After Samsung strayed from its smartwatch formula last year and released the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro instead of a Classic model, the physical rotating bezel is back. Samsung announced the Galaxy Watch 6 series at Unpacked in South Korea and brought back the Classic in a refreshed way.
As the name implies, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic boasts a physical rotating bezel. This element is not just for show or a faux Classic design. It functions just like you would expect. The bezel relies on a 3D Hall sensor that determines its position, and users can rotate it to control the watch UI.
A refined design with a bigger screen
Samsung didn't stop at bringing back the Classic design but went one step further and refined it. The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic's physical rotating bezel is thinner than ever, which not only gives the smartwatch a modern look but has also allowed Samsung to fit a larger screen.
Compared to the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, which has a 1.2-inch or 1.4-inch circular display, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (43mm/47mm) features a 1.3-inch or 1.5-inch panel.
For Samsung fans that may be wondering, functionality and spec-wise, there's no difference between the standard and Classic models, barring the obvious physical rotating bezel. Samsung hasn't reserved any health or fitness features for the Classic model as it did for the Watch 5 Pro last year. So, whether you should choose the standard Galaxy Watch 6 or the Classic comes down to personal preferences.
The Galaxy Watch 6 series is now available through a pre-order program. The pre-order window lasts until August 11, when the new smartwatches will start hitting the shelves and ship to early adopters.
In select markets, pre-order customers can benefit from bonuses, such as Google Play Vouchers, so make sure you refer to your local Samsung online store for more details. And if you're in the USA and pre-registered your interest in the new wearables ahead of Unpacked, remember that you can benefit from $50 in Samsung Credit if you follow up your pre-registration with a pre-order.
