Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction and Key Features

In a notable comeback, the distinctive rotating bezel has returned to Samsung's latest offering, the Galaxy Watch6 Classic, following its absence in the Galaxy Watch5 Pro. This reintroduction of the rotating bezel, coupled with the inclusion of the new Exynos W930 chipset for wearables, marks significant changes in the Galaxy Watch6 Classic's design and performance.

Interestingly, it appears that Samsung might be carving out two distinct flagship lineups - the Pros and the Classics. With the standard two-year upgrade cycle in mind, the Galaxy Watch6 Classic seems to target Galaxy Watch4 Classic owners who appreciate the rotating ring feature, while those less inclined can continue to explore the Pro series.

Overview of Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic Specifications:

The Dimensions of Galaxy Watch6: 46.5 x 46.5 x 10.9mm; Weight: 59g

Construction: Sapphire crystal front, stainless steel frame; MIL-STD-810H compliant

Water Resistance: Up to 50m (IP68)

Health Monitoring: ECG certified, Blood pressure monitor, skin temperature measurements

Display: 1.50" Super AMOLED, 480x480px resolution, Always-on display

Processor Specifications: Exynos W930 (5 nm) - Featuring a Dual-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A55 CPU and Mali-G68 GPU.

Memory: 16GB internal storage, 2GB RAM

The Operating System is: Android Wear OS 4, One UI Watch 5

Battery: 425mAh with wireless (Qi) charging

Connectivity: LTE, eSIM, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC

Sensors: Accelerometer, gyro, compass, heart rate, barometer, 3D Hall sensor

Additional Features: Natural language commands and dictation, Samsung Pay

Battery Life and Performance

While some might question the decrease in battery capacity from the Galaxy Watch5 Pro's 590mAh to the Watch6 Classic's 425mAh, it's important to note that this reduction is still an improvement over the 2021 Watch4 Classic's 361mAh cell. Samsung's confidence in the efficiency of the new chipset, the Exynos W930, warrants testing, which we'll delve into in the battery performance section.

The Exynos W930, boasting higher clock speeds and 2GB of RAM, ensures a smoother user experience and improved visuals compared to its predecessors. This performance upgrade enhances the overall responsiveness of the watch.

Display and Fitness Tracking

The Galaxy Watch6 Classic features an expanded 1.5" display with a higher resolution of 480 x 480px, providing more screen real estate for enhanced usability. In terms of fitness tracking, the device maintains its core capabilities, while the addition of skin temperature measurements and fall detection further elevates its health-monitoring features. The inclusion of a new 3D Hall sensor likely contributes to improved fall detection accuracy.

Seamless Integration and User Interface

Bringing everything together is the new Wear OS 4.0, combined with Samsung's proprietary One UI Watch 5 software. This integration ensures a streamlined and user-friendly interface, offering a cohesive experience. Although many aspects of the device remain consistent, the nuanced improvements and refinements warrant a closer examination, as detailed in this review.

Unboxing and Design Aspects

The unboxing experience of the Galaxy Watch6 Classic remains consistent with previous models, containing user manuals and a USB-C charging pad. Notably, the transition to USB-C charging is a welcome upgrade, adding convenience to the charging process. However, it's important to note that using third-party Qi chargers or reverse wireless charging with non-Samsung phones is not supported.

Design-wise, the Galaxy Watch6 Classic retains the timeless circular design typical of the Galaxy smartwatch series. Despite limited room for major design changes, subtle refinements such as the thinner rotating bezel and larger 1.5" display showcase Samsung's commitment to improving user experience and aesthetics.

Enhanced Comfort and Wearability

The Galaxy Watch6 Classic introduces a notable enhancement in wearability with its improved strap design. Crafted from a soft-touch silicone material, the strap offers a comfortable fit and features an outer surface that mimics the appearance of leather. The addition of stitching along the edges contributes to a more premium look and feel. Furthermore, the inclusion of release buttons simplifies the process of attaching and detaching straps, making customization effortless.

Notably, the device accommodates 20mm standard straps, departing from the 22mm straps of older models, emphasizing a commitment to modern design trends.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic stands as a testament to Samsung's dedication to refining its flagship smartwatch offerings. With the reintroduction of the rotating bezel, performance enhancements brought by the Exynos W930 chipset, and a host of incremental improvements, the Galaxy Watch6 Classic delivers an impressive package that caters to both aesthetics and functionality. As you continue reading this review, we'll delve deeper into each aspect, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable wearable technology