Galaxy Watch 8 and Classic: Samsung goes all-in with two bold takes on the smartwatch ⌚️

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Samsung just pulled back the curtain on the Galaxy Watch 8—but that’s not all. This year, the Korean giant is going all in with a double launch: the sleek Galaxy Watch 8 and a revamped Classic model that embraces its heritage. Two watches. Two philosophies. One goal: to turn the smartwatch into a stylish, intelligent life coach. But between bold innovation and timeless design, which one wins your wrist?

Samsung doubles down in the smartwatch race ⌚️

Samsung has been a major player in the smartwatch space for years now. But with fierce competition from Apple and Google, standing still isn’t an option. After last year’s well-received but rather safe Watch 7, the new Galaxy Watch 8 lineup makes one thing clear: Samsung wants to offer more—more choices, more features, more personalization.

The strategy? Appeal to both tech lovers looking for the latest and greatest, and purists who still crave that classic timepiece aesthetic.

Galaxy Watch 8 vs Watch 8 Classic: two styles, two vibes 🆚

The Galaxy Watch 8 leans into a futuristic, minimalist look. It’s slimmer and lighter than before, with a new “cushion” case and Dynamic Lug system that offers a better fit—though it also means new proprietary bands. Designed for everyday comfort and discreet style, it’s ideal for those who want a smartwatch that blends in, while still being tough (10ATM water resistance) and ready for action.

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On the flip side, the Watch 8 Classic brings back the iconic rotating bezel—a signature feature that fans have missed. It only comes in a bold 46mm size, making it feel more like a statement piece on the wrist. It’s aimed at those who want their watch to look premium and purposeful, without sacrificing smarts.

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Feature-wise, both watches offer the same core experience: ultra-bright AMOLED displays (up to 3000 nits), Samsung’s new 3nm Exynos W1000 chip, up to 40 hours of battery life, dual-frequency GPS, and built-in Gemini AI integration. But the Classic ups the ante with stainless steel casing, while the standard Watch 8 opts for lightweight aluminum. Both, however, adopt the new strap system—an arguably controversial move that may upset longtime users.

Health, fitness, and AI: Samsung levels up 🏃‍♂️

Whichever model you choose, you’ll get a full suite of health and wellness upgrades. Sleep tracking gets smarter with a new Bedtime Guidance feature that analyzes your sleep habits over three days to help optimize your routine.

The headline feature? A first-of-its-kind antioxidant index, measuring carotenoid levels in your skin via the BioActive sensor—giving you a new window into your diet and aging process. Samsung also introduces Vascular Load, which tracks stress on your blood vessels during sleep.

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On the fitness side, the Galaxy Watch 8 introduces an AI-powered running coach that tracks your performance in real time, delivers tailored training plans, and ranks your progress across 10 levels. Thanks to Gemini AI, you can also use voice commands to control your workouts—no need to tap the screen with sweaty hands.

Performance and battery life: powerful, efficient, and easy to read ⚡️

Under the hood, both watches share the same high-end specs. The AMOLED display reaches a peak brightness of 3000 nits—perfect for sunny days. The new Exynos W1000 chip is 30% faster and 45% more energy-efficient than last year’s model, offering up to 40 hours of use on a single charge.

Need a quick top-up? A 20-minute charge gives you a full day’s worth of power. Dual-frequency GPS improves location accuracy, and the 10ATM water resistance is a plus for swimmers and outdoor athletes.

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Pricing and availability: performance comes at a price 💸

The Galaxy Watch 8 starts at €410—a noticeable jump from the Watch 7. The Watch 8 Classic, available only in 46mm, starts at €530 and offers a more premium build.

Both models hit shelves on July 25, 2025, with preorders already open. As for colors, the Watch 8 goes modern with Graphite and Silver, while the Classic sticks to timeless Black and White.

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© Samsung

One caveat: older watch bands won’t work with the new models. That decision might frustrate long-time Samsung fans with a drawer full of straps.

Two visions, one mission 🤔

With the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic, Samsung is offering two distinct takes on the smartwatch: one modern, light, and subtle; the other bold, classic, and full of character. Both are packed with innovation, health tracking, and smart AI features. But the real question is—can Samsung’s two-pronged approach win over consumers in a market already sensitive to rising prices and changing ecosystems?

One thing’s for sure: Samsung’s no longer just keeping pace—it’s trying to set the tempo.

So, which one are you going for: the futuristic Watch 8 or the timeless Watch 8 Classic? Do you miss the rotating bezel, or are you all about sleek modern minimalism? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear what your dream smartwatch looks like!