Galaxy Watch 8 Classic vs Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025): well, one of these is new
Samsung brought the Classic back! How does it compare to the Ultra?
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Intro
The Summer Unpacked of 2025 wasn't just about new, slim foldables from Samsung. It was also about the new Galaxy Watch 8 line. And it's the first time we kind of sort of feel like they come with actual upgrades and meaningful new features. New measurements can now show Antioxidant and Vascular system readings, all in the name of improving your lifestyle.
The new models are the sporty Galaxy Watch 8, the classy Galaxy Watch 8 Classic with the return of the rotating bezel, and a rehash of the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Simply referred to as Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025.
Yeah, the Ultra is not much of an upgrade, just a new paintjob. Really skimming the cliff notes from that Apple Watch Ultra booklet. But hey, on the other hand — the OG Galaxy Watch Ultra is pretty powerful even in 2025, right?
So, the new Classic with a rotating bezel, vs the super rugged and impressively hulky Ultra. What are the differences, which one is for you?
Galaxy Watch 8 Classic vs Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025): differences
- Stainless steel vs a rugged titanium build
- Only Classic will have the rotating bezel
- Both have a programmable Quick Button
- Classic uses new Dynamic Lug latch system for straps (not backwards compatible)
- IP68, 5ATM, MIL‑STD‑810H vs IP68, 10ATM, MIL‑STD‑810H
- 64 GB storage on both
- Same BioActive sensor with the new health features
- $500 vs $650
Table of Contents:
Also read:
- Galaxy Watch 8 Classic vs Galaxy Watch 8: it's coming back, but why?
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic vs Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: All the differences
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs Galaxy Watch 7: All the differences
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Review: Bezel Dazzle
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Review: Design that grows on you
Design & Sizes
Classy vs utilitarian
Samsung is reviving the rotating bezel design, and fans seem to be here for it. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is the return of the Watch 6 Classic, with upgraded hardware and a new pillow shape. A polished stainless-steel body, available in one 46 mm size, with that gloriously tactile mechanical bezel. It’s the kind of detail that makes you feel like it's a real watch and not a computer on your wrist.
That aside, the Classic also borrowed the Ultra's Quick Button. That's the third one, located between the typical Samsung "back" and "home" buttons on the side of the watch. The Quick Button is a programmable one — launch a favorite app or workout routine with just a press.
The new Galaxy Watch Ultra is not a redesign. Mostly, it seems to be the same watch, now with a new blue color. The squared-off titanium shell is back, it's only available in one 47 mm size option. It looks the same and costs the same as last year's edition. That is to say — big and bold, definitely making a statement. You can also pick it up with very colorful, hard-to-miss bands. It's still built like a smartwatch tank, too!
Bands
Another new system?
The last time we saw a band mechanism redesign was with the Galaxy Watch 6. Scratch that, it has now been 0 days without a redesign. The Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic now have a new Dynamic Lug system. Presumably a piece of the puzzle that allowed to make them slimmer this time around.
Fine, that's good, but the bad news is that if you have accrued a collection of Galaxy Watch bands over the past couple of years — they won't be compatible with the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra doesn't change much, and that includes the band system. It's still the push-in clasp, like last year's.
Software & Features
One UI on top of Wear OS
Following Samsung's watch interfaces may be a bit confusing. First, Sammy and Google entered a tight-knit partnership, where Samsung's Tizen was fused to Wear OS. The resulting platform is the Wear we've had since 2021. But Samsung can't help itself, so it has began slightly re-skinning it, now called the One UI Watch interface.
So, now we get One UI Watch 8 on top of Wear OS 6 with the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic and Watch Ultra (2025). And yes, if you have a Galaxy Watch Ultra from last year — it's also getting the update ahead of the other old gen units. The Galaxy Watch 7 should also get it — it came with a 4-year update commitment.
So, now we get One UI Watch 8 on top of Wear OS 6 with the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic and Watch Ultra (2025). And yes, if you have a Galaxy Watch Ultra from last year — it's also getting the update ahead of the other old gen units. The Galaxy Watch 7 should also get it — it came with a 4-year update commitment.
There are new AI features that actively use your biometric data to suggest healthier choices and lifestyle. Newbie runners can go through a 12-minute intensity test and get an "Energy Level" rating. From there, Samsung Health will make a 4-6 week running plan for you to get you... up and running. The only issue is that both the Classic and Ultra watches are a bit bulky for sports activities. Not undoable, definitely not the most comfortable.
These are also the first smartwatches to come with Gemini on board. It can work autonomously, even if you don't have an LTE model — as long as your watch is connected to a Wi-Fi network. The interface kind of looks like Gemini Live and you can ask questions and get a nice, conversational response instead of the badly copy-pasted responses that the Assistant used to give.
Both watches get the new antioxidant rating and vascular health analysis. Overall a net positive.
Battery and Charging
Two days or more?
The Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) has a 590 mAh cell as before, which delivers two to three days of usage. Samsung cites 60 hours of use with the always-on feature enabled, 80 hours with it off. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic has a 445 mAh cell inside, so it should at least give us a comfortable day and a half, if not two. Official specs cut its endurance in half — 30 hours, up to 40 with AOD off.
PhoneArena Smartwatch Charging Test
| Model | 30 mins charge (% charged) | Full charge (time) |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch 8 (40mm) | 45% | 1 hour 19 minutes |
| Galaxy Watch 8 Classic | 41% | 1 hour 24 minutes |
| Galaxy Watch Ultra | 36% | 1 hour 48 minutes |
| Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm) | 50% | 1 hour 13 minutes |
| Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) | 50% | 1 hour 23 minutes |
| OnePlus Watch 3 (46mm) | 80% | 47 minutes |
Charging speeds are also nothing spectacular. However, as long as you work in a good hour within your morning routine where your Watch 8 Classic or Watch Ultra can stay on the charging puck while you are getting ready for the day, you should be able to use these non-stop, even for sleep tracking. Again, bulk may be a problem — especially the Ultra. These are not the most convenient wristbands to go to bed with, but some people don't mind them or get used to them.
Models and Prices
No flexibility in size — these come in only one shape and build. The Classic is 46 mm, the Ultra is a 47 mm case. Furthermore, the Classic does have Bluetooth only / Bluetooth + LTE variations. The Ultra only comes in one flavor — all-in on connectivity.
So, the $499.99 starting price for the Classic is for the Bluetooth + Wi-Fi model. Add $50 if you want Bluetooth + Wi-Fi + LTE. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is only available in Bluetooth + Wi-Fi + LTE for $649.99.
So, the $499.99 starting price for the Classic is for the Bluetooth + Wi-Fi model. Add $50 if you want Bluetooth + Wi-Fi + LTE. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is only available in Bluetooth + Wi-Fi + LTE for $649.99.
Specs
Here's what we get:
| Galaxy Watch 8 | Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 |
|---|---|
| Models 46 mm in Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular versions | Models 47mm 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 445 mAh 10W wireless charging Magnetic charger, ~50% in 30 mins | Battery 590 mAh 10W wireless charging Magnetic charger, ~50% in 30 mins |
| Sensors HR, blood oxygen, altimeter, ECG | Sensors HR, blood oxygen, altimeter, ECG |
| Key features Stainless steel Hardware rotating bezel Quick Button BioActive sensor | Key features Rugged titanium case Quick Button Super-bright screen BioActive sensor |
Summary
In general, these are kind of different watches for different crowds. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is meant to go with your semi-formal fit and be your daily wearable to track your health and lifestyle. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is for more extreme activities, hikes, climbs, diving, et cetera. That said, a lot of users out there do like to accessorise with these bulkier, more expensive watches for one reason or another. So, the style point may be moot or, at the very least, a matter of preference.
That said, there's very little difference between these two watches features-wise. The Galaxy Watch Ultra will give you a noticeably longer battery life. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic will give you a rotating bezel, which does come in handy when scrolling through notifications or settings. Bottom line though? Buy the one that looks better to you.
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