In the ever-evolving world of smartwatches, Samsung continues to make its mark with the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. This latest addition to the Galaxy Watch lineup brings back a beloved feature, the rotating bezel, while also introducing various upgrades and improvements. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a fitness fanatic, or simply someone looking for a stylish timepiece, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic has something to offer. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into all aspects of this smartwatch, from design and display to performance and software, providing you with a detailed look at what makes it stand out in the market.
Design and Build Quality
The Return of the Rotating Bezel
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is the reintroduction of the rotating bezel. This iconic design element, which was absent in the previous generation, has made a triumphant comeback. While the standard Galaxy Watch 6 opts for a sleek and sporty look, the Classic version embraces a more versatile aesthetic. This means that the Watch 6 Classic is better suited for professional settings, ensuring it won’t look out of place in a boardroom or a formal event.
The Protective Shield
Now, you might be wondering, “What’s so great about the bezel?” Well, there are two primary reasons why the rotating bezel is a standout feature. Firstly, it acts as a protective shield for the display. If you’ve ever accidentally banged your smartwatch against something, you’ll understand the value of this added layer of defense. It can prevent physical damage to the screen, which is a common concern for many smartwatch users.
Intuitive and Precise
Secondly, the rotating bezel offers a more intuitive and precise method of navigation compared to the digital bezel or touchscreen controls. It provides tactile feedback that’s not only satisfying but also addictive. Imagine it as the physical knob to control the volume in your car; it’s more precise and satisfying than a touchscreen slider. While preferences may vary, the rotating bezel offers a unique and enjoyable user experience.
Now, let’s break down the key aspects of the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic.
Display
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic boasts a 1.3-inch Super AMOLED display, which is larger, brighter, and sharper than its predecessors. This refined display enhances the overall look of the watch and provides a visually pleasing experience. Whether you’re checking notifications, tracking your fitness progress, or simply checking the time, the vibrant and crisp display ensures everything is easy to read and aesthetically pleasing.
Performance-wise, the Watch 6 Classic sees a welcome improvement with a bump in RAM and an upgraded processor. Samsung claims that the new processor is 80% faster, a significant leap from the previous iterations that had been using the same processor for two years. While the difference may not be drastic, it’s noticeable in everyday use. Animations are smoother, apps load faster, and there are fewer stutters. However, occasional performance hiccups still occur, indicating that there’s room for further improvement.
Storage Woes
One area where the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic falls short is storage capacity. While it comes with 16 gigabytes of storage, you only get around 7 gigabytes of usable storage. This limited space can be a drawback if you intend to store a significant amount of content on your smartwatch, such as downloaded music or podcasts. It’s somewhat surprising, given that Samsung is known for its generous specifications. Matching the 32 gigabytes offered by competitors like Apple and Google would have been a welcome upgrade.
Strap System
Samsung has introduced a modern and convenient one-click strap system for the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. This system is not only easy to use but also backward compatible with older Galaxy Watch models. While it offers convenience and versatility, there are some concerns about its security, particularly with certain bands. While fabric bands like the one provided offer a secure fit, tighter straps like leather ones may be prone to accidental detachment. This issue can be mitigated by adjusting the band to a slightly looser fit, but it’s something to be aware of if you prefer a snug feel.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic houses a 300 milliamp-hour battery. Samsung claims that with the always-on display turned off, you can expect up to 40 hours of battery life, or 30 hours with it on. Personal preference plays a significant role here, as some users prefer the convenience of an always-on display, while others prioritize battery longevity.
In my experience, with the always-on display enabled and a set of specific settings, I managed to get around 26 to 28 hours of usage. This means that, for most users, the watch will need daily charging unless several power-hungry features are disabled. Samsung markets it as an all-day battery rather than a multi-day one, indicating that daily charging is the norm. Charging is convenient, especially if you charge both your phone and watch simultaneously before bed.
However, if you opt for a band that doesn’t unbuckle completely, you might face compatibility issues with flat lay wireless chargers. It’s best to stick with the included charging puck for such scenarios.
Software Experience
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic runs on the Wear OS powered by Samsung. If you’ve never used a Galaxy Watch before, the software interface is straightforward to navigate. Notifications are on the left, customizable widgets on the right, access to all apps by swiping from the bottom, and quick settings by swiping down. The top button swiftly takes you to the watch face, a long press activates Google Assistant or Bixby, and a double-tap launches your chosen app.
The bottom button functions as the back button, and a long press activates Samsung Pay, a feature that many users appreciate. However, there have been occasional instances where tap-to-pay doesn’t work on the watch but functions seamlessly on the phone. The watch also supports gestures for one-handed use, including answering and declining calls and quickly launching apps. While these gestures may look amusing, they prove surprisingly effective once you become accustomed to them.
Speaker Quality
For those who use their smartwatch for calls, the speaker quality on the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is worth mentioning. While it serves its purpose well indoors, it falls short in noisy outdoor environments where wind and traffic noise can make it challenging to hear the other party. You may find yourself having to hold the watch closer to your ear to overcome these external sounds. An upgrade in speaker quality could significantly enhance the calling experience.
Haptics
One noticeable improvement in the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is the vibration motor. Compared to its predecessors, the vibration motor in this smartwatch offers a better and more noticeable haptic feedback. This improvement is particularly appreciated as it helps users stay informed about notifications and alerts, reducing the chances of missing important updates.
Apps and Compatibility
You can download apps directly onto the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, although the selection may not be as extensive as what you’d find on a smartphone’s app store. For many users, the essential apps are the Google ones, such as Google Play Music for offline listening, Google Home for controlling smart devices, Google Maps for turn-by-turn navigation, and Google Keep for quick access to notes. Additionally, the inclusion of apps like Samsung Pay and the ability to store membership cards, like a Costco card, is a convenient feature for everyday use.
Notably, WhatsApp has recently launched a Wear OS app, making it compatible with the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. This is a significant development, considering the popularity of WhatsApp for communication.
Health and Fitness Tracking
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic offers robust health and fitness tracking capabilities. It introduces a new HR Zone training mode, allowing users to select from five different heart rate zones depending on their fitness goals. As you engage in activities, the watch prompts you to adjust your pace to maintain your heart rate within the selected zone. This feature can be valuable for individuals looking to optimize their workouts and achieve specific fitness goals.
Additionally, Samsung has introduced a feature known as “Sleep Animals” as part of its sleep coaching program. Users answer a quick questionnaire about their sleep habits, and based on their responses, they are classified as different animals. The watch then creates a personalized program with daily tasks, including guided meditations and deep breathing exercises, to help improve sleep quality.
However, it’s worth noting that the sleep coaching advice tends to be generic, and the effectiveness of the program may vary from person to person. While it’s a step in the right direction towards normalizing meditation and improving sleep habits, users should manage their expectations regarding immediate results. Remember, a yearly checkup with a healthcare professional remains the best way to monitor your overall health.
In terms of comfort, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is reasonably comfortable to sleep with, though it’s not the smallest watch available. The fabric band, in particular, stands out for its comfort, and I highly recommend it for a pleasant wearing experience.
Health Monitoring Features
Beyond fitness tracking, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic offers additional health monitoring features, including ECG, body composition measurement, and blood pressure measurement. While these features add value, it’s important to approach them with caution. They can provide useful insights and trends in your health, but they shouldn’t be a replacement for professional medical advice. A yearly checkup with your healthcare provider is still the gold standard for monitoring your health.
Compatibility with Non-Samsung Phones
One common question that arises is whether the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is compatible with non-Samsung phones. The good news is that it works seamlessly with other Android devices. For example, when paired with a Google Pixel 7, you lose access to only a few Samsung-exclusive features.
Here’s a breakdown:
| Feature | Compatibility with Non-Samsung Phones |
|---|---|
| Use as viewfinder | Not available |
| Find my phone | Not available |
| ECG and blood pressure | Requires workarounds |
While these exclusions may disappoint some users, they are relatively minor compared to the overall functionality you gain with non-Samsung Android devices. Most essential features, such as notifications, fitness tracking, and app compatibility, work seamlessly with a wide range of Android smartphones.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic offers a well-rounded smartwatch experience with several noteworthy features. The return of the rotating bezel adds a unique and enjoyable element to navigation, and the upgraded processor enhances performance. However, limitations in storage capacity and speaker quality could be areas for improvement in future iterations.
The software experience is user-friendly, and the compatibility with non-Samsung Android phones expands its appeal to a broader audience. Health and fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the new HR Zone training mode and sleep coaching features, although results may vary.
Overall, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic doesn’t bring a drastic overhaul to the smartwatch landscape but refines the experience and caters to a wide range of users. If you value the rotating bezel and desire a versatile smartwatch that seamlessly blends into various settings, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is a compelling choice. However, if you prioritize a slimmer, lighter, and more affordable option, the standard Galaxy Watch 6 may better suit your preferences.