Galaxy Watch 6: Camera Expectations And Realities

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic are the latest additions to the Galaxy Watch series. They have been praised for their upgraded rotating bezel, sleep tracking features, and ability to control a Galaxy phone's camera. The watch can be used to view what the phone's camera sees, take photos, record videos, and switch between front and rear-facing cameras. This functionality is available on the Galaxy Watch 6 and 6 Classic, as well as some older models. While the watch does not have a built-in camera, its camera control feature adds convenience and flexibility to the user's photography experience.

Galaxy Watch 6 and its compatibility with older Samsung phones

The Galaxy Watch 6 is compatible with a wide range of smartphones, including older Samsung phones. To ensure seamless connectivity with older Samsung phones, it is recommended to check the compatibility requirements.

For the Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic, Samsung phones with Android 10.0 and RAM 2.0 GB or higher are supported. This means that older Samsung phones with the specified Android version and RAM capacity can be used with the Galaxy Watch 6.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the Galaxy Watch 6 has dropped some tracking features for non-Samsung phones. However, you can still access essential features such as blood oxygen level monitoring, heart rate tracking, and software updates when pairing with older Samsung phones.

To pair the Galaxy Watch 6 with an older Samsung phone, you will need to download the Galaxy Wearable app from the Play Store. This app is the core for everything related to your Samsung smartwatch and is essential for establishing the connection between the watch and the phone.

By following the recommended steps, you can unlock the full potential of your Galaxy Watch 6 and take advantage of its extensive array of features, even when using it with older Samsung phones.

Galaxy Watch 6's camera control feature

The Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic can control a Galaxy phone's camera and view what the phone is seeing. This is a great feature for taking group shots as you can see what's going on before snapping a photo.

To use this feature, you need to download the Camera Controller app onto your watch and phone. Once the app is installed, you can launch it on your watch and it will automatically launch the camera on your connected phone. You can then angle your phone's camera and mount it to frame your subject or yourself.

The Camera Controller app allows you to take photos and videos, switch between the front and rear-facing cameras, set a timer, and preview photos directly from your watch.

To take a photo, simply tap the white button on the watch. To record a video, switch to Video mode on your phone first, and then tap the record button on your watch.

The camera control feature on the Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic adds to the existing hands-free photo shooting methods on Samsung phones, such as auto smile capture and palm recognition. It is compatible with premium Samsung flagship models, including the Galaxy S-series models from the Galaxy S10, Galaxy Note 9 and 10, and the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series.

The Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic offer a range of other features besides camera control, such as in-depth fitness and health tracking, sleep tracking, and fall detection.

Galaxy Watch 6's design and display

The Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic have similar profiles, but there are some differences in design and display. The Watch 6 Classic features a rotating bezel, while the Watch 6 has a touchscreen and a more fashionable, lower-profile design. The Watch 6 also has a flush display, while the Classic has raised edges. Both watches have sharp, vibrant screens that are brighter than previous models, with the maximum screen brightness being the most notable improvement. The screens are 1.5-inch and 1.3-inch AMOLED sapphire crystal displays.

The Watch 6 has a one-click watch strap quick-release mechanism, which is an improvement on previous models, although it is still slightly fiddly. The watch bands also sit more flush with the body, making it a comfortable watch to wear. The Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic are available in two sizes: small and large. The small version of the Watch 6 is 40mm, while the small Classic is 43mm.

The Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic have bigger screens than their predecessors, with physical sizes of 1.3 inches and 1.5 inches, respectively. The displays are also brighter, with a maximum brightness of 2000 nits, which is twice as bright as the Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro. This makes the display much easier to see in sunlight and during outdoor workouts. The always-on display is also brighter.

The Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic have a similar design to the previous year's model, with the main difference being the rotating bezel on the Classic version. The Watch 6 has a touch bezel around the edge of the screen, allowing users to navigate by moving their finger around the screen. The Watch 6 also has a more flush design, while the Classic has raised edges. The Watch 6 is available in graphite and gold colours for the 40mm version, and graphite and silver for the 44mm version. The Watch 6 Classic is available in black and silver colours for both the 43mm and 47mm versions.

Galaxy Watch 6's battery life

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 has been praised for its upgraded features, including its rotating bezel, enhanced sleep tracking, and improved health and fitness tracking. However, its battery life has received mixed reviews. While some users report getting up to 48 hours of battery life with conservative use and the Always-on Display (AoD) turned off, others have expressed disappointment with the watch only lasting for a day or less.

Samsung claims that the Galaxy Watch 6 can last up to 40 hours on a single charge. This estimate is supported by some users who have achieved over 30 hours of usage with the AoD turned off. With the AoD turned on, the battery life decreases to around 30 hours.

To maximize the battery life of the Galaxy Watch 6, it is recommended to turn off the Always-on Display and the Tilt-to-wake feature. Additionally, decreasing the screen timeout duration, lowering the display brightness, and reducing the vibration motor strength can also help extend the battery life. Other features that drain the battery include location tracking, continuous heart rate monitoring, and GPS mode during workouts.

Some users have reported that certain watch faces consume more power than others, and that turning off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use can help prolong battery life. Overall, while the Galaxy Watch 6 offers many impressive features, its battery life may be a concern for users who are away from a charger for extended periods or who wish to use the watch for sleep tracking without daily charging.

Galaxy Watch 6's health and fitness features

The Galaxy Watch 6 offers a range of health and fitness features that make it a compelling choice for those interested in tracking their workouts and overall health. Here is an overview of its health and fitness capabilities:

Health Tracking:

The Galaxy Watch 6 provides in-depth health tracking, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and more. It offers personalized heart rate zones, which take into account your lifestyle, body, cardio endurance, and training regimen. The watch also detects irregular heart rhythms and alerts you to take an ECG test to monitor your health. Additionally, the sleep tracking feature has been enhanced, providing reports on your sleep time, score, stages, blood oxygen levels, and even snoring data. The watch guides you towards healthier sleeping patterns and provides sleep coaching tips.

Fitness Tracking:

The Galaxy Watch 6 is capable of tracking dozens of exercises and everyday activities. It offers automatic exercise detection for walks and runs, and it can also track swimming, cycling, and aerobic exercises. The watch provides detailed metrics for runners, including ratings for regularity, contact time, flight time, and stiffness. It also has a Custom Workout option that allows you to create multi-stage workouts. The watch is compatible with various health and fitness apps, such as Strava, Nike Run Club, Peloton, and MyFitnessPal, allowing you to track your workouts and fitness progress.

Integration with Other Devices:

The Galaxy Watch 6 integrates seamlessly with other Samsung devices, such as controlling the phone's camera and apps straight from the watch. This integration also extends to Samsung earbuds, allowing you to control audio and adjust settings directly from the watch, which is convenient during workouts.

Design and Display:

The watch features a stainless steel case and a variety of straps with quick-swap functionality. The screen remains a high point, with smooth transitions and a high refresh rate. The super AMOLED display provides a sharp and vibrant viewing experience.

Battery Life:

The Galaxy Watch 6 offers increased battery capacity compared to its predecessor, with 300mAh for the smaller model and 425mAh for the larger one. However, battery life remains a common issue among smartwatches, and the Watch 6 is no exception. Depending on usage, the watch can last up to 36-48 hours, but for intensive workouts and health monitoring, you may need to charge it more frequently.

Frequently asked questions