Galaxy Watch 8 Classic vs Galaxy Watch 8: it’s coming back, but why?
So, yes, we expect a Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. 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:
Design & Sizes
Classy vs sporty
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. Early leaks show the Classic also sporting a digital crown-looking button right between them. It’ll probably not be rotatable — we expect it to be something like the Quick Button of the Galaxy Watch Ultra. But we’ll see.
Bands
Your old ones should work.
Software & Features
Wear OS 6 probably, maybe
This year, we’re expecting One UI Watch 8 to arrive baked into both the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic, running on top of Wear OS 6. Either on launch, or it should come out within months after release.
Battery and Charging
Samsung Watches have always been dependable
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is rumored to have around 425 mAh, 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, is supposedly going to have ~300 mAh and ~425 mAh. 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.
As mentioned above, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic will only come in 46 mm. In that case, you will have a choice between a model with cellular and one without. The prices should be around $400-$450, but we are leaving room for inflation to surprise us.
The Galaxy Watch 8 should be available in 40 mm and 44 mm variants, again — with our without LTE. So, the most basic model should start at around $300, the bigger one — $320. Add $50 to the price tag if you want a cellular modem inside.
Specs
Here’s what we generally expect:
| Galaxy Watch 8 Classic | Galaxy Watch 8 |
|---|---|
| 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 300 / 425 mAh 10W wireless charging Magnetic charger, ~50% in 30 mins |
Battery 425 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 |
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. It is kind of big but not too big. 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.
