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![Samsung Galaxy Watch 6](https://clearbuy-cloud.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/media/452/aa2020_recommended.png)
![Samsung Galaxy Watch 6](https://clearbuy-cloud.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/media/452/aa2020_recommended.png)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
What we like
What we don't like
![Samsung Galaxy Watch 6](https://clearbuy-cloud.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/media/452/aa2020_recommended.png)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 review: At a glance
- What is it? The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is 2023's base model Galaxy Watch, with a display that's twice as bright as the Galaxy Watch 5 and 20% larger. The smartwatch also features tweaked battery specs, minor performance improvements, and Google Wear OS 4 running under Samsung's One UI Watch 5 skin. It is available in two sizes: 40mm and 44mm.
- What is the price? The smaller 40mm model Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 landed at $299, while a 44mm case starts at $329. Adding LTE to either device incurs a $50 upcharge.
- Where can you buy it? The Galaxy Watch 6 series went on sale on August 11, 2023. The devices are available from Samsung.com and third-party retailers such as Amazon.
- How did we test it? I tested the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 for five days. The review unit was supplied by Samsung.
- Is it worth it? The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 continues the company's trend of annual smartwatch releases with minor upgrades. From its looks to its sensors, it's a remarkably similar watch to the Galaxy Watch 5. It also doesn't necessarily solve some of our existing complaints, namely an unreliable touch bezel. If you already own a Galaxy Watch 5, it's not worth upgrading. The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic stands out a little more because of the returning rotating crown, but the Galaxy Watch 6 still offers the very best Wear OS experience, and for $100 less. With that said, we are very near to the launch of Samsung's Galaxy Watch 7. It may be worth waiting to see what the newer device offers and how it impacts pricing on older device.
Update, June 2020: Added mention of upcoming Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and updated details about alternative devices now available in the smartwatch market.
Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6?
![Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Wear OS 4 A user review their App Library on their Samsung Galaxy Watch 6.](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-6-Wear-OS-4-1-scaled.jpg)
Right on schedule, Samsung rounded out the summer of 2023 with the launch of a fresh smartwatch series, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6. The two-pronged lineup reintroduced the company’s Classic model featuring a rotating bezel (omitted from the Watch 5 series), as well as a standard base model. The latter, sportier device is almost otherwise identical to the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic and eerily similar to the vanilla Galaxy Watch 5.
In fact, my first major takeaway from testing the Galaxy Watch 6 was that it looked and felt very familiar. The device features a full-color Super AMOLED display with a flat sapphire crystal overtop. On the 40mm model, users find a 1.3-inch screen with 432×432 pixel resolution. Those specs on the 44mm device land at 1.5 inches and 480×480. That’s roughly a 20% increase in real estate thanks to the device’s thinner bezels. The screen also offers double the peak brightness of the previous model, upgrading from 1,000 to 2,000 nits.
The Galaxy Watch 6 is nearly identical to the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, minus the latter's rotating bezel.
On the back side, the watch features the regular round-up of health and fitness tracking sensors. It also adds a quick-release button design for changing bands more efficiently. Below the glass, the watch runs Google’s Wear OS 4 software with a One UI Watch 5 overlay. I found the performance clean, sharp, and fresh. Apps load quickly, and readability is fantastic. I also expect that Samsung will eventually roll back new Wear OS 5 software to these older device once it arrives. This has been the company’s pattern.
What holds up the user experience is the touch-enabled bezel. It’s wishy-washy at best and downright useless at worst (think any situation involving sweat or grease). I quickly resorted to swipes only for navigation, and even those weren’t foolproof. This bungle isn’t necessarily new for a Samsung Galaxy Watch; we cited similar issues on the Galaxy Watch 5 and previous Galaxy Watches without a proper rotating crown. It begs the question of how the touchscreen has not been ironed out yet. It also makes the sporty model a less attractive buy than its Classic sibling.
![Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 HR A Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 face down displays its sensor package.](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-6-HR-scaled.jpg)
Given its athletic aesthetic, most users eyeing the standard model will be interested in its fitness-tracking capabilities. Here, Samsung delivers all the basics like tracking activity, steps, etc. An added running track mode records GPS data on outdoor tracks. Meanwhile, the device detects and creates custom heart rate zones (once you log a 10-minute run) to help users monitor performance and stay on target during training. I find them extremely helpful for determining how hard to push during interval work.
For cyclists, Samsung also reintroduced automatic cycling detection. Relatedly, the company’s detection is some of the best in the game across multiple workout types. On runs and walks, I can’t get even a house’s distance away without getting credit for it.
![Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 vs Polar HR Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 vs Polar HR](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-6-vs-Polar-HR-scaled.jpg)
Unfortunately, heart rate data on the Watch 6 is inconsistent, though likely accurate enough for the average user. Most prominently, the device lagged at the beginning of interval workouts compared to my Polar chest strap. It did match the strap with slightly better accuracy than we found in our Galaxy Watch 6 Classic testing, but more serious athletes would be better off shopping from Garmin’s stable.
Finally, three features still limited to Samsung phone users are on-demand ECGs, irregular heart rate notifications, and blood pressure detection. Though not deal breakers, these health tools could offer much value to more users if not locked behind Samsung’s wall.
Both heart rate data and GPS accuracy are inconsistent, making the device an iffy choice for athletes.
![Galaxy Watch 6 GPS A GPS map shows a comparison of the Galaxy Watch 6 vs Apple Watch Series 8.](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Galaxy-Watch-6-GPS.png)
Equally unfortunate is that GPS accuracy on the device is also spotty. During several runs, the device lost its way, plotting me slightly off track compared to other reputable devices. While my Apple Watch Series 8 and Garmin Epix showed near alignment, Samsung had me cut a few corners or waiver into streets. In the section of one of my neighborhood runs shown above, you can see where the Galaxy Watch took a deep cut rounding the corner of Lilipuna Road. It also tracked me on the opposite side of the road than I ran and frequently dipped into the street.
It’s not the worst accuracy I’ve seen, but it’s disappointing to see Samsung drop the ball somewhat. It also sharpens the sting of Samsung’s failing to carry over any of the navigation features of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, including multi-band GNSS.
![Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Sleep Mode A Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 displays the new Sleep Mode screen.](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-6-Sleep-Mode-scaled.jpg)
Overnight, the watch joined me in bed to track everything from sleep consistency and stages to skin temperature and potential snoring. Samsung also introduced a simple yet effective sleep mode screen. I appreciate how easy it is to enable and disable.
Despite Samsung promoting a significantly improved sleep-tracking platform pre-launch, the tools are mostly reminiscent of the Galaxy Watch 5’s offerings. My penguin sleep animal is wobbly and cute. My stats roughly align with trusted sleep-tracking devices, and sleep coaching is basic but useful for building better habits.
![Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 battery Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 battery](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-6-battery-scaled.jpg)
After tracking stats day and night, one of the most crucial aspects of any smartwatch is battery life. Both the 40mm and 44mm Samsung watches received bumps in battery size this generation and now pack 300mAh and 425mAh batteries, respectively. Samsung claims up to 30 hours in always-on mode. With the always-on display enabled and about one hour of GPS workout tracking per day, my unit lasted almost exactly that. I also didn’t experience the finicky adjustment period I ran into when testing the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic.
![Samsung Galaxy Watch 6](https://clearbuy-cloud.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/media/8245/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-6.jpg)
![AA Recommended](https://clearbuy-cloud.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/media/452/aa2020_recommended.png)
What are the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 alternatives?
![Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 review Vs competition A variety of leading wearables from Samsung, Apple, Garmin, and Mobvoi rest on a wood surface.](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-6-review-Vs-competition-scaled.jpg)
Samsung’s device lands at the midrange price point within the wearables market, aligning the device with plenty of Galaxy Watch 6 alternatives from other big names. Consider the following picks before making your purchase:
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic ($429 at Amazon): As mentioned above, the Galaxy Watch 6 series devices share all the important core specs, including an Exynos W930 SoC, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of storage. With its rotating bezel, we recommend the pricier model for a more elevated look and easier device navigation.
- Apple Watch Series 9 ($392.67 at Amazon): If you’re an iOS user who has stumbled upon this review by accident, we recommend heading back to Apple’s stronghold. The Apple Watch Series 9 is the best smartwatch for iPhone users, with seamless integration, accurate sensors, and unmatched app support.
- TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro ($349.99 at Amazon): A viable Wear OS competitor, Mobvoi’s TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro offers a rotating digital crown, fantastic battery life, and a unique dual display. It also shares the Classic’s aesthetic with a physical bezel, but it’s not a functional feature.
- Garmin Venu 3 ($449.99 at Amazon): For a reliable fitness tracking platform and a handful of smart features, Garmin’s Venu 3 is slightly pricier than the Galaxy Watch 6 but packs fantastic training tools. Users won’t find as much third-party app support as on a Wear OS device, but there are certainly enough tools to keep you busy.
- Garmin Forerunner 265 ($349.99 at Amazon): If smarts aren’t a priority but accuracy is, Garmin also offers the midrange Forerunner 265. The device’s heart rate and GPS tracking are stellar, and its AMOLED display positions it neatly alongside other popular wearables.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 specs
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic | |
---|---|---|
Display | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 44mm: 1.5-inch Super AMOLED 480 x 480 resolution Full color Always On Display Sapphire Crystal 40mm: 1.3-inch Super AMOLED 432 x 432 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 6 44mm: 44.4 x 42.8 x 9.0mm 33.3g 40mm: 40.4 x 38.8 x 9.0mm 28.7g | 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 6 Armor Aluminum case with Sport Band 44mm: Graphite, Silver 40mm: Graphite, Gold | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Stainless Steel case with Hybrid Eco-Leather Band 47mm: Black, Silver 43mm: Black, Silver |
Battery | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 44mm: 425mAh 40mm: 300mAh WPC-based wireless charging | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic 47mm: 425mAh 43mm: 300mAh WPC-based wireless charging |
Processor | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Samsung Exynos W930 Dual-core 1.4GHz | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Samsung Exynos W930 Dual-core 1.4GHz |
RAM | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 2GB | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic 2GB |
Storage | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 16GB | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic 16GB |
Connectivity | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 LTE Bluetooth 5.3 Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n 2.4+5GHz NFC GPS/GLONASS/Beidou/Galileo | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic LTE Bluetooth 5.3 Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n 2.4+5GHz NFC GPS/GLONASS/Beidou/Galileo |
Sensors | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 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 6 5ATM + IP68 MIL-STD-810H | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic 5ATM + IP68 MIL-STD-810H |
Software | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Wear OS powered by Samsung (Wear OS 4) One UI 5 Watch | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Wear OS powered by Samsung (Wear OS 4) One UI 5 Watch |
Compatibility | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Android 10 or higher with more than 1.5GB of RAM | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Android 10 or higher with more than 1.5GB of RAM |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 review: FAQ
The Galaxy Watch 6 features a water resistance rating of 5ATM, making it safe to wear in the shower or while swimming up to depths of 50 meters.
The biggest difference between the two models is the rotating bezel which only features on the Classic model. Beyond that, the Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic offer very similar experiences.
The Galaxy Watch 6 uses 20mm quick-release bands.
Yes, like the previous generation, the Galaxy Watch 6 devices feature built-in GPS.
While it is safe to leave your device on its charger overnight, the Galaxy Watch 6 offers detailed sleep tracking. We recommend wearing it to bed instead.