Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic vs Galaxy Watch 5 Pro: Which is the best?
Samsung’s latest lineup is the Galaxy Watch 6 series, which includes the return of the rotating bezel. For anyone who has been desperately waiting for the popular design feature to return to Samsung’s smartwatch lineup, the 6 Classic is a sight for sore eyes. Meanwhile, Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro fans might find the company’s backpedaling concerning. Fortunately, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro received some welcome updates as well and is still available on Samsung’s website.
Both the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic are considered premium devices within their generational lineups. To help shoppers determine which smartwatch is the right buy, we compare their designs, features, prices, and specs below.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro vs Watch 6 Classic: Specs
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic | |
---|---|---|
Display | Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro 45mm: 1.4-inch Super AMOLED 450 x 450 resolution Full color Always On Display Sapphire Crystal | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic 47mm: 1.5-inch Super AMOLED 480 x 480 resolution Full color Always On Display Sapphire Crystal 43mm: 1.3-inch Super AMOLED 432 x 432 resolution Full color Always On Display Sapphire Crystal |
Dimensions and weight | Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro 45mm: 45.4 x 45.4 x 10.5mm 46.5 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic 47mm: 46.5 x 46.5 x 10.9mm 59.0g 43mm: 42.5 x 42.5 x 10.9mm 52.0g |
Colors and materials | Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro Titanium case Fluoroelastomer D-buckle or Sport band Black, Gray | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Stainless Steel case Hybrid Eco-Leather Band 47mm: Black, Silver 43mm: Black, Silver |
Battery | Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro 45mm: 590mAh WPC-based wireless charging | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic 47mm: 425mAh 43mm: 300mAh WPC-based wireless charging |
Processor | Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro Samsung Exynos W920 Dual-core 1.18GHz | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Samsung Exynos W930 Dual-core 1.4GHz |
RAM | Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro 1.5GB | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic 2GB |
Storage | Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro 16GB | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic 16GB |
Connectivity | Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro LTE (available in select models) Bluetooth 5.2 Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n 2.4+5GHz NFC GPS/GLONASS/Beidou/Galileo | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic LTE (available in select models) Bluetooth 5.3 Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n 2.4+5GHz NFC GPS/GLONASS/Beidou/Galileo |
Sensors | Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro Accelerometer Barometer Gyroscope Geomagnetic sensor Light sensor Temperature sensor Samsung BioActive sensor: optical heart rate (PPG), electric heart signal, bioelectrical impedance analysis sensor (BIA) | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Accelerometer Barometer Gyroscope Geomagnetic sensor Light sensor Temperature sensor 3D Hall sensor Samsung BioActive sensor: optical heart rate (PPG), electric heart signal, bioelectrical impedance analysis sensor (BIA) |
Durability | Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro 5ATM + IP68 MIL-STD-810H | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic 5ATM + IP68 MIL-STD-810H |
Software | Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro Wear OS One UI Watch | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Wear OS One UI 5 Watch |
Compatibility | Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro Android | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Android |
Competing designs
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and 6 Classic feature significantly different designs. With a stationary bezel meant to protect its screen from bumps and scrapes, the 5 Pro was built for adventuring. It comes in just one 45mm case size with a 1.4-inch display and a software-based touchscreen bezel. The device may be too bulky for some, but it’s surprisingly stable on the wrist, thanks to a smart strap design.
The titanium case ships with an elegant magnetic D-buckle we love. It also device boasts IP68 and 5ATM ratings for water and pressure resistance and a MIL-STD-810G durability rating. We’ve had and used ours since its launch date, and the device is still in fantastic condition.
Equally durable but considerably different in appearance, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic harkens back two generations to the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. It features a raised, rotating bezel for tactile navigation and a stainless steel case. The watch ships with a Hybrid Eco-Leather band to emphasize its traditional aesthetic. During our review period, we found the band exceptionally comfortable and appreciated the seamless navigation afforded by the rotating bezel.
Unlike the 5 Pro, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is available in two different case sizes, a 43mm and 47mm option featuring 1.3-inch and 1.5-inch displays, respectively. According to Samsung, these displays offer improved resolution, brightness, and increased real estate — check out the specs table above. Given the Classic line’s build materials and the extra bulk of the rotating bezel, both models weigh more than the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.
Beyond their bezel, the watches share similar design specs, including Sapphire crystals over their displays and WPC-based wireless charging. Except for the 3D Hall sensor used for facilitating the rotating bezel on the 6 Classic, the watches also feature the same sensors.
Health, fitness, and smart features
As far as features, both watches offer users similar experiences. This includes robust health and fitness tracking and a well-rounded smartwatch. Out of the box, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic runs on Wear OS 4 and Watch One UI 5, making it the most powerful Wear OS device to date. The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic also adds an extra .5GB of RAM and features an improved processor, so users should find a snappier experience on the newer model. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro launched running Wear OS 3 but received a Wear OS 4 software update to match the 6 series.
Alongside the 6 series, Samsung announced a handful of software and fitness tracking updates that have since made their way to both devices. These include improved sleep tracking, irregular heart rate notifications, a Track Run sport mode, and more. The company also added Samsung Wallet, Thermo Check, and several enhanced app experiences ranging from Gmail to MyFitnessPal. Again, as both devices run the same software, these updates shouldn’t be selling points in either one’s favor.
However, in order to keep the older Galaxy Watch 5 Pro an attractive option, Samsung also updated a few niche features on the rugged device. The watch now offers a GPX file database, allowing users to browse recommended routes. Meanwhile, the device’s Route Workout can finally be used for more than just hiking and cycling. The feature adds support for running and walking as well.
Device prices and colors
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic 43mm: $399
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic 47mm: $429
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro (Bluetooth): $449
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro (LTE): $499
Like the standard Galaxy Watch 6, the Classic is available in two case sizes. Prices start at $399 for a 43mm option and $429 for the larger 47mm case. Only available in a single case size, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro launched at $449 for a Bluetooth-only model. Its price jumps to $499 for an LTE model. You may be able to find special offers or sales on the device here and there, but generally speaking, it hasn’t gone down because, technically, the 5 Pro hasn’t yet been replaced. As a result, we don’t expect the list price to change now that the 6 series is here.
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is available in black and silver. It ships with a Hybrid Eco-Leather band. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is available in either black or gray.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro vs Watch 6 Classic: Which should you buy?
Samsung didn’t replace the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro this launch cycle. Instead, the company issued a few key updates to the device, signaling that the watch is still a priority product. With that in mind, it’s easy to recommend the 5 Pro with its massive battery and impressive specs. We called the watch the best wearable of the year last year, and it hasn’t dropped from our good graces yet. So, if you already have a 5 Pro, upgrading to the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic isn’t something we recommend to everyone.
On the other hand, many Samsung loyalists have eagerly waited for Samsung to return its rotating bezel. The feature is as useful as it is popular. It’s certainly worth purchasing if you have your heart set on it, especially if you don’t already own the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.
Which elevated Samsung Galaxy Watch model will you be buying? Let us know in the poll below.