Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic vs Galaxy Watch 5 Pro: Beauty versus brawn

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…

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. 

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. 

Here's the pricing breakdown:

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.

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: