Health is of utmost importance and people seem to have realised the benefits of a fit lifestyle in 2020. In their September announcement, Apple introduced the Apple Watch Series 6, the flagship model for this year, which has an ‘Always-On Retina’ display, a blood oxygen monitor, and electrocardiogram (ECG) measuring functionality. Other features of the watch include the ability to measure VO2Max, the measurement of altitude using the altimeter, enhanced screen brightness and the amazingly accurate optical HR sensor.
An accurate blood oxygen monitor
A great addition to the Apple Watch Series 6 is its ability to easily measure the oxygen saturation of the user’s blood, in just about 15 seconds. Series 6 uses technology which is similar to a pulse oximeter. The SpO2 sensor shines red and infrared light through your skin, onto the blood vessels of your wrist, and measures the colour of your blood, which indicates the amount of oxygen present. I have tried to compare it with an oximeter at home and have found it to be accurate. This add-on can be very useful for people needing to track blood oxygen levels in an easy and comfortable manner in these times.
A watch for runners
The Series 6 is also a perfect companion for a runner. The always-on altimeter makes it easy to check your elevation in real-time, a feature which can be useful while hiking. The watch uses data from the barometric pressure sensor, GPS, and nearby WiFi networks to determine your exact location and update your elevation on the fly. Just like Series 5, Series 6 also gets an HR sensor which is accurate and extremely sensitive, making it able to detect situations quickly. Fitness and workout tracking
The Apple Watch Fitness app has been revamped as a onestop-shop for fitness tracking and workout data. The Fitness app shows steps, exercise, stand time and cardio fitness, and you can monitor your workouts regularly. You also get more workout modes in watchOS 7. The activity ring is also a major part of the Apple Watch, and many people are motivated to stay fit and healthy by challenging their friends.
Sleep tracking
With watchOS 7, Apple Watch also has a sleep tracking feature now. Apple’s sleep tracking offers a summary of how long you slept, with dark and light periods for any time you woke up at night. There is greater focus on consistency, time in bed and time asleep. Apple Health does an actual analysis of your sleep cycle too, to help make a better sleeping routine.
Battery
Battery is an integral part of the Apple Watch. However, this is the only segment where it seems to have missed out so far. With Series 6, the battery life is much better than Series 5. The watch, when used for an entire day’s process, with the alwayson display, GPS activation and AirPods, worked for around 20 hours. A single day’s charge is what you are looking at when you use the Series 6. Post the OS 7 update, the watch seemed to drain out too quickly, but the hack is to unpair and re-pair the watch.
Performance
Series 6 works on a new dualcore processor based on A13 Bionic in iPhone 11. The upgraded S6 SiP on Apple Watch Series 6 runs up to 20 percent faster, allowing apps to launch 20 percent faster too.
Design
Series 6 comes in exclusive colours and makes the watch stand out. I have the PRODUCT (RED) as my review unit and I have been enjoying its bold colour. I had thought the colour might not go along with everything I wear but I was proven wrong. The watch is styled to truly look a class apart. Series 6 comes in aluminium and stainless steel, and if you really want to splash the cash, there are ceramic and titanium versions too. You also get multiple strap options like the solo and braided loops.
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 6 is a good pick, keeping in mind the health add-ons that it has. Design wise, the Apple Watch stands out as always, and with the array of colours and band options now, the choice only gets better. For fitness and outdoor activities, this wearable device is a total winner, especially with the number of new options in activity. The only downside is its battery life. A single-day charge might fall short for a few. The Series 6 starts at Rs 40,990 and goes up to Rs 49,990. The real competition this watch has is from the Apple Watch SE. If you are not convinced with the price of the Series 6, the best alternative would be its cheaper sibling.