Samsung’s Galaxy Watch lineup has evolved significantly over the years, from the Classic to the Pro and Ultra models, but one thing remained clear: consistency was not their strong suit. While Apple has built a strong and recognizable smartwatch identity with its steady design evolution, Samsung’s watches have often lacked a distinct, lasting identity.
That’s why the rumored return of the Galaxy Watch Classic with the upcoming Galaxy Watch 8 series is such a big deal.
The Galaxy Watch Classic was the model that defined Samsung’s presence in the smartwatch market. It was unique, with its mechanical rotating bezel, setting it apart from competitors. This isn’t just a nostalgic comeback – it’s a strategic move to correct course. The Galaxy Watch Classic was the one design that truly worked, and its return could be Samsung’s best chance to challenge Apple’s dominance in the smartwatch arena.
Scheduled for unveiling at the upcoming Unpacked event on July 9, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic could mark a pivotal moment in the smartwatch market. Samsung is reintroducing its most recognizable and beloved model, which could be the key to reclaiming its place at the top.
The Galaxy Watch Classic was unlike anything else on the market. It featured a mechanical rotating bezel that made it stand out from the competition. This tactile feature was both intuitive and practical, offering a traditional watch experience that was missing from many smartwatches, including Apple’s. Apple’s watches, for instance, were more about the tech, but didn’t quite nail the “watch” aspect. Even Google’s Pixel Watch, while stylish, didn’t quite deliver in terms of features or software. The rotating bezel, however, gave Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Classic a tangible advantage.
When Samsung released the Galaxy Watch 7, it ditched the iconic rotating bezel for a touch-sensitive one, but it just didn’t have the same appeal. Despite some decent upgrades like dual-band GPS and the new Energy Score, the Watch 7 felt too basic and lacked the personality of the Classic. It didn’t capture the essence of what made the Galaxy Watch unique.
Then there was the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Samsung’s attempt to rival Apple’s popular Apple Watch Ultra had its moments, but it didn’t carry the same innovation that characterized previous Galaxy Watches. The Ultra had new features like a titanium build, an impressive 3,000-nit display, and a powerful Exynos W1000 chip, but it often felt more like a copy of Apple’s product rather than an original design.
The reappearance of the Galaxy Watch Classic is a return to what made Samsung’s watches special in the first place. It’s a sign that Samsung recognizes the value of the original design and is making a statement with its comeback.
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is expected to feature a stainless steel body, a 46mm size, a large battery, and the return of the mechanical bezel. Leaked renders suggest it will offer the same sensors as the standard Watch 8, including ECG, skin temperature, and SpO2, along with One UI Watch 8 on Wear OS 6. It’s also rumored to come with the latest AI tools from Samsung, like smarter workout suggestions and more advanced tracking for things like vascular load and blood glucose monitoring.
But the Galaxy Watch Classic isn’t just for fitness enthusiasts. While the standard Watch 8 might be a better fit for those leading an active lifestyle, the Classic is designed for those who want their smartwatch to look and feel like a traditional watch. With a design inspired by dive watches and tool chronometers, the rotating bezel serves a practical function, letting users scroll through apps and menus with ease.
The Galaxy Watch Classic fills a gap in the market that Apple has yet to address. Apple’s watches are either sleek and square or bulky and rugged, but they always look unmistakably “smart.” They never quite pass for a regular watch. Samsung has the opportunity to own this untapped space, offering a smartwatch that looks like a traditional timepiece but with all the modern features a smartwatch offers.
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Classic is poised to become the face of the company’s smartwatch lineup. With its distinct design, practical features, and premium appeal, it offers something that Apple’s watches can’t: a smartwatch that looks and feels like a real watch. It’s a design that combines the best of both worlds, and Samsung has a chance to make it their own.
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