Whoop 4.0 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: differences explained
When comparing the Whoop 4.0 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, a question arises: do you want a laser-focused fitness coach on your wrist or a full-fledged smartwatch with health tracking? Since its launch in 2021, the Whoop 4.0 has targeted avid athletes and fitness enthusiasts, while Samsung’s latest Galaxy Watch 6, released in 2023, aims for broader use among those seeking general wellness features alongside daily tech integration.
This side-by-side comparison examines their capabilities, highlighting crucial differences in design, functionalities, and target users. We’ll help you discover which device best suits your fitness journey and lifestyle.
Key takeaways
If you prioritize deep physiological analysis for recovery and performance optimization, the Whoop 4.0’s focused approach could be invaluable. The subscription model might seem higher, but it ensures an ever-evolving platform for analytics. However, if you desire a blend of comprehensive health tracking, smartwatch functionality, and standalone capabilities like phone calls on the go, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 delivers, offering more versatility with less focus on hardcore training.
View on Whoop; Samsung; View on Amazon (Samsung Galaxy Watch 6).
Jump to
Hardware
Technical specs
Features
Bottom line
Whoop 4.0 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Hardware
Look & feel
Starting with the look and feel, and the Whoop 4.0 adopts a minimalist, rectangular design. Its focus is on simplicity and functionality. The device has a metal frame and plastic body, both designed to be unobtrusive. They emphasize comfort and continuous wear, even during sleep. You can wear the thing on your wrist or (with additional garment options and accessories) it can also be attached to your upper arm and other parts of your body.
In contrast the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 can only be worn on your wrist. It features a traditional round face that echoes classic watch design, housed in an Armor Aluminum case with a Sport Band or Sapphire Crystal display, depending on the model. This design choice speaks to users who prefer a blend of modern technology with conventional watch aesthetics.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
The Whoop 4.0 comes in a single, compact size that aims to fit most users comfortably. The Galaxy Watch 6 offers more versatility. You can pick that one up in 40mm and 44mm options, allowing you to choose a size that best suits your wrist and style preferences.
Physical buttons are another point of divergence. The Whoop 4.0 eschews physical buttons altogether, maintaining a sleek profile and relying entirely on its app for interaction. This design choice underscores its focus on passive tracking and simplicity. Conversely, the Galaxy Watch 6 includes two physical buttons that facilitate navigation and quick access to features. This is a boon for users who appreciate tactile feedback and the convenience of physical controls.
Display, colour options, water resistance
The screen is a defining feature for any wearable, and here the differences are stark. The Whoop 4.0 does not have a display, prioritizing simplicity, sensor data collection and battery life over on-device interaction. The Galaxy Watch 6 boasts a vibrant Super AMOLED display. It offers a sharp resolution and bright colors that enhance user interaction and readability in various lighting conditions. This makes the Galaxy Watch 6 more suitable for users who value at-a-glance information and interactive features.
Water resistance in both devices ensures durability and versatility across activities. The Whoop 4.0’s IP68 rating promises protection against dust and water. This makes it suitable for most exercise and daily wear scenarios. The Galaxy Watch 6 matches this with a 5ATM + IP68 rating. The rating ensures the device can withstand depths typical of swimming activities. The device is, therefore, better suited for aquatic athletes and casual swimmers.
Color options offer another avenue for personalization. The Whoop 4.0 keeps it simple with a few select colors for its bands, allowing for some level of customization. The Galaxy Watch 6, however, provides more variety with its case and band colors. This includes Graphite, Gold, and Silver options.
Sensor technology
The Whoop 4.0 is designed with a focus on fitness and health tracking. It features a suite of sensors that includes a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis gyroscope, an optical heart rate sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, and a skin temperature sensor. These sensors work in concert to provide detailed insights into the wearer’s physical state and recovery needs.
What distinguishes Whoop from other wearables is its high sampling rate. Meaning it takes measurements more often which translates into more accuracy. However, the device lacks built-in GPS. Instead, it relies on a connected GPS feature that requires a smartphone to map outdoor activities accurately. Users who prefer to leave their phone behind during workouts, might see this as a limitation.
In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offers a broader array of sensors, including Samsung’s BioActive Sensor, which combines an Optical Heart Rate sensor, an Electrical Heart Signal sensor, and a Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis sensor. This trio offers a holistic view of the wearer’s health, from heart rate monitoring to body composition analysis. The Galaxy Watch 6 also includes a temperature sensor, accelerometer, barometer, gyro sensor, geomagnetic sensor, and light sensor.
Connectivity is another area where the Galaxy Watch 6 shines. It is equipped with standalone GPS, Galileo, Glonass, and Beidou systems for precise location tracking without the need for a smartphone. This feature is particularly appealing for those who value the freedom to explore and exercise without being tethered to their smartphone. Additionally, the Galaxy Watch 6 supports NFC for contactless payments. It has built-in music storage capabilities, and offers both LTE and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. This allows for a more independent usage that extends beyond fitness tracking to include communication and entertainment functionalities.
Battery life
As far as battery life, the Whoop 4.0 is good for about 4-5 days on a single charge. Which is ok but nothing to boast about. It’s charged by a proprietary charger that slides onto the device and can bring the battery level from 0 to 100% in 30-45 minutes. Some users prefer to top up the battery every couple of days, but overall, the battery life is decent.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6’s battery life depends on the model size and whether Always On Display (AOD) is enabled. Without AOD, the Galaxy Watch 6 offers up to 40 hours of battery life. With AOD enabled, the Galaxy Watch 6 offers up to 30 hours of battery life. The model also supports 10W fast charging, which can provide an additional eight hours of battery life with an 8-minute charge.
Whoop 4.0 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Technical specs
Here’s a detailed tech specs comparison table for the Whoop 4.0 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6. We also include the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic – its main difference from the vanilla variant is the design.
Feature | Whoop 4.0 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic |
|---|---|---|---|
Release Date | Sep-21 | Jul-23 | Jul-23 |
Case Material | Metal frame, plastic body | Armor Aluminum case with Sport Band, Sapphire Crystal display | Stainless Steel case with Hybrid Eco-Leather Band |
Number of Physical Buttons | 0 | 2 | 2 + rotating bezel |
Shape | Rectangle | Round | Round |
Size | 38 x 25 x 12 mm | 44mm: 42.8 x 44.4 x 9.0 mm; 40mm: 38.8 x 40.4 x 9.0 mm | 47mm: 46.5 x 46.5 x 10.9 mm; 43mm: 42.5 x 42.5 x 10.9 mm |
Display Type | None | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
Resolution | None | 44mm (480 x 480 pixels); 40mm (432 x 432 pixels) | 47mm (480 x 480 pixels); 43mm (432 x 432 pixels) |
Screen Size | None | 44mm (1.5 inch); 40mm (1.3 inch) | 47mm (1.5 inch); 43mm (1.3 inch) |
Weight (without strap) | 15 grams | 44mm: 33.3 grams; 40mm: 28.7 grams | 47mm: 59 grams; 43mm: 52 grams |
Sensors | 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, optical heart rate, blood oxygen, skin temperature | Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Heart Rate + Electrical Heart Signal + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis), Temperature Sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor | Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Heart Rate + Electrical Heart Signal + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis), Temperature Sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor, 3D Hall sensor |
Water-Resistance | IP 68 | 5 ATM + IP68 | 5 ATM + IP68 |
Positioning | Connected GPS | GPS, Galileo, Glonass, Beidou | GPS, Galileo, Glonass, Beidou |
Built-in Speaker | No | Yes | Yes |
Microphone | No | Yes | Yes |
NFC | No | Yes | Yes |
Music Storage | No | Yes | Yes |
Connection | Bluetooth | LTE, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n 2.4+5GHz | LTE, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n 2.4+5GHz |
Cellular Connectivity | No | Yes | Yes |
Battery Type | Li-po battery pack | 44mm (425 mAh); 40mm (300 mAh) | 43mm: 300mAh, 47mm: 425mAh |
Battery Life | 4-5 days | Up to 40 hours without AOD, up to 30 hours with AOD | Up to 40 hours without AOD, up to 30 hours with AOD |
Operating System | Proprietary | WearOS 4 with One UI 5 Watch interface | WearOS 4 with One UI 5 Watch interface |
Colors | Black, Arctic Gold, Ivy Rhodium, Onyx Rose Gold and many other strap options | Graphite, Gold (40mm only), Silver (44mm only) | Black, Silver |
Typical RRP | Device is free, annual membership $240 | $300 and up | $450 and up |
Whoop 4.0 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Features
The Whoop 4.0 is laser-focused on providing in-depth analysis of recovery, strain, and sleep. It excels in offering personalized insights into how the body responds to stress and rest, making it an invaluable tool for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who are serious about optimizing their performance and recovery. Its ability to track heart rate variability (HRV), resting heart rate, and sleep stages with precision allows users to fine-tune their training and recovery processes. The journaling option is there to help with this. The lack of a screen and emphasis on passive data collection reinforce its role as a dedicated health and fitness monitor, designed to be worn 24/7 without the distractions of a traditional smartwatch.
In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 not only includes comprehensive health and fitness tracking capabilities but also integrates these features within a broader smartwatch experience. It offers a wide array of sensors to monitor heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and even body composition, providing a holistic view of the user’s health. The Galaxy Watch 6’s built-in GPS and extensive workout modes cater to a variety of sports and activities, making it a versatile companion for both casual exercisers and dedicated athletes. Additionally, its stress tracking and guided meditation exercises address mental well-being alongside physical health.
Smartwatch-type features
Beyond health and fitness tracking, the Galaxy Watch 6 shines with its smartwatch-type features. Running on WearOS 4 with Samsung’s One UI 5 Watch interface, it offers seamless integration with a wide range of apps, from communication tools like WhatsApp and Gmail to entertainment and productivity apps. The inclusion of NFC for contactless payments, music storage for offline playback, and LTE connectivity for phone-free calls and data access elevate the Galaxy Watch 6 to a fully-fledged smartwatch capable of operating independently of a smartphone. These features make the Galaxy Watch 6 an all-in-one device that blends fitness tracking with the convenience of a modern smartwatch.
The optional cellular connectivity in the Galaxy Watch 6 adds another layer of independence, allowing users to stay connected even when away from their phone. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to remain reachable or stream music without carrying a smartphone during workouts.
Smartwatch-type features in Whoop 4.0 are non existent. Don’t look for them – they are not there.
Whoop 4.0 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Price
Price is where things get interesting. The Whoop 4.0 functions on a subscription model where the device itself is technically free. Your ongoing membership cost provides access to their analytics and software. The annual fee typically starts at $240.
The Galaxy Watch 6, on the other hand, starts at $300 for the base model, with higher prices for larger sizes and LTE models. This upfront cost provides access to a wide range of features without the need for a subscription, making it a one-time investment for users looking for a comprehensive smartwatch experience.
Whoop 4.0 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Final thoughts
The Whoop 4.0 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 represent two distinct philosophies in the wearable tech space. The first, with its subscription-based model is tailored to those serious about their athletic pursuits. Whoop offers a deep dive into their physiological data to optimize performance and recovery. Its focus on health metrics without the distractions of a traditional smartwatch interface makes it a specialized tool for those dedicated to understanding and improving their physical well-being.
On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offers a comprehensive smartwatch experience that blends extensive health and fitness tracking with the convenience and functionality of a connected device. Its broader appeal lies in its versatility, serving not just as a fitness tracker but as a standalone gadget that keeps users connected, entertained, and informed, even without their phone.
View on Whoop; Samsung; View on Amazon (Samsung Galaxy Watch 6).
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