Polar recently unveiled their premium Vantage V3 Smartwatch, packed with new features and upgrades. 

But how does this watch stack up against Samsung’s flagship Galaxy Watch 6 Classic? 

The crux of the matter might be choosing between a smartwatch and a sports watch. 

With the Vantage V3 leaning more towards sports and activity tracking and the Galaxy Watch 6 veering towards the fitness-focused smartwatch category, the decision can be challenging. 

If you find yourself caught between the allure of both but are unsure which suits your lifestyle best, you’re in the right place. 

In this article, I will dive deep into a comparison between the Polar Vantage V3 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic to guide you to an informed choice.

Polar Vantage V3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: Price & Availability

There is a clear targeting distinction in the audience between the two powerhouse watches when it comes to price points and availability.

The Polar Vantage V3 was launched with fanfare in early October 2023, with keen enthusiasts given the option to preorder it at a price tag of £519/$599.90. Shipping is scheduled to commence on October 25, 2023. 

The watch doesn’t just impress with its features but also with its palette. The ‘Night Black’ version offers a sleek, monochromatic look, while the ‘Sky Blue’ and ‘Sunrise Apricot’ variants boast silver bezels elegantly juxtaposed with blue or white bands, respectively.

But when it comes to customizability, choices are somewhat limited. No alternatives are available for band type or bezel sizes. It’s a straightforward approach: what’s displayed is precisely what you’ll receive. That said, for those invested in monitoring their heart’s rhythms, Polar does offer a bundle that pairs the V3 with their H10 heart rate monitor at an added cost of £40/$40.

On the other hand, Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic made its grand appearance during Samsung’s much-anticipated Unpacked event on July 26.

For US-based customers, the Bluetooth-only versions of the Watch 6 Classic are priced at $399.99 for the 43mm model and $429.99 for its 47mm counterpart. Those seeking LTE connectivity, which offers internet access without piggybacking on a smartphone, will need to dish out $449.99 for the 43mm variant and $479.99 for the 47mm.

For those in the UK, the Bluetooth-only 43mm model starts at a more modest £369, with its LTE-equipped sibling costing £429. If you’re eyeing the 47mm size, expect to part with £399 for the Bluetooth-only version and £459 for one with LTE capabilities.

Where to Buy?

Polar Vantage V3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: Specs Comparison

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Polar Vantage V3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: Design & Display

When looking at design and display, both the Polar Vantage V3 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic offer their unique features and attractions.

The Polar Vantage V3 carries forward the elegant, simple design Polar is recognized. It flaunts a lightweight aluminum case, paired with a high-resolution touchscreen. Notably, this screen is now AMOLED, a shift from the earlier MIP display Polar previously utilized. The resolution stands impressive at 454 x 454, and a slew of new sensors have been added for more accurate health and fitness tracking. We’ll delve deeper into that later.

While the look remains familiar, the Vantage V3 is slightly heavier than its predecessor, weighing in at 57g with dimensions of 47 x 50.8 x 14.5mm. However, with these enhancements come certain trade-offs. The V3 is WR100 water-resistant, making it better suited for deep diving.

On the flip side, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic has embraced its roots. The much-loved rotating bezel is back, a feature missing in the Galaxy Watch 5 series. 

At a glance, the Watch 6 Classic might remind you of 2021’s Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. But upon closer inspection, minor differences emerge. The Watch 6 Classic sizes are slightly larger, with options of 43mm and 47mm, compared to the previous 42mm and 46mm. These larger dimensions accommodate a marginally bigger screen, thanks to narrower bezels.

The 47mm Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, boasting a 1.5″ display, is now the reigning champ in Samsung’s lineup for the most expansive screen, surpassing the Watch 5 Pro’s 1.4″. While this might sound massive, it’s surprisingly versatile. 

On average wrists, it doesn’t look overly bulky, though on slender arms, it may appear a bit prominent. So, for those with petite wrists, the 43mm version might be more fitting.

Polar Vantage V3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: Software and Performance

Both the Polar Vantage V3 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic are packed with technology designed to perform at the top level. But how do they fare when matched against each other?

Starting with the Polar Vantage V3, the watch now offers faster processing, boasting a CPU speed of 275 MHz. This is a giant leap from the V2’s 120 MHz, making the V3 a whopping 129% faster. This translates to smoother usage, especially during intense activities or multitasking.

One of the standout features of the V3 is its advanced multi-band GNSS chipset. This is a dual-frequency GPS tech, recognized for pinpoint location accuracy. It can connect to more satellites by using two different frequencies, ensuring better precision and fewer disturbances. Users can also choose between using the full dual-frequency GPS or a single-frequency setting.

But there’s more! With the V3, Polar introduces the offline maps feature. Thanks to the watch’s impressive 32GB storage (a huge increase from the V2’s 32MB), users can navigate even without an internet connection. This is perfect for those training in remote areas. Additional features include turn-by-turn navigation powered by Komoot and Hill Splitter.

Moving on to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, it’s one of the first watches with Google’s latest, Wear OS 4. However, it has Samsung’s touch with the One UI 5 Watch on top, making it feel very much like Samsung’s older Tizen-based watches. The interface, while similar to other Wear OS watches, has its unique arrangement and style, but it’s easy to get used to.

Not much has changed moving from Wear OS 3.5 to Wear OS 4. However, the Watch 6 series does bring some new features like the ability to switch phones without resetting the watch. This is super handy for those who change phones frequently.

Setting up the watch requires the Galaxy Wearable mobile app. But once set up, you can do most tasks right from the watch without having to frequently access the app.

Under the hood, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic has Samsung’s new Exynos W930 chipset, a step up from the previous W920. It also has more RAM, 2GB, up from the previous 1.5GB. This ensures smooth performance – apps open quickly, and switching between screens is seamless. 

But when comparing it to Samsung’s previous watches like the Watch 5 or Watch 4 series, the speed difference, while present, isn’t drastically noticeable. The Watch 6 Classic is fast, no doubt, but if you’re upgrading from a recent Samsung watch, the speed boost might not feel massive.

Polar Vantage V3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: Health & Fitness Features

Both the Polar Vantage V3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic are powerhouses when it comes to health and fitness features. Let’s dive deeper into what each offers:

Polar Vantage V3

• New Tech: Polar introduces the “Polar Elixir”, a next-level sensing technology. This can measure many health aspects, such as heart rate with GEN 1 ECG, oxygen levels in blood (SpO2), and skin temperature. This is more than what V2 could do.
• Temperature & Oxygen: V3 has a skin temperature sensor (useful during sleep) and a blood oxygen sensor. This can help understand one’s overall health better. For women, the skin temperature can even hint at their menstrual cycle stage.
• GPS: The V3 uses a special dual-frequency GPS technology which gives a more accurate location. This is great for outdoor sports.
• Extra Features: Enhanced sleep tracking, custom workouts, and more detailed heart health info.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic

• Auto-Tracking: Unlike some other smartwatches, this one can automatically notice and record when you’re exercising.
• Fitness Options: The watch can track a variety of exercises from running to swimming. There’s also a special on-watch running coach.
• Daily Activity: The watch keeps an eye on your daily steps, the time you’ve been active, and the calories you’ve burned. Instead of circles, you fill up heart shapes to reach your daily goals.
• Body Composition: A special feature on this watch can estimate the muscle, fat, and water in your body. It’s a unique way but can give surprising insights.
• Sleep Tracking: The watch can track the quality of your sleep, even noting if you snore or not. But wearing it during sleep might be uncomfortable for some.
• Health Checks: The watch can also perform ECG checks and monitor your heart rate.

Polar Vantage V3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: Battery Life

Battery life can be a game-changer when it comes to smartwatches, as constant charging can be a hassle. Both the Polar Vantage V3 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic have made impressive strides in this area. Let’s break it down.

Starting with the Polar Vantage V3, it boasts a robust 488 mAh battery. What does this mean for the user? Well, if you’re using it for training, the V3 will last you up to 53 hours. If you’re just using it in its standard watch mode, it can go for as long as 192 hours, which is about 8 days. That’s impressive! For those looking to stretch its battery life even further, the V3’s power-saving mode offers up to 140 hours.

Switching gears to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, Samsung has given a broad estimate of its battery life: about 30 hours with the always-on display (AOD) activated and up to 40 hours with it turned off. But here’s the interesting part: for the 47mm Watch 6 Classic, real-world usage seems to surpass Samsung’s own estimates. 

Some users, including the one providing this data, have experienced up to two days of battery life with the AOD active. In some instances, the watch has even stretched to around 52 hours before needing a recharge.

However, it’s important to note that the 43mm version of the Watch 6 Classic has a smaller battery. So, for this model, Samsung’s estimate of 30 to 40 hours is likely more on point.

Polar Vantage V3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: Which Should You Buy?

Buy Polar Vantage V3 if:

• You prioritize sports and activity tracking over typical smartwatch functions.
• You need an advanced multi-band GNSS chipset for pinpoint GPS accuracy.
• Offline maps and turn-by-turn navigation are essential to your activities.
• You’re impressed with the “Polar Elixir” sensing technology, which provides detailed heart health info, skin temperature, and blood oxygen levels.
• You desire a longer battery life.
• You have an iPhone.

Buy Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic if:

• You’re leaning towards a fitness-focused smartwatch with a range of smart features.
• You appreciate the classic rotating bezel design that Samsung offers.
• You’re interested in the latest Wear OS 4 with Samsung’s One UI 5 Watch interface.
• You want more third-party app support.
• You’re okay with a battery life of about 30-40 hours (though real-world usage may offer more).
• You have a Samsung/Android phone.

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