Samsung has long been a dominant force in the smartwatch industry, and its transition from the Tizen OS to Wear OS in 2021 with the Galaxy Watch 4 series was highly anticipated. This shift brought mixed emotions for fans, as it meant saying goodbye to the beloved rotating bezel that had become synonymous with Samsung's smartwatches. However, the release of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro introduced a capacitive digital bezel, offering a new way to navigate the device.
Now, with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic, the iconic rotating bezel makes a triumphant return. Not only does the Watch 6 Classic bring back this fan-favorite feature, but it also introduces a range of improvements over its predecessor. With powerful hardware and an array of health-tracking capabilities, it caters to both fitness enthusiasts and those focused on overall wellness. In this review, we will delve into whether the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic has what it takes to maintain its position as the top Android smartwatch.
Design and Aesthetics of the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic
The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic stands out in terms of design with its sleek and timeless circular dial, available in Black or Silver. One of the most notable features of this smartwatch is the return of the iconic rotating bezel, which is a welcome and exciting comeback. The bezel not only adds a touch of elegance to the watch's appearance but also provides a satisfying tactile feedback. This enhances the overall user experience, allowing for seamless navigation through various menus and apps.
Samsung has made subtle improvements to the bezel compared to its predecessor, the Watch 4 Classic, making it feel even clickier and with slightly more distance between each click. These enhancements contribute to the watch's refined design and functionality, making it a top choice for tech-savvy individuals.
The spinning bezel on a smartwatch is a versatile and convenient feature that allows users to effortlessly navigate through various functions. Whether it's scrolling through messages, exploring the user interface, adjusting the volume, or performing other tasks, the bezel provides a seamless experience. The satisfying click sensation when rotating the bezel adds a delightful touch to the interaction, making it an enjoyable and tactile experience. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to constantly touch the watch's display, preventing unsightly fingerprints from obstructing the screen. In a way, the spinning bezel offers the best of both worlds, providing a practical and enjoyable way to interact with the watch.
The Watch 6 Classic stands out from its predecessor, the previous-generation Galaxy Watch, with its bold approach to design. With a 47mm form factor, precisely 46.5mm, it offers a larger 1.5-inch display, which is a noticeable upgrade. The screen appears more spacious, and Samsung has made the bezel size 30% smaller, making the Watch 4 Classic and Watch 5 Pro seem bulkier in comparison. Even the rotating bezel has received an update, now 15% slimmer according to Samsung. These design enhancements make the Watch 6 Classic a sleek and modern choice for tech enthusiasts.
The Watch 6 Classic is a remarkable timepiece that offers an exceptional viewing experience. Its 1.5-inch Super AMOLED panel displays stunning visuals with a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels. To ensure durability, the watch screen is protected by Sapphire Crystal glass, which is known for its toughness and scratch resistance. Additionally, the rotating bezels of the Watch 6 Classic play a crucial role in preventing damage to the screen.
By absorbing impacts and acting as a safeguard, the bezels reduce the likelihood of the watch screen getting damaged when dropped or brushed against furniture or walls. Furthermore, the bezels are easily replaceable if they get scuffed up. What sets the Watch 6 Classic apart is its impressive maximum brightness of 2,000 nits. This feature allows the watch's screen to remain highly visible even in direct sunlight, eliminating the need to strain or squint on bright sunny days.
The Watch 6 Classic has set a new record in terms of weight, as it weighs in at a solid 59 grams. This makes it the heaviest Galaxy Watch ever released. However, despite its weight, this watch surprisingly does not feel burdensome when worn on the wrist. Those who have been using the Watch 5 Pro with its titanium frame may notice the weight difference initially, but they will quickly adapt to the Watch 6 Classic's slightly heavier feel. Overall, the weight of the Watch 6 Classic does not negatively impact its usability or comfort, making it a great option for those seeking a stylish and functional smartwatch.
The layout of the device remains consistent with previous models, featuring two buttons, speaker, and microphone holes on the right-hand side. This familiar design allows users to easily navigate and operate the device. In terms of health tracking, the device is equipped with discreetly positioned sensors on the back. These sensors enable the device to monitor various health metrics such as heart rate, temperature, and blood oxygen saturation. This comprehensive health tracking feature provides users with valuable insights into their well-being. Moreover, charging the device is hassle-free thanks to its wireless capabilities. This eliminates the need for POGO pins, making the charging process more convenient and efficient.
The strap of the Samsung Watch is showing promising progress, but there is still potential for further enhancements considering its price. Samsung has made a wise choice by using a soft-touch silicone material, which is a significant improvement from the previous Watch 4 Classic. This new material provides a comfortable feel against the skin, and its outer surface successfully mimics the texture of leather. The addition of stitched details further enhances its authentic appearance. Samsung offers a variety of strap designs to choose from, but for those who desire customization, there are also third-party options available. The strap of the Samsung Watch is moving in the right direction, with room for improvement and personalization.
The Watch 6 Classic is highly durable, as it maintains an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. This means that it can withstand splashes, rain, and dust without any damage. Additionally, it complies with the MIL-STD-810H standard, which ensures its durability against shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures. However, it is essential to understand that while it can handle everyday wear and tear, it is not designed to endure extreme conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid subjecting the Watch 6 Classic to excessive pressure or extreme environments to maintain its longevity.
The Watch 6 Classic is designed to seamlessly integrate into daily life, providing users with the familiar feel of a conventional watch. Its sleek design and customizable straps make it a perfect fit for any style or occasion. Even for those with larger wrists, the watch does not obstruct comfort, as it is designed to sit comfortably on the arm for extended periods. Despite its added weight, the Watch 6 Classic remains comfortable for all-day wear, allowing users to go about their daily activities without any restrictions or discomfort.
Performance and Software Integration
The Galaxy Watch6 Classic offers an enhanced user experience with its integration of One UI 5 Watch, which is built on top of the Android-based Wear OS 4. This combination of software provides a seamless and consistent interface for users, regardless of whether they are using a Galaxy phone or another brand. Samsung's decision to include its One UI skin ensures that users can enjoy the same level of familiarity and ease of use across their devices, creating a cohesive mobile ecosystem. This integration allows users to fully utilize the features and functionalities of the Galaxy Watch6 Classic, making it a versatile and convenient smartwatch option.
The user interface of Samsung smartwatches has undergone a touch of refinement while still maintaining its familiar look. For long-time users of Samsung smartwatches, the transition to the new interface is seamless, as there is no significant learning curve involved. The gestures on the smartwatch work effortlessly, making it easy to navigate through the various features. The user interface is thoughtfully organized, ensuring that users can quickly find what they need. Additionally, the rotating bezel provides a smooth and efficient way to navigate without having to touch the display frequently, enhancing the overall user experience.
One of the standout features of the watch is its impressive software capabilities. A standout example is the camera viewer feature, which truly revolutionizes the way we use our smartwatches when paired with a compatible Galaxy phone. With this feature, users can conveniently open the camera viewfinder directly on their smartwatch and even zoom in and out effortlessly using the rotating bezel. This functionality proves to be particularly advantageous for capturing shots from a distance. Furthermore, Samsung offers a wide array of visually appealing watch faces, allowing users to personalize their timepiece to match their unique style and preferences.
The Galaxy Watch6 Classic offers users the opportunity to enjoy four generations of Android OS upgrades. This means that users can stay up to date with the latest software advancements and features for a longer period of time. It's a significant advantage for those who want to get the most out of their smartwatch investment. Moreover, even if you own a Galaxy Watch 4 or Watch 5, you won't miss out on the new software features and watch faces.
Samsung has ensured that these updates will be extended to previous models through software updates. This commitment to providing an enhanced user experience across multiple generations of smartwatches reflects Samsung's dedication to customer satisfaction and continued innovation in the wearable technology market.
Samsung has made significant improvements to the internals of their latest watch, upgrading it with the Exynos W930 chipset. This new dual-core Cortex-A55 CPU operates at a faster speed of 1.4 GHz, a notable improvement from the previous 1.18 GHz. Alongside 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, this upgrade delivers noticeable performance enhancements, particularly for individuals who are upgrading from the Galaxy Watch 4 or Watch 5. In everyday use, the watch provides a smooth and seamless navigation experience, with effortless transitions between different applications.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch boasts an exceptional vibration motor that sets it apart from other smartwatches on the market. The vibrations are powerful, sharp, and incredibly accurate, making notifications and alerts impossible to miss. Users who have experienced lackluster vibrations on other devices will be pleasantly surprised by the strength and clarity of the Galaxy Watch's vibrations. Additionally, the inclusion of Samsung Pay adds another layer of convenience to this already impressive smartwatch. With Samsung Pay, users can make cashless transactions effortlessly, even when their phone is not within reach. This feature eliminates the need to carry multiple cards or cash, making it incredibly convenient for those on the go.
Health and Fitness Tracking Capabilities
Samsung has been committed to prioritizing health and wellness for its customers, and this is evident in the advancements made in its smartwatches. The integration of advanced sensors into their devices, coupled with the seamless connection to the Samsung Health app, has allowed users to track and monitor their health with ease. Although the Galaxy Watch6 Classic does not introduce any new sensors compared to its predecessor, the Watch 5 Pro, it still manages to excel in health tracking. This demonstrates Samsung's dedication to providing reliable and accurate health data to its users, helping them stay on top of their well-being.
The watch is an impressive tool that passively tracks various important metrics such as heart rate, stress levels, blood oxygen, and sleep patterns. What sets it apart from other devices is its ability to provide alerts when readings fall outside the user's normal range. This feature is incredibly valuable as it offers an opportunity for timely action to be taken. By receiving alerts for abnormal readings, users can address potential health issues promptly and seek appropriate medical attention if necessary. This proactive approach to monitoring one's health can greatly improve overall well-being and potentially prevent more serious conditions from developing.
One noteworthy feature of the device is the Electrocardiogram (ECG) capability, which allows users to monitor their heart activity. Another notable absence in the device is the blood pressure monitoring feature, which could have been a valuable addition for users seeking to track their overall cardiovascular health.
The watch may have its limitations, but one valuable feature it offers is fall detection. This feature is designed to automatically notify emergency services in the event of a fall occurring during various activities, daily routines, or even while asleep. By detecting sudden movements or changes in positioning, the watch can promptly alert the necessary professionals to provide assistance. Additionally, the watch can also reach out to someone from the user's emergency contact list, ensuring that help is prioritized and safety is maintained. While there may be drawbacks to the watch, its fall-detection feature proves to be a significant asset in emergency situations.
The watch offers a convenient and comprehensive way to monitor various aspects of your health. With its temperature sensor, it can track your body temperature during sleep, providing valuable insights into your overall well-being. Furthermore, the watch also includes body composition measurements, allowing you to assess your lean mass, water content, and body fat. For optimal accuracy, Samsung suggests taking these measurements in the morning, on an empty stomach, and before consuming any liquids. This feature-rich watch truly empowers you to keep a close eye on your health and make informed decisions to improve your overall fitness journey.
Battery Life and Charging Efficiency
The Galaxy Watch6 Classic is equipped with a robust 425mAh battery that offers impressive battery life. In our testing, we found that with the always-on display active and the screen set to maximum brightness, the watch provided approximately 42 to 45 hours of usage. While adjusting these settings can slightly extend the battery life, users can generally expect around two days of usage before needing to recharge. The charging process is also quite efficient, as it only took slightly over an hour to fully charge the watch. Overall, the Galaxy Watch6 Classic offers a reliable and convenient battery performance for users.
Verdict
The answer to whether you should buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic is quite simple: yes. The added improvements and the return of the rotating bezel make the Galaxy Watch6 Classic a compelling choice. It excels in design, build quality, display brightness, software robustness, and health and fitness tracking features. It not only meets but exceeds the expectations of a great smartwatch. Without a doubt, the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic stands out as the reigning supreme among Android smartwatches!
If you are considering purchasing a smartwatch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic is undoubtedly a great choice. With its added improvements and the return of the rotating bezel, this watch stands out among its competitors. The design and build quality of the Galaxy Watch6 Classic are exceptional, giving it a premium feel. The display brightness is impressive, ensuring clear visibility even in bright sunlight. In terms of software, this smartwatch is robust and offers a smooth user experience. Additionally, its health and fitness tracking features are top-notch, providing accurate data and motivating users to stay active. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic exceeds expectations and is the ultimate Android smartwatch to consider.
