Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Review: A Balance of Style and Function

Snapshot: Samsung continues to push on both design and health capabilities. The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic blends a traditional watch aesthetic with modern smartwatch features. This review walks through build, daily use, fitness tracking, and compatibility considerations for iPhone and Android users.

Design and first impressions

The Watch 6 Classic brings back the physical rotating bezel that many users loved in earlier Galaxy Watches. The feel is tactile and satisfying. The stainless steel case and options for leather or silicone straps give a premium feel. The display uses LTPO technology for adaptive refresh and excellent outdoors visibility. For users who prefer a more traditional watch look, Samsung nails the styling while keeping the hardware modern and durable.

Performance and software

Powered by a capable chipset and running Wear OS with Samsung’s One UI Watch layer, the Watch 6 Classic performs smoothly. App ecosystem gaps that once plagued Wear OS have narrowed dramatically. Notifications, calls, and media controls are reliable. The watch integrates tightly with Samsung phones, offering advanced features like seamless replies and richer notifications. On iPhone, basic functionality works, but the full experience remains Android‑centric.

Battery life and charging

Samsung promises a full day-plus battery life under normal use. In our tests, the Watch 6 Classic delivers:

• Light use: ~36 hours
• Moderate use with workouts: ~24–30 hours
• Heavy GPS workouts with music: ~14–18 hours

Wireless charging via compatible pads is convenient, but expect to charge most nights if you leverage health and GPS features heavily.

Health tracking and sensors

The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic offers heart rate, SpO2, ECG, and improved body composition analysis. While body composition metrics are useful for trend tracking, treat them as indicative rather than definitive. For fitness tracking, GPS accuracy is good and matches many dedicated fitness watches for runs and rides. Sleep tracking has improved with richer insights and automatic detection.

Key strengths

• Design: A real standout with a classic look and high build quality.
• Rotating bezel: A unique, practical control method that still delights.
• Android integration: Tight pairing with Samsung phones offers the best experience.

Limitations

Battery life could be better for power users who require long GPS sessions. iPhone users won’t get all features, so if you’re invested in Apple’s ecosystem, the Galaxy Watch is less compelling. Additionally, the high‑end finishes increase price relative to some competitors.

Who is it for?

The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is ideal for Android users who want a smartwatch that also looks like a traditional watch. If you value design and customization and own a Samsung phone, this watch is among the best choices. Athletes needing extreme battery longevity or multi‑day GPS tracking might still prefer specialized sports watches, but for most users the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is an excellent daily wearable.

Final thoughts

Samsung shows maturity in both hardware and software. The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is stylish, functional, and well‑rounded. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it perfects many elements that people care about in day‑to‑day smartwatch use.

Reviewed by Liam Chen • 2024-09-03