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Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic: Gemini on the wrist
by Jan Johannsen
Now available: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, Classic and Ultra (2025)
4.8.2025
Translation: machine translated
The new smartwatches come with a playful case design and, among other things, a significantly brighter display compared to the previous models.
You can now buy three new smartwatch models from Samsung from us: the Galaxy Watch 8, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic and the Galaxy Ultra (version 2025). The watches hardly differ in terms of sensors and software. The differences lie mainly in the external look. You can find out more below.
Samsung describes the case shape of the new generation of smartwatches as a «cushion design»: Take a square and round off its corners so much that it almost forms a circle. The actual circular display inserted into the case creates a playful frame between the screen and the edge of the case. This visually sets the watch apart from the competition. In the previous model, Samsung still favoured a completely circular design. The display is protected by sapphire glass.
My colleague Jan has already tested the standard model and the Classic version.
My colleague Jan has already tested the standard model and the Classic version.
Galaxy Watch 8
The standard model of the current smartwatch line-up offers the largest selection of variants. You can choose between black and white and a case size of 40 and 44 millimetres. You can also decide whether your watch should only support Wi-Fi or also 4G. This results in a total of eight variants.
The model has 32 gigabytes of storage space. The smaller version has a 325 mAh battery, while the larger version with a diameter of 44 millimetres has 435 mAh. However, this should not affect the battery life: Samsung specifies a runtime of up to 30 hours with the Always-On Display activated for both variants. The casing is made of aluminium.
Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
If you prefer the look of classic watches to the sleek, sporty look of the Galaxy Watch 8, the Classic model is the right choice for you. Unlike its predecessor, it once again has a rotating bezel. This model with a stainless steel finish is available in black and white and with or without 4G. At 46 millimetres in diameter, all models are the same size.
If you've been following Samsung's smartwatch releases, you might be wondering where the Galaxy Watch 7 Classic is. Rightly so: Samsung has simply skipped the seven. The direct predecessor model is therefore the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic.
Compared to the previous model, the new generation has even more visual details, such as fine notches on the edge of the bezels and numerals on the outer ring. The Watch 8 Classic has 64 gigabytes of storage space and the 445 mAh battery is said to last up to 30 hours with an always-on display.
Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
The Galaxy Watch Ultra with titanium case offers most of the features in the line-up. The inner workings and size of this year's Ultra generation are the same: all watches measure 47 millimetres in diameter and are equipped with 4G functionality. The only difference is the choice of colours. The watch is available in black, white, dark blue and orange.
Compared to the previous version, the display has been shrunk a little: it is now 1.34 inches in size. The previous version came with a 1.5-inch display. The Ultra also has 64 gigabytes of memory. According to the manufacturer, the 590 mAh battery lasts for up to 60 hours with Always-On Display and up to 100 hours in energy-saving mode. Another new feature of this watch is an integrated 86-decibel siren for emergencies.
Common features of the three models
All watches are equipped with a Super AMOLED display that achieves a peak brightness of 3000 nits. This makes it up to 1000 nits brighter than the previous versions - except for the Ultra, which has not improved in this respect. The new smartwatches are equipped with the same processor, an Exynos W1000, and all have access to two gigabytes of RAM. The sensor equipment and software platform (One UI Watch 8.0) are also identical.
All three watches are dust and water resistant to IP68. While the Standard and Classic models are water-resistant up to five ATM, the Ultra is water-resistant up to ten ATM.
On the software side, Samsung continues to focus on data analysis using AI. According to Samsung, the new generation of smartwatches is the first to be able to measure the antioxidant content in your body. As a result, the watch's in-house «Galaxy AI» can draw conclusions about your eating habits and lifestyle and give you tips on how to improve them.
Intelligent reports and recommendations, for example for better and healthier sleep, are also part of «Galaxy AI». By means of a calculated energy score, which includes training, health and sleep data, you can find out in the morning how productive you are for the day. A personal AI coach is also on board. It creates coaching plans for you that adapt to your performance.
Header image: Samsung
Feels just as comfortable in front of a gaming PC as she does in a hammock in the garden. Likes the Roman Empire, container ships and science fiction books. Focuses mostly on unearthing news stories about IT and smart products.
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