Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic Review: Reviving the Rotating Bezel
Introduction:
The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic marks the return of the iconic rotating bezel, a feature that was absent in the previous model. This revival, along with the introduction of the new Exynos W930 chipset, brings notable changes to the device.
However, questions arise about Samsung's strategy, as it appears to target different audiences with its Galaxy Watch Pro and Classic lineups. In this review, we delve into the specifications, design, performance, and features of the Galaxy Watch6 Classic.
Specifications Overview:
The Galaxy Watch6 Classic boasts a sleek body measuring 46.5x46.5x10.9mm, with a sapphire crystal front and a stainless steel frame. It's designed to meet MIL-STD-810H standards and offers water resistance up to 50 meters (IP68). The watch features an ECG certification and a blood pressure monitor, enhancing its health-tracking capabilities.
Display and Chipset:
The device showcases a 1.50" Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 480x480 pixels and a 9:9 aspect ratio, resulting in a sharp 453ppi. The always-on display feature ensures constant visibility. Powering the Galaxy Watch6 Classic is the Exynos W930 chipset, built on a 5nm process. This chipset houses a dual-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A55 CPU and a Mali-G68 GPU.
Memory and OS:
With 16GB of internal storage and 2GB of RAM, the Galaxy Watch6 Classic offers improved performance compared to its predecessors. It runs on Android Wear OS 4, customized with Samsung's One UI Watch 5.
Battery and Efficiency:
The battery capacity has been reduced to 425mAh from the previous Watch5 Pro's 590mAh, but Samsung justifies this by highlighting the efficiency of the new chipset. The claim is that the Watch6 Classic still outperforms the Watch4 Classic, which had a 361mAh battery. We'll evaluate this in the battery section of the review.
Performance and Visuals:
The Exynos W930 chipset delivers better performance with higher clock speeds and enhanced visuals, thanks to the increased 2GB RAM. The display has also been upgraded to 1.5", with a matching resolution of 480x480 pixels.
Fitness and Features:
Aside from the addition of skin temperature measurements, the fitness-tracking capabilities remain largely unchanged. Fall detection is introduced, possibly facilitated by the new 3D Hall sensor.
Software:
The Galaxy Watch6 Classic features the new Wear OS 4.0, combined with Samsung's One UI Watch 5 software. This integration ties the various elements of the device together.
Unboxing and Charging:
In the retail package, users will find user manuals, a USB-C charging pad, and an attached cable. Notably, Samsung has transitioned to USB-C instead of USB-A for charging. While the absence of a dedicated charger might raise concerns, the watch can be charged using various USB-C wall chargers or a PC/laptop. It's important to note that wireless charging from a third-party Qi charger is not supported, and reverse wireless charging with non-Samsung phones is also limited.
Conclusion:
The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic brings back the beloved rotating bezel and introduces the Exynos W930 chipset for enhanced performance. With improvements in display size, memory, and efficiency, it aims to cater to a wide range of users seeking a stylish and functional smartwatch.
Despite the reduced battery capacity, the Watch6 Classic's efficiency claims warrant thorough testing. The integration of Wear OS 4.0 and One UI Watch 5 software showcases Samsung's commitment to a seamless user experience.
