Samsung has recently launched its latest smartwatches, the Galaxy Watch 6 and the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, which are aimed at providing a premium Android wearable experience. But how do these new models compare to their predecessors, and are they worth the upgrade? Here is a detailed review and unboxing of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic, along with their price, specs, pros and cons.
Design and Display
The Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic have a similar design to the previous generation, except for one major difference: the display size. Samsung has managed to increase the screen size by 0.1 inches, making it 1.5 inches on both models. This is achieved by reducing the display bezel on the standard Watch 6, and bringing back the physical rotating bezel on the Classic model.
The standard Watch 6 has an aluminium frame and silicone bands, giving it a sporty look. The Classic model has a stainless steel case and a leather strap, making it more elegant and traditional. Both models have sapphire crystal glass, which is scratch-resistant and durable. They also have all the essential certifications, such as 5ATM water resistance, IP68 dust protection, and MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability.
The display quality is excellent on both models, as they use Super AMOLED panels with Always-On Display (AOD) feature. The colours are vibrant and bright, and the visibility is good even under direct sunlight. The touch response is smooth and accurate, and the physical rotating bezel on the Classic model adds a satisfying clicky feedback.
One thing to note is that both models come with new quick-release buttons on the watch band, which are supposed to make it easier to swap bands. However, these buttons are not very secure and can be accidentally triggered, causing the watch to fall off your wrist. You can replace these bands with older pin-style straps from the Galaxy Watch 5, but that would be an extra cost.
Performance and Software
The Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic are powered by Samsung’s Exynos W930 chipset, which is a slight upgrade from the previous generation. They also have 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage, which are sufficient for running apps and storing music. The performance is smooth and lag-free, and there are no issues with multitasking or switching between apps.
The software is where Samsung has made some significant changes. The Galaxy Watch 6 series runs on Wear OS-based One UI 5 Watch OS, which is a result of Samsung’s collaboration with Google. This means that you get access to Google Play Store, Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Pay, and other Google services on your watch. You also get Samsung’s own features, such as Bixby, Samsung Health, Samsung Pay, SmartThings, and more.
The user interface is intuitive and easy to use, with swipe gestures, app icons, widgets, notifications, quick settings, and watch faces. You can customize your watch face with various complications and themes, or download more from the store. You can also use your smartphone to manage your watch settings and apps.
The Galaxy Watch 6 series also supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging with compatible devices. The battery life is decent but not exceptional. The standard Watch 6 has a 300mAh battery, while the Classic model has a 425mAh battery. They can last for about a day or two on normal usage, depending on your settings and usage patterns. You can extend the battery life by using power saving modes or turning off some features.
Health and Fitness Tracking
The Galaxy Watch 6 series has a wide range of health and fitness tracking features that can help you monitor your well-being and achieve your goals. They have sensors such as heart rate monitor, blood oxygen monitor (SpO2), electrocardiogram (ECG), blood pressure monitor (BPM), accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, ambient light sensor, GPS/GLONASS/Beidou/Galileo.
You can use these sensors to measure various aspects of your health, such as your heart rate variability (HRV), stress level, sleep quality, menstrual cycle prediction (for women), body composition analysis (BCA), etc. You can also use them to track various types of workouts, such as running, cycling, swimming, hiking, yoga, etc. The watch can automatically detect some activities and start tracking them for you.
You can view your health data on your watch or on your smartphone using the Samsung Health app. You can also sync your data with other apps or services that support Wear OS or Samsung Health. You can also set goals and challenges for yourself or compete with your friends or family members.
One thing to note is that some features are not available in all regions or countries due to regulatory restrictions or limitations. For example, ECG and BPM are not available in India yet. You may also need to calibrate some sensors or use additional devices or accessories to get accurate readings.
Pros and Cons
The Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic are excellent smartwatches that offer a lot of features and functionality. They have a great design and display, smooth performance and software, and comprehensive health and fitness tracking. They are also compatible with most Android devices and some iOS devices.
However, they also have some drawbacks that you should consider before buying them. They are quite expensive, especially the Classic model. They have mediocre battery life, which may not last for more than a day or two. They have some issues with the new quick-release buttons on the watch band, which can cause the watch to fall off your wrist. They also have some features that are not available in all regions or countries, such as ECG and BPM.
The Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic are among the best smartwatches that you can buy in 2023, if you are looking for a premium Android wearable experience. They have a lot of improvements and enhancements over the previous generation, but they also have some minor flaws and limitations. They are not a must-have upgrade for Galaxy Watch 5 users, but they are worth considering for new buyers or those who want to switch from other platforms.
