We examine Samsung’s latest offerings, the Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic, to assess the impact of their physical improvements. The Watch 6 Classic reintroduces the beloved spinning bezel, now more compact and elegant than ever. Furthermore, the Galaxy Watch 6 series boasts new features, such as expanded app support through Wear OS 4, enhanced sleep tracking insights, and improved integration with Samsung Wallet. Mark the date of August 11th on your calendars, for that is when these intelligent timepieces will grace the store shelves.
Video Transcript
CHERLYNN LOW: Today, Samsung unveils a plethora of products at its Galaxy Unpacked event in Seoul. Amidst great anticipation, the new Galaxy timepieces have emerged as the most sought-after marvels: the Galaxy Watch 6 and the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, both being highly coveted Android smartwatches. And here’s the thrilling revelation—the physical spinning bezel is staging a remarkable comeback.
If you’ve been closely following the Android smartwatch scene, you know that the physical spinning bezel is an iconic feature of the Galaxy Watch line. However, it vanished in the previous generation when Samsung replaced it with a touch-sensitive border. Many wondered if that was the end of the bezel.
Well, rejoice! The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic brings back the bezel, marking one of the significant changes in this year’s series. But that’s not all; there are other physical and software refinements as well. I had the opportunity to briefly examine the Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic at a hands-on event in New York, and I must say, they are impressive.
While I couldn’t fully test the new features, such as irregular heart rate notifications and new heart rate zones for running, I did notice the visible physical changes. The Galaxy Watch 6 is slightly slimmer, and the watch face now sits flush with the lugs, giving it a cleaner look. The screen’s active space is 20% larger on the Watch 6, and the touch-sensitive bezel area is 30% smaller, while the Watch 6 Classic’s physical spinning bezel is 15% smaller. Despite the reduction in size, the bezel remains user-friendly, with smooth rotation and clear notches to guide you. Familiarity for existing users is retained.
Both watches feature AMOLED screens, with the smaller models (Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic) sporting 1.3-inch panels and the larger models getting 1.5-inch displays. A new feature introduced this year is the “one-click band,” a mechanism that simplifies changing watch straps. By pushing a catch on the back of the strap, you can retract the grooves that hold the band to the lugs and easily replace it with another. Samsung assures backward compatibility, allowing the use of new straps with older Galaxy Watch versions.
Compared to the Pixel Watch’s mechanism, Samsung’s approach seemed simpler. Instead of a complicated twist-and-click motion, all you need to do is push down on the designated spot and lift the strap. The touch-sensitive bezel area on the Watch 6 remains easy to use even after downsizing.
When they launch, both the Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic will run on Wear OS 4, which should be familiar to Samsung Galaxy Watch users. The software experience remains largely unchanged. Swipe sideways to access different widgets and use the spinning bezel to navigate quickly.
As for the new software features, such as irregular heart rate notifications and heart rate zone calibration during running workouts, I couldn’t test them at the hands-on event. Similarly, the improvements to sleep and workout coaching weren’t assessable during the brief experience. But rest assured, when we get review units, we will thoroughly test these aspects. Meanwhile, I can confirm that the Watch 6 series comes with new chipsets and a moisture-wicking fabric band, ideal for sports and activities.
Two models, each available in different sizes, will hit the market: the Watch 6 in 40 and 44 millimeters, and the Watch 6 Classic in 43 and 47 millimeters. Those with smaller wrists might prefer the smaller models. The Galaxy Watch 6 smaller model offers graphite or gold, while the larger 44-millimeter version comes in graphite or silver. The Watch 6 Classic comes in a stainless steel case, with the 43-millimeter and 47-millimeter versions available in black or silver.
Pricing commences at $299 for the standard Watch 6 and $329 for the larger variant. The Watch 6 Classic commands an additional $100, commencing at $399. Preorders are presently accessible, and the timepieces are slated for an official release on August 11th. We kindly advise you that our review will be made available ahead of this date. To access more evaluations on smartwatches, tablets, smartphones, and other cutting-edge devices, do not hesitate to subscribe to Engadget. Until we meet again, what hour doth the clock strike?
