Galaxy Watch 8 Classic vs Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025): well, one of these is new
Samsung is bringing the Classic back? How will it compare to the Ultra?
Intro
When Samsung was done showing off its new, super-thin foldables, it also presented its new line of Galaxy Watch 8 smartwatches. Some pretty impressive 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
- 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:
Design & Sizes
Classy vs utilitarian
Samsung is reviving the rotating bezel dream, and fans seem to be here for it. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is the revived, redesigned, squircle-shaped version of the Watch 6 Classic. 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. 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). It will and should also arrive the last year's Watch Ultra, and Watch 7 series. There are new AI features that actively use your biometric data to suggest healthier choices and lifestyle. Both watches get the new antioxidant rating and vascular health analysis. Overall a net positive... we think. Time and testing will show how accurate or helpful these are.
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. 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.
Models and Prices
These won't be very flexible in terms of size, it seems. The Classic is expected to come in one, 46 mm variant. The Ultra will probably be a 47 mm case.
We also expect them to be available in LTE modem variations if you want to leave your phone at home while jogging.
We also expect them to be available in LTE modem variations if you want to leave your phone at home while jogging.
Specs
Here's what we generally expect:
| 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 Extreme battery saving mode BioActive sensor |
Summary
Neither the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic nor the Ultra 2 are meant to flip the table. These are iterative updates — refinements for people who already liked where Samsung was going.
If you’re new to smartwatches or stuck on a Galaxy Watch 4? This might be your year. But if you already own a Watch 6 Classic or the first Ultra? You might want to wait for 2026—when Samsung might finally shake things up again (foldable watch, anyone?).
But hey, the full reviews are still in progress, so these new watches still have a chance to blow our expectations away!
If you’re new to smartwatches or stuck on a Galaxy Watch 4? This might be your year. But if you already own a Watch 6 Classic or the first Ultra? You might want to wait for 2026—when Samsung might finally shake things up again (foldable watch, anyone?).
But hey, the full reviews are still in progress, so these new watches still have a chance to blow our expectations away!
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