In the ever-evolving world of smartwatches, Samsung has consistently delivered cutting-edge technology and stylish designs. The battle between the Samsung Galaxy Watch and its successor, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, is a clash of titans, each boasting a myriad of features. In this detailed comparison, we dissect these watches across major parameters to help you make an informed decision.
Introduction
The Samsung Galaxy Watch, released in August 2018, set a benchmark for smartwatches with its Tizen OS 5.5, Exynos 9110 chipset, and a 1.3-inch Super AMOLED display. Its successor, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, entered the scene with promises of improved features and a refined design. As we delve into the comparison, we’ll evaluate the watches based on Price, Design and Build Quality, Display, Memory, Connectivity, Battery Life, Fitness Features, Additional Features, and Unique Features.
Price
When it comes to pricing, the Samsung Galaxy Watch is the more budget-friendly option, with an approximate cost of 220 EUR. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is positioned in a higher price bracket, starting at ₹32,999 in India. The increased cost is justified by the enhanced features that the Galaxy Watch 6 brings to the table.
Design and Build Quality
In terms of design, both watches feature a circular face and a rotating bezel, a signature Samsung design element. The Galaxy Watch, with dimensions of 49 x 46 x 13 mm and a weight of 63g, exudes a robust aura. Its glass front, stainless steel frame, and MIL-STD-810G compliance make it durable and water-resistant up to 50 meters.
The Galaxy Watch 6, weighing only 33.3g, takes a leap forward with an aluminum frame and sapphire glass, ensuring a lightweight yet sturdy build. This watch maintains the 50m water resistance (IP68) and adds the MIL-STD-810H certification, assuring reliability even in challenging conditions. The Galaxy Watch 6’s design refinement places it a notch above its predecessor.
Display
The display is a critical aspect of any smartwatch, and both Samsung models excel in this department. The Galaxy Watch boasts a 1.3-inch Super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 360 x 360 pixels, delivering a pixel density of approximately 278 ppi. Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ protects the display, and the always-on feature ensures convenient glanceability.
In contrast, the Galaxy Watch 6 takes it up a notch with a slightly larger 1.5-inch Color Super AMOLED display, offering a higher resolution of 480 x 480 pixels and an impressive 453 ppi pixel density. The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass DX and the Always On Display feature enhances both durability and usability. The Galaxy Watch 6’s display upgrade provides crisper visuals, making it a winner in this category.
Memory
When it comes to memory, the Galaxy Watch offers two variants: 4GB storage with 768MB RAM and 4GB storage with 1.5GB RAM. On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch 6 stands out with 2GB of RAM and a generous 16GB of inbuilt storage. This significant increase in memory capacity ensures smoother performance and ample space for apps and data storage, giving the Galaxy Watch 6 a clear advantage.
Connectivity
Connectivity is a vital aspect of a smartwatch, enabling seamless integration with other devices. Both watches support GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies. The Galaxy Watch features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, A2DP, and LE. The Galaxy Watch 6, however, elevates the connectivity game with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, and GPS. This enhanced connectivity ensures faster data transfer and improved location accuracy, making the Galaxy Watch 6 more future-proof.
Battery Life
Battery life is a make-or-break factor for many smartwatch users. The Galaxy Watch impresses with a Li-Ion 472mAh non-removable battery, supporting wireless Qi charging. This powerhouse can easily last a full day with moderate usage. On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch 6 boasts a slightly smaller but efficient 425mAh Li-ion battery, also supporting wireless charging. Both watches offer reliable battery performance, but the Galaxy Watch’s larger battery provides a marginal edge.
Fitness Features
Samsung has always prioritized fitness tracking in its smartwatches, and both models excel in this department. The Galaxy Watch includes sensors like accelerometer, gyro, heart rate monitor, and barometer. It supports Samsung Pay and offers natural language commands and dictation. The Galaxy Watch 6, building on this foundation, introduces a more comprehensive set of sensors, including bioelectrical impedance analysis, electrical heart sensor, infrared temperature sensor, and light sensor. It also adds features like ECG monitoring, making it a more advanced fitness companion.
Additional Features
Both watches come with standard features such as an always-on display, rotating bezel, and compatibility with standard 22mm straps. The Galaxy Watch 6, however, introduces Bluetooth calling, a feature absent in its predecessor. This enhancement reflects Samsung’s commitment to keeping up with the evolving needs of users.
Unique Features: Samsung Galaxy Watch vs Galaxy Watch 6
What sets the Galaxy Watch 6 apart are its unique features. The watch incorporates a range of sensors not found in the Galaxy Watch, such as bioelectrical impedance analysis for detailed body composition metrics and an infrared temperature sensor for monitoring body temperature. These additions make the Galaxy Watch 6 a more holistic health and wellness companion, catering to the growing demands of health-conscious users.
Biometric Authentication: While both the Samsung Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Watch 6 offer heart rate monitoring, the Galaxy Watch 6 goes further with advanced biometric features. Its inclusion of ECG monitoring sets it apart, allowing users to track their electrocardiogram for potential heart irregularities. This feature provides an additional layer of health monitoring that the Galaxy Watch lacks.
Display Always-On Capability: Digging deeper into display functionalities, the always-on capability varies between the two. The Galaxy Watch, with its Super AMOLED display, supports an always-on feature, ensuring constant visibility of essential information. However, the Galaxy Watch 6 refines this with an improved Always On Display feature, providing a more power-efficient and dynamic experience.
Software and App Integration: Beyond the hardware, the software experience is crucial. The Galaxy Watch 6, being the newer model, benefits from the latest Tizen OS advancements, potentially offering smoother navigation and improved app compatibility. The Galaxy Watch, although still efficient, might lack some of the software optimizations and app integrations found in its successor.
Customization and Watch Faces: Personalization is key in wearables, and the ability to customize watch faces can significantly impact user satisfaction. While both watches offer a degree of customization, the Galaxy Watch 6 introduces new watch face options and potentially more third-party integrations, providing users with a broader range of choices to express their style.
Durability and Build Materials: Although both watches are built to withstand everyday wear, the Galaxy Watch 6 incorporates newer materials such as sapphire glass, known for its scratch-resistant properties. This enhances the durability of the device, potentially making it a better choice for users who prioritize longevity and resistance to daily wear and tear.
Voice Assistance Integration: In the era of voice-activated technology, the integration of voice assistants can significantly enhance the user experience. While both watches support natural language commands and dictation, the Galaxy Watch 6 might boast improved voice recognition capabilities or potentially introduce new voice assistant features not present in the Galaxy Watch.
App Ecosystem and Third-Party Support: Smartwatches are becoming increasingly versatile, with users relying on various apps for productivity, fitness, and entertainment. The Galaxy Watch 6, being the newer model, might enjoy better support for third-party apps and a more extensive app ecosystem. This can influence the overall usability and convenience of the device for users with diverse needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Watch vs Galaxy Watch 6 are both formidable contenders in the smartwatch arena. The Galaxy Watch, with its durable design, vibrant display, and robust fitness features, offers a compelling option at a more affordable price point. However, the Galaxy Watch 6 emerges as the winner, bringing a refined design, a superior display, enhanced memory, and an array of advanced sensors and features. While the Galaxy Watch is a reliable choice, the Galaxy Watch 6 is a testament to Samsung’s commitment to innovation, making it the go-to option for users seeking the latest in smartwatch technology. Whether you prioritize budget or cutting-edge features, Samsung has a watch to suit your needs.
