With the arrival of the all-new Galaxy Watch FE, Samsung users are faced with a difficult choice between this new watch and the Galaxy Watch 6. Learn the key differences to help you choose the smartwatch that's best for you .
Prices and versions
The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE starts at โฌ200/ยฃ200, while the Galaxy Watch 6 gets significant discounts. Although the Galaxy Watch 6's starting price has been โฌ300/ยฃ289 since its launch last year, it's already available at a much lower price in anticipation of the Galaxy Watch 7 announcement in July.
It is important to note the different versions available. The Galaxy Watch FE comes in a single 40mm version (and the โฌ250/ยฃ250 LTE edition won't arrive until October). In contrast, the Galaxy Watch 6 offers more choice with 44mm case sizes and the option to add LTE, as well as the more premium Galaxy Watch 6 Classic versions in 43mm and 47mm case sizes , also with the LTE option. The top-end 47mm Classic model with LTE comes in at around โฌ400/ยฃ400 even with a discount, so keep in mind that the price range is quite wide here.
Design, display and battery
The Galaxy Watch 6 models offer a larger, sharper screen, comparable weight and overall look, but the Galaxy Watch FE has a smaller battery.
The Galaxy Watch FE follows the same design language as the Galaxy Watch 6 โ these watches have a basic look with a circular dial, flat edges, and the same two-button style without the crown. However, upon closer inspection, the differences begin to emerge.
Features, tracking and software support
Both watches can run One UI 6 Watch (Wear OS 5) and have an identical set of health, fitness, and sleep features except for wrist temperature which is exclusive to the Galaxy Watch 6.
You get the same on-watch experience whether you choose the FE or Galaxy Watch 6, as long as you download the upcoming One UI Watch 6 update.
Verdict: which is the best?
We'll reserve our full recommendations until after we've had a chance to test the Galaxy Watch FE for a few weeks, but we think this duel especially comes down to price.
On paper, the Galaxy Watch 6 is the best smartwatch and the wisest choice for most people at this point. It offers more design options, a bigger battery, a larger screen, a newer chip and a temperature sensor for tracking women's health.
While this usually involves a higher cost, the imminent arrival of the Galaxy Watch 7 means that some models are available at much lower prices โ and, in some cases, cheaper than the FE. However, this situation is not expected to last long, with stocks likely to run out over the coming months. Once this point is reached, the FE will become the best budget Samsung watch.
For now, we would lean towards a Galaxy Watch 6.
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