Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic vs Galaxy Watch 5 Pro: Beauty versus brawn
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Intro
How does the latest Galaxy Watch 6 Classic stack up against last year's rugged Galaxy Watch 5 Pro? Is the return of the hardware rotating bezel too-little-too-late or easily the killer feature that Samsung simply had to bring back?
First things first, it should be mentioned that the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic isn't exactly a successor to the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. In fact, it should most certainly be regarded as the successor to the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, so there's definitely a place under the sun for both of these high-end Galaxy smartwatches.
- Stainless steel vs titanium design
- New Exynos W930 chip vs Exynos W920 chip
- Rotating hardware bezel vs capacitive touch bezel
- 425mAh vs 590mAh battery
- 43/47mm versions vs 45mm version
- Custom GPX routing (Galaxy Watch 5 Pro exclusive)
- Push-button latching mechanism vs spring bar mechanism
Table of Contents:
Design & Sizes
Different strokes for different folks
In terms of design, both smartwatches have that unmistakable Galaxy smartwatch design language, though the build materials are vastly different. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro relied on titanium, whereas the Watch 6 Classic is made of stainless steel. However, both wearables feature sapphire, protecting both the display and the array of sensors at the bottom. Sapphire scratches hard, so we have really high hopes for the endurance of either Galaxy Watch.
In terms of major design differences, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic has the excellent rotating bezel, which allows for an additional way to navigate the interface of the watch. This fan-favorite feature was missing from the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, which employed a capacitive side bezel that theoretically offered the same functionality, but in reality, it was mostly half-baked and nowhere near as convenient.
In terms of size differences, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic comes in both 43mm and 47mm versions, while the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro was available in a single 45mm version only. In real life, the larger Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is just as large as the Watch 5 Pro, but due to the stainless-steel case it's a bit heavier. So, you will definitely know if it's on your wrist thanks to the extra heft.
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is IP68 water-resistant up to 50 meters, and also featured military-graded durability (MIL-STD810H); meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is also water-resistant up to 50 meters of water, we don't think it will have the same durability as the titanium Watch 5 Pro.
Colors-wise, both are available in silver and black colors. Both look exceptionally posh and premium, so you can easily take them on both a cocktail party and a hike in the mountains. Of course, using different bands is recommended…
Bands
New mechanism, new bands
Pretty much all Galaxy smartwatches, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro included, have used a spring-bar mechanism to attach the band to the watch itself. This also means that almost all bands have been interchangeable.
Yet, Samsung changed things up with the brand-new Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, which has adopted a push-button mechanism for attaching the bands to the smartwatch. It should allow for easier band release, but in our experience, the button is a bit too stiff and makes things a bit harder than they should be.
Fortunately, old Galaxy Watch bands are still compatible with the new Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, and so are most 22mm watch bands out there, which is great for customizability. The same applies to the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic as well.
Samsung has introduced a couple of new watch bands intended for the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: a faux leather one is the "flagship" new band, but you can also get the latest smartwatch with a lightweight fabric band, as well as an extreme sports one that is perforated for improved perspiration.
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro comes with a tough silicone band, perfect for demanding physical activities and tasking activities. Still, you're free to use whatever band you wish with this watch as well.
Software & Features
One UI 5.1 Watch to the rescue
The rotating bezel of the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is a major step ahead in terms of interface navigation, especially in comparison with the so-so capacitive bezel of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.
Both the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and the upcoming Watch 6 Classic are running the One UI 5 Watch software. It builds upon the extremely strong foundation of Wear OS 3, which currently powers the Watch 5 Pro right now. Wear OS 4 is coming later this year, so fingers crossed that the two smartwatches will get it sooner rather than later.
One UI 5 Watch comes along with functional and visual changes. These include enhanced sleep tracking, improved sleep coaching guidance, as well as establishing a sleep-friendly environment between the Galaxy Watch and any connected SmartThings-devices in your home. There are better fitness capabilities and coaching heart rate zones, which offer tailored running tools, including a real-time performance analysis and customized interval training programs.
Other than that, both the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic share the same selection of health-related sensors and features that keep tabs on your bodily functions. BMI readings, heart-rate monitoring, skin temperature (used for female cycle tracking), sleep tracking, and others play a major part in the Galaxy Watch wellness utility.
New on the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is irregular heart-rate monitoring, which would alert of heart arrhythmia and allow you to take preventive course of action.
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro remains the more accurate smartwatch to use thanks to its dual-band GPS, while the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic uses a single-band GPS. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro also allows you to import your own GPX routes for custom hikes and walks, while the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic has no such functionality on board.
Similar to most recent Galaxy Watch devices, neither the Watch 5 Pro or the Watch 6 Classic will play well with an iPhone; in fact, you wouldn't be able to pair them at all. Galaxy Watches based on the Wear OS platform only work with Android devices, and then again, somewhat limited. Your best bet is using a Galaxy smartphone, as some features are exclusive to Samsung's phones, like ECG and blood pressure monitoring.
Battery and Charging
It is challenging to beat the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic comes along with a larger 425mAh battery and the new Exynos W930 chip, but it simply can't match the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro's much larger 590mAh battery. Even with a new chip on board, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic lasts for a day and a half at best, while the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro can go up to two days and a half or even three days between charges. Of course, it all depends on how you use your smartwatch.
In terms of charging, both the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic rely on 10W charging. Both the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic and the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro include a wireless charging puck in the box. It takes around an hour and a half to fully top either wearable, with the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro taking slightly longer. Charging the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic can be powered up to 45% in 30 minutes, which can be useful for occasional top-ups during the day.
Models and Prices
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is available in a single size only, a 45mm one. This wearable is available in both Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi + cellular versions, priced at $450 and $500, respectively.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic will be available in 43mm and 47mm versions, with Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi + cellular variations. So, four different versions altogether, and ultimately, a bit more affordable than last year's Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. Definitely a good deal.
| Wearable | Bluetooth-only versions | Cellular version |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, 45mm | $450 | $500 |
| Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, 47mm | $430 | $480 |
| Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, 43mm | $400 | $450 |
Voice Calls and Haptics
You can make calls on the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, with call quality being more than passable. Don't expect wonders, but you will be heard and hear the other party good enough.
Haptic feedback on Samsung wearables has always been great, and neither the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro or the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic disappoint. You can customize the strength of the vibrations and turn them off altogether for a sort of digital detox.
Specs
How do the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro vs Galaxy Watch 6 Classic specs measure up? Here's the gist of it, summarized for your comfort:
| Specs | Galaxy Watch 6 Classic | Galaxy Watch 5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Models (Size, Weight, Prices) | 43mm / 47mm, both in BT/Wi-Fi and BT/Wi-Fi + Cellular versions | 45mm, BT/Wi-Fi and BT/Wi-Fi + Cellular |
| Processor, RAM, Storage | Exynos W930 chip | Exynos W920 chip |
| Software | One UI 5.1 Watch | Wear OS 3.0 (upgradeable to One UI 5 Watch) |
| Battery and Charging | 425mAh, 10W charging | 590mAh, 10W charging |
| Sensors | HR, Afib tracking, blood oxygen, altimeter, ECG, blood pressure, temperature sensor | HR, blood oxygen, BMI, altimeter, ECG, blood pressure, temperature sensor, dual-band GPS |
| New features | Rotating hardware bezel New band latching mechanism Faux leather band | Rugged titanium/sapphire design Large battery Dual-band GPS |
Summary
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic are aimed at different users, and with different use cases in mind.
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is a rugged device that is seemingly capable of withstanding tons of wear and tear while accompanying you on your off-grid adventures. With superb battery life and all the software goodies you've come to expect from a modern-day smartwatch, it's among the best smartwatches you might consider if you're deep into the Galaxy ecosystem.
At the same time, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is a contemporary dress smartwatch, with the fan-favorite signature rotating bezel and a posh new leather band leading the way. The new chipset could potentially bring slightly better battery life, which is always welcome.
With a more affordable price tag and slightly sleeker design, as well as the rotating bezel, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is currently a better buy than the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. Still, if you care about better battery life and would make good use of the GPS navigation, then the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is the one to get.
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