Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Leaked: What We Know So Far

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Watch 8 Classic has been prematurely revealed, and the latest leak comes from an unlikely source: an eBay listing. The device, which was supposed to remain under wraps until its expected summer launch, has already shown us what it’s going to look like. From the listing, we get a clear glimpse at the design, which confirms rumors that the new Classic model will feature a squircle-shaped frame – a noticeable departure from the traditional round design we’ve seen in previous Galaxy Watch models.

The leaked images include a retail-ready box, with the watch, a leather strap, and a USB-C magnetic charger. The watch is identified by the model number SM-L505U, and it appears to come with LTE support, as well as a generous 64GB of internal storage.

With a 46mm size, this variant follows the preference of many Classic fans who prefer a larger format.

Interestingly, the design shown in the leak follows the style introduced with the Galaxy Watch Ultra, which suggests Samsung may be aligning its smartwatch designs across different models. The Ultra’s distinct design and the squircle shape on the new Classic seem to point to a more standardized aesthetic approach – much like Apple’s instantly recognizable rectangular Apple Watch or Google’s pebble-shaped Pixel Watch.

One of the standout features that appears to be making a return is the rotating bezel. This has long been a favorite feature for Galaxy Watch Classic users, and it looks like it’s here to stay. The watch also features a new side button layout, which includes an extra crown. While it’s not a rotating crown like Apple’s, the placement and size of the crown seem to indicate a more tactile user interface. In addition, there’s a large speaker grill on the left side, which mirrors the layout of the Watch Ultra.

Internally, don’t expect any drastic changes. The Galaxy Watch 8 series will likely retain the Exynos W1000 chip from the previous generation. However, reports suggest Samsung may be increasing the battery capacity slightly, which would be a welcome improvement given the growing demands of newer features like the One UI Watch.

With this move, Samsung appears to be further establishing a cohesive brand identity for its wearables. The squircle shape isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about creating a recognizable and unified design across the entire lineup. As Apple and Google have done with their signature shapes, Samsung seems to be following suit with its own unique silhouette. However, some traditionalists might feel the squircle is a compromise, as they prefer the classic round design. On the other hand, some users may appreciate the modernized look, especially if it results in more screen space or better ergonomics while retaining beloved features like the rotating bezel.

We’ll have to wait for Samsung’s official reveal, likely at their next Unpacked event, but for now, this eBay prototype offers a sneak peek at what’s to come.