The Apple Watch Series 6 will go down as a minor leap forward in the story of Apple’s market-defining smartwatch.
While the Apple Watch has shown rivals the way, there’s a bit of catch up being played here. The addition of SpO2 brings the Apple Watch’s spec sheet in line with the likes of Fitbit, but new colors and finishes make up for a lack of new features.
Apple Watch Series 6 Price, rivals and context
The Apple Watch Series 6 is a direct replacement for the Series 5, and starts at the same price point of $399.99. It’s undercut by the all-new Apple Watch SE, which starts at $279. The SE misses out on ECG, SpO2 and most importantly the always-on display.
When it comes to Apple Watch alternatives, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 offers a round-faced option at the same price point with similar features. The Fitbit Sense also packs plenty of health features, although it’s nowhere near as good a smartwatch.
Apple Watch Series 6 Design
A key reason to choose the Apple Watch Series 6 over the Apple Watch SE are the colors and finishes.
The SE only comes in aluminum, which is the cheapest material. And you only get to choose from silver, grey or gold.
The Series 6 comes in aluminum too, but also stainless steel which has a much higher quality finish.
Health and fitness tracking
On the Series 6, the headline addition is the SpO2 sensor.
which tracks blood oxygen by shining a red LED under the skin to track the color of your blood.
It joins ECG as a feature exclusive to the Series 6, and another reason to spend the extra $120 over the Apple Watch SE.
SpO2 is tracked automatically through the day and night,
and you can spot check from the Blood Oxygen app on the Series 6.
It’s a short, 15 second test with a nice animation, and you’ll find the results tucked in the respiratory section of Apple Health.
Health stats and features
The fitness tracking element of the Apple Watch is still top notch. The activity rings are a major part of the daily experience, and incredibly motivating.
It’s always been a smart choice that Apple Watch demoted steps in favour of the Move ring, which is based on active calories burned.
Calories is something that everyone can understand, is easily mentally linked to shedding weight, and automatically adjusts to your fitness level. It’s a good system.
Workout tracking
The Apple Watch is still a superb workout and fitness companion.
There’s loads to love: GPS that doesn’t require standing around to lock-on is still amazing, the heaps of workout modes are great.
there are third-party apps including Strava plus accurate heart rate and offline music on the wrist
thanks to Apple Music – it’s very easy to recommend.