The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic strikes a perfect balance within the Galaxy smartwatch lineup. Positioned between the entry-level Watch8 and the more rugged Galaxy Watch Ultra, it combines key features from both while maintaining its unique rotating bezel.
This model offers something for those who appreciate both elegance and functionality.
Unboxing the Galaxy Watch8 Classic reveals little in terms of surprises. Inside the box, you’ll find the standard magnetic wireless charging pad with a USB-C cable. Our review unit features a sleek black design with stainless-steel accents, giving it a sophisticated appearance. The included faux leather strap, while stylish, is proprietary, which means you can’t swap it out for any standard 20mm band like previous models allowed.
One of the standout features of the Watch8 Classic is the tactile rotating bezel. If you’re someone who appreciates physical controls, this knob is a joy to use, offering precise and satisfying feedback. Additionally, the Watch8 Classic incorporates the Quick button from the Galaxy Watch Ultra, which is customizable to provide quick access to a range of functions, from shortcuts to more complex features.
Surprisingly, the 46mm version of the Watch8 Classic packs a 1.32-inch AMOLED screen. This is the same size as the much smaller 40mm Galaxy Watch8, but it’s still protected by sapphire glass and boasts a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, which should suffice even in direct sunlight.
Under the hood, the Watch8 Classic is powered by the Exynos W1000 chipset, the same as the other models in the series. Paired with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, the device is well-equipped to handle various tasks smoothly. Samsung promises that the 445mAh battery will last up to 40 hours with the Always-on Display (AoD) turned off and 30 hours with it on. We’ll put these claims to the test along with its health and fitness features in our detailed review. For now, you can check out more of our impressions of the Galaxy Watch8 series for a deeper dive into Samsung’s new lineup.