Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic vs Galaxy Watch 5 Pro: Which is the best?

Samsung’s latest lineup is the Galaxy Watch 6 series, which includes the return of the rotating bezel. For anyone who has been desperately waiting for the popular design feature to return to Samsung’s smartwatch lineup, the 6 Classic is a sight for sore eyes. Meanwhile, Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro fans might find the company’s backpedaling concerning. Fortunately, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro received some welcome updates as well and is still available on Samsung’s website.

Both the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic are considered premium devices within their generational lineups. To help shoppers determine which smartwatch is the right buy, we compare their designs, features, prices, and specs below.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and 6 Classic feature significantly different designs. With a stationary bezel meant to protect its screen from bumps and scrapes, the 5 Pro was built for adventuring. It comes in just one 45mm case size with a 1.4-inch display and a software-based touchscreen bezel. The device may be too bulky for some, but it’s surprisingly stable on the wrist, thanks to a new strap design.

The titanium case ships with an elegant magnetic D-buckle we love. It also device boasts IP68 and 5ATM ratings for water and pressure resistance and a MIL-STD-810G durability rating. We’ve had and used ours since its launch date, and the device is still in fantastic condition.

Equally durable but considerably different in appearance, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic harkens back two generations to the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. It features a raised, rotating bezel for tactile navigation and a stainless steel case. The watch ships with a Hybrid Eco-Leather band to emphasize its traditional aesthetic. During our review period, we found the band exceptionally comfortable and appreciated the seamless navigation afforded by the rotating bezel.

Unlike the 5 Pro, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is available in two different case sizes, a 43mm and 47mm option featuring 1.3-inch and 1.5-inch displays, respectively. According to Samsung, these displays offer improved resolution, brightness, and increased real estate — check out the specs table above. Given the Classic line’s build materials and the extra bulk of the rotating bezel, both models weigh more than the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.

Beyond their bezel, the watches share similar design specs, including Sapphire crystals over their displays and WPC-based wireless charging. Except for the 3D Hall sensor used for facilitating the rotating bezel on the 6 Classic, the watches also feature the same sensors.

As far as features, the Galaxy Watches offer users similar experiences. This includes robust health and fitness tracking and a well-rounded smartwatch. Out of the box, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic runs on Wear OS 4 and Watch One UI 5, making it the most powerful Wear OS device to date. The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic also adds an extra .5GB of RAM and features an improved processor, so users should find a snappier experience on the newer model. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro launched running Wear OS 3 but received a Wear OS 4 software update to match the 6 series.

Alongside the 6 series, Samsung announced a handful of software and fitness tracking updates that have since made their way to both devices. These include improved sleep tracking, irregular heart rate notifications, a Track Run sport mode, and more. The company also added Samsung Wallet, Thermo Check, and several enhanced app experiences ranging from Gmail to MyFitnessPal. Again, as both devices run the same software, these updates shouldn’t be selling points in either one’s favor.

However, in order to keep the older Galaxy Watch 5 Pro an attractive option, Samsung also updated a few niche features on the rugged device. The watch now offers a GPX file database, allowing users to browse recommended routes. Meanwhile, the device’s Route Workout can finally be used for more than just hiking and cycling. The feature adds support for running and walking as well.

Like the standard Galaxy Watch 6, the Classic is available in two case sizes. Prices start at $399 for a 43mm option and $429 for the larger 47mm case. Only available in a single case size, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro launched at $449 for a Bluetooth-only model. Its price jumps to $499 for an LTE model. You may be able to find special offers or sales on the device here and there, but generally speaking, it hasn’t gone down because, technically, the 5 Pro hasn’t yet been replaced. As a result, we don’t expect the list price to change now that the 6 series is here.

The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is available in black and silver. It ships with a Hybrid Eco-Leather band. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is available in either black or gray.

Samsung didn’t replace the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro this launch cycle. Instead, the company issued a few key updates to the device, signaling that the watch is still a priority product. With that in mind, it’s easy to recommend the 5 Pro with its massive battery and impressive specs. We called the watch the best wearable of the year last year, and it hasn’t dropped from our good graces yet. So, if you already have a 5 Pro, upgrading to the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic isn’t something we recommend to everyone.

On the other hand, many Samsung loyalists have eagerly waited for Samsung to return its rotating bezel. The feature is as useful as it is popular. It’s certainly worth purchasing if you have your heart set on it, especially if you don’t already own the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.

Which elevated Samsung Galaxy Watch model will you be buying? Let us know in the poll below.