Everything You Need to Know About the Galaxy Watch 8 Series
Price
The Galaxy Watch 8 is available in two sizes: 40mm and 44mm. The 40mm model starts at $349.99 for the Bluetooth-only version, while the 44mm model comes in at $379.99. If you’re interested in LTE connectivity, both models add an extra $50 to their price tags. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, on the other hand, is only offered in a 46mm size. This premium option costs $499.99 for the Bluetooth-only version and $549.99 with LTE connectivity.
Both watches come in stylish colors: graphite or silver for the Watch 8 and black or white for the Classic.
Winner: Galaxy Watch 8
Design
While the price is a key differentiator, the design sets the two models apart. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic features a rotating notched bezel, a nostalgic element that fans of previous models will appreciate. This design allows users to easily navigate the interface, with minute markings engraved on the bezel—a flourish missing from the standard Watch 8. Additionally, the Classic includes an extra customizable physical button, amplifying its tactile appeal.
In contrast, the Watch 8 adopts a more minimalist aesthetic. Its fixed bezel and thinner profile make it visually simpler, making it comfortable to wear under a sleeve. Both models maintain a cushion-shaped frame that houses the circular watch face, complemented by a dynamic lug system for easy strap changes.
Durability is consistent across both models, featuring 5ATM water resistance and an IP68 rating for dust protection, plus military-grade MIL-STD-810H certification for endurance against environmental stressors.
Winner: Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Screen
When it comes to display, both the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic can reach an impressive 3,000 nits of brightness, a notable upgrade from previous models. This increase makes both watches more viewable in bright sunlight.
However, the Watch 8 Classic sports a screen that, despite its larger 46mm size, matches the display specs of the smaller 40mm Watch 8. Both have a 1.3-inch, 438-by-438-pixel Super AMOLED display, while the 44mm version boasts a slightly larger 1.5-inch, 480-by-480-pixel option. For users seeking the most real estate, the 44mm Watch 8 is the way to go.
Winner: Galaxy Watch 8
Battery Life
Battery performance is where the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic truly excels. The 40mm Watch 8 has a 325mAh battery, while the 44mm version increases that capacity to 435mAh. The Watch 8 Classic typically tops out at 445mAh, offering significantly better longevity. Testing shows that the Classic can last up to 49 hours with always-on display enabled, outpacing even the premium Galaxy Watch Ultra.
In practical scenarios, the Classic held out for an astonishing 60 hours with the always-on feature deactivated, whereas the standard Watch 8 barely made it to 39 hours. All models, however, show capacity improvements over their predecessors.
Winner: Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Power
Both models in the Galaxy Watch 8 lineup come equipped with a robust five-core Exynos W1000 processor, accompanied by 2GB of RAM. The base Watch 8 has 32GB of internal storage, with the Classic doubling that to 64GB. Both models run Samsung’s One UI 8 over Google’s Wear OS 6, representing a step forward compared to the Galaxy Watch 7.
Winner: Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Fitness and Health
In terms of fitness and health features, the Galaxy Watch 8 series stands out by offering significant enhancements over the Galaxy Watch 7. Both models provide unique capabilities, including a groundbreaking antioxidant level test that can be conducted simply by placing a finger on a sensor.
Alongside this, users can monitor their vascular load while sleeping, aided by a Sleep Coach feature that optimizes bedtime routines. A new Running Coach gives real-time feedback and even crafts specific workout plans based on a 12-minute running test, enhancing fitness tracking capabilities.
The watches continue to support an extensive range of health metrics, including blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, sleep cycles, and even snoring analysis. They also track body fat and overall composition, providing holistic insights into personal wellness.
Winner: Tie
Lifestyle
The integration of Google’s Gemini AI enhances the Galaxy Watch 8 series’ lifestyle features, enabling users to ask questions, send messages, and manage tasks through a voice interface. The watches still offer access to the expansive Google Play Store for app downloads and maintain functionalities like contactless payments, calls, and texts.
Winner: Tie
Explore the intriguing features of the Galaxy Watch 8 series and discover which model matches your lifestyle, from stylish design to advanced health tracking functions.