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?

Price & Availability

The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is now available for pre-order, and Samsung will commence general sales on July 25, 2025. Its Wi-Fi and LTE versions cost $499.99 and $549.99, respectively.

The updated Galaxy 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, the Watch 8 Classic looks more like a toned-down version of the Watch Ultra (2025) than the successor to the Watch 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 the Quick 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, an IP68 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 a square-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 rated 10ATM water-resistant and 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.

Samsung Galaxy Watch: Which Model Is Best For You?

There are so many Galaxy Watches. Make sure you buy the right one

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 a Super AMOLED panel that can achieve a peak 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 the Watch 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 new One UI 8 Watch, which is based on Google’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 a personalized sleeping schedule, Vascular Load for determining when you’re stressed, Running Coach for improving your running proficiency, and an Antioxidant Index that tracks and informs about the level of antioxidants in your diet.

In addition, the smartwatches also provide 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 introduced Gemini 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 an 86 dB emergency siren that’s audible for up to 180 meters. Lastly, the smartwatches’ chipsets also feature a dual-band GPS module for accurate positioning and navigation.

Samsung Quietly Ditched One of the Galaxy Watch’s Best Features

End of an era.

Watch Ultra Lasts Longer Between Charges

The Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) features a 590 mAh battery that lasts up to 60 hours of regular usage and 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 with always-on display enabled and 40 hours without the feature.

When it comes to charging, both the smartwatches support 10W wireless charging through 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 the Galaxy 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.

• 

  Brand

  Samsung

  Operating System

  Wear OS

  Display Size

  1.34 inches

  CPU

  Exynos W1000 (5 Core , 3nm)

  RAM

  2GB

  Storage

  64GB

  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.

  
  

• 

  Operating System

  Wear OS 5

  Case size

  47mm

  Display

  Super AMOLED, 1.47in (480px x 480px), 327ppi, Sapphire Crystal Glass, 3,000 Nits peak brightness

  CPU

  Exynos W1000 (5 Core, 3nm)

  RAM

  2GB

  Storage

  32GB

  The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is designed for serious athletes, boasting 10 ATM water resistance and a long-lasting battery that endures for days.