Samsung Galaxy Watch6 vs Galaxy Watch5: What's Different?

With the eagerly anticipated launch of the Galaxy Watch6 now here, we take a look at how it differs from the Galaxy Watch5 to help you understand the key differences between these two standout smartwatches, so you can choose the best watch for you.

What's the difference between the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch5?

The Galaxy Watch6 brings with it a number of enhancements over the Galaxy Watch5 - in fact, it's the most powerful and stylish Galaxy watch yet. Benefitting from an upgraded processor you can now access content faster and more smoothly. With a boosted 2GB of memory you'll also enjoy faster scrolling between apps - accessing health and fitness data has never been quicker or easier. Throw in 16GB of storage¹ and your go-to apps, tunes and podcasts are always at hand, ready for when you need them.

Both smartwatches are available in two sizes; 40mm and 44mm and are built with AMOLED displays, but the Galaxy Watch6 has the largest screen on a Galaxy watch yet, making it even easier to set routines and goals and monitor your progress. They both benefit from optimal Sapphire Crystal Glass screens which means you can continue your journey to a healthier you without worrying about damaging your watch.

Both the Galaxy Watch6 and Watch5 have state-of-the-art BioActive Sensors, which are optimised to measure your body composition, including your body fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass, and basal metabolic rate². When it comes to resting, the holistic sleep analysis tracks your snoring³ and blood oxygen levels⁴ through different sleep stages and provides you with detailed insights into your sleep activity.

1) User memory is less than the total memory due to storage of the operating system & software used to operate the watch features.
2) Do not measure your body composition if you are pregnant, have an implanted pacemaker or other implanted medical devices.
3) Compatible Smartphone required. For best results in detecting and recording snoring, place your smartphone on a stable surface near your head with the bottom of the smartphone pointed to your head. Sleep coaching requires sleep data of at least 7 days, including 2 days on the weekends.
4) Factors like vigorous exercise, the amount of oxygen in the air, your elevation, and various health conditions can all result in lower readings.

What's the difference between the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic and Galaxy Watch5 Pro?

The Galaxy Watch6 Classic and Galaxy Watch5 Pro are premium smartwatches that come with larger displays and are packed with top fitness and wellness features. They have a timeless design that includes a rotating bezel which allows you to answer calls or start a workout straight from your watch.

The Galaxy Watch6 Classic is available in two sizes; 43mm or 47mm, whereas the Galaxy Watch5 Pro is only available in a 45mm model. The Watch6 Classic is packed with power and has the fastest Samsung watch processor yet - making accessing content smooth and fast. Paired with 2GB of memory and 16GB¹ of storage and you'll find moving between apps is a breeze.

You'll also find the best fitness features in the Galaxy Watch6 Classic, including optimal BioActive sensors and holistic sleep tracking to support you on your wellness journey². It's easy to monitor your well-being with the Galaxy Watch6 Classic thanks to features which help you check your heart rate³, measure stress levels and even take time out with you to meditate. It can also keep track of your monthly cycle by checking your skin temperature while you sleep, taking the guesswork out of predicting your periods and fertility windows⁴.

1) User memory is less than the total memory due to storage of the operating system & software used to operate the watch features.
2) Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes. Not intended for use in the detection, diagnosis, or treatment of any medical condition or disease.
3) Personalisation of Heart Rate Zone enabled when selecting an outdoor run activity. It is required to run consistently for more than 10 minutes with a speed of 4km/h or faster. ECG and BP feature only to be used by 22 years+. For accurate BP readings, monthly calibration is required by GP or BP monitor & arm cuff. Requires a Galaxy smartphone running Android 10 or above.
4) The Cycle Tracking feature of Samsung Health is not intended to be used as contraception.

Which is the best Galaxy smartwatch for fitness?

The Galaxy Watch6 Classic is designed to help you track and improve your everyday wellness – that’s why we think it’s the best for fitness. It gives you the tools and insights to help you feel your best. In fact, with the Galaxy Watch6 Classic, it’s never been easier to keep track of your general wellness and take steps to improve it. It’s not just about exercise, the Watch6 Classic also measures stress levels, and water intake and helps you meditate. There’s also the innovative 3-in-1 Bioactive sensor which is specially designed to measure ECG¹, blood pressure², and body composition³, in real time so you can create healthy habits that last.

Want to know how well you sleep? The Galaxy Watch6 Classic gives detailed insights into your sleep activity, monitoring everything from time spent in different sleep stages, snoring habits⁴, and even your blood oxygen levels⁵. Based on this information the Watch6 Classic will set you daily routines and goals to help you achieve a more restful nights sleep. Plus, for extra comfort, there’s now a super comfortable fabric strap available too⁶.

If you’re a fan of the great outdoors the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic also benefits from GPS tracking technology. So, whether you’re on your bike or hiking through the hills, you’ll be guided with precise turn-by-turn directions – you’ll receive accurate, real-time data straight to your watch.

1) ECG and BP feature only to be used by 22 years+. For accurate BP readings, a calibration is required every 4 weeks by BP monitor & arm cuff. Requires a Galaxy smartphone running Android 7.0 or above.
2) Users should measure their blood pressure when at rest, as they would do with a traditional cuff, and refrain from measuring when they are working out, smoking, or drinking.
3) DO NOT measure your body composition if you have an implanted pacemaker or other implanted medical devices.DO NOT measure your body composition if you are pregnant.
4) Compatible Smartphone required. For best results in detecting and recording snoring, place your smartphone on a stable surface near your head with the bottom of the smartphone pointed to your head. Sleep coaching requires sleep data of at least 7 days, including 2 days on the weekends.
5) Factors like vigorous exercise, the amount of oxygen in the air, your elevation, and various health conditions can all result in lower readings.
6) Fabric band sold separately.

Which Galaxy smartwatch has the best battery life?

When it comes to the best battery life, there’s one standout model – the Galaxy Watch5 Pro. Packed with a massive 590mAh (typical) battery¹ it can last for an impressive 80 hours² - that’s equivalent to 3 days! This compares to the 425mAh (typical) battery² of the Galaxy Watch6 Classic.

However, the Galaxy Watch6 has a long-lasting battery, varying between 300-425mAh (typical) battery¹ depending on the watch model you choose - plenty to keep you powered up day and night.

You can now spend less time charging too. With improved charging capabilities, the Galaxy Watch6 and Watch6 Classic benefit from Fast Wireless Charging which gets them back up to 100% in no time. Perfect if you need a quick top-up when you’re out and about.

1) Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.
2) The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro has a maximum 80-hour runtime for general use. It will last for one full day of continuous use when GPS is active.

Galaxy Watch6 vs Galaxy Watch5 comparison

Looking to compare the difference between the Galaxy Watch6 and Watch5 series? Check out the handy table below which outlines the individual model specifications so you can easily make comparisons and find the one that's right for you.

Size
Processor CPU Speed
Display
Resolution (Main Display)
Memory
Storage
Weight
Battery (Typical)¹
Sensors

Galaxy Watch6 Classic

Size : 43mm / 47mm
Processor CPU Speed : 1.4GHz
Display : Super AMOLED
Resolution (Main Display) : 43mm - 432 x 432
47mm – 480 x 480
Memory : 2.0 GB
Storage : 16 GB
Weight : 43mm – 52g
47mm – 59g
Battery (Typical)¹ : 43mm – 300mAh, Typical
47mm - 425mAh, Typical
Sensors : Accelerometer, Barometer, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Sensor, Electrical Heart Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, Infrared Temperature Sensor, Light Sensor, Optical Heart Rate Sensor

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Galaxy Watch6

Size : 40mm / 44mm
Processor CPU Speed : 1.4GHz
Display : Super AMOLED
Resolution (Main Display) : 40mm - 432 x 432
44mm – 480 x 480
Memory : 2.0 GB
Storage : 16 GB
Weight : 40mm – 28.7g
44mm – 33.3g
Battery (Typical)¹ : 40mm – 300mAh, Typical
44mm – 425mAh, Typical
Sensors : Accelerometer, Barometer, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Sensor, Electrical Heart Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Infrared Temperature Sensor, Light Sensor, Optical Heart Rate Sensor

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Galaxy Watch5 Pro

Size : 45mm
Processor CPU Speed : 1.18 GHz
Display : Super AMOLED
Resolution (Main Display) : 450 x 450
Memory : 1.5 GB
Storage : 16 GB
Weight : 46.5g
Battery (Typical)¹ : 590mAh, Typical
Sensors : Accelerometer, Barometer, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Sensor, Electrical Heart Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor, Optical Heart Rate Sensor

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Galaxy Watch5

Size : 40mm / 44mm
Processor CPU Speed : 1.18 GHz
Display : Super AMOLED
Resolution (Main Display) : 40mm – 396 x 396
44mm – 450 x 450
Memory : 1.5 GB
Storage : 16 GB
Weight : 40mm – 28.7g
44mm – 33.5g
Battery (Typical)¹ : 40mm – 284mAh, Typical
44mm – 410mAh, Typical
Sensors : Accelerometer, Barometer, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Sensor, Electrical Heart Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor, Optical Heart Rate Sensor

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1) Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.

Which Galaxy smartwatch is best for me?

If you're looking for a watch with a sleek design and a range of health and fitness features, the Galaxy Watch6 is a great choice. With its lightweight and minimalist design, it's perfect if you enjoy an active lifestyle. With an upgraded processor, long-lasting battery and all the fitness features you know and love, it's adventure-ready.

When it comes to the best? The premium Galaxy Watch6 Classic is an exceptional all-round smartwatch that's optimised to help you achieve your health and wellness goals. It's designed to monitor not just your physical fitness but your mental and emotional well-being too. As well as tracking exercises, blood pressure and heart rate, it can also measure your stress levels and sleep quality. Empowering you to take control of your own health, so you can be your best self. Its sophisticated design, powerful processor and compatibility with a wide range of apps make it an excellent choice for both fitness enthusiasts and professionals.

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 or Watch6 Classic direct from Samsung today and enjoy many unrivalled benefits. From free delivery, to extended warranties, guaranteed trade-in offers to Samsung finance. You get more with Samsung.

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