Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic vs. Watch 5 Pro: Which smartwatch is best for you?

Although the Galaxy Watch7 is Samsung’s latest smartwatch model, it hasn’t completely usurped previous generations. Both the Galaxy Watch5 Pro and Galaxy Watch6 Classic still offer great user experiences. The former can run for a long time thanks to its large 590mAh battery, while the latter offers the biggest display out of the trio at 47mm.

There are plenty of reasons to choose either the Galaxy Watch5 Pro and the Galaxy Watch6 Classic over the Watch7. But between the two, which should you get? It depends on what you want in a wearable.

Also: Better than Apple? The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is one of our favorite smartwatches (and it’s $200 off)

The Watch6 Classic has unique features like a rotating bezel around the watch face and a better-performing Exynos W930 chipset. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch5 Pro sports a more rugged design made primarily out of titanium, plus hardware that the other model lacks, such as a geomagnetic sensor. 

As a result, the Watch5 Pro is more focused on outdoor adventures, competing against rival brands like Garmin, Coros, and Polar. We tested the wearable and praised it for offering the best of both worlds, even if it lacked one or two fitness features. And with new software updates, the Watch5 Pro is now more functional than ever. 

To help you better decide between the two, let’s take a look at the key differences below.

Specifications

You should buy the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic if…

1. The rotating bezel appeals to you

Samsung ditched the physical rotating bezel with last year’s Galaxy Watch5 series and expanded the touch area to simulate the physical design element. However, it just didn’t feel the same. Samsung watch fans lamented the removal of the physical rotating bezel, and many are sure to appreciate its return. 

Also: The best Android smartwatches you can buy: Expert tested

I’ve owned a few Samsung watches with the rotating bezel and honestly rarely used them after the initial novelty period wore off, much like how I find myself rarely using the S Pen on a Galaxy phone. But I know that plenty of users prefer the tactile feel of a rotating bezel, and it’s a unique feature that separates the Galaxy experience from competitors.

2. You want the biggest Samsung Watch display

The 47mm model of the Watch6 Classic has a 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels. The display also boasts a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, so it can be seen in most, if not all, lighting conditions. This large display consumes more battery power, especially if you plan on enabling the always-on display, but Samsung compensates for that with a larger battery.

3. You want better performance

The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic houses the company’s dual-core Exynos W930 processor, Bluetooth 5.3, and, at the time of this writing, recently received One UI 6. This OS update introduces several features from the Galaxy Watch7 series, including, but is not limited to, Sleep Analysis, Energy Scores, and “AI-powered Suggested Replies.”

Samsung typically updates older watches for a few years after launch, so it is nice to have a previous generation with the latest software ready. The Galaxy Watch6 Classic is a little expensive, although you can also score solid trade-in discounts when purchasing the wearable. So upgrading to the model may not require much out of your wallet.   

You should buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro if…

1. You want support for Routes

One of the primary “Pro” features of the Watch5 Pro is the support for GPS exchange format (GPX) files for hiking and biking. Running and walking are now supported so the usefulness of GPX files has significantly increased for people performing these activities.

Also: How to use the Route tile on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro

The more you use your Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro and create regular routes, the more useful it becomes for measuring progress and your success in completing those routes. Developing a library of routes also makes your watch an essential tool for helping you navigate new areas.

2. You want the longest battery life on a Samsung watch

Samsung claims that the Watch5 Pro will last up to 80 hours with its large 590mAh battery. The largest Watch6 Classic has a 425mAh battery with a claimed battery life of up to 40 hours. The Watch5 Pro can also provide up to 20 hours of GPS tracking, which is more than enough to cover most outdoor activities. 

In my experience, I am able to easily use my watch for more than two full days between charges, and that’s better than any other smartwatch I have tested.

3. You appreciate flagship features at an affordable price

The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro is made of titanium and is much lighter than the Watch6 Classic, even with the larger battery capacity. The sapphire crystal glass helps prevent breakage and scratches. Even after a year and extended use on trails and inclement weather, mine looks nearly flawless. The D-Buckle Sport band is also my favorite watch strap, with a simple magnetic latch system and secure attachment.   

Alternatives to consider