It is the “classic” version of Samsung’s latest smartwatch. This is our opinion on the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic 43mm is a feature-packed smartwatch designed to enhance your daily life by offering a range of functionalities, from fitness tracking to health monitoring and smart notifications. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
**1. Design and Display:
- The smartwatch features a 43mm circular display with a rotating bezel, providing an intuitive way to navigate through apps and notifications.
- The AMOLED display offers vibrant colors and sharp visuals, ensuring a pleasant viewing experience.
**2. Fitness Tracking:
- The watch serves as a comprehensive fitness tracker, monitoring activities such as steps, distance, calories burned, and heart rate.
- It offers personalized heart rate zones, allowing you to optimize your workouts and track your cardio fitness level.
**3. Advanced Sleep Coaching:
- The smartwatch offers advanced sleep tracking capabilities, analyzing your sleep patterns and providing insights to help you improve your sleep quality.
- Sleep coaching features help you establish a healthier sleep routine.
**4. Health Monitoring:
- Equipped with a heart rate monitor, the watch tracks your heart rate throughout the day, alerting you if it goes above or below your personalized thresholds.
- The BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) sensor provides body composition metrics, such as body fat percentage, helping you monitor your fitness progress.
**5. Smart Notifications:
- Receive notifications for calls, messages, emails, and apps directly on your wrist, allowing you to stay connected without having to check your phone constantly.
**6. Battery Life:
- The smartwatch offers a decent battery life, allowing you to use it for multiple days on a single charge, depending on your usage patterns.
**7. Water Resistance:
- With water resistance capabilities, you can wear the watch while swimming or in the shower without worrying about water damage.
**8. App Ecosystem:
- The watch runs on Samsung’s Tizen operating system, offering access to a variety of apps via the Galaxy Store. You can customize your smartwatch experience by downloading apps and watch faces to suit your preferences.
**9. Compatibility:
- The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, ensuring versatility in its usage.
**10. Stylish Design:
- The watch features a classic design with a durable build, making it suitable for both everyday wear and active lifestyles.
- The rotating bezel adds a touch of elegance while enhancing usability.
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic Features:
Classic Style with Smart Functionality: The Galaxy Watch6 Classic offers a timeless and iconic design that effortlessly aligns with your personal style. Its rotating bezel not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also provides convenient access to all your applications.
Fitness Tracking for Optimal Performance: Maximize your workouts with comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities. Gain insights into your workout duration, distance covered, calories burned, and more. The watch accurately identifies various activities, ranging from running to swimming, and monitors over 90 other exercises.
Personalized Heart Rate Zones for Targeted Results: Focus on your fitness goals with personalized heart rate zones. The watch analyzes your health data to create heart rate zones tailored to your needs. This customization allows you to target your preferred intensity, helping you maintain the ideal heart rate for achieving your fitness objectives.
Advanced Sleep Coaching for Better Rest: Improve your sleep habits with Advanced Sleep Coaching. Plan your bedtime, detect snoring, and monitor your sleep stages, including awake, light, deep, and REM sleep. These insights help you develop healthier sleep routines.
Continuous Heart Rate Monitoring for Heart Health: Stay proactive about your heart health with continuous heart rate monitoring. The watch continually scans your heart rate, detecting irregular rhythms that might indicate A-fib, a heart-related abnormality that can lead to serious complications.
Comprehensive Body Insights with BIA Sensor: Utilize the advanced BIA sensor to understand your body better. The watch provides readings on body fat, skeletal muscle, body water, Body Mass Index (BMI), and more, allowing you to stay informed about your overall health and wellness.
Seamless Connectivity and Multifunctional Capabilities: Sync your Watch seamlessly with other Galaxy devices, enabling you to enjoy various features, such as playing music, controlling your smartphone camera, making calls, and texting, all from your wrist, regardless of your location.
Impressive Display and Customization Options: The watch boasts a spacious display that showcases your style prominently. Its durable crystal glass ensures the screen remains protected from bumps and scratches. Additionally, you can easily change your watch’s appearance to match your mood or outfit with a variety of bands that can be swapped effortlessly with a single click. Enhance your look further with a range of new and improved watch faces.
At Samsung they seem to take the mythical phrase “if it works, why change it?” very seriously. For that reason, its family of smartwatches from the Galaxy Watch series seems to have not added too important changes in the last three generations, since the Galaxy Watch4 arrived to become the reference in the market for watches with Android inside.
2 years have passed since that moment, and Samsung continues to update, year after year, its watches with new generations that include minor changes . But time also passes for the rest of the manufacturers, and in this last year we have seen how brands like Google or Mobvoi have managed to create very competent products that have little to envy of Samsung models.
Despite this, the South Korean does not seem to have any intention of changing her strategy. The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 hit the market in early August 2023 along with the brand’s new series of folding smartphones. And, like these, the new watches do not introduce too many changes with respect to the previous generation, but simply reinforce their weak points .
Of the two models launched, the Galaxy Watch6 Classic may be the most striking. It is the model that revives the physical rotating bezel that enthusiasts of the brand seem to like so much. It is also the model that boasts a more durable design and a more classic style . We’ve been testing it over the past few weeks, and we’re going to give you our opinion on it.
+ Pros
- Excellent quality and larger screen
- Narrower screen bezels
- Wear OS 4
- Slight changes that improve the experience
– Cons
- Few changes compared to the previous model
- The full experience is only obtained if you use a Samsung mobile
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic price and where to buy it
The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic has been on sale since August 11, and can be purchased through the brand’s online store and other authorized sales channels, such as Amazon.
Its price depends on the configuration chosen :
- Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic 43 mm Bluetooth : 419 euros
- Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic 43 mm LTE : 469 euros
- Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic 47 mm Bluetooth : 449 euros
- Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic 47mm LTE : 499 euros
In this case, we have had the opportunity to test the 43 millimeter model with LTE connectivity , valued at 469 euros .
Features technical sheet
Specifications | Galaxy Watch6 | Galaxy Watch6 Classic |
---|---|---|
Dimensions | 40 mm : 38.8 x 40.4 x 9.0 mm, 28.7 grams 44 mm : 42.8 x 44.4 x 9.0 mm, 33.3 grams | 43 mm : 42.5 x 42.5 x 10.9 mm, 52 grams 47 mm : 46.5 x 46.5 x 10.9 mm, 59 grams |
Screen | 40 mm : 1.3-inch Super AMOLED, 432 x 432 pixel resolution 44 mm : 1.5-inch Super AMOLED, 480 x 480 pixel resolution | 43 mm : 1.3-inch Super AMOLED, 432 x 432 pixel resolution 47 mm : 1.5-inch Super AMOLED, 480 x 480 pixel resolution |
Colors | 40 mm : Graphite, gold 44 mm : Graphite, silver | 43 mm : Black, silver 47 mm : Black, silver |
Processor | Samsung Exynos W930, Dual-core at 1.4 GHz | Samsung Exynos W930, Dual-core at 1.4 GHz |
RAM | 2GB | 2GB |
OS | Wear OS 4 with One UI 5 Watch | Wear OS 4 with One UI 5 Watch |
Storage | 16 GB | 16 GB |
Sensors | Samsung BioActive Sensor (optical heart rate + electrical heart signal + bioelectrical impedance analysis), temperature sensor, accelerometer, barometer, gyro sensor, geomagnetic sensor, light sensor | Samsung BioActive Sensor (optical heart rate + electrical heart signal + bioelectrical impedance analysis), temperature sensor, accelerometer, barometer, gyro sensor, geomagnetic sensor, light sensor, 3D Hall sensor |
Battery | 40mm : 300mAh 44mm : 425mAh | 43mm : 300mAh 47mm : 425mAh |
Connectivity | LTE, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 2.4+5GHz, NFC, GPS/Glonass/Beidou/Galileo | LTE41, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 2.4+5GHz, NFC, GPS/Glonass/Beidou/Galileo |
Durability | 5ATM + IP68 / MIL-STD-810H | 5ATM+IP6842/MIL-STD-810H |
The watch screen has grown in size, although the device retains dimensions identical to those of the previous model
Design and screen
It is obvious that the Galaxy Watch6 Classic is a model focused on that type of audience that is looking for a
classic style product , more similar to a conventional watch than a piece of technology.
In fact, except for some small differences, it is
a carbon copy of the previous Galaxy Watch4 Classic , the model that this new edition replaces (the Galaxy Watch5 Pro will continue to be available, and will be renewed every two years, as confirmed by the brand itself).
It has the
same body made of stainless steel , a
circular screen protected by a sapphire crystal panel and two physical side buttons.
Of course, the return of the Classic version also means the
return of the rotating physical bezel that a good part of the company’s enthusiasts seem to like so much.
The watch is available in
two sizes : the 43 millimeter one, which we have been able to test (and too small on my wrist, for my taste) and the 47 millimeter one.
Most features are identical on both, and the only differences are in
their screen size and battery capacity .
The main difference compared to the previous model is
around its screen : the bezels that surround it have reduced their size by 15%, and are now clearly narrower.
However,
the difference is much more noticeable on the “normal” Galaxy Watch6 than on this Watch6 Classic due to the existence of the rotating bezel.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic is thicker than the normal model
It is a circular AMOLED panel of
excellent quality , which extends to
1.3 inches and a resolution of 432 x 432 pixels.
As a main novelty, we must highlight the
higher level of brightness compared to the previous generation, since it can now
reach a maximum of 2000 nits to improve outdoor viewing.
Another aspect that has changed is
the strap .
The Galaxy Watch6 Classic includes a
silicone strap that imitates the feel and design of leather and is especially comfortable.
As always,
it is possible to replace the default strap with any other standard one, and in this new generation this process is much simpler thanks to the
new mechanism developed by Samsung based on a
simple button that allows you to remove the strap from the watch.
In general,
the physical appearance of the Galaxy Watch6 Classic convinces us with its good build quality, its refined design and for having a high-quality screen, as is usual in the company’s products.
To all this we must add the different
certifications and reinforcements in terms of resistance, which guarantee
great durability when subjecting the watch to any type of situation.
Hardware and user experience
The Galaxy Watch6 series is the first to hit the market with Wear OS 4
Inside the Watch6 Classic hides one of the most important novelties of this new series: a
new generation Exynos W930 processor , which according to Samsung offers
improved performance by up to 18% compared to the previous version.
It must be recognized that
the differences in performance are practically imperceptible on a day-to-day basis , although the truth is that the previous models already worked well.
The most important changes are brought by
Wear OS 4 , the latest version of Google’s operating system.
This new version is customized by One UI 5, and as usual,
it “camouflages” many of the new features implemented by Google behind features of Samsung’s customization layer.
As the most important new features, we can mention a
new pairing mechanism that allows you to create a backup copy of the watch’s data in the cloud, thus facilitating the transfer of the watch when connecting it to a new smartphone.
Some apps have also been redesigned
, and Google has worked together with some developers with the aim of improving the experience of some apps, as well as to
offer others that were not available until now, and that will soon arrive in the Play Store.
Otherwise, the experience is almost identical to what you can get with a Galaxy Watch4 or Watch5 updated to the latest version of One UI.
In fact,
Samsung has already confirmed that previous models will receive the same version of One UI that this Watch6 Classic equips, so the differences between them will be reduced even further.
What does not change is something that we have complained about since practically the first generation of this series: even though it is compatible with any Android smartphone,
the best experience with the Galaxy Watch6 Classic is obtained when using it paired to a Samsung mobile .
Therefore, those people who use a mobile phone from another brand should probably opt for another smartwatch, especially now that, finally, there are interesting alternatives on the market.
The
300 mAh battery capacity of the new watch represents a slight, but notable, advance compared to previous generations.
Samsung claims that it can
last up to 30 hours on by keeping the “Always on Display” function activated.
According to our tests,
the figures offered by Samsung are quite accurate , and in general it is not difficult to exceed 24 hours of autonomy without too much effort.
Health and sports functions
The new strap mechanism makes it easier to change it for any other compatible one
All the functions related to health monitoring that were already available in the previous model make an appearance in the Galaxy Watch6 Classic.
The watch can
measure heart rate, blood oxygen level, automatically record activities, monitor sleep, record routes thanks to GPS and much more.
It does all this with
correct precision , offering data that does not differ too much from what can be obtained with other
wearables of a similar price.
As news, we must mention the
new capabilities of the temperature sensor , whose data can now be used to carry out more advanced monitoring of the menstrual cycle, and is also compatible with
third-party applications, such as Thermo Check .
This app is capable of
using the sensor to know the temperature of the objects around the watch.
Some incremental improvements have also been added to the
sports activity monitoring system .
For example, it is now possible
to view and customize heart rate zones during a run.
Where Samsung has put more emphasis when announcing this watch is on the
sleep monitoring system .
Some interesting new features have been added, such as the possibility of
viewing sleep statistics directly from the widget available on the watch, without having to use the Samsung Health app on the smartphone.
Also included is a
sleep training tool , which gives us some guidelines to sleep better and improve our habits.
In general,
the number of new features in this area is once again very small, and most users should not miss any function related to health and activity monitoring.
Best alternatives to the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic
As I said at the beginning,
the Galaxy Watch series has faced direct competition in recent years, and the lack of new features that this new generation brings with it has allowed the rest of the manufacturers to reach the level of the South Korean firm.
Today, one of the most interesting alternative models that can be found is the
TicWatch 5 Pro from Mobvoi , another model with Wear OS equipped with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 processor, which plays with the advantage of
equipping a double screen and surpassing to the Samsung model in aspects such as autonomy.
It is also much more recommended for all those who do not use a Samsung smartphone.
Outside the field of Wear OS,
Huawei continues to be a reference in the wearables market
, and the
Huawei Watch 4 series models
are among our favorites this year for combining
luxurious and attractive designs , much more refined software than the from previous generations and for being
extremely precise in their measurement of parameters related to health and sports.
Conclusion
The Galaxy Watch6 Classic is a good product, which leaves us wondering if it really makes sense for brands to continue updating their watches every year.
Samsung’s conservative strategy leaves us with a bittersweet taste in our mouths after trying the Galaxy Watch6 Classic.
On the one hand,
it is still one of the best Android-compatible smartwatches that can be found on the market, but on the other hand,
the increase in price compared to the previous generation is somewhat difficult for us to justify taking into account
the few improvements it provides. compared to the previous generation.
If you already have a Watch4 Classic or a Watch5,
it is probably a good idea to wait for the next generation , since your current watch already incorporates many of the functions of this new delivery, and others will arrive with future software updates.
On the other hand, if you come from a previous generation, or you are entering the world of Samsung smartwatches for the first time,
the Galaxy Watch6 Classic may be a good option if you are looking for a
slightly longer autonomy than the previous generation, a processor which should offer good performance for longer, a larger screen and a rotating bezel.