Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Review 2023: If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It
Regarding Android smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 received a lot of praise when it was released in August 2023. Many called it to be the same as its predecessor, while many called it the best smartwatch for Android smartphones.
Therefore, since I recently reviewed a mid-range Samsung smartphone, I decided to try this out since it was the perfect opportunity. And oh boy, was I not glad. It has been quite some time since I last tested a smartwatch, and this watch is good – although somewhat familiar.
Therefore, if you wish to buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, read this review post till the end.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Specifications And Price
The primary Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 40mm specs are:
| Operating System | Wear OS 4 |
| Display | 1.3″ Super AMOLED Always On Display (432 x 432 resolution) |
| Processor | Exynos W930 |
| Memory | 2 GB |
| Storage | 16 GB |
| Battery | 300 mAh |
| Connectivity | NFC, GPS, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 802.11 LTE |
| Sensors | Samsung BioActive Sensor, Temperature Sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor |
| Weight | 28.7g |
| Available Colors | Graphite, Silver |
It’s important to note that there are two variants of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6. The latest Samsung watch I got was the 40 mm variant. There is another variant as well – the 44 mm. The size refers solely to the size of the screen. In addition, the 44 mm variant also has a better battery and even costs more.
Moreover, there is another variant named the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. However, I haven’t tested the product yet (but I might later on!) This version has bigger 43 mm and 47 mm screens.
Regarding the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 price, it costs $300. However, the 44 mm variant costs $350, along with LTE connectivity.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Review: My Experience
I was happy when I got my hands on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6. It has been quite some time since I last reviewed a smartwatch. Additionally, I have heard a lot about this watch from my friends, which made me even more curious.
Design: Same Ol’ Design
When I looked at the Samsung Galaxy 6 and the Galaxy Watch 5 my friend was wearing, I was like, “Hold up. Wait a minute!”
I was disappointed to see that the design had not changed much. Both of them look almost the same. However, the colors are different this time. The Watch 6 comes in Graphite (both sizes), Silver (40 mm), and Gold (44 mm).
Moreover, unless you see it up close and examine it closely, you won’t notice the difference. Samsung has kept the same minimal aesthetic we saw first on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 has two buttons on its sides and sensors for measuring your BMI and ECG. In addition, on the bottom surface, you will see another curved sensor that bulges to touch your wrists. However, I feel it’s comfortable enough to wear all day, along with less sweat build-up under the band.
I like the curved design of the watch near the lugs connecting with the wristband with the Sport T-Buckle. This makes it look great on sleeker wrists (like mine). Samsung has perfected the formula of creating simple and effective watch straps, and it’s in full display here.
Display: Bigger And Brighter
If you want visible changes between the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and the Galaxy Watch 5, they’re in their display.
The 40 mm variant I received had a 1.19” screen made of Sapphire Crystal Glass. In addition, it has a sharp and crisp display due to its 432 x 432 pixel resolution. Moreover, the bezels are no longer thick like the Galaxy Watch 5, which makes it even spicier.
The touchscreen itself is smooth and responsive, making operating it easier than before. Since many of the actions on the screen require you to scroll, I find them easier to do now.
Moreover, the most significant upgrade comes from its max brightness of 2,000 Nits. Therefore, if you are outdoors during the daytime, you won’t have to gaze too closely to see clearly. This is one of the brightest smartwatches I have seen so far.
Battery: Juicier Than Before
When I used my friend’s Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and 5, I discovered that the Watch 4 would last a day on a full charge. However, the Watch 5 will last half a day longer.
Therefore, it’s safe to say that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 has made its juice better than before.
I only charged it to full twice throughout my 4-day trial period. Therefore, you can say that one full charge will last you for two days. All throughout, I had it at max brightness, along with many tracking apps active simultaneously. However, it will last longer if you don’t keep it glowing like the sun.
Software: Not-So-Unique Upgrades
Regarding the software – mainly Wear OS 4 – it has received only a handful of upgrades. However, these updates become less impactful and unique since they are also present in the older Watch 4 and 5. Therefore, it lowers the appeal of buying a new Samsung Galaxy Watch 6.
However, since the Galaxy Watch 6 has more RAM, switching between the apps is surely smoother than before. Therefore, the overall UI feels smoother and more responsive, which is a plus.
Moreover, if you use a Samsung smartphone (like the Samsung Galaxy M54), you get to integrate more apps from your phone on your watch. Therefore, I found it useful to use Google Notes on the Galaxy Watch 6 to look at my to-do list on the go.
However, I noticed that the app integration works better and smoother when I pair the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 with another Galaxy smartphone. Moreover, I found many apps on my Nothing Phone 2 and Google Pixel 7A to be incompatible with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6. Maybe it’s time to get the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra next year!
Performance: Faster And More Accurate (With Samsung Phones)
The performance of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is undoubtedly top-notch. Compared to competitors like the Google Pixel Watch 2 and any smartwatch by Gremin – the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 triumphs overall. However, only the Apple Watch Pro stands toe-to-toe with it.
The sensor has good tracking capabilities, albeit the Apple Watch is more accurate. It gives an estimate of the number of steps I have walked, along with my heart rate and sleep.
If you pair this with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, you get some additional changes to the health apps. For example, you will see yourself being compared with an animal when they calculate how much sleep you get. I laughed when I was called an “Exhausted Shark” by my Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (yes, I have mild amnesia).
However, I did find Sleep Coaching to be more annoying than helpful. I used it once, and seeing the “Do you want to try Sleep Coaching again?” notification repeatedly made me not try it at all.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Final Verdict: Deal Or No Deal?
If you don’t have a smartwatch on your wrists and you have an Android smartphone, then digging at any Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 will be a good choice. Moreover, if you wish to upgrade your older Android smartwatch, this is also a good choice.
This smartwatch has an impressive screen coupled with smooth performance. Thrown in a 30-hour battery life, and you have one of the best smartwatches for Android smartphones on your wrists.
However, if you already own a Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, I recommend waiting for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, or a Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Pro (if it ever releases). The difference between them doesn’t warrant spending $300 on a new one.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Battery life is better than before • The bezels are a lot slimmer, allowing for more screen space • Wear OS 4 is faster and smoother thanks to 2 GB of extra RAM | • The design has remained the same • The software upgrades are being rolled out for the older models, making them less unique to this new model • Many features exclusively work with Samsung smartphones • One of the more expensive smartwatches for Android smartphones |
