After a brief one-year hiatus, the Galaxy Watch Classic series has made a grand return with its rotating bezel intact. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic builds on the strengths of the Galaxy Watch 8, but with a more refined, traditional design that appeals to those seeking a smartwatch that resembles a classic timepiece rather than a futuristic fitness tracker.
Upon my initial hands-on experience with the Watch 8 Classic, I was immediately impressed by its refined look and premium feel. Compared to its sibling, the Watch 8, the Classic is slightly thicker at 10.6mm and heavier at 63.5g. Despite the extra bulk, the watch still feels comfortable, and its black leather strap only adds to the luxurious vibes. It’s the perfect balance between modern tech and traditional style.
The much-loved rotating bezel makes a return, offering a satisfying tactile feedback when navigating through apps. It’s a pleasant alternative to the touchscreen swipe method. Additionally, a Quick Button on the right side provides one-touch access to useful apps like the camera, voice recorder, and even a water-clearing mode post-swim.
Just like the Galaxy Watch 8, the Classic boasts a bright 3000-nit Super AMOLED display, the powerful 3nm Exynos W1000 chip, and dual-frequency GPS. It’s packed with the latest sensors, including the unique Antioxidant Index and Vascular Load tracking features.
The watch runs on One UI 8 on top of Wear OS 6, providing a seamless and fluid software experience. Notifications are crisp and easy to manage, while the app menu is redesigned for quicker access to your favorites. Overall, the software feels polished and fluid, making the watch a joy to use.
In terms of health and fitness, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic doesn’t fall short. It supports the same advanced health metrics as its sibling, such as Sleep Coaching, Running Coach, High Stress Alerts, and even real-time Energy Score powered by AI.
If you’re after a smartwatch that combines style with functionality, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is a fantastic option. It’s a smartwatch that looks just as at home in the boardroom as it does at the gym. However, one potential downside is the slight price increase from the previous models. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic starts at $499 for the Bluetooth version and $549 for the LTE version, which may feel like a bit of a jump. But if you can catch a good promotion, you might find a great deal!
With pre-orders open and shipping set to begin on July 25, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is poised to become a must-have for those looking for a premium smartwatch experience.