Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs Watch 8 Classic 2025: Which One Should You Buy in 2025?

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs Watch 8 Classic 2025

Tech Specs For Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

Brand – Samsung
Brand Name – Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
Display – Super AMOLED
Brightness – 3000 nits
Size – 1.47 inches
Resolution – 480×480 pixels
Protection – Sapphire Crystal
Water Resistant – IP68, 5 ATM
OS – OS 6, One UI Watch 8
Chipset – EXYNOS W1000 (3 nm)
CPU – Penta-Core
GPU – Mali-G68
Wi-Fi – Wi-Fi 802.11 Dual Band
Ram – 2GB
Storage – 32GB
NFC – Yes
Loudspeaker – Yes
Bluetooth – 5.3
Battery – 435 mah
Weight – 30 g
Colors – Graphite & Silver

Tech Specs For Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic

Brand – Samsung
Brand Name – Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Display – Super AMOLED
Brightness – 3000 nits
Size – 1.34 inches
Resolution – 438×438 pixels
Protection – Sapphire Crystal, Stainless Steel Frame
Water Resistant – IP68, 5 ATM
OS – OS 6, One UI Watch 8
Chipset – EXYNOS W1000 (3 nm)
CPU – Penta-Core
GPU – Mali-G68
Wi-Fi – Wi-Fi 802.11 Dual Band
Ram – 2GB
Storage – 64GB
NFC – Yes
Loudspeaker – Yes
Bluetooth – 5.3
Battery – 445 mah
Weight – 63.5 g
Colors – Black & White

Price List for Various Countries

Price in USA – $349.99/$549.99
Price in UK – £319/£443
Price in Australia – AUD$560.00/AUD$859
Price in Canada – CAD$499.99/CAD$689.99
Price in New Zealand – NZ$649.00/NZ$849.00
Price in Hongkong – HKD$3198.00/HKD$4198.00
Price in Singapore – SGD$498/SGD$698
Price in India – INR 36999.00/INR 50999.00
Price in Nepal – NPR 59,999/NPR 74,999

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs Watch 8 Classic 2025

In 2025, Samsung has once again raised the bar with the launch of its latest smartwatches—the Galaxy Watch 8 and the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. Both wearables come packed with powerful health features, sleek designs, and refined software. But while they may look similar on paper, there are key differences that could make one more suited to your lifestyle than the other.

So, which one deserves your wrist? Let’s break down the details to help you make the right choice.

Design: Modern vs. Timeless

The most noticeable difference between the two watches lies in their design philosophy.

Galaxy Watch 8 follows a sleek, minimalistic look with an armor aluminum body and a digital bezel. It’s lighter, thinner, and feels sportier—perfect for fitness lovers or those who prefer a contemporary aesthetic.

Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, on the other hand, brings back the beloved rotating bezel. It’s slightly heavier due to its stainless-steel construction, but it offers a more traditional watch look that appeals to fans of classic timepieces.

If you enjoy tactile controls and want something that looks more premium and formal, the Classic wins here. But for a lightweight, modern design, the standard Watch 8 may be the better fit.

Display & Durability

Both models feature a 1.47-inch and 1.34-inch Super AMOLED display with Sapphire Crystal protection. Colors are vibrant, brightness is excellent even under sunlight, and the Always-On Display (AOD) is more battery-efficient this year.

However, the Classic’s rotating bezel not only adds functionality but also protects the screen from accidental touches and scratches—a small but meaningful edge for some users.

Both watches are IP68 and MIL-STD-810H certified, so you’re getting excellent water and dust resistance across the board.

Performance & Software

Under the hood, both watches are nearly identical. They’re powered by Samsung’s new Exynos W1000 chip, offering smoother animations, quicker app launches, and better multitasking. RAM and internal storage are also the same (2GB RAM, 32GB storage, 2GB RAM, 64GB), so performance isn’t a deciding factor.

Both run One UI Watch 8 based on Wear OS 6, with improved Google integration, better third-party app support, and refined Samsung Health tools. The interface feels snappy, and health data syncs seamlessly across your Galaxy ecosystem.

Health & Fitness Features

Samsung continues to lead in health tracking. Both models include:

  • Heart rate and ECG monitoring
  • Blood oxygen and sleep tracking
  • Body composition analysis
  • New Skin Temperature Sensor 2.0 for enhanced menstrual and stress tracking
  • Improved workout detection with support for over 100 exercises

The Watch 8 leans more fitness-focused with a slightly lighter body and sportier strap options. It’s ideal for workouts, runs, and active use.

The Classic offers the same sensors but feels more like an all-day lifestyle companion. It’s better suited for people who want fitness tracking without compromising on style.

Battery Life & Charging

Battery life on both watches is comparable, lasting around 30 to 40 hours on a single charge, depending on use. The Watch 8 might squeeze a bit more juice thanks to its lighter design and lack of a physical bezel.

Samsung also introduced faster wireless charging this year, with both models topping up to 45% in about 30 minutes. Still, you’ll likely need to charge daily, especially if you use Always-On Display and continuous health tracking.

Price & Value

This is where the decision gets real.

  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (2025) starts at $349.99.
  • Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (2025) starts at $549.99.

You’re essentially paying 200 more for the stainless-steel design, physical rotating bezel, and a more premium look. If that feels worth it for your daily lifestyle, the Classic won’t disappoint. Otherwise, the Watch 8 delivers almost all the same tech at a better value.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

Both the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic are fantastic smartwatches, and neither will disappoint. But your choice ultimately comes down to style, control preference, and budget.

Choose the Galaxy Watch 8 if you:

  • Prefer a lightweight, sporty design
  • Want most of the features at a lower price
  • Are more fitness-focused

Go for the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic if you:

  • Love the feel of a real watch with a rotating bezel
  • Want a premium-looking accessory that suits formal wear
  • Don’t mind spending extra for luxury materials

Samsung has refined both models beautifully in 2025, making this one of the hardest choices for smartwatch buyers in recent years. Whichever you pick, you’re getting a top-tier wearable that blends style, intelligence, and health insight in a compact form.

You Can Also Read: 2024 Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: Empower Your Health with Latest Features