Galaxy Watch 8 Classic vs Galaxy Watch 8: it's coming back, but why?
What is different about the revived Galaxy Watch 8 Classic?
Intro
Samsung held the summer Unpacked in July and revealed its hot new foldable phones. However, towards the tailend of the event, we got to see the new Galaxy Watches. Well... some new, some old. The Galaxy Watch 8 is here, of course, and the Watch 8 Classic variation has been revived. With a mechanical rotating bezel, last we saw on the Watch 6 Classic.
The question now is — what differences are we looking at? Is it just the build, or are we talking hardware and feature differences? Spoiler: mostly build.
Typically, the regular one is more sporty whereas the latter one has a bit of a... classier look. And the aforementioned bezel. But, what else will separate them? Let's see what we know so far:
Galaxy Watch 8 Classic vs Galaxy Watch 8: expected differences
- Stainless steel vs aluminum build
- Rotating bezel and new crown-shaped button on Classic
- One size for Classic, two sizes for base model
- IP68, 5ATM for both
- 32 GB of storage for both
- Same sensors, including ECG, SpO2, temp on both
Table of Contents:
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Design & Sizes
Classy vs sporty
Samsung isn’t done spinning the bezel just yet — quite literally. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is bringing back that clicky, tactile ring that is just right enough to make it feel like a "real" watch. It picks up right where the Watch 6 Classic left off and should come in a premium build with a stainless steel body, available only in a 46 mm size.
Meanwhile, the standard Galaxy Watch 8 will be playing it safe — and slim. Expect a sleeker, lighter aluminum build, likely offered in two sizes (think 40 mm and 44 mm), with a digital-only bezel and a more fitness-focused design. Supposedly, it will be only 9 mm thin and should be your go-to if you are more interested in the fitness tracking capabilities of a smartwatch.
Both watches should be getting the usual Home and Back buttons. But the Classic is also sporting a digital crown-looking button right between them. It's a programmable Quick Button to quickly get into apps or exercises, like on the Galaxy Watch Ultra.
Meanwhile, the standard Galaxy Watch 8 will be playing it safe — and slim. Expect a sleeker, lighter aluminum build, likely offered in two sizes (think 40 mm and 44 mm), with a digital-only bezel and a more fitness-focused design. Supposedly, it will be only 9 mm thin and should be your go-to if you are more interested in the fitness tracking capabilities of a smartwatch.
Both watches should be getting the usual Home and Back buttons. But the Classic is also sporting a digital crown-looking button right between them. It's a programmable Quick Button to quickly get into apps or exercises, like on the Galaxy Watch Ultra.
Bands
Dunk the old ones
Samsung redesigned the band locking mechanism with the Galaxy Watch 6. Surely, we are not due for another redesign? Right?
Oh... OK, there's a new Dynamic LUG system on the new Galaxy Watch 8 generation. So, no backwards compatibility with older straps.
Software & Features
Wear OS 6 probably, maybe
If you’ve tried to follow Samsung’s smartwatch software story over the years… well, grab a map. First, there was Tizen. Then came the big handshake with Google, merging it all into Wear OS — specifically, the Samsung-flavored version we’ve had since 2021. Then, despite new Wear OS being a joint effort, Samsung still felt the need to start dressing it up — thus, the One UI Watch interface was born.
This year, we’re getting One UI Watch 8 baked into both the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic, running on top of Wear OS 6.
Think the same familiar foundation, but with a slicker Samsung skin, plus the usual sprinkle of Galaxy-only features. AI will be front and center, offering smarter fitness tips, more intuitive workout recommendations, and better sleep insights. We'll believe it when we see it — or sleep through it.
The presentation spoke of stuff like detailed coaching plans and pro-grade insights, with dietary suggestions and a new vascular load metric that will alert you and suggest healthier life choices. we should get through these features when we get some hours with the review unit in our hands.
The presentation spoke of stuff like detailed coaching plans and pro-grade insights, with dietary suggestions and a new vascular load metric that will alert you and suggest healthier life choices. we should get through these features when we get some hours with the review unit in our hands.
Battery and Charging
Samsung Watches have always been dependable
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic has a 445 mAh cell, so it may give us a day and a half easy. Of course, the Exynos W1000 energy efficiency may extend that further.
The Galaxy Watch 8, with its two sizes, has 325 mAh and 435 mAh batteries. So, its endurance and performance should be around the same as the Classic. The smaller one does have to feed a smaller screen, after all, so that may end up almost evening out.
Models and Prices
As mentioned above, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic only comes in 46 mm. In that case, you will have a choice between a model with cellular and one without. The prices are respectively $450 and $550.
The Galaxy Watch 8 comes in 40 mm and 44 mm variants, again — with our without LTE. So, the most basic model will start at $350, the bigger one — $380. Add $50 to the price tag if you want a cellular modem inside.
Specs
Here's what we get in a nutshell:
| Galaxy Watch 8 | Galaxy Watch 8 Classic |
|---|---|
| Models 40 and 44 mm in Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular versions | Models 46 mm in Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular versions |
| Processor Exynos W1000 chip, 3nm | Processor Exynos W1000 chip, 3nm |
| Software Wear OS 6 OneUI Watch 8 | Software Wear OS 6 OneUI Watch 8 |
| Battery 325 / 435 mAh 10W wireless charging Magnetic charger, ~50% in 30 mins | Battery 445 mAh 10W wireless charging Magnetic charger, ~50% in 30 mins |
| Sensors HR, blood oxygen, altimeter, ECG | Sensors HR, blood oxygen, altimeter, ECG |
| Key features Sleek, light aluminum Blood glucose monitoring | Key features Stainless steel case Rotating bezel and crown button Blood glucose monitoring |
Summary
It's kind of very clear who the Classic is meant for and who the base model is for. Going just by previous experience — the Classic variants are heavier, bulkier, and their mechanical parts click and clack. Thus, they are not very practical for workouts. But they are quite pretty — so that's the watch meant for an outfit. If you already have a fitness tracker or don't care to use one — the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic should be more up your alley.
The base Galaxy Watch 8 will bridge that gap between stylish watch and fitness tracker, as its predecessors have. The new model is a bit slimmer than before, so it can fit that role even better. It is kind of sporty but doesn't look out of place when paired with casual wear. So, it casts a wider net, and it may just catch you in it.
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