Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 & Watch 6 Classic preorder deals: Save up to $250 with trade-in

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Samsung officially announced two next-generation flagship Galaxy Watch line models, the Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic, ahead of its Samsung Unpacked event on Wednesday. Preorders are live now, and the watches launch on August 11.

Both watches feature remarkably similar specifications, with the biggest difference being the available sizing options. The Watch 6 comes in a 44mm or 40mm size, while the Watch 6 Classic is slightly bigger at 47mm (there's a 43mm option as well). 

Samsung is also bringing back the rotating bezel for the Watch 6 Classic, which was last used on the Watch4. Last year's model, the Watch5 and Watch5 Pro, ditched the moving part and instead went with a touch bezel, which returns on the standard Watch 6.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Price and release date

The Galaxy Watch 6 price starts at $299.99 for the 40mm model and $329.99 for the 44mm model. The Watch 6 Classic starts at $399.99 for the 43mm model and $429.99 for the 47mm model. You can also save up to $250 by trading in an older smartwatch.

Preorders are available now via Samsung's website, and all four models will go on sale starting August 11.

• See all Galaxy Watch 6 preorder deals at Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Specs

Both models feature a sapphire crystal, Super AMOLED display that measures 1.5 inches for the 44mm Watch 6 and 47mm Watch 6 Classic and 1.3 inches for the 40mm Watch 6 and 43mm Watch 6 Classic. 

There's also 2GB of memory, 16GB of storage space, up to 40 hours of battery life with the Always On Display turned off, and 30 hours of battery life with the Always On display turned on across both models. Connectivity-wise, the Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic have Bluetooth, LTE, WiFi, and NFC compatibility and built-in GPS with Glonass, Galileo, and Beidou support. 

Both watches have an optical heart rate sensor and an accelerometer, barometer, and gyro sensor. They also feature Samsung's BioActive Sensor (including its bioelectrical impedance analyzer and electric heart rate signal) and a temperature sensor that supports its sleep tracking feature and cycle tracking.

• See all Galaxy Watch 6 preorder deals at Samsung

Here's the full spec sheet for both the Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic:

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Our take

Samsung's Galaxy line of wearables has been among the best Android smartwatches, and the Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic appear to improve on last year's release of the Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro. They feature a similar design of a round watch face, which gives it appeal as a sleek smartwatch while still maintaining enough utility as a fitness tracker.

The return of WearOS also assures its actual smartwatch capability, as navigation should be fluid and easy to use, even for first-time wearers. Plus, access to the Google Play Store allows the ability to download various third-party apps such as Spotify or Google Maps. 

Both watches should function as useful wellness trackers, too. Each comes standard with unique features such as the body composition analyzer (one of the line's standouts for years) and the new personalized heart rate zones function, which tailors workouts depending on a wearer's overall fitness level and ability. 

Samsung also announced a suite of new sleep features designed to help wearers improve habits and develop consistency. Wearing the watch to sleep produces a daily sleep score that analyzes how long you were asleep, details each sleep cycle, and monitors how well you were able to both physically and mentally recover. There's also a sleep coach function that provides tips and feedback. 

Most premium smartwatches and fitness trackers offer this level of sleep insight, so it'll be interesting to see how Samsung differentiates itself. It also remains to be seen what the battery life is like to not only make it through a full day of smartwatch and fitness tracker functionality but to last throughout a night of sleep tracking, too.

And while there's no Pro version releasing, the fact the new line is available with either a rotating bezel via the Watch 6 Classic or a touch bezel via the Watch 6 is a nice variety (plus, releasing a new Pro version every year would diminish that line's value). 

However, the Watch 5 Pro won't be totally neglected as it will receive some of the software updates debuting on the new line. These include enhanced GPS functionality and accuracy and new running and walking route workout activities.