Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Design
When designing the new Galaxy Watch 6 models, Samsung drew on the proven aesthetics of their predecessors. At first glance, the similarity between the Galaxy Watch 5 and the newer Galaxy Watch 6 is particularly striking.
The design of the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, on the other hand, draws clear parallels to the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic from 2021. The characteristic rotating bezel is a feature of this. Although there is no Pro version of the Galaxy Watch 6 this year, Samsung reiterated its plans to keep the Watch 5 Pro in the range.
A significant innovation of the new Galaxy Watch 6 series is the enlargement of the display and the simultaneous reduction of the bezel compared to the previous models. The Galaxy Watch 6 offers 20 percent more display area than the Galaxy Watch 5, while the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic has the same increase compared to the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.
The overall design has been adjusted so that the larger screens can be accommodated in the same housing size, which does not make the devices appear bulkier despite the larger display.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: hardware and display
On the technical side, the Galaxy Watch 6 models shine with Samsung's latest wearable chipset, the Exynos W930. While performance is likely to be only marginally improved - the Watch 5 was already very capable for a smartwatch - after two consecutive generations with near-identical specs, any improvements are welcome.
The Watch 6 models were also equipped with 2GB of RAM, an increase compared to the 1,5GB of RAM in previous generations. Together with the new chipset, this should enable smoother and faster performance.
Another highlight of the new models are the improved displays. Samsung has increased the resolution of the displays compared to the previous generation. The smaller models of the Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic each have 432 x 432 panels, while the larger models boast 480 x 480 panels. The AMOLED display type and the 60 Hz refresh rate have remained the same.
Samsung has also coated all Galaxy Watch 6 displays with sapphire crystal to make them more resistant to wear and tear and ensure their longevity.
Despite using larger batteries compared to the Watch 5 and Watch 4 series, Samsung promises similar battery life for the new models. Users can expect around 30 hours of mixed use with the display active and up to 40 hours with the display off.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: software
In terms of software, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 range brings some significant innovations. The devices are delivered with the brand new One UI 5 Watch OS, which is based on Google's Wear OS 4. This enables a multitude of new functions and improvements, especially in the area of health and fitness applications.
One of the most notable improvements is the ability to pair devices without having to reset the wearable first. This saves users who frequently switch their mobile devices a lot of time and effort.
In the field of health and fitness applications, Samsung has also stepped up. One UI 5 Watch provides a range of new sleep coaching features designed to help you get a better night's sleep. There's also an advanced exercise feature that assigns heart rate zones based on your activity's heart rate. Fitness goals can be achieved more efficiently and health can be monitored even more precisely.
If something goes wrong during sports, the watch can automatically contact the rescue service in the event of a fall. Quite a life-saving feature, especially for older users or those with health concerns.
Despite all these exciting innovations, One UI 5 Watch is not radically different from the previous software release, the Wear OS 3.5-powered One UI Watch currently running on the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 4 devices. Samsung's strategy is based on continuous improvement and refinement of its products, rather than drastic changes.
Price and availability
Pre-orders for the Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic will begin July 26, 2023, with general availability beginning August 11, 2023.
For customers who want to trade in their old watch, Samsung offers an exchange bonus of 75 euros in the online shop and up to 150 euros for the value of the old device. Customers without an old device receive an immediate deduction of 50 euros. Irrespective of the old device trade-in, all buyers receive a nylon bracelet free of charge and can secure a 15 euro discount on the Samsung Care+ insurance cover.
The suggested retail prices are as follows:
- Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, 47 mm (LTE) in black and silver: 499,00 EUR (RRP)
- Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, 47 mm (Bluetooth) in black and silver: 449,00 EUR (RRP)
- Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, 43 mm (LTE) in black and silver: 469,00 EUR (RRP)
- Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, 43 mm (Bluetooth) in black and silver: 419,00 EUR (RRP)
- Galaxy Watch 6, 44 mm (LTE) in Graphite and Silver: 399,00 EUR (RRP)
- Galaxy Watch 6, 44 mm (Bluetooth) in Graphite and Silver: 349,00 EUR (RRP)
- Galaxy Watch 6, 40 mm (LTE) in graphite and gold: 369,00 EUR (RRP)
- Galaxy Watch 6, 40 mm (Bluetooth) in graphite and gold: 319,00 EUR (RRP)
Source: Press Release
