Disappointments with the Samsung Smartwatch
The Samsung Smartwatch has left me feeling disappointed in several aspects. From a visual perspective, the biggest improvement compared to previous Galaxy watches is the display. With super thin borders and OLED technology, the display looks sleek and sexy. The black levels are perfect thanks to the OLED technology, which means the watch doesn’t emit an unpleasant glare in dark environments.
However, when it comes to bright outdoor conditions, the display falls short. It can be difficult to see the screen as it only reaches up to 2000 net retina, which is the same as the Apple Watch. While this is still impressive, it pales in comparison to the ultra-bright display of the Apple Watch. Additionally, the display is protected by sapphire glass, making it more robust and scratch-resistant than normal or Gorilla Glass.
The Vibration Motor and Pre-installed Watch Faces
One major disappointment with the Samsung Smartwatch is the vibration motor. It lacks the satisfying and solid vibrations common in other smartwatches. The vibrations feel cheap and not of high quality.
The selection of pre-installed watch faces has significantly improved compared to previous Samsung watches. There are some stylish options, and users can customize them both in terms of color and functionality. However, there are also many silly and childish watch faces available, which can be off-putting for some users.
The Operating System and User Interface
The operating system of the Samsung Smartwatch is Android Wear OS 4.0. While Samsung has made significant changes to the aesthetics and layout, it feels like an entirely new software. The quick settings, such as airplane mode, sleep mode, flashlight, and find my phone feature, are located at the top. On the right side of the watch face, there are widgets for fitness, weather, appointments, and music control.
One drawback is the inability to swipe in both directions to access the widgets, which is a feature present in Pixel watches. This means that to reach the last widget, one must swipe for a considerable amount of time. On the left side of the watch face, all notifications are listed. Unfortunately, the sorting of notifications is mediocre, especially when multiple messages are received from a single app. This aspect is better handled by Pixel or Apple watches.
Samsung Apps and Functions
Swiping upwards from the bottom of the watch face brings up all the apps. Samsung has developed numerous apps, and instead of the Google assistant, Bixby is present. Additionally, instead of Google Wallet, Samsung offers its own Samsung Wallet function.
Overall, while the Samsung Smartwatch boasts an attractive display and improved watch faces, it falls short in areas such as vibration performance and the sorting of notifications. Additionally, the operating system and user interface would benefit from certain improvements, such as the ability to swipe in both directions on widgets. There are also some noticeable differences in terms of apps and functions compared to other smartwatches on the market.
Google Apps zwar installieren, aber sie funktionieren nicht
Die Samsung Smartwatch war fr mich eine groe Enttuschung. Zwar kann man Google Apps wie Google Maps, Spotify und auch Whatsapp installieren, aber sie funktionieren nicht so ganz nativ auf der Uhr. Dennoch fand ich sie alle super, besonders Whatsapp. Es ist toll, dass man nicht nur Sprachnachrichten anhren, sondern sogar welche aufnehmen kann. Die Lautsprecher und das Mikrofon sind dafr vollkommen ausreichend. Man kann sogar Telefonate ber die Smartwatch fhren.
Die Fitness Features der Uhr
Nun mchte ich kurz ber die Fitness Features der Uhr sprechen, die heutzutage immer wichtiger werden. Es gefllt mir, dass die Uhr zuverlssig erkennt, wenn ich anfange zu laufen oder Rad zu fahren und dann die Aktivitt sichtbar trackt. Sie gibt Informationen ber den Puls und die verbrauchten Kalorien. Allerdings sind diese beiden Werte nicht sonderlich akkurat und werden eigentlich immer zu hoch eingeschtzt.
Unzuverlssige Fitnesswerte
Um die Werte vergleichen zu knnen, trage ich zustzlich ein WUB 4.0 und einen Aura Ring. Dabei musste ich feststellen, dass die Werte der Samsung Smartwatch nicht stimmen und zu hoch eingeschtzt werden. Zu hoch eingeschtzte Kalorien knnen zwar motivierend aussehen, es bedeutet aber oft, dass man dann mehr isst als man eigentlich sollte und dadurch zunimmt. Das ist natrlich sehr kontraproduktiv.
Verschiedene Sensoren, aber extra Apps notwendig
Die Smartwatch verfgt ber Sensoren fr so ziemlich alles: Hauttemperatur, Holz, Blut Sauerstoff, ein EKG und sogar ein Blutdruckmesser. Leider muss ich fr einige davon eine extra App installieren, und das hat bei mir nicht so ganz funktioniert. Ich habe extra kein Samsung Smartphone genutzt, um zu sehen, ob die Uhr auch mit anderen Android Smartphones funktioniert. Die Antwort ist: sie funktioniert nur so halb. Manchmal wird man auf Webseiten weitergeleitet, kann dort aber gar nicht die gewnschten Funktionen ausfhren.
Fazit
Meine Erfahrung mit der Samsung Smartwatch war eher enttuschend. Zwar gibt es ntzliche Apps wie Spotify, Google Maps und Whatsapp, aber sie funktionieren nicht optimal auf der Uhr. Die Fitness Features sind zwar vorhanden, aber die Werte sind ungenau und oft viel zu hoch eingeschtzt. Auch die verschiedenen Sensoren sind beeindruckend, aber die Nutzung erfordert oft extra Apps und die Kompatibilitt mit anderen Android Smartphones ist nicht optimal. Insgesamt kann ich die Samsung Smartwatch nicht empfehlen.
Apps and Sleep Tracking
The experience of downloading apps on the Samsung Smartwatch was lackluster, to say the least. Furthermore, the sleep tracking feature was also disappointing. As someone who monitors my sleep every night using various devices, I have plenty of comparative data. My conclusion is that I am not particularly satisfied with the Galaxy Watch 6’s sleep tracking capabilities. It barely recognizes deep sleep and also fails to accurately count REM sleep. The YouTube channel, The Quantified Scientist, even compared the Galaxy Watch to a sleep lab technique and was also disappointed with its accuracy.
Battery and Processor
Additionally, the battery life of the watch was underwhelming. The Galaxy Watch 6 consumed approximately 15% of the battery per night for me, which is not negligible. Now, let’s talk about the processor. Previously, it was the Exodus W920, but now it has been upgraded to the Ex in the W930 with two gigabytes of RAM. However, this upgrade does not sound significant, and it certainly isn’t. While I did experience fewer loading pauses and lags, there were still far too many for a SmartWatch in 2023. Even the Pixelwatch runs smoother despite having a significantly older processor.
User Experience
The comparison between the Galaxy Watch 6 and Apple Watch is not worth delving into, as there are years of technological advancements between them. However, it is worth mentioning that sometimes the Galaxy Watch 6 does not respond immediately when awakened from sleep mode, requiring a moment to collect itself. The processor is said to be more efficient, and the slightly larger battery gave me hope for improved battery life. Unfortunately, the difference is not significant. I still only get through a single day before having between 20-40% battery remaining in the evening. It is important to note that this refers to the smaller model; the larger models do have slightly better battery life.
The Disappointment with Samsung Smartwatch
Wireless Charging Capability
The Samsung smartwatch has left me disappointed. While I appreciate the fact that I can go a weekend without needing to carry a charger, unlike 99% of other smartwatches, the Galaxy Watch offers the convenience of being able to charge wirelessly on a charging pad or even on the back of a smartphone using reverse wireless charging. This feature should be a standard across all smartwatches. It eliminates the need to carry the official charger with me, making it a truly practical option. Not to mention, it charges remarkably fast, going from 0% to 100% in just about an hour and a half.
Impressive Display and Affordable Price
One thing that I did appreciate about the Galaxy Watch 6 is its display and price. Starting at just 319, it is significantly more affordable compared to its competitors. The quality of the display is also commendable, providing a clear and vibrant viewing experience. The combination of a great display and an affordable price makes it a tempting choice for many.
Lacking Performance and Battery Life
However, what disappointed me the most about the Galaxy Watch 6 is its performance and battery life. While the display and price may be satisfactory, the overall performance of the watch left much to be desired. The watch tends to lag at times, making it frustrating to use. Additionally, the battery life is not impressive. With regular use, it struggles to last a full day, requiring frequent recharging. This is a major drawback for those looking for a smartwatch that can keep up with their daily activities without constantly needing to be plugged in.
Required Compatibility and Restrictive Fitness Features
Another aspect that bothered me about the Galaxy Watch 6 is its requirement for a Samsung smartphone in order for everything to function perfectly. While it is understandable that a Samsung smartwatch would work seamlessly with a Samsung phone, it is nonetheless restrictive for those who do not own a Samsung device. This limitation takes away from the overall user experience and leaves non-Samsung users feeling excluded.
Considering the importance of fitness features in a smartwatch, it is disappointing that the Galaxy Watch 6 falls short in this area as well. While it boasts some fitness functionalities, it pales in comparison to other fitness-focused smartwatches such as the Whoop 4. If fitness is a top priority for you, I would recommend considering alternative options that offer more comprehensive and accurate fitness tracking capabilities.
In conclusion, despite its impressive display and affordable price, the Samsung smartwatch failed to meet my expectations. Its lackluster performance, short battery life, restrictive compatibility, and limited fitness features left me feeling unsatisfied. For those in search of a reliable and feature-rich smartwatch, I would suggest exploring other options in the market before settling for the Galaxy Watch 6.
Conclusion
Overall, the Samsung Smartwatch has been a disappointment. The apps lacked a smooth experience, and the sleep tracking feature was not accurate. The battery life and processor upgrade were also underwhelming, failing to meet my expectations. Personally, I had hoped for a watch that could last two to three days without needing to be charged, but unfortunately, that is not the case.
