Not sure which Galaxy Watch to buy? Whether you want a rugged build or a more streamlined design, we've reviewed all of Samsung's smartwatches to help you pick the best one.
ByAngela Moscaritolo
Angela Moscaritolo
Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics
My Experience
I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade.
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&Will Greenwald
Will Greenwald
Lead Analyst, Consumer Electronics
My Experience
I’ve been PCMag’s home entertainment expert for over 10 years, covering both TVs and everything you might want to connect to them. I’ve reviewed more than a thousand different consumer electronics products including headphones, speakers, TVs, and every major game system and VR headset of the last decade. I’m an ISF-certified TV calibrator and a THX-certified home theater professional, and I’m here to help you understand 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and even 8K (and to reassure you that you don’t need to worry about 8K at all for at least a few more years).
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UpdatedJanuary 23, 2024
- RELATED:
- Best Smartwatches
- Best Apple Watches
- Best Fitness Trackers
Our Top 3 Picks
Best Apple Watch Alternative Jump ToDetails Best for a Rotating Bezel Jump ToDetails Best Durability and Battery Life Jump ToDetails Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
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*Deals are selected by our commerce team
If you're in the market for a Samsung smartwatch but you're still mulling over which model to pick, you've come to the right place.
The Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 are Samsung's latest wearables, but the older and more expensive Watch 5 Pro is still available for users who want a specifically rugged, titanium-bodied option designed specifically for outdoor activities. Unlike earlier Tizen-based Samsung smartwatches, all three of these models run Wear OS and feature preinstalled Google apps like Maps and the Play Store. But there are several design and feature differences between these models you need to consider.
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Best Apple Watch Alternative
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
The Galaxy Watch 6 is the latest Samsung smartwatch alongside the Watch 6 Classic. The screen is bigger and brighter than the last generation, but that means the watch doesn't last as long on a charge. It otherwise offers all of the benefits of the excellent Galaxy Watch 5, including body temperature and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) sensors, support for BIA body composition analysis like a smart scale, a wide selection of preinstalled and downloadable apps, and ample connectivity and safety features. Though its battery life prevents it from earning our Editors' Choice award, the Galaxy Watch 6 still stands out as the best Android-compatible smartwatch right now.
Who It's For
If you already own a Galaxy Watch 5, we recommend skipping the sixth-generation model due to the shorter battery life. But if you're in the market for a new Android-compatible smartwatch, it's hard to beat the Galaxy Watch 6.
PROS
- Bigger, brighter screen than previous model
- Good app selection
- Digital bezel for quick scrolling
- Excellent sleep insights
- Active skin temperature sensor
- Reliable automatic workout detection
- Two case sizes, optional LTE connectivity
CONS
- One-day battery life
- Minor workout heart rate accuracy issues
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Phone OS Compatibility | Android |
Watch OS | Wear OS |
Processor | Samsung Exynos W930 Dual-Core 1.4GHz |
Display Size | 1.3 inches |
Display Type | AMOLED |
Fitness Features | Accelerometer, GPS, Heart Rate Monitor, Blood Oxygen Monitor, Temperature Sensor |
Estimated Battery Life | 22 hours |
Separate App Store | |
Phone Call Capacity |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Review
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
Best for a Rotating Bezel
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
After skipping a generation, the rotating bezel last seen on the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic has returned on the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. The Classic has all of the same features and specs as the standard Watch 6, but with a shiny metal bezel that both looks classier and offers a tactile way to navigate the watch's interface. It's easy to rotate in either direction with one finger or two, with stopping points that enable more precise scrolling than its sibling's touch bezel. The rotating bezel also helps to protect the display from damage and is just downright fun to use.
Who It's For
If you like having a bezel you can twist, this is the Galaxy Watch to get. With a gleaming stainless steel build and attractive stitching on its strap, it's also the sharpest option.
PROS
- Rotating bezel
- Stainless steel case
- Attractive synthetic leather strap
- Bigger, brighter screen than previous model
- Excellent sleep insights
- Active skin temperature sensor
- Reliable automatic workout detection
- Two case sizes, optional LTE connectivity
CONS
- Heavier than standard model
- Mediocre battery life
- Minor workout heart rate accuracy issues
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Phone OS Compatibility | Android |
Watch OS | Android Wear |
Processor | Samsung Exynos W930 Dual-Core 1.4GHz |
Display Size | 1.3 inches |
Display Type | AMOLED |
Fitness Features | Accelerometer, GPS, Heart Rate Monitor, Blood Oxygen Monitor, Temperature Sensor |
Estimated Battery Life | 22 hours |
Separate App Store | |
Phone Call Capacity |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Review
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
Best Durability and Battery Life
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
While the Galaxy Watch 6 series brings back a Classic model with a rotating bezel, it doesn't have a dedicated rugged option. That's why the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is still available. Meant for adventurers, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is Samsung's answer to the Apple Watch Ultra. In Samsung's lineup, the Pro model stands out for its battery life, offering 57 hours of power on a charge with its always-on display enabled in our testing. It also features a more rugged titanium case, an even harder sapphire crystal glass display, and several exclusive outdoor-specific features including the ability to import cycling and hiking routes for turn-by-turn directions.
Who It's For
If you want a rugged Samsung smartwatch with long battery life, go with the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. Its screen doesn't get as bright as the Watch 6 series, but it lasts much longer between charges. The Pro model is only available with a 45mm case, which is a shame for those with slim wrists, but its rugged build and extra features make it a good choice for mountain bikers, trail runners, hikers, and those who work outdoors, as well as anyone who wants a full-featured Android-compatible smartwatch that lasts more than a single day on a charge.
PROS
- Up to three days of battery life
- Exclusive outdoor features
- Bright, durable display
- Titanium case
- Good app selection
- Excellent outdoor running insights
CONS
- Only comes in one size
- Touch bezel doesn't always work
- D-Buckle Sport band can easily come undone
- Temperature data unavailable at launch
- Thicker than stated
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Phone OS Compatibility | Android |
Watch OS | Wear OS |
Processor | Exynos W920 Dual-Core 1.18GHz |
Display Size | 1.36 inches |
Display Type | AMOLED |
Fitness Features | Accelerometer, GPS, Heart Rate Monitor, Blood Oxygen Monitor, Temperature Sensor |
Estimated Battery Life | 80 hours |
Separate App Store | |
Phone Call Capacity |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro Review
Buying Guide: The Best Samsung Watch for 2024
Left to right: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, Google Pixel Watch, Apple Watch Series 9 (Credit: René Ramos; Samsung, Google, Apple)
The Best Samsung Smartwatch Alternatives
Samsung makes some of our favorite smartwatches, but you also have plenty of other options. Check out our roundup of the best smartwatches for other top choices including the Google Pixel Watch 2 and the latest Apple Watches. We've also reviewed lots of health-focused wearables from brands like Fitbit and Garmin that work with both Android and iOS smartphones.
Recommended by Our Editors
Pixel Watch vs. Galaxy Watch vs. Apple Watch: Which Wearable Wins?
How to Clean a Smartwatch or Fitness Tracker Without Ruining It
Compare SpecsThe Best Samsung Watch for 2024
Our Picks | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6See It$249.99 at Amazon | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 ClassicSee It$339.99 at Amazon | Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 ProSee It$299.99 at Amazon |
---|---|---|---|
Editors'Rating | 4.0Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review |
Phone OS Compatibility | Android | Android | Android |
Watch OS | Wear OS | Android Wear | Wear OS |
Processor | Samsung Exynos W930 Dual-Core 1.4GHz | Samsung Exynos W930 Dual-Core 1.4GHz | Exynos W920 Dual-Core 1.18GHz |
Display Size | 1.3 inches | 1.3 inches | 1.36 inches |
Display Type | AMOLED | AMOLED | AMOLED |
Fitness Features | Accelerometer, GPS, Heart Rate Monitor, Blood Oxygen Monitor, Temperature Sensor | Accelerometer, GPS, Heart Rate Monitor, Blood Oxygen Monitor, Temperature Sensor | Accelerometer, GPS, Heart Rate Monitor, Blood Oxygen Monitor, Temperature Sensor |
Estimated Battery Life | 22 hours | 22 hours | 80 hours |
Separate App Store | |||
Phone Call Capacity | |||
Where to Buy | $249.99 at Amazon $249.99 at Best Buy | $339.99 at Amazon $339.99 at Best Buy | $299.99 at Amazon $399.99 at Samsung |
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Further Reading
The Best Smartwatch and Fitness Tracker Deals for February 2024
ByCierra Cowan
The Best Android Watch for 2024
ByAngela Moscaritolo&Will Greenwald
The Best Smartwatches for 2024
ByAlex Colon&Angela Moscaritolo
The Best Apple Watch for 2024
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The Best Apple Watch Bands
ByChandra Steele
Start Your Wellness Journey: 15 Ways to Get Healthy With Your Apple Watch
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Let's Get Physical: How to Track Workouts and Activities on Your Apple Watch
ByLance Whitney
An iPhone On Your Wrist: 28 Tips Every Apple Watch Owner Should Know
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Editors' Choice
I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade.
Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
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I’ve been PCMag’s home entertainment expert for over 10 years, covering both TVs and everything you might want to connect to them. I’ve reviewed more than a thousand different consumer electronics products including headphones, speakers, TVs, and every major game system and VR headset of the last decade. I’m an ISF-certified TV calibrator and a THX-certified home theater professional, and I’m here to help you understand 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and even 8K (and to reassure you that you don’t need to worry about 8K at all for at least a few more years).
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