OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,488 independent expert reviews and 5,192 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

Apple Watch Series 6 40mm Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£240Screen size:1.57 inchBattery life:0.75 daysDisplay type:OLED

Apple Watch Series 6 40mm Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 22 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

8.2

Overall score

Score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartwatch's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartwatches on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 89% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

Technical score

30%

8.6

Review score ( 10 · 12)

Review score 30% · 8.6 · based on 22 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 30%, technical score 70%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades. 16 more reviews are not scored yet.
â–²Better than 89% of smartwatches
8.0

Technical score

Technical score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models
Score components

24%

7.4

Health

21%

9.9

Fitness

16%

4.7

Battery

14%

9.2

Smart features

12%

8.9

Connectivity

9%

8.3

Display & Design

4%

7.5

Hardware

â–²Better than 86% of smartwatches
8.6

Review score

Review score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 95% of models
Grades by review (22)
Text reviews 4
✓ explicit
4

7.4%

10

t3.com

7.4%

9.0

tomsguide.com

7.4%

9.0

uk.pcmag.com

5.9%

9.0

radiotimes.com

Video reviews 3

2.9%

9.0

Flossy Carter

1.5%

9.0

Tomek Tabaka

1.5%

8.0

Miss Jacqui T

estimated from the review
10 reviews: 8 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
★Better than 95% of smartwatches
  • apple-watch-series-6-40mm
apple-watch-series-6-40mm

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Apple Watch Series 6 40mm

Technical score
Technical score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models
Score components:

24%

7.4

Health

21%

9.9

Fitness

16%

4.7

Battery

14%

9.2

Smart features

12%

8.9

Connectivity

9%

8.3

Display & Design

4%

7.5

Hardware

8.0
Review score
Review score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 95% of models
Grades by review (22)
Text reviews 4
✓ explicit
4

7.4%

10

t3.com

7.4%

9.0

tomsguide.com

7.4%

9.0

uk.pcmag.com

5.9%

9.0

radiotimes.com

Video reviews 3

2.9%

9.0

Flossy Carter

1.5%

9.0

Tomek Tabaka

1.5%

8.0

Miss Jacqui T

estimated from the review
10 reviews: 8 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.6
Value for money
Value for money
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components:

60%

8.2

Overall score

40%

9.3

Price

8.5
Brand name
Apple
Heart rate monitor
yes
Heart rate monitor
yes
â–² Better than 11% of models
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
â–² Better than 33% of models
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 33.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
yes
ECG
yes
â–² Better than 84% of models
This smartwatch supports ECG. 83.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Availability may vary by region or model version. May require a compatible phone, software version, or app setup.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
â–² Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 51.9% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
Accelerometer
yes
â–² Better than 1% of models
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
Barometer
yes
â–² Better than 51% of models
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 50.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
Gyroscope
yes
â–² Better than 30% of models
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 30.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
yes
Cadence sensor
yes
â–² Better than 69% of models
This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor. 69% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
Distance tracking
yes
Distance tracking
yes
â–² Better than 4% of models
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
0.75 days
Battery life
0.75 days
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 0.75 days which is shorter than that of 98% of smartwatches and equal to that of 2% of smartwatches.
Converted from the reported 18-hour battery life.
Battery life in training mode
19.5 h
Battery life in training mode
19.5 h
â–² Better than 50% of models
Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
This smartwatch lasts 19.5 h in training mode which is longer than 50.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.2% of smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
7 h
Battery life with GPS on
7 h
â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
This smartwatch lasts 7 h with GPS on which is shorter than 81.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 4.7% of smartwatches.
Battery power
265 mAh
Battery power
265 mAh
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Market range: <195 mAh – >475 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 265 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 65.5% of smartwatches and equal to those in 0.3% of smartwatches.
Battery capacity varies by case size/model variant.
Charge time
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
watchOS
Operating system
watchOS
★ Better than 96% of models
This smartwatch runs watchOS which is more advanced than the operating system in 95.7% of smartwatches and the same as that in 4.3% of smartwatches.
OS detail: watchOS (26.2).
Software update frequency
regular
Software update frequency
regular
★ Better than 94% of models
This smartwatch has regular software update support which is more active than that of 94% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6% of smartwatches.
Updates are released regularly throughout the year.
Third-party app support
yes
Third-party app support
yes
â–² Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
Notifications
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
Voice assistant support
yes
â–² Better than 32% of models
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 32.4% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
Cellular module
yes
Cellular module
yes
â–² Better than 82% of models
This smartwatch includes a cellular module. 82.2% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
Cellular support may depend on LTE/GPS+Cellular variant selection.
SIM cards
1
SIM cards
1
â–² Better than 2% of models
Market range: <0 – >5
This smartwatch uses 1 for cellular connectivity which is more advanced than that of 2% of smartwatches and the same as that of 98% of smartwatches.
eSIM
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
â–² Better than 44% of models
This smartwatch supports GPS. 43.9% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
Galileo support
yes
â–² Better than 62% of models
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 61.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
yes
Compass
yes
â–² Better than 47% of models
This smartwatch includes a compass. 47.5% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
1.57 inch
Screen size
1.57 inch
â–² Better than 73% of models
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
This smartwatch has a screen size of 1.57 inch which is larger than the screens of 72.7% of smartwatches and equal to those of 1.2% of smartwatches.
Some sources mention multiple/uncertain size variants.
Display type
OLED
Display type
OLED
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This smartwatch uses a OLED display type which is less advanced than that of 50.3% of smartwatches and the same as that of 9.6% of smartwatches.
Retina branding. LTPO panel wording.
Resolution
324x 394
Resolution
324x 394
â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 324x394 which is lower than that of 52.7% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.7% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
325 ppi
Pixel density
325 ppi
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 325 ppi which is lower than that of 53.9% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
1,000 nits
Display brightness
1,000 nits
â–² Better than 59% of models
Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
This smartwatch reaches 1,000 nits of display brightness, which is higher than that of 59.4% of smartwatches and equal to that of 26.5% of smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
2x 1.8 GHz
CPU speed
2x 1.8 GHz
â–² Better than 80% of models
This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 2x1.8 GHz which is faster than that in 80% of smartwatches and equal to that in 2.4% of smartwatches.
Processor model
Apple S6
Processor model
Apple S6
★ Better than 93% of models
This smartwatch uses the Apple S6 processor model.
RAM
1 GB
RAM
1 GB
â–² Better than 31% of models
Market range: <0.5 GB – >2 GB
This smartwatch has 1 GB of RAM which is larger than the RAM in 31.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 45.8% of smartwatches.
Internal storage
32 GB
Internal storage
32 GB
â–² Better than 85% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch uses 32 GB for internal storage which is larger than that of 84.7% of smartwatches and equal to that of 13.4% of smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
External memory slot
no
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more
What reviewers say

Apple Watch Series 6 40mm vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • ECG support
    ECG
    yes
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    This smartwatch supports ECG, the average smartwatch does not. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
    Availability may vary by region or model version. May require a compatible phone, software version, or app setup.
  • More frequent updates
    Software update frequency
    regular
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    This smartwatch receives regular software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are released regularly throughout the year.
    regular vs ended
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    watchOS
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (watchOS vs Proprietary OS).
    OS detail: watchOS (26.2).
    watchOS vs Proprietary OS
  • Built-in cellular module
    Cellular module
    yes
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 17.9% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
    Cellular support may depend on LTE/GPS+Cellular variant selection.
  • Fall detection
    Fall detection
    yes
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 21.3% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Maps support
    Maps support
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 31.5% of smartwatches support maps.
    Supports offline maps.
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • 13.1% better value for money
    Apple Watch Series 6 40mm has a higher value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (8.5 vs 7.5).
    8.5 vs 7.52
  • ECG support
    ECG
    yes
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    This smartwatch supports ECG, the average smartwatch does not. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
    Availability may vary by region or model version. May require a compatible phone, software version, or app setup.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • Weight tracking
    Weight tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.1% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Tracked through the companion app or smart-scale sync.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    External heart rate monitor compatibility
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Barometer sensor included
    Barometer
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This smartwatch includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 49.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • Cadence tracking
    Cadence sensor
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.1% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
    Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
  • Route support
    Route support
    yes
    â–² Better than 50% of models
    This smartwatch supports route support, the average smartwatch does not. 50% of smartwatches support route support.
    Supports on-watch route guidance via Apple Maps.
  • Supports wireless charging
    Wireless charging
    yes
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    This smartwatch supports wireless charging, the average smartwatch does not. 24.5% of smartwatches support wireless charging.
  • Built-in cellular module
    Cellular module
    yes
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 17.9% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
    Cellular support may depend on LTE/GPS+Cellular variant selection.
  • Maps support
    Maps support
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 31.5% of smartwatches support maps.
    Supports offline maps.
  • NFC functionality
    NFC
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi support
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.3% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Galileo satellite support
    Galileo support
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • UWB chip
    UWB chip
    yes
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    This smartwatch includes a UWB chip, while the average smartwatch does not. 2.3% of smartwatches include UWB.
    U1 chip.
  • 400 nits higher display brightness
    Display brightness
    1,000 nits
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
    This smartwatch has higher display brightness than the average smartwatch (1000 nits vs 600 nits). The average smartwatch reaches 600 nits.
    1,000 nits vs 600 nits
  • Better case material
    Case material
    aluminum, stainless steel, titanium
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    This smartwatch uses aluminum, stainless steel, titanium for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    aerospace-grade titanium case
    aluminum, stainless steel, titanium vs polycarbonate
  • 14.5 g lighter weight
    Weight
    30.5 g
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <29 g – >80 g
    This smartwatch is lighter than the average smartwatch (30.5 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    30.5 g vs 45.0 g
  • Stronger display glass
    Display glass type
    Ion-X
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    This smartwatch uses Ion-X display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Ion-X vs mineral glass
  • 0.17 inch larger screen size
    Screen size
    1.57 inch
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
    This smartwatch has a larger screen size than the average smartwatch (1.6 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    Some sources mention multiple/uncertain size variants.
    1.57 inch vs 1.40 inch
  • 0.86 mm thinner watch body
    Thickness
    10.74 mm
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <9.8 mm – >14.1 mm
    This smartwatch is thinner than the average smartwatch (10.7 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    Some sources mention variant-dependent thickness values.
    10.74 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • 8 mm narrower watch width
    Width
    34.0 mm
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <34.6 mm – >46.8 mm
    This smartwatch is narrower than the average smartwatch (34 mm vs 42 mm). The average smartwatch width is 42.0 mm.
    34.0 mm vs 42.0 mm
  • 5 mm shorter watch height
    Height
    40.0 mm
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <39.5 mm – >51 mm
    This smartwatch is shorter than the average smartwatch (40 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch height is 45 mm.
    40.0 mm vs 45 mm
  • More frequent updates
    Software update frequency
    regular
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    This smartwatch receives regular software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are released regularly throughout the year.
    regular vs ended
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    watchOS
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (watchOS vs Proprietary OS).
    OS detail: watchOS (26.2).
    watchOS vs Proprietary OS
  • Fall detection
    Fall detection
    yes
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 21.3% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • 28 GB more storage
    Internal storage
    32 GB
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
    This smartwatch offers more internal storage than the average smartwatch (32 GB vs 4 GB). The average smartwatch provides 4 GB of storage.
    32 GB vs 4 GB
  • Faster CPU speed
    CPU speed
    2 x 1.8 GHz
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 2x1.8 GHz, while the average smartwatch uses 1 GHz.
    2x1.8 GHz vs 1 GHz
  • More advanced processor model
    Processor model
    Apple S6
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    This smartwatch uses the Apple S6 processor model, while the average smartwatch uses Silicon Labs EFM32 Giant Gecko.
    Apple S6 vs Silicon Labs EFM32 Giant Gecko
  • 6.25 days day/s shorter battery life
    Battery life
    0.75 days
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 0.8 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    Converted from the reported 18-hour battery life.
    0.75 days vs 7 days
  • 13 h shorter GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    7 h
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (7 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    7 h vs 20 h
  • Not compatible with Android
    Android compatibility
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    This smartwatch is not compatible with Android, the average smartwatch is. 95.3% of smartwatches are compatible with Android.
  • Basic battery type
    Battery type
    Li-ion
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    OLED
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This smartwatch uses OLED display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    Retina branding. LTPO panel wording.
    OLED vs AMOLED
  • 5,534 m lower max altitude
    Maximum altitude
    3,000 m
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <3k m – >9.1k m
    This smartwatch supports a lower maximum altitude than the average smartwatch (3000 m vs 8534 m). The average smartwatch reaches 8534 m.
    Apple lists a 10,0 ft / 3,0 m operating-altitude limit for standard non-Ultra models.
    3,000 m vs 8,534 m
  • No smart alarm
    Smart alarm
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • Less practical form
    Form
    rectangular
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    This smartwatch uses a rectangular form, while the average smartwatch uses round.
    rectangular vs round
  • 84.6% more expensive
    Apple Watch Series 6 40mm is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£240 vs £130).
    £240 vs £130
  • 5,534 m lower max altitude
    Maximum altitude
    3,000 m
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <3k m – >9.1k m
    This smartwatch supports a lower maximum altitude than the average smartwatch (3000 m vs 8534 m). The average smartwatch reaches 8534 m.
    Apple lists a 10,0 ft / 3,0 m operating-altitude limit for standard non-Ultra models.
    3,000 m vs 8,534 m
  • 6.25 days day/s shorter battery life
    Battery life
    0.75 days
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 0.8 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    Converted from the reported 18-hour battery life.
    0.75 days vs 7 days
  • 13 h shorter GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    7 h
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (7 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    7 h vs 20 h
  • Basic battery type
    Battery type
    Li-ion
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 35 mAh smaller battery capacity
    Battery life
    265 mAh days
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (265 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    Converted from the reported 18-hour battery life.
    265 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • Not compatible with Android
    Android compatibility
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    This smartwatch is not compatible with Android, the average smartwatch is. 95.3% of smartwatches are compatible with Android.
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    OLED
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This smartwatch uses OLED display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    Retina branding. LTPO panel wording.
    OLED vs AMOLED
  • Less practical form
    Form
    rectangular
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    This smartwatch uses a rectangular form, while the average smartwatch uses round.
    rectangular vs round
  • 10 °C lower max temperature
    Maximum operating temperature
    35.0 °C
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <35 °C – >60 °C
    This smartwatch handles a lower maximum operating temperature than the average smartwatch (35 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch reaches 45.0 °C.
    35.0 °C vs 45.0 °C
  • No smart alarm
    Smart alarm
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • 1 year/s older release date
    Release date
    2020
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This smartwatch is an older model than the average smartwatch (2020 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    September 2020
    2020 vs 2021

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Miss Jacqui T
≈ estimated
11/02/2021
First look · unboxing and first impressions
Verdict
Apple Watch Series 6 40mm looks great and feels better than earlier models, though these are only first-day impressions.
9.0
Tomek Tabaka
≈ estimated
19/10/2020
Unboxing · first look and strap pairing
Verdict
Apple Watch Series 6 40mm looks great and feels comfortable, and the gold case with a cream strap is a stylish pairing.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded yet

What reviewers agree on

Based on 10 · 12

Reviewers love the always-on display and fast charging, but battery life is short, value feels poor and the missing adapter annoys.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
uk.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
09/11/2020
Hands-on review · Blood oxygen sensor
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 6 is Apple's best smartwatch yet, adding a blood oxygen sensor and always-on altimeter, but battery life barely improves.
10
t3.com
✓ explicit
15/11/2021
Hands-on review · Health sensors
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 6 is a refinement that suits iPhone owners with older watches, but Series 5 owners gain little.
9.0
radiotimes.com
✓ explicit
12/03/2021
Overall review · Health features
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 6 suits Apple users who want Blood Oxygen tracking, while those who don't can choose the otherwise identical Apple Watch SE.
9.0
tomsguide.com
✓ explicit
17/12/2021
Hands-on review · Health tracking
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 6 is a modest upgrade with a useful Blood Oxygen app, but its battery still needs charging every day.
theguardian.com
05/10/2020
Not graded yet
techadvisor.com
21/10/2020
Not graded yet
techradar.com
16/09/2021
Not graded yet
8.8
computerbild.de
✓ explicit
13/09/2022
Lab test · Series 7 comparison
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 6 remains a solid pick for iPhone owners, with a brighter always-on screen, blood oxygen sensor and faster charging, though it works only with iPhones.
9.5
pushing-limits.de
≈ estimated
08/12/2020
Full review · Running and health
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 6 suits everyday wear and steady running, with reliable GPS and about two days of battery, but serious runners will miss interval training.
macwelt.de
28/09/2020
Not graded yet
spiegel.de
22/09/2020
Not graded yet
chip.de
05/11/2020
Not graded yet
dasfilter.com
29/10/2020
Not graded yet
abendblatt.de
30/09/2020
Not graded yet
9.0
clubic.com
✓ explicit
07/06/2021
Hands-on test · Battery and charging
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 6 is a bright, smooth watch with fast charging, but it lasts about two days at most and needs an iPhone.
lesnumeriques.com
16/10/2020
Not graded yet
presse-citron.net
31/10/2020
Not graded yet
sport-passion.fr
08/10/2020
Not graded yet
phonandroid.com
07/10/2020
Not graded yet
lexpress.fr
22/09/2020
Not graded yet
9.0
pisapapeles.net
≈ estimated
25/11/2020
Hands-on review · Health features
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 6 is the best smartwatch for iPhone owners, with a blood oxygen sensor and a bright always-on screen, though the SE leaves out the extras.
8.0
es.root-nation.com
✓ explicit
15/12/2020
Hands-on test · Battery life
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 6 is fast and responsive, but its battery is the weak point, lasting a day or two while other watches run a week.
applesfera.com
04/11/2020
Not graded yet
8.0
global.techradar.com
✓ explicit
16/09/2021
Hands-on review · Fitness and sleep
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 6 is a strong watch with a blood oxygen sensor and sleep tracking, but it brings little new design and its battery falls short.
wired.it
30/09/2020
Not graded yet
macitynet.it
22/09/2020
Not graded yet
it.mashable.com
05/10/2020
Not graded yet
global.techradar.com
07/10/2020
Same outlet as a graded review (counted once)

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Apple Watch Series 6 40mm

  • Bright always-on Retina display that is easy to read in direct sunlight
  • Comprehensive health sensors including SpO2 (blood oxygen) and ECG monitoring
  • Fast and responsive performance powered by the S6 SiP chip
  • Quick charging capabilities, reaching 80% in about an hour
  • Extensive third-party app support and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem
  • Attractive design with a wide variety of case colours and strap options

What we don't like about Apple Watch Series 6 40mm

  • Battery life typically only lasts 18 to 36 hours, requiring daily charging
  • Expensive price point compared to competitors and the Apple Watch SE
  • Sleep tracking is considered basic and less detailed than rival brands
  • Exclusively compatible with iPhones, limiting its user base
  • Some users find the blood oxygen data difficult to interpret or take action on
  • Reports of durability issues, such as screen cracking or malfunctions over time

Verdict

The Apple Watch Series 6 40mm features a compact 1.57-inch Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display with 1000 nits brightness and a resolution of 324 x 394 pixels. Powered by the dual-core S6 SiP, it delivers up to 20% faster performance than its predecessor and includes 32GB of storage, an always-on altimeter, and a blood oxygen (SpO2) sensor alongside ECG and optical heart rate monitoring. Main pros include its exceptionally bright outdoor display, fast charging that reaches 100% in about 90 minutes, and a lightweight design suitable for small wrists. However, it is constrained by an 18-hour battery life that often requires daily charging, limited compatibility exclusively with iPhones, and sleep tracking features that are basic compared to competitors.

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