Summary
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is here, bringing back everyone’s favorite rotating bezels. However, at the Galaxy Unpacked, Samsung also refreshed the Galaxy Watch, with a new color and a welcome spec upgrade. So, which one should you choose?
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Price & Availability
TheGalaxy Watch 8 Classicis now available for pre-order, and Samsung will commence general sales on June 30, 2025. Its Wi-Fi and LTE versions cost $499.99 and $549.99, respectively.
The updatedGalaxy Watch Ultra (2025)is also available for pre-order, with a similar release schedule. The Wi-Fi + LTE variant costs $649.99.
Both Smartwatches Adapt the Squircle Design
To my surprise, theWatch 8 Classiclooks more like a toned-down version of theWatch Ultra (2025)than the successor to theWatch 6 Classic. Instead of a perfectly circular chassis, the smartwatch adapts the squircle design while simultaneously integrating a functional rotating bezel around the screen (and a stainless steel casing).
I’d say that the Watch 8 Classic is a Watch Ultra, but with a functioning physical bezel. And that’s also because the Classic gets three buttons on its side (including theQuick Button that was previously exclusive to the Ultra variant). While it is only a tad smaller and thinner (46.4 x 46 x 10.6 mm), the Watch 8 Classic is the heavier of the two models (as it weighs 63.5 grams).
Like the standard Watch 8, the Watch 8 Classic features 5ATM water resistance, anIP68 rating, and complies with MIL-STD-810 standards. It is available in two colorways: black and white.
Like its predecessor, the Samsung Watch Ultra (2025) features a circular screen inside asquare-shaped chunky titanium casing(what is referred to as a “squircle” design) with three buttons on the right side. The smartwatch measures 47.4 x 47.1 x 12.1 mm and weighs 60.5 grams.
Unlike the regular Watch 8, the Watch Ultra (2025) is rated10ATM water-resistantand IP6X dust-resistant. It complies with the MIL-STD-810H standards, indicating that the smartwatch has a higher operating temperature range (from -20°C to 55°C) and a wider altitude range (from 500 meters below sea level to 9,000 meters above sea level).
The Watch Ultra (2025) is available in three familiar colors and a new Titanium Blue finish.
Watch Ultra (2025) Offers a Bigger Screen
The Watch 8 Classic is available in a single 46mm variant, which boasts a 1.34-inch screen (438 x 438 pixels).
The Watch Ultra (2025) is also available in a 47mm variant, which flaunts a larger 1.5-inch screen (480 x 480 pixels).
Both smartwatches use aSuper AMOLED panelthat can achieve apeak brightness of 3,000 nits. To protect the screens against scratches, Samsung deploys sapphire crystal glass.
Both Galaxy Watches Run on One UI Watch 8
Under their shiny exteriors, the Watch 8 Classic and the Watch Ultra (2025) are powered by Samsung’s Exynos W1000 (3nm) chipset (introduced with theWatch 7), alongside 2GB of RAM and 64GB of onboard storage (a substantial improvement over their respective predecessors with 16GB and 32GB of storage).
They run on the company’s newOne UI 8 Watch, which is based onGoogle’s Wear OS 6. The user interface brings plenty of additions, like the Now Bar (first introduced with the Galaxy S25 series), multi-info tiles, and streamlined notifications.
You also get new fitness-tracking features, including Bedtime Guidance for apersonalized sleeping schedule, Vascular Load for determining when you’re stressed, Running Coach forimproving your running proficiency, and an Antioxidant Index that tracks and informs about the level of antioxidants in your diet.
In addition, the smartwatches alsoprovide ECG functionality, blood-oxygen saturation measurement, a BioActive Sensor that estimates your body composition, an advanced glycation end products (AGEs) index for tracking metabolic rate, and sleep apnea detection.
The two new features introduced with the Galaxy Watch 7 series —Energy Score and Wellness Tips— are also available on the Watch 8 models. With the new user interface, Samsung has introducedGemini to the Watch 8 series, allowing you to access the AI voice assistant directly from your wrist.
The Watch 8 Ultra offers an additional feature over the Watch 8 Classic, namely an86 dB emergency sirenthat’s audible for up to 180 meters. Lastly, the smartwatches' chipsets also feature adual-band GPSmodule for accurate positioning and navigation.
Watch Ultra Lasts Longer Between Charges
The Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) features a 590 mAh battery thatlasts up to 60 hours of regular usageand 100 hours in Power Saving Mode.
In comparison, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic gets a smaller 445 mAh battery, which lasts up to 30 hours withalways-on displayenabled and 40 hours without the feature.
When it comes to charging, both the smartwatches support 10Wwireless chargingthrough the charging pucks provided in the box. However, the fact that the Watch Ultra can go more than two entire days on a single charge might tilt the scales in its favor.
Which Is the Right Smartwatch for You?
If you’re an outdoorsy person who enjoys activities like trekking, rock climbing, or swimming, the Galaxy Watch Ultra provides the necessary ruggedness and extended battery life.
However, if you aren’t into chunky designs and prefer a sleeker smartwatch instead, you can consider the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. It still offers all the advanced fitness-tracking features, and the device costs less than the Ultra as well.
Anyway, both theGalaxy Watches are only compatible with Samsung smartphones. If you own an iPhone, you can check out our comparison between the Galaxy Watch 8 and the Apple Watch Series 10.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
The rotating bezel is back, offering satisfying control in a redesigned body. It’s a blend of old and new, though not everyone will love the Ultra-inspired look.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is designed for serious athletes, boasting 10 ATM water resistance and a long-lasting battery that endures for days.
