with non-Samsung Android smartphones, offering most features and capabilities. However, the Camera Controller app is unavailable when paired with a non-Galaxy phone.
- Well-designed Samsung Health and Galaxy Wearable apps.
- One UI 5.0 Watch interface: Offers a refined software experience, with improved performance, new watch faces, a dedicated battery tile for monitoring all Samsung devices, folder creation in the app menu, and much more.
- Improved backup and transfer: Allows for seamless backup, restore, and transfer to another phone, even non-Samsung.
- Pin/pattern lock: Adds an extra layer of security.
- Enhanced sleep coaching: Provides detailed sleep analysis, including sleep stages, blood oxygen levels, and skin temperature. The app even offers personalized recommendations based on your sleep patterns.
- Personalized workout guidance: Allows you to create custom exercises and receive heart rate guidance during running workouts, along with personalized heart rate zones.
Overall, the software experience on both the Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is impressive, but the physical rotating bezel on the Classic adds a tangible and enjoyable element that elevates the user experience.
Performance and Battery:
- Smooth and responsive: The processing power of the Exynos W930 chipset eliminates the lag that plagued previous models.
- Step tracking and heart rate monitoring are accurate.
- SpO2 tracking is consistent and accurate compared to standalone oximeters, but requires manual measurements.
- Blood pressure and ECG features are not available in India.
- Battery life: With AOD enabled, continuous heart rate monitoring, stress monitoring, and sleep tracking, the battery lasts 1 day 7 hours and 20 minutes (or 31 hours and 20 minutes).
- Extended battery life with AOD off: Switching off AOD extends the battery life to 1 day 17 hours and 2 minutes (or 41 hours and 2 minutes).
- Fast charging: Achieves 50% charge in 30 minutes and a full charge in 1 hour and 27 minutes.
Despite the minor upgrades, the battery life remains similar to the previous generation, which is a good thing considering its already respectable performance.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: Verdict
While the Galaxy Watch 6 series offers several enhancements over its predecessors, the upgrades are largely incremental. If you’re already using a Galaxy Watch 5, the Galaxy Watch 6 might not be an essential upgrade, especially considering that many of the software and hardware features will be available on the Galaxy Watch 5 via the upcoming One UI 5.0 update.
However, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic presents a more compelling case for an upgrade. The return of the rotating bezel, a feature sorely missed in the previous generation, adds a classic touch and elevates the user experience. Its refreshed design makes it a strong contender for those seeking a premium WearOS smartwatch in India.
For first-time buyers or those looking for a feature-rich and comfortable WearOS smartwatch with a touch of classic appeal, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is the clear frontrunner. However, if you prioritize functionality and value for money, the standard Galaxy Watch 6 might be a more suitable option, especially if you’re open to the software-based bezel experience.
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade will depend on your individual needs and preferences. But one thing is clear: the Galaxy Watch 6 series offers a solid and refined smartwatch experience, with the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic standing out as the more compelling choice thanks to its classic design and the return of the beloved rotating bezel.
