Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic (2025): A Premium Smartwatch Redefined.
IN mid-2025, Samsung revived its Classic lineup with the launch of the Galaxy Watch8 Classic, bringing back features many users missed, while pushing ahead with new design, health, and performance upgrades. This article dives into what makes the Watch8 Classic notable, for whom it is ideal, and how it stacks up in the competitive smartwatch market.
Rotating Bezel + Quick Button return: The Classic version brings back the tactile rotating bezel, along with a customizable Quick Button, offering more physical interaction options than touch alone.
- Premium Construction: Sapphire Crystal cover lens and a body made of stainless steel that looks tough and durable. Measures about 46 mm, with a substantial presence. Weight is ~63.5 g. Display & Brightness: Super AMOLED display, about 438×438 pixels (~1.34-inch, 46mm model), with peak brightness reaching ~3,000 nits, making it highly visible even in bright sunlight. Internal hardware: Powered by a 3nm-built Samsung Exynos W1000 chipset for improved power efficiency. The Classic model has twice as much storage as the standard Watch8 and 2 GB of RAM.
- Battery and Charging: Wireless fast charging is supported by the 445 mAh battery. Battery life estimates vary depending on usage.
- Health & Fitness Features: Extensive suite of sensors (BioActive Sensor combining optical heart rate, ECG / EKG, BIA, plus others), dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5), sleep tracking (including sleep apnea detection), vascular load, antioxidant index, energy score, stress tracking, mood & breathing exercises, etc.
- Durability & Water Resistance: Ratings include 5ATM + IP68 and MIL-STD-810H – built to withstand tough use and rugged conditions.
- Software, UI, and Connectivity: The Samsung One UI 8 Watch overlay runs Wear OS 6. It includes Google’s Gemini AI assistant built in, features like Multi-Info Tiles, a Now Bar, and improved notification handling. Supports WiFi, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, LTE (in certain variants).
- Software, UI, and Connectivity: The Samsung One UI 8 Watch overlay runs Wear OS 6. It includes Google’s Gemini AI assistant built in, features like Multi-Info Tiles, a Now Bar, and improved notification handling. Supports WiFi, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, LTE (in certain variants).
Design & Comfort
The cushion-shaped case that Samsung added to the Watch8 series was based on the Galaxy Watch Ultra, which came before it. The bold Classic model tries to strike a balance between style and portability. The 10.6 mm thickness and ~63.5g weight make it heavier and larger than the non-Classic model, so for smaller wrists or users preferring lighter wearables, the standard Watch8 might be more comfortable. Users can adjust to various bands for comfort or style thanks to the Dynamic Lug System, which makes it easier to change straps.
Performance & Usability
Thanks to the 3nm Exynos W1000 chip, tasks are snappier, and power efficiency is improved. The rotating bezel (a fan-favorite) adds tactile accuracy in navigation (especially useful during workouts or when hands are sweaty or gloves are on). The inclusion of dual-frequency GPS improves positioning precision. Depending on settings like Always-On Display, LTE, GPS, and health sensors, battery life can range from one to two days in normal use. Heavy usage will reduce this, especially with continuous sensor streaming or frequent GPS use..
- Monitoring of health and wellness. Samsung has leaned heavily into wellness metrics, making the Watch8 Classic not just a gadget but a health companion:
- BioActive Sensor handles heart rate, ECG, body composition, and blood pressure in markets where permitted. • Sleep improvements: Bedtime Guidance, detection of sleep apnea, vascular load (stress on vessels during sleep), etc. These give more holistic insights into recovery.
- Antioxidant Index: A Newer feature measuring carotenoid levels (from fruits/vegetables) as a proxy for antioxidant status. It’s quirky, but it adds depth to wellness tracking. • Stress & mood metrics: including high-stress alerts, mood logging, and guided breathing. Useful for raising awareness of mental health.
The Galaxy Watch8 Classic comes in one size (46mm) with both Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and LTE variants. Colour options include Black and White. Pricing in the US starts at US$499.99 for the WiFi model, higher for LTE. In other regions, local taxes/import duties will affect pricing. In India, the regular Galaxy Watch8 series pricing starts from around ₹32,999 for non-Classic models. Classic pricing is higher.
How It Compares: Watch8 Classic vs Watch8 (Standard) vs Alternatives • Watch8 (Standard): Lighter, smaller sizes (40 mm / 44 mm), aluminium build vs stainless steel, less storage (32 GB), no rotating bezel or Quick Button, generally lower price. Best if you want comfort, lighter weight. • Alternatives: Competing smartwatches from Apple, Garmin, Fitbit, etc., may offer better battery life or specific fitness tracking, but may lack some of Samsung’s ecosystem integration (especially for Android users). Watch8 Classic is currently one of the best premium options if you are a member of the Samsung/Android ecosystem.
Who Should Purchase It? The following users would benefit greatly from owning the Galaxy Watch8 Classic: • Place a premium value on the design and high-quality building materials (such as Sapphire, a rotating bezel). • Want rich health, fitness, and wellness tracking in one device.
- Choose a smartwatch that is stylish and useful at the same time—suitable for work, the outdoors, and exercise. Are you okay with paying a premium price for extras like LTE variants, more storage? It may be less ideal for:
- Individuals with small wrists who consider 46mm watches to be too big. • Users who place a premium on a battery’s ability to last for an extended period of time above all else (for instance, using a device for a prolonged period of time without recharging • Consumers on a tight budget who might be satisfied with a standard Watch8 or other smartwatches in the middle price range.
Final Thoughts The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic (2025) marks a strong return for the Classic line, especially for those missing the rotating bezel and premium touches. It combines cutting-edge software (Wear OS 6, One UI 8, and Gemini AI) with robust health and fitness features. Although there are some tradeoffs, such as its size, weight, cost, and battery life under load, it is one of the best smartwatches that Samsung will offer in 2025 to customers who place a high value on these premium features. If you’re considering buying one, think about how much you’ll use features like GPS, LTE, sensors, always-on display, and whether the size and weight will suit your wrist and lifestyle. Compare with alternatives in your region (especially considering warranty, service, and local feature availability) to make the most informed decision.
