With the new Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Series, Samsung is sticking to the design that works since Galaxy Watch4. As before, the new Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Series has two models and two sizes each. There is the Galaxy Watch6 and a Pro-replacing “Classic” model.
The new Samsung Galaxy Watch6 inherits the aesthetic of the Galaxy Watch5 which is pretty straightforward. However, the Pro has been dropped in favor of a new “Classic” which bears a slightly different design to the Pro and is offered in 43 and 47 mm case sizes. Previously, Galaxy Watch5 Pro has only one size.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch6
Let’s talk about Galaxy Watch6 first. Key updates include a new chip, a narrower bezel, a larger display, a slightly larger RAM, a slightly larger capacity battery, and a new quick-release band.
The new Galaxy Watch6 is powered by a new Exynos W930 dual-core chip with 1.4 GHz, backed by 2 GB memory. Whereas the last-gen model is powered by Exynos W920 dual-core 1.18 GHz and had 1.5 GB RAM.
It is prettier now, thanks to the narrower bezel brought about by a larger display. The 40 mm model now rocks a 1.3-inch Super AMOLED display (432 x 432) while the 44 mm version has a 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display (480 x 480). For reference, the Watch5 has a 1.2-inch 396 x 396 resolution and a 1.4” 450 x 450 display.
The battery is of a higher in capacity with the 40 mm outfitted with a 300 mAh and the 44 mm rocks a 425 mAh battery (versus last-gen’s 284 and 410 mAh). The battery affords the smartwatch up to 40 hours of use with Always On Display off or up to 30 hours with Always on Display on.
Another key improvement is the quick-release band. Instead of two tiny spring-loaded pins that you have to pull back and lift the band out, it now has a single large button on the band that releases both pins with one swift action.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Classic
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro is marketed as an adventure watch, but the Classic is leaning towards a casual, non-sporting, non-adventure watch as evident from the promotional lifestyle photos.
The Watch6 Classic may be physically larger but shares the same displays as the Watch6. The 43 mm has the same 1.3-inch display as the 40 mm Watch6 and the 47 mm has a 1.5-inch, which is identical to the one found on the 44 mm Watch6
In fact, save for the design, both the Watch6 and the Classic are identical. The Classic is powered by the same processor and has the same amount of memory and storage (16 GB).
Both devices have a sapphire crystal, the same connectivity options (LTE, BT 5.3, dual-band Wi-Fi, NFC, positioning), 5ATM water resistance, an IP68 rating, and MIL-STD-810H durability.
So, which one is for you is really come to your design and size preference.
The Availability And Pricing
The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 and the Galaxy Watch6 Classic are available to order in select markets starting on July 26, 2023, with official market availability on August 11, 2023. Prices for the Galaxy Watch6 40mm and 44 mm are US$299.99 and US$329.99, respectively. The Galaxy Watch6 Classic 43 mm retails for US$399.99 and the 47 mm model sells for US$429.99.
Images: Samsung.
