Apple Watch Series 2 exercise ring

WarmDontBurn

I have had my watch now well over a year and never really noticed an issue until I upgraded my phone about a week ago.

My exercise ring barely moves when recording an outdoor walk - open. I went out for over an hour and got credit for 6 mins. My HR was up well over resting and I think I kept a pretty steady pace.
The next day I chose "other" and it looks like I received credit for almost every minute I walked. In that time I did stop and chat with a neighbor yet the ring was full and credit was given for the whole time.
I recalibrated it and went on another "outdoor Walk" and HR was up and I got credit for 3 mins.

SO long story long
Does the exercise portion really matter?
I want to know what I burn - Total Calories.

Does total calories change based on the exercise ring/workout?
I mean I know if I work out I burn more but if I don't log it, it should still pick it up as activity and raise my move app right?
Or do logged work outs calculate differently with the move portion.
I hope that makes sense. I don't think I am explaining it well - sorry!