If you’re in the market for a Samsung smartwatch, you may be wondering whether to go with the Galaxy Watch 4 or the newer Galaxy Watch 6. While both watches share a common lineage and run on Wear OS, there are key differences in performance, battery life, design, and features that may sway your decision. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences to help you determine which watch best suits your needs.
Design and Build Quality
Galaxy Watch 4:
- Sizes: 40mm & 44mm
- Materials: Aluminum case
- Display: Super AMOLED (396 x 396 or 450 x 450 resolution)
- Durability: 5ATM + IP68 water resistance, MIL-STD-810G certification
- Rotating Bezel: No (touch-based digital bezel)
Galaxy Watch 6:
- Sizes: 40mm & 44mm (standard) / 43mm & 47mm (Classic version with rotating bezel)
- Materials: Armor Aluminum (standard) / Stainless steel (Classic)
- Display: Super AMOLED, increased brightness and slimmer bezels
- Durability: 5ATM + IP68 water resistance, MIL-STD-810H certification
- Rotating Bezel: Yes (Classic model)
Verdict:
The Watch 6 Classic brings back the fan-favorite rotating bezel, providing a tactile way to navigate the UI. The slimmer bezels and brighter display make the Watch 6 slightly more refined, but if you prefer a lightweight aluminum design, the Watch 4 still holds up well.
Performance and Software
Galaxy Watch 4:
- Chipset: Exynos W920 (5nm)
- RAM & Storage: 1.5GB RAM / 16GB storage
- Operating System: Wear OS 3 (upgradable to Wear OS 4)
Galaxy Watch 6:
- Chipset: Exynos W930 (5nm, faster clock speeds)
- RAM & Storage: 2GB RAM / 16GB storage
- Operating System: Wear OS 4
Verdict:
While both watches run Wear OS and offer a seamless Samsung ecosystem experience, the Watch 6 has a slight performance boost with a newer W930 processor and extra RAM, making UI navigation and multitasking smoother. If you prioritize speed and longevity, the Watch 6 is the better choice.
Battery Life and Charging
Galaxy Watch 4:
- Battery Capacity: 247mAh (40mm) / 361mAh (44mm)
- Battery Life: ~1.5 days
- Charging: WPC wireless charging, ~2-hour full charge
Galaxy Watch 6:
- Battery Capacity: 300mAh (40mm) / 425mAh (44mm)
- Battery Life: ~2 days
- Charging: Faster wireless charging (~45% in 30 minutes)
Verdict:
Samsung made modest but noticeable battery improvements with the Watch 6, offering longer usage and faster charging. If battery life is a concern, the Watch 6 is the better option.
Health and Fitness Tracking
Shared Features:
- Heart rate monitoring
- ECG (Electrocardiogram) support
- SpO2 (Blood oxygen) tracking
- Sleep tracking with snoring detection
- VO2 max & advanced running metrics
- Body composition analysis
New on the Watch 6:
- Improved Sleep Insights with personalized sleep coaching
- Better heart rate tracking with enhanced sensors
- Skin temperature sensor (more data for cycle tracking)
Verdict:
If fitness and health tracking are your main priorities, the Watch 6 offers slightly better accuracy and new features like advanced sleep tracking and skin temperature monitoring.
Software and Ecosystem
Galaxy Watch 4:
- Samsung Health & Google Fit compatibility
- Google Assistant & Bixby support
- Limited Wear OS updates in the future
Galaxy Watch 6:
- All of Watch 4’s features plus:
- Wear OS 4 out of the box
- More UI customization options
- Longer software update support
Verdict:
The Watch 6 will receive updates for a longer period, making it a better choice if you want a smartwatch that stays relevant for years.
Price and Value for Money
Current Prices:
- Galaxy Watch 4: ~$150-$180 (often on sale)
- Galaxy Watch 6: ~$300-$330 (standard) / ~$400 (Classic)
Verdict:
If budget is a priority, the Watch 4 still provides great value for its price, especially since it shares many features with the Watch 6. However, if you want the latest tech, longer updates, and improved battery life, the Watch 6 is worth the extra cost.
Final Decision: Which Watch Should You Buy?
Buy the Galaxy Watch 4 if:
You want a more affordable smartwatch with solid features. You don’t mind slightly older hardware and software. You prefer a lightweight design with a digital bezel.
Buy the Galaxy Watch 6 if:
You want faster performance and longer software support. You prioritize battery life and quicker charging.You want the best health-tracking features, including better sensors. You love the physical rotating bezel (Watch 6 Classic).
Final Thoughts:
Both the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 6 are excellent smartwatches, but your decision depends on your budget and what features matter most to you. If you’re looking for the best value, the Watch 4 is still a great buy. However, if you want the latest and greatest experience, the Watch 6 is the clear winner.
No matter which watch you choose, you’ll be getting one of the best smartwatches for Samsung users. Happy shopping!
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