Design and Size
I opted for the 44mm version of the Galaxy Watch 6, as I wanted to try the larger variant and explore its pros and cons. Coming from the smaller 40mm variant of the Watch 5, the increase in size provided a different experience. Weighing only 33.3g, this watch is one of the lightest options available in the smartwatch market. Samsung has managed to fit a 1.56-inch super AMOLED screen into this compact body, delivering excellent display quality even in bright lighting conditions. The always-on display feature is particularly convenient, allowing me to quickly check the time without any awkward wrist movements. The watch also includes a temperature sensor on the backside, along with other handy sensors like accelerometer, gyro, compass, heart rate, and barometer.
Performance and Usability
The performance of the Galaxy Watch 6 is commendable. Powered by Samsung’s Exynos 9110 chipset and equipped with 1.5GB of RAM, this smartwatch offers smooth and lag-free usage. Whether I was navigating through menus, launching apps, or switching between tasks, the watch responded swiftly. The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Operating System and User Interface
The Galaxy Watch 6 runs on Samsung’s Tizen operating system, which provides a seamless and user-friendly interface. Tizen OS offers a wide range of customization options, allowing users to personalize their watch faces, widgets, and app layouts. The watch also supports a variety of third-party apps, enhancing its versatility and functionality.
Fitness and Health Tracking Capabilities
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Watch 6 is its extensive fitness and health tracking capabilities. The watch offers a comprehensive suite of sensors that enable accurate tracking of various activities such as running, cycling, swimming, and more. The heart rate monitor provides real-time data, and the watch also includes a blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) sensor, allowing users to monitor their overall health better. The built-in GPS is precise and reliable, enabling accurate tracking of outdoor workouts.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Galaxy Watch 6 is reasonable but may not last as long as some other smartwatches on the market. With moderate usage, I found that the watch could last about two days before needing a recharge. However, with heavy usage and continuous GPS tracking, the battery life can be significantly reduced. It’s worth noting that the watch supports fast charging, allowing it to reach a full charge relatively quickly.
Is it the Right Choice for You?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offers a plethora of features and capabilities that make it one of the best smartwatches for Android users. Its stylish design, lightweight construction, and vibrant display make it a joy to wear. The performance is excellent, ensuring smooth usage and seamless navigation. The fitness and health tracking features are extensive and accurate, making it an ideal companion for active individuals. However, the battery life may not be as long-lasting as some other options, and the price point is on the higher side. Ultimately, whether the Galaxy Watch 6 is the right choice for you depends on your individual preferences and priorities.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Review
When it comes to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, it’s hard not to be impressed. Samsung has once again raised the bar when it comes to their smartwatch offerings, but is it truly the best smartwatch for Android users, or is there something more to consider?
Enhanced Display Experience
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Watch 6 is its larger screen size. Samsung has managed to reduce the bezels, resulting in a larger area for the display. This enhancement makes it incredibly easy to navigate and interact with the watch. Not only that, but they have also improved the screen brightness, going from 1000 nits to an impressive 2000 nits. Whether you’re in direct sunlight or out and about on a sunny day, the brightness is more than sufficient to provide clear visibility. The addition of adaptive brightness further optimizes the user experience and helps extend battery life.
Operating System Upgrade
Moving away from their own Tizen OS, Samsung has embraced Google’s Wear OS with the Galaxy Watch 6. This upgrade allows users to access the Play Store and explore a wide range of apps that can further enhance the functionality of their smartwatch. The transition from Tizen OS to Wear OS has been seamless, with the user interface remaining consistent with what we’ve come to expect from Samsung’s smartwatches. This shift has also improved the overall smoothness of the operating system, ensuring a more seamless experience.
Better Performance
Samsung has taken performance to the next level with the Galaxy Watch 6. With the inclusion of a new chip alongside the existing processor, the watch delivers better functionality and performance, even when multiple apps are installed. This is a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Watch 5, which tended to slow down when too many apps were running. Whether you’re multitasking or relying on various apps throughout the day, the Watch 6 can handle it all with ease.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 proves to be an exceptional smartwatch for Android users. The enhanced screen size and brightness, combined with the seamless transition to Wear OS and improved performance, make it a standout in the market. Samsung continues to push boundaries and innovate with their smartwatch offerings, and the Galaxy Watch 6 is a clear testament to their commitment to providing the best user experience possible.
The Fastest Processor Yet
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 boasts a dual-core processor that runs at an impressive 1.4 GHz, making it the fastest processor in the line of Galaxy watches. In comparison, the Watch 5’s dual-core processor runs at 1.18 GHz. This significant improvement in processing power allows for smoother performance and enhanced speed on the Watch 6.
Unaffected by Games and Apps
I have personally installed numerous games and apps on the Watch 6, and I am pleased to share that its speed remains unaffected. This means you can enjoy your favorite games and utilize various apps without sacrificing performance on your smartwatch.
A Plethora of Games to Choose From
If you’re looking for new games to play on your Galaxy Watch 6, I have created a video showcasing the top seven games available. Simply tap on the “I” button to watch the video and discover exciting game options for your smartwatch.
An Easy and Convenient Band Mechanism
The Galaxy Watch 6 uses standard 20mm silicon bands, allowing for compatibility with a wide range of band options. What sets the Watch 6 apart is its unique band mechanism. With a single click, you can effortlessly attach or detach the band. No more struggling with complicated mechanisms or needing special tools – it’s incredibly simple!
Compatible with Your Existing Bands
If you already have bands that you love and want to continue using them with the Watch 6, you’re in luck! All Galaxy watches, including the Watch 6, use 20mm bands. This means you can easily switch out the band to match your style or keep using your favorite bands from previous Galaxy models.
Enjoy Independent Calling and Internet Features
The Watch 6 comes in an EMP variant, which means you can use calling and internet features without needing your phone nearby or active. Setting up its eSIM allows the watch to work on the same plan and phone number as your activated mobile plan. If you’re unsure how to set up the eSIM, we have a helpful video guide – simply tap on the eye button to watch it.
Stay Connected With the Bluetooth Variant
If you opt for the Bluetooth variant of the Watch 6, you will need to keep your mobile phone connected via Bluetooth to utilize the calling feature. This allows you to stay connected and make calls directly from your smartwatch while ensuring a seamless connection with your phone.
Wi-Fi Functionality and Independence
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offers a unique benefit for users with its Wi-Fi functionality. This feature allows you to use the watch independently via Wi-Fi, even when your mobile phone is not nearby. This means that you can still stay connected and enjoy all the smart features of the watch, without relying solely on your phone. It provides a level of convenience and freedom that is highly appreciated by users.
Battery Life Improvement
One area where Samsung has made noticeable improvements is in the battery life of the Galaxy Watch 6 compared to its predecessor, the Watch 5. With a battery capacity of 325 mAh, the Watch 6 offers a decent battery life. With all the smart features enabled, users can expect to get around 15 to 18 hours on a single charge. These settings include having the always-on display, gesture control, all-day stress and heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking enabled.
However, Samsung has also implemented the option to turn off some features to extend the battery life to around 1 to 2 days. This is a welcome addition as battery life has been a weak point for Samsung smartwatches in the past. Depending on your usage patterns and the features you enable, the battery life can vary. It is worth noting that the watch will need to be charged daily for most users.
Charging Speed Concerns
One point of concern with the Galaxy Watch 6 is its charging speed. It takes more than 1 hour to charge the watch to 100%, which is slower compared to some other watches in the market. If you are looking for faster charging, it is recommended to invest in a 25V or higher charger. With such a charger, the charging time can be significantly reduced.
Accessory Recommendations
To enhance your experience with the Galaxy Watch 6, there are a few must-have accessories that you should consider. We have created a video showcasing these accessories, which you can find by tapping on the eye button. These accessories will not only improve the functionality of your watch but also provide added convenience and style.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Review
Enhance Your Experience With These Accessories
These accessories will help you to enhance your experience.
A Charging Tip
I would like to share a charging tip with you as well. If you have a phone with a USBC charging port, then you can also charge your watch using your phone for health tracking.
Loaded with Sensors
The watch 6 is loaded with sensors, including heart rate monitoring, stress monitoring, sleep tracking, spo2 monitoring, ECG blood pressure, BMI measurement, and temperature monitoring. Most of these functions are accurate, but please note that ECG and blood pressure monitoring are only available in specific regions.
Track Your Daily Activity
The Galaxy Watch 6 tracks your daily activity, including steps and time. It also displays the number of calories you burn. If you swipe left on the home screen, you will access the tiles section where you will see three heart icons: the outermost green one counts your steps, the blue one tracks time, and the innermost red one measures your current calorie burn. It looks similar to Apple’s Rings. Doesn’t it?
Accurate Exercise Tracking
Other than this, it accurately measures exercises. You can track various types of workouts, and for this, you can enable the auto-detect workout feature. We have also created a separate video on this, so tap on the eye button to watch it. For running and walking, it performed better automatically recognizing these activities. You can create custom exercises, but it only tracks the duration and heart rate. If you are doing weightlifting, then there are limitations in some exercises. I tried arm curls and it had features like counting reps, but in some weightlifting exercises.
The Missing Rep Counting and Custom Exercise Tracking
One of the downsides for weightlifting enthusiasts is the absence of features like rep counting and custom exercise tracking in the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6. These features are commonly found in other smartwatches in the market, making it a notable gap for those looking to track their workouts more effectively. It’s a shame that Samsung overlooked the needs of this particular group of fitness enthusiasts.
Improved Sleep Tracking
However, Samsung has made significant improvements to the sleeping feature in the Galaxy Watch 6. Unlike its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, the sleep metric in the Watch 6 is more accurate. As someone who has been using this feature for a considerable amount of time, I can confidently say that it is the most valuable feature of this smartwatch.
Precision in Sleep Tracking
The Galaxy Watch 6 excels in tracking the start and stop times of your sleep, giving you a clear picture of your actual time in bed. Additionally, the watch provides helpful suggestions on how to improve your sleep quality. Its sleep stage tracking feature, which includes REM sleep, deep sleep, and more, is adequate but not exceptional. Some competitors might offer better results in this aspect, but it still serves its purpose in monitoring sleeping habits.
Snoring Detection
An interesting addition to the Galaxy Watch 6 is its snoring detection feature. This function records your snoring voice while you sleep, but it requires the phone to be on a stable surface near your head within the range of the watch. Unfortunately, some users have reported issues with inaccurate results or the feature not working for them. As someone who doesn’t snore, I couldn’t personally test this feature, but if you’re interested, let us know in the comments below. If there’s enough demand, we might create a brief video on the topic.
Spotlight on SpO2 Tracking
A standout feature of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is its SpO2 tracking. This capability allows users to monitor their blood oxygen saturation levels. This feature has become increasingly important in the current health-conscious climate, as it provides valuable insights into overall wellness and respiratory health. However, it’s worth noting that the accuracy of this feature may vary, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for precise measurements.
While the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 has its strengths in sleep tracking and SpO2 monitoring, it falls short in areas such as rep counting and custom exercise tracking, which may disappoint fitness enthusiasts. It’s essential to consider your individual needs and priorities when choosing a smartwatch, as no single device can cater to everyone perfectly.
Heart Rate Measurement and Body Composition
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 boasts impressive accuracy when it comes to measuring heart rate and body composition. In fact, the results are even more accurate compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch 5. Users can rely on this feature, knowing that they are getting trustworthy data about their health and fitness levels.
ECG Feature
One exciting feature of the Galaxy Watch 6 is the ability to measure ECG (electrocardiogram). Unfortunately, at the time of making this review, the ECG feature is only available in specific regions. As such, I was unable to test this feature personally. However, for those fortunate enough to have access to this feature, it provides valuable insights into their heart health.
Samsung Health App
The Samsung Health app is a powerful tool that provides users with comprehensive insights and metrics on their overall health data. It offers a 30-day overview of the analysis, allowing users to track their progress and make informed decisions about their well-being. Additionally, the app allows users to sync their health data to other apps like Google Fit, ensuring seamless integration with their existing fitness routines.
GPS and Location Tracking
One of the most useful features of the Galaxy Watch 6 is its built-in GPS functionality. Whether you’re cycling, running, or simply exploring new areas, the watch accurately tracks your location. With Google Maps integration, you have access to detailed routes and real-time navigation. If your watch doesn’t come with Google Maps pre-installed, you can easily download it from the Play Store.
Contactless Payments With NFC
Another impressive feature of the Galaxy Watch 6 is its ability to make contactless payments using NFC (near field communication) technology. This means you can conveniently pay at stores and restaurants that accept contactless payments without needing to reach for your wallet or smartphone. To use this feature, simply swipe up from the watch face, tap on the settings icon, select connections, then tap on NFC and contactless payment. You can add your card details and make payments by holding your watch close to the payment reader at the checkout counter. This feature is a game-changer for those who frequently rely on card payments.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is a commendable smartwatch for Android users. With its accurate heart rate and body composition measurements, ECG feature (in specific regions), Samsung Health app integration, GPS functionality, and contactless payment capability, it offers a comprehensive package for health enthusiasts and tech-savvy individuals alike. Whether you’re tracking your fitness progress or simply staying connected on the go, the Galaxy Watch 6 is undoubtedly a reliable companion.
Customizable Watch Faces and Always On Display
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offers a wide variety of customizable watch faces through the Galaxy variable app. With six different options, you can personalize your smartwatch to fit your style. These watch faces also come with numerous complications, allowing for multitasking capabilities. Additionally, you can utilize the always on display feature with your favorite watch face. This feature conveniently provides all the necessary information without requiring you to wake up the device. If you’re curious about the best watch faces for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, I have published a video highlighting 15 fantastic options. Whether you prefer analog designs, fitness-focused features, health-related statistics, or sports-themed clock faces, you’ll find them all in this video.
Digital Bezel vs. Physical Rotating Bezel
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 comes in two variations: the regular Watch 6 and the Watch 6 Classic. The difference between the two lies in the bezel design. The Watch 6 features a digital bezel, while the Watch 6 Classic boasts a physical rotating bezel. The Watch 6 is perfect for those seeking a sporty look, while the Watch 6 Classic exudes a more classic style. To understand the distinctions between both watches in more detail, you can watch our video, where we delve into a comprehensive comparison. You’ll find the link to the video in the description and by tapping the eye button.
Why Should You Consider Buying the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6?
If you are in the market for a premium and versatile smartwatch suitable for various occasions, then the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is worth considering. Its sleek and elegant design gives it a premium look that complements any outfit. Moreover, it is packed with smart features such as accurate sleep tracking metrics, basic health and fitness monitoring, and a user-friendly interface. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 seamlessly integrates into your daily routine, offering convenience and ease of use. After using it myself, I can confidently say that Samsung has made significant improvements in this latest model. It has become an indispensable part of my everyday life.
The Design: A Familiar Yet Stylish Look
When it comes to the design of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, it’s familiar yet stylish. The round-shaped display showcases a timeless design that is reminiscent of traditional timepieces. Its physical rotating bezel adds a touch of functionality and elegance, allowing you to navigate through the interface with ease. Available in a variety of colors and strap options, you can customize the watch to match your personal style.
Display and Performance: A Feast for the Eyes
The display of the Galaxy Watch 6 is simply stunning. The bright and vibrant Super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 360 x 360 pixels delivers sharp and crisp visuals, making it a feast for the eyes. Whether you’re checking your notifications, tracking your fitness goals, or simply glancing at the time, the display won’t disappoint.
Under the hood, the Galaxy Watch 6 boasts impressive performance. Powered by Samsung’s Exynos 9110 dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM, the watch runs smoothly and handles multitasking seamlessly. Whether you’re running multiple apps or switching between them, you can expect a lag-free experience.
Health and Fitness Features: Your Personal Health Companion
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Watch 6 is its comprehensive health and fitness tracking capabilities. Equipped with an optical heart rate sensor, blood oxygen level monitoring, sleep tracking, and built-in GPS, this smartwatch is a personal health companion on your wrist. It also offers a wide range of workout modes, including running, swimming, cycling, and more, to help you achieve your fitness goals.
Software and Ecosystem: More Than Just a Watch
Running on Samsung’s Tizen operating system, the Galaxy Watch 6 provides a seamless and intuitive user experience. With the ability to install a wide range of apps from the Galaxy Store, you can personalize your watch with apps that suit your lifestyle. Additionally, it seamlessly integrates with your smartphone, allowing you to receive and reply to notifications, take calls, and even stream music directly from your wrist.
Battery Life: A Balance Between Performance and Endurance
The Galaxy Watch 6 features a 340mAh battery that provides decent battery life, especially considering its powerful features. With typical usage, you can expect the watch to last up to two days on a single charge. However, heavy usage, such as GPS tracking, may drain the battery faster. Thankfully, the watch supports wireless charging, making it convenient to keep it powered up.
: A Worthy Upgrade?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is undoubtedly a fantastic smartwatch for Android users. With a stylish design, impressive display, robust performance, and comprehensive health and fitness features, it ticks all the right boxes. However, if you already own a previous model like the Galaxy Watch 4, the differences may not be significant enough to warrant an upgrade. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference and needs.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offers an impressive array of features and improvements over its predecessor. The Wi-Fi functionality allows for greater independence, ensuring that you can stay connected even when your phone is not nearby. The battery life has also seen significant improvements, though it still depends on your usage patterns. Charging speed may be a concern for some users, but investing in a higher voltage charger can alleviate this issue. With the right accessories, you can truly unlock the full potential of the Galaxy Watch 6.
