Is Samsung’s Upcoming Smartwatch Water Resistant or Waterproof?

Samsung's upcoming smartwatch is just as resistant to the demands of people's everyday needs as its predecessors.

The tech giant has recently made its Galaxy Watch 6 available for pre-order. However, many people would understandably be hesitant in getting it out of fear that the smartwatch might not be as resistant to water compared to its predecessors.

Here's why you should buy the Galaxy Watch 6 without hesitation.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 - Water Resistant or Waterproof?

Samsung's Galaxy Watch 6 can do a variety of things, much like its predecessors. And like them, its water-resisting capabilities are just the same.

According to Samsung's webpage about its latest smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 6 was "meticulously crafted with an IP68 rating." As such, it can prevent small amounts of water and dust from damaging it.

For those unaware, an IP68 rating means that a device will remain functional in fresh water to a maximum depth of 1.5 meters for up to 30 mins, per Samsung. This rating means the Galaxy Watch 6 can shrug off the liquid-based challenges it could normally face in everyday use, like sweat, drink spillage, rain, and being soaked/submerged in water for short periods.

Android Authority even states that people who wish to shower with the Galaxy Watch 6 can do so, provided they gently tap the watch to remove water from its nooks and crannies and wipe it dry. Using the device around seawater is also possible, though one must rinse it in fresh water and dry it thoroughly; using it in the pool is also okay.

The rating also applies to dust - a report from Pocket Lint reveals that the Galaxy Watch 6 is dust-tight, meaning it is impervious to dust and other dust-like solids. It then can prevent dust and other similar particles present in everyday use from entering its interior and causing damage.

To better understand the rating, people should look at the numbers separately, as CAT advises. An IP rating of 68 would mean that the Galaxy Watch 6 has a water resistance rating of 8 and a dust resistance of 6.

With a water resistance rating of 8, the smartwatch, like its predecessors, can remain functional when it's continuously immersed in water for a longer period. Likewise, a dust rating of 6 means that the smartwatch is dust tight and impervious to it and its ilk.

Samsung Galaxy 6 Features

Aside from it being water and dust-resistant, Samsung's upcoming smartwatch also comes with many of the features its predecessors have. According to the tech giant, the smartwatch has advanced sleep coaching, ECG/ irregular heart rhythm notification, and personalized heart rate zones.

It also comes equipped with a bioelectrical impedance analysis, skin temperature/menstruation cycle, and blood oxygen level tracking. However, users should note that its menstruation cycle tracking wasn't made with contraception in mind.

Interestingly, the smartwatch can be used as a cam controller when users open its camera app, though this feature requires a Galaxy smartphone with One UI 5.1 or later and the latest version of the Galaxy Wearable app.