The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, launched in July 2025, is a standout in Samsung’s smartwatch lineup, blending a premium design with advanced health tracking and AI-powered features. Priced starting at ₹46,999 ($499.99), it reintroduces the beloved rotating bezel and introduces a bold redesign inspired by the Galaxy Watch Ultra. This SEO-friendly article explores the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic’s specs, design, features, price, and availability, alongside details of the broader Galaxy Watch 8 series, including the 44mm model. Is this the ultimate smartwatch for 2025? Let’s dive in.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: Key Features
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, available in a single 46mm size, is a premium smartwatch with a stainless steel frame and a rotating bezel for intuitive navigation. It’s powered by a 3nm Exynos W1000 processor, 2GB RAM, and 64GB storage (double the standard Watch 8’s 32GB). Running Wear OS 6 with One UI 8 Watch, it offers a seamless, customizable interface.
Design & Build
- Dimensions: 46.4 x 46 x 10.6mm, weighing ~63.5g with strap.
- Display: 1.34-inch Super AMOLED, 438×438 pixels (~327 PPI), 3000 nits peak brightness, Sapphire Crystal Glass.
- Colors: Black, White (silver stainless steel case).
- Build: Stainless steel, IP68 water/dust resistance, 10ATM rating.
- Rotating Bezel: Physical bezel for tactile navigation, paired with a customizable Quick Button and two side buttons.
The squircle cushion design, inspired by the Galaxy Watch Ultra, gives it a chunkier, premium look compared to the standard Galaxy Watch 8. The rotating bezel, a fan-favorite feature, allows fingerprint-free scrolling through apps and notifications.
Display
The 46mm Classic’s 1.34-inch AMOLED display matches the 40mm Galaxy Watch 8’s size but is smaller than the 44mm Watch 8’s 1.47-inch screen. With 3000 nits brightness, it’s highly readable in sunlight, rivaling the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Series: Standard Model Details
The Galaxy Watch 8 series includes the standard Galaxy Watch 8 (40mm and 44mm) alongside the Classic. The 44mm model offers:
- Dimensions: 43.7 x 46 x 8.6mm, lighter aluminum body.
- Display: 1.47-inch Super AMOLED, 480×480 pixels (~327 PPI), 3000 nits.
- Colors: Graphite, Silver.
- Battery: 435mAh (44mm), 325mAh (40mm), ~30 hours with always-on display (AOD).
- Price: ₹32,999 ($349.99) for 40mm, ₹35,999 ($379.99) for 44mm; LTE adds ₹4,000 ($50).
The standard model lacks the rotating bezel and Quick Button but is slimmer and more affordable, ideal for smaller wrists or casual users.
Health & Fitness Features
Both the Classic and standard Galaxy Watch 8 excel in health tracking:
- BioActive Sensor: Monitors heart rate, blood oxygen, and body composition.
- Vascular Load Tracking: Measures overnight stress on the vascular system, establishing a baseline over three nights.
- Energy Score: Uses sleep, activity, and heart rate data to provide AI-driven wellness insights.
- Sleep Apnea Detection: Identifies moderate to severe sleep apnea.
- Running Coach: Offers 160 running plans with real-time feedback.
- Antioxidant Levels: A new metric measured via sensors, offering health insights (requires phone app for details).
The Now Bar widget displays active tasks (e.g., workouts, timers) on the watch face, and the multi-info tile streamlines notifications.
Battery Life & Charging
- Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (46mm): 445mAh battery, ~40 hours with AOD off, ~30 hours with AOD on.
- Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm): 435mAh, ~30 hours with AOD.
- Galaxy Watch 8 (40mm): 325mAh, ~30 hours with AOD.
The Classic’s larger battery offers better longevity than the standard models, though it falls short of the Pixel Watch 3’s 48 hours. Charging is via wireless charging, with no specific fast-charging details provided.
Redesign Highlights
The Galaxy Watch 8 series introduces a squircle cushion design, moving away from the cylindrical shape of the Galaxy Watch 7. The Classic’s stainless steel build and rotating bezel give it a premium, traditional watch feel, while the standard model’s aluminum body is lighter and sleeker. The Dynamic Lug system ensures a snug fit for better sensor accuracy. The display’s 3000-nit brightness (up from 2000 nits) enhances outdoor visibility.
Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Review Highlights
Reviews praise the Classic for its:
- Premium Build: The rotating bezel and stainless steel feel luxurious but add bulk (63.5g), making it less comfortable for smaller wrists or active wear.
- Intuitive Navigation: The bezel and Quick Button make interaction smooth, though the 1.34-inch display feels small for a 46mm watch.
- AI Features: On-wrist Gemini AI integration allows voice-controlled tasks, like starting workouts or answering queries, with seamless Samsung app compatibility.
- Battery Life: Outperforms the standard Watch 8 but lags behind competitors like the Pixel Watch 3.
Critics note its bulkiness and higher price ($499.99 vs. $349.99 for the standard 40mm) as drawbacks, recommending the standard Watch 8 for slimmer, more comfortable wear.
Price & Availability
- Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (46mm): ₹46,999 ($499.99) for Bluetooth, ₹50,999 ($549.99) for LTE.
- Galaxy Watch 8 (40mm): ₹32,999 ($349.99) Bluetooth, ₹36,999 ($399.99) LTE.
- Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm): ₹35,999 ($379.99) Bluetooth, ₹39,999 ($429.99) LTE.
Launched on July 20, 2025, the series is available on Samsung.com, Amazon, Flipkart, and retailers like Best Buy. Pre-order offers included trade-in deals and 0% finance in some regions.
Competitive Landscape
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic competes with:
- Apple Watch Series 10 (₹39,900/$399): Larger display, similar health features, but iOS-exclusive.
- Pixel Watch 3 (₹29,900/$349): Longer battery life (48 hours), slimmer design.
- Garmin Fenix 8 Pro (₹99,990+): Advanced fitness tracking, but pricier.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 (₹49,999+): Larger 47mm size, 590mAh battery.
The Classic’s rotating bezel and premium build give it an edge for traditional watch enthusiasts, but its bulk may deter active users.
Is It Too Good to Be True?
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic’s specs are verified, but some user feedback highlights issues:
- Bulkiness: At 63.5g, it’s heavier than the standard Watch 8 (30g lighter) and may feel cumbersome for smaller wrists.
- Battery Life: Users report needing daily charging with heavy use, despite the 445mAh battery.
- Display Size: The 1.34-inch screen feels small for a 46mm watch, especially compared to the 44mm Watch 8’s 1.47-inch display.
Buyers should verify specs and try the watch on, as its size may not suit everyone.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, launched in July 2025, combines a premium stainless steel design, rotating bezel, and advanced health features like vascular load tracking and sleep apnea detection. Priced at ₹46,999, it’s ideal for users seeking a traditional watch feel with modern smarts. The standard Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm) at ₹35,999 offers a slimmer alternative with similar features. While the Classic’s bulk and battery life have drawn minor criticism, its AI integration and vibrant display make it a top contender. For the latest details, visit Samsung’s official website, Flipkart, or Amazon. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is a stylish, feature-packed choice for 2025.
