Samsung Galaxy Watch series has long been the go-to choice for Android users seeking a premium smartwatch experience.
Now, with the introduction of the Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic, Samsung is looking to maintain its dominance in the market.
But, do these incremental updates truly deliver?
Galaxy Watch 6 & Watch 6 Classic Design
The standard Galaxy Watch 6 looks mostly similar to the Watch 5, except for one major update: slimmer display bezel. This clever tweak has allowed Samsung to expand the screen size by 0.1 inches, making it 1.5 inches on this 44mm model.
The Watch 6 Classic, on the other hand, marks the return of the much-loved physical rotating bezel, which was missing on last year's Watch 5 series. It too features a bigger 1.5-inch display on this 47mm model.
Both the standard and classic models are identical, with the only distinction being the classic model's 3mm larger size due to its design.
In fact, the Watch 6 has the appearance of a fitness watch, sporting an aluminium frame and silicone bands. On the other hand, the Classic takes on the look of a more traditional watch, complete with a stainless steel case and a leather strap.
It is worth noting that since the Classic features a raised physical bezel, it kind of acts as a protective shield for the display. In contrast, the standard Watch 6 leaves the display fully exposed.
But here's where things get interesting. Both watches come with new quick-release buttons on the watch band, designed to simplify band swapping. Sounds great, but its execution leaves a lot to be desired.
These buttons are prone to accidental triggers and if you are not careful, it could fall off your wrist while adjusting the watch.
Thankfully, you can swap these straps with older pin-style straps from the Galaxy Watch 5, although this is an extra cost to consider.
Both models get sapphire crystal glass, and are packed with all the essential certifications, providing you with peace of mind. (5ATM IP68 MIL-STD-810H supers can go with this).
Galaxy Watch 6 & Watch 6 Classic Display
These larger watch variants feature a 1.5-inch Super AMOLED panel with a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels. The display features deep blacks which make the bezel pretty much unnoticeable most of the time.
It also has a peak brightness of 2000 nits which makes it quite unbeatable in direct sunlight. You also get a proper always on display option on this Watch.
Galaxy Watch 6 & Watch 6 Classic Connectivity
The Galaxy Watch 6 series uses Bluetooth 5.3, and connects to your Android smartphone via the Galaxy wearable app. As before, here is no support for iOS.
The watch also has in-built GPS which helps it accurately track various sports.
Now, let's talk about the setup process. If you're using a Samsung device, you're in luck as all the necessary apps come pre-installed.
However, if you're pairing it with a non-Samsung Android phone, you’ll need a bit of time to download multiple apps on your phone to set the watch up. But, once fully set up, you can still enjoy a similar experience.
Interestingly, important health tracking features like ECG and Blood Pressure monitoring only work with Samsung Galaxy phones. But, these features are still not available in India, so you won’t miss out on much by using a non-Samsung smartphone.
Galaxy Watch 6 & Watch 6 Classic Performance and Software
The Watch 6 series is powered by an Exynos W930 chipset which is an overclocked version of the Exynos W920 on the Watch 5 and Watch 4. On the software front, it runs on OneUI 5 Watch based on Wear OS 4.
Interacting with the watch's software is a breeze, as it is both simple and feature-rich. With just a quick swipe down, you can access the convenient quick settings.
Swipe left, and you'll dive into your favourite health features. And for your full array of apps, a simple swipe up takes you to your app drawer.
It also offers a diverse selection of watch faces, including both digital and analog styles, so you can pick the one that suits your style. And if you ever want to switch things up, you can easily download more watch faces from the Play Store.
Samsung’s Galaxy Watches stand out with their bezel-based navigation, which makes interactive with the UI easier.
But, it is worth noting that since the capacitive bezel on the Watch 6 is quite slim, swiping around it can be clumsy. The Classic model with its physical bezel is a better bet in this regard.
Also, I did notice micro stutters here and there in the UI, but nothing alarming.
Galaxy Watch 6 & Watch 6 Classic Health Tracking
As previously mentioned, ECG and Blood Pressure monitoring on the Galaxy Watch 6 series remain unavailable in India.
The watch also features a temperature sensor primarily designed to track body temperature during sleep.
Additionally, it retains body composition measurements, assessing factors like lean mass, water content, and body fat.
It also seamlessly tracks various metrics like heart rate, stress levels, blood oxygen, and sleep patterns in the background. What sets it apart is its ability to notify you when readings deviate from your normal range, providing timely insights.
The Watch 6 series also comes with auto workout detection which performs well during activities like walks or runs. However, it falls short when it comes to detecting weight lifting workouts.
Galaxy Watch 6 & Watch 6 Classic Battery Life
The endurance from the 425mAh battery of this smartwatch will vary greatly depending on how you use it.
My personal use included Always on display and auto brightness enabled, with heart rate monitoring set to every 10 minutes.
I didn't do sleep tracking, and none of my tracked workouts required the use of GPS. With this, the watch lasted for around 32 hours on a full charge, so I'm quite happy with that.
The watch charges through a proprietary magnetic puck which takes approximately one and a half hours to fully recharge it.
Galaxy Watch 6 & Watch 6 Classic Review
Variant to variant, the Classic model commands a premium of ₹7,000 over the standard Watch 6. It really boils down to your preference for that physical bezel and dress watch-like aesthetics.
If you already own the Galaxy Watch 5 or Watch 4, this isn't a significant upgrade, so upgrading isn't essential.
However, if you own an older Tizen-powered smartwatch or are considering your first premium smartwatch, the Watch 6 series is a great option with its excellent display and comprehensive feature set.
Also watch: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Review
