Which Galaxy Smartwatch is a Smart Buy?

Samsung has launched two new smartwatches this year — the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. While both share the same core technology, they cater to different users. The question many are asking is simple: which one offers better value for your money?

Let’s compare both watches across design, display, features, and battery to help you decide.

Design and Build: Sleek vs Bold

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 starts at ₹32,999 and focuses on a lighter, sleeker design. It features an Armor Aluminum frame, which feels durable yet comfortable for all-day wear. The new cushion-shaped case fits snugly on the wrist, and its minimalist look gives it a modern, everyday appeal.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, on the other hand, brings back the rotating bezel — a fan favorite feature. Built with a stainless-steel case, it feels premium but also heavier at around 63 grams. Its 46mm dial makes a bold statement and feels closer to a traditional timepiece. However, the large size may not suit every wrist.

If you prefer something lightweight and simple, the Galaxy Watch 8 wins. But if you value tactile control and a more rugged look, the Classic stands out.

Display: Bright and Easy to Read

Both smartwatches share the same AMOLED panel with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, the screen remains sharp and vibrant.

The Galaxy Watch 8 comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes, while the Classic offers a larger 1.5-inch display. The rotating bezel on the Classic also helps prevent accidental touches.

Both support Always-On Display, but it drains the battery faster. Samsung has done well to make reading messages, tracking workouts, or viewing maps easier on both models.

Software and Smart Features: AI Takes Over

Both the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic run on Wear OS 6 with One UI Watch 6. Samsung’s new Now Bar feature is a highlight, letting users manage ongoing activities like workouts or timers from the home screen.

This year, Samsung has integrated Google Gemini, bringing a layer of AI-powered assistance to its watches. You can use voice commands for quick actions like sending texts, checking the weather, or starting workouts. While not flawless, it makes the watches feel smarter and more intuitive.

Navigation is smoother, animations are faster, and you can even stack widgets for quicker access — a welcome upgrade for multitaskers.

Performance and Storage: Smooth Everyday Experience

Both watches are powered by Samsung’s new Exynos W1000 chipset, paired with 2 GB RAM. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic doubles the storage to 64 GB, while the standard Watch 8 offers 32 GB.

App loading is snappy, and transitions feel seamless. GPS tracking is now more accurate, thanks to L1 + L5 dual-band support, which is useful for runners or cyclists who train in dense city areas.

Health and Fitness Tracking: More Data, More Depth

Health tracking is where both watches shine. From heart rate monitoring and ECG to SpO2, stress tracking, and sleep analysis, the Galaxy Watch 8 series brings serious wellness tools.

Samsung has added new features like Sleep Apnea detection and the Antioxidant Index, which measures carotenoid levels in your body. However, features like ECG and blood pressure monitoring still require a Samsung smartphone to function.

The Running Coach feature is especially useful for beginners, offering structured plans based on your performance.

Battery Life: Slight Edge for the Standard Model

Battery life has improved on both watches, but neither breaks records. The Galaxy Watch 8 uses a 325 mAh cell, lasting up to two days with moderate use. The Classic packs a 445 mAh battery but consumes more power due to its larger display and Always-On mode.

Charging takes around 80–90 minutes on both. While not ideal for heavy users, the endurance is noticeably better than older Galaxy Watches.

Verdict: Why The Watch 8 is the Smarter Buy

Both smartwatches share the same core tech, but the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 offers almost all the features of the Classic at a much lower price. It’s lighter, stylish, and better suited for daily wear.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, while elegant and nostalgic with its rotating bezel, is aimed at users who love a traditional watch feel and don’t mind the extra bulk or price.

For most users, the Galaxy Watch 8 delivers the best mix of performance, comfort, and affordability — making it the smarter tech choice this year.