The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is coming this summer, acting as the annual refresh of Samsung’s smartwatch lineup. However, the upcoming smartwatch is not a direct successor to last year’s Galaxy Watch 5 Pro; Instead, it’s a follow-up to the Galaxy Watch 4 classic from 2021, which is Samsung’s latest smartwatch with a rotating hardware bezel.
Design and sizes
The best of Samsung and Apple
Like the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, which comes with a rotating bezel, the Apple Watch Ultra has some aces up its sleeve. For example, there is a customizable action button, and the overall design of the watch is more rugged and impressively masculine. What it lacks in ruggedness, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic makes up for in class and premium looks.
In terms of size, the Apple Watch Ultra is only available in a single 49mm version, while the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is available in both 43mm and 47mm versions, fitting thin and thick wrists. While we expect the Bluetooth-only and Bluetooth + cellular versions of the Samsung smartwatch to have different sizes for each, all Apple Watch Ultra watches are cellular.
Color-wise, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic can come in silver and black colors. Hopefully, potential adopters can customize their smartwatches in the Samsung Bespoke Studio personalization suite. Apple Watch Ultra, at the same time, is only available in titanium.
Bands
A new folding mechanism means your old Samsung bands may no longer work.
Judging from the leaked materials, it is highly likely that Samsung will switch from a spring-bar to a push-button locking system for the upcoming Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. What does this mean? Your old watch bands may not be compatible.
Apart from that, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic may also come with a new leather band, which will go with the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic’s premium business look.
In the meantime, the Apple Watch Ultra comes with the same push-button lock mechanism it’s had forever. This means you can use your old bands with the Apple Watch Ultra and enjoy compatibility with the Apple Watch ecosystem. With the Apple Watch Ultra, Apple released three new bands, the Trail Loop, the Alpine Loop, and the Ocean Band. Each of these are meant for different functions, but all suit the rugged nature of the smartwatch well.
Software and features
Competent fitness partners
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic can support all the health and fitness features we expect from a modern Galaxy smartwatch, including BMI thanks to the lower bioactive sensor, heart rate monitoring, ECG, blood pressure, blood oxygen levels. , and now, heart rate abnormalities, it will alert you if it detects any irregularity with your heart rate.
Activity tracking covers every exercise you can do and now includes an improved heart rate zone view, which shows your activity level. There’s even a track detector that kicks in when you reach a running track, providing important stats like speed, distance and a road map.
The Apple Watch Ultra also has advanced computing functionality as well as an 86dB emergency siren, which can be used to alert emergency services if you’re lost in the wilderness.
Speaking of accuracy, the Apple Watch Ultra has dual frequency GPS, which allows you to get accurate readings in both urban areas and the great outdoors.
When it comes to compatibility, it’s a tough luck for both ecosystems, as the Galaxy smartwatch can’t pair with an iPhone, while the Apple Watch Ultra plays well with the Android ecosystem. What’s more, some of the more complex health features of the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic remain exclusive to Samsung Galaxy devices, although technically you can use the smartwatch on any Android device. A Galaxy phone is still recommended.
Battery and charging
Can the Samsung smartwatch beat the Ultra?
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic comes with a 425mAh battery on board, which is more than what’s in the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic but less than the 590mAh monster battery in last year’s Watch 5 Pro, which is pretty solid.
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic can usually support up to 10W wireless charging via the included charger. Given the same battery size and charging speed as previous Galaxy smartwatches, this should charge in an hour or so.
Apple Watch Ultra takes an hour to charge up to 80%, and a full charge takes less time.
As we mentioned earlier, we expect the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic to be available in both 43 and 47mm sizes, while the Apple Watch Ultra will only be available in 49mm. Price-wise, Apple has placed a high premium on the Apple Watch Ultra, selling that for $799.
Additionally, Samsung allows you to get a Bluetooth-only or Bluetooth + Cellular version of the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. Of course, the most affordable is the 43mm Bluetooth-only version, which can start as little as $400. However, the 47mm Bluetooth + Cellular model shouldn’t cost more than $500.
Voice calls and haptics
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic definitely allows you to make phone calls and keep your phone in your pocket or in another room. If you prefer the cellular version, you can leave it at home entirely.
Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Ultra has a three-microphone array so it can pick up and isolate your voice even in the windiest of conditions. Of course, you can also make and receive calls with it.
Haptics have traditionally been a strong feature of the Apple Watch, and we don’t expect Samsung to back down in any case.
Details
| Details | Galaxy Watch 6 Classic | Apple Watch Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Models (size, weight, prices) | 43mm / 47mm, both in BT/Wi-Fi or BT/Wi-Fi + Cellular versions | 49mm, BT/Wi-Fi/Cellular |
| Processor, RAM, Storage | Exynos W930 | S8 chip |
| Software | A UI 5 view | watchOS 9, upgradeable to watchOS 10 |
| Battery and charging | 425mAh, 10W charging | 542mAh, 10W charging |
| Sensors | HR, blood oxygen, altimeter, ECG | HR, Blood Oxygen, ECG, Temperature Sensor, Dual Frequency GPS, |
| New features | Rotating hardware shafts AFIB heart rate monitoring |
Dive computer SOS siren Accurate GPS Customizable action button |
Summary
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is a posh business smartwatch from Samsung that we love. With its signature rotating bezel back, and all the essential features and functions we’ve come to expect, it’s a wearable that’s set to be another box office hit.
One thing is for sure, things are definitely looking up for the smartwatch market in 2023, with super-premium and capable competitors coming from every camp, and the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic/Apple Watch Ultra duo is leading the way.
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