Samsung recently revealed its latest offerings in the smartwatch category during the highly anticipated Galaxy Unpacked event: the Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. These cutting-edge smartwatches boast larger, more vibrant screens, slimmer bezels, a faster processor, improved sleep tracking, and an array of innovative workout capabilities. Notably, the iconic rotating bezel makes a comeback with the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic.
The Galaxy Watch 6 series operates on Wear OS 4, delivering a host of new software features and seamless integration with Samsung’s ecosystem, encompassing phones, tablets, wireless earbuds, and smart TVs.
Enhanced Screens and Brightness
The Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic sport 20% larger screens with remarkably thin bezels. The displays offer an impressive peak brightness of 2,000 nits, matching the Apple Watch Ultra’s brightness. The Galaxy Watch 6 features a 30% slimmer bezel compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch 5, while the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic boasts a 15% thinner rotating bezel than the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.
These watches come in varying sizes, with the Galaxy Watch 6 available in 40mm and 44mm, and the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic in 43mm and 47mm variants. Each version presents a Super AMOLED display with different resolutions, and the Full-Color AoD (Always On Display) mode now includes automatic screen brightness adjustment for enhanced outdoor visibility.
Performance and Battery Life
Equipped with the Exynos W930 processor, 2GB RAM, and 16GB storage, the Galaxy Watch 6 series ensures faster performance and improved battery life compared to its predecessors. Both Bluetooth-only and LTE models are available, catering to diverse user needs.
The watches house powerful batteries, with the 40mm Galaxy Watch 6 and 43mm Galaxy Watch 6 Classic featuring a 300mAh battery, and the 44mm Galaxy Watch 6 and 47mm Galaxy Watch 6 Classic equipped with a 425mAh battery. With the combination of a new processor, reduced power consumption, and larger batteries, these smartwatches offer extended battery life, reaching up to 40 hours with AoD turned off.
Advanced Fitness Tracking and Sleep Coaching
Running on the Wear OS 4-based One UI 5 Watch software, the Galaxy Watch 6 series emphasizes users’ overall health and wellness. Leveraging its array of sensors, including an accelerometer, barometer, ECG, GPS, and more, the watches accurately track various activities and workouts. Additionally, the watches offer a comprehensive body composition analysis, providing insights into BMI, body fat percentage, body water, skeletal mass, and more.
The devices support over 100 workout tracking options, personalized heart rate zones, and the ability to create customized workout routines. A notable feature, Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification, can detect heart condition irregularities, including Atrial fibrillation (AFib), even while the user is asleep.
Integration with Galaxy Ecosystem
The One UI 5 Watch software brings enhanced integration with other Galaxy products. For instance, the new Camera Controller app offers users greater control over their smartphone cameras, while real-time workout data can be displayed on larger screens, such as Galaxy tablets or Samsung smart TVs.
The smartwatches also facilitate seamless switching of wireless Galaxy Buds between devices via the Auto Switch feature. With the Find My Phone feature, users can effortlessly locate their misplaced smartphones. Additionally, the innovative Thermo Check app enables users to check object temperatures without physical contact.
Pricing and Availability
Pre-orders for the Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic have begun on July 26, with store availability starting from August 11, 2023. Pricing for the Galaxy Watch 6 series starts at £289 for the base model and reaches £459 for the premium model. Detailed pricing is as follows:
Galaxy Watch 6:
- 40mm Bluetooth: £289
- 44mm Bluetooth: £319
- 40mm LTE: £339
- 44mm LTE: £369
Galaxy Watch 6 Classic:
- 43mm Bluetooth: £369
- 47mm Bluetooth: £399
- 43mm LTE: £429
- 47mm LTE: £459
Pre-ordering either the Galaxy Watch 6 or Galaxy Watch 6 Classic includes a £50 Google Play Voucher for use in purchasing apps, games, or subscriptions.