Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Review
In a market where smartwatches compete for attention with endless specs, Samsung has chosen to revive an old favorite. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, priced at ₹50,999, brings back the iconic rotating bezel while adding a layer of artificial intelligence to the mix. At first glance, it feels like Samsung wants to combine nostalgia with modern innovation. But the question remains—does it justify its premium cost, or is it another iteration trying to keep up with competitors?
The Watch 8 Classic is bold, rugged, and unapologetically large. It is designed for those who value the combination of tradition and tech, but its size and weight may not appeal to every wrist. I have been using it for two weeks, and while there is a lot to admire, there are also areas where it feels like Samsung could have pushed harder.
Design That Brings Back Memories
The most noticeable element is the 46mm stainless-steel dial. It is big, almost mimicking the presence of the Apple Watch Ultra, and it weighs around 63.5 grams. At first, sleeping with it feels uncomfortable, but the wrist gradually adapts. The rotating bezel, missing since the Watch 6 Classic, makes navigation effortless again. It is tactile, intuitive, and a feature that truly differentiates Samsung from the crowd.
The watch has three buttons on the right side, including a programmable flat Quick Button in between. You can assign it to workouts or apps, and long pressing activates Google Assistant. The strap, though designed to look like leather, is lined with silicone underneath, offering both style and durability. Available in Black and White, the design feels premium but not flashy. My Black unit carries a sober, timeless look.
Sturdiness is not a concern here. With a sapphire crystal protecting the display, an IP68 rating, and 5ATM+ water resistance, it can easily handle daily knocks and even swimming sessions.
A Display Made for Outdoors
The 1.5-inch AMOLED display is one of the brightest on any smartwatch, reaching 3,000 nits peak brightness. Reading notifications in bright sunlight is effortless. The colors are sharp, and with the 60 Hz refresh rate, swiping feels smooth. The raised bezel edge adds an extra layer of protection against scratches, a thoughtful addition considering its large surface area.
Always-on-display support makes it practical, though it does eat into battery life. Still, the richness of the watch faces makes it difficult to switch it off.
Software With a New Rhythm
Running on Wear OS 6 with One UI Watch 8, the Watch 8 Classic feels refined. Samsung has finally moved beyond a simple carousel of tiles. You can now stack widgets in a single tile and scroll within them, which saves time.
The new Now Bar is also practical. It shows ongoing tasks like timers or navigation directly on the home screen, and tapping it takes you back to the app. This small change improves usability in daily scenarios.
Another key shift is Samsung’s adoption of Gemini as the default assistant. It can handle calls, messages, and commands, though its usefulness depends on how much you are already invested in AI assistants.
Health and Fitness Features
Health tracking has always been a Galaxy Watch strength, and the Watch 8 Classic doubles down on it. It monitors heart rate, SpO2, ECG (via Samsung Health Monitor app), stress, and even provides Body Composition analysis. Sleep tracking feels more detailed, with animal-based profiles that give insights into patterns.
The new Antioxidant Index is interesting, though its accuracy and relevance may need more scientific validation before being considered reliable.
For workouts, the watch supports over 160 running plans, with accurate GPS mapping and a Track Back feature to retrace your steps. For most fitness needs, it is more than sufficient, though serious athletes may still prefer Garmin for its extended metrics and battery stamina.
Performance in Daily Use
The smartwatch runs on Samsung’s new penta-core Exynos processor with 2 GB RAM and 64 GB storage. Apps open quickly, scrolling is seamless, and multitasking feels effortless, especially with the rotating bezel.
Call quality is clear, and responding to texts is convenient with voice dictation or quick replies. If you own a Samsung phone, you get extra perks like camera controls and SmartThings integration, turning your watch into a remote for your smart home.
Battery Life Could Be Better
The 445 mAh battery lasts around 30 hours with always-on display on, which matches Samsung’s claim. Switching it off extends the usage to nearly two days, but then you lose out on the display’s best feature. Charging takes about 80–90 minutes, and wireless charging is supported.
Compared to Garmin or even some Amazfit watches, the battery life feels modest. For a watch that costs ₹50,999, charging it daily may frustrate heavy users.
Verdict: Classic, But With Caveats
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic succeeds in reviving the charm of the rotating bezel while embracing AI-powered software. The rugged stainless-steel body, bright AMOLED display, and expanded health features make it a smartwatch that feels premium and useful.
Yet, it comes with trade-offs. The weight makes it less ideal for sleep tracking, and the battery life is only average for its price. Those seeking week-long endurance may find better options elsewhere.
Still, if you want a premium smartwatch that blends tradition with modern AI features, the Watch 8 Classic stands tall. It may not be for everyone, but for long-time Galaxy Watch users, it feels like the upgrade they have been waiting for.
