The one with the bezel - Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic smartwatch review
Turning the wheel.
Samsung delivers a smartwatch that combines a traditional design with a stainless steel case, a rotating bezel, and a button borrowed from the Watch Ultra. The display is extremely bright, though slightly smaller than before. We tested the Watch8 Classic extensively in everyday use.Benedikt Winkel, 👁 Daniel Schmidt, ✓ (translated by DeepL / Ninh Duy) Published 🇩🇪
Verdict - Galaxy Watch8 Classic with a great overall package
The toughest competitor for the Galaxy Watch8 Classic is the standard Galaxy Watch8. Both models share fast performance, a wide range of features, and bright displays. The Classic stands out with its premium stainless steel case and the convenient rotating bezel, which also helps keep fingerprints off the screen.
However, this design also makes the Classic look much chunkier and it is heavier. Additionally, it features a smaller AMOLED display despite having a larger overall case. This smaller display does, at least, contribute to better battery life.
Pros
Cons
Price and availability
Unlike the standard Samsung Galaxy Watch8, the Watch8 Classic is available in only one size: 46 millimeters. Customers can choose from two colors and an optional LTE version. The Wi-Fi-only model starts at €529 (around $617), while the LTE version costs €50 more.
Samsung sells the smartwatch in its own online store, but the Watch8 Classic is also widely available from many major retailers, such as Amazon.
- $379.00Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (2025) 46mm Bluetooth Smartwatch – Black | Rotating Bezel, Sleep & Fitness Tracking, Energy Score, Quick Button [US Version]
- $439.99Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (2025) 46mm Bluetooth Smartwatch – Black | Rotating Bezel, Sleep & Fitness Tracking, Energy Score, Quick Button [US Version] + Extra Sports Band & Screen Protector
Table of Contents
- Verdict - Galaxy Watch8 Classic with a great overall package
- Case and features - Samsung uses stainless steel for the Classic
- Setup and operation - Samsung continues with two apps
- Health and fitness - Samsung focuses on energy value
- Display - Galaxy Watch8 Classic shrinks the screen
- Performance and runtime - Galaxy Watch8 Classic runs smoothly
- Possible alternatives in comparison
Samsung has launched the Galaxy Watch8 alongside the Galaxy Watch8 Classic. The company releases a new Classic model only every two years, making the Watch8 Classic the direct successor to the Watch6 Classic.
The main difference between Watch8 and Watch8 Classic lies in their design and materials - their features are otherwise identical. However, the Watch8 Classic offers twice the storage capacity of the standard Watch8, at 64 GB.
Case and features - Samsung uses stainless steel for the Classic
Visually, the Galaxy Watch8 Classic take cues from the Watch Ultra watch, combining both round and square design elements. It also inherits the Ultra’s extra “Quick Button.” The rotating bezel remains a defining feature of the Classic. Overall, the Classic looks noticeably bulkier than the standard Watch8.
Instead of aluminum, the Classic features a stainless steel case, which makes it heavier but also gives it a more premium appearance. Build quality is excellent. A microphone sits between the two buttons, while the speaker is positioned on the opposite side.
The 22 mm synthetic leather strap can be detached with a single press, but standard watch straps are not compatible. The Galaxy Watch8 Classic weighs 63.2 grams without the strap and 87.3 grams with it attached.
Sustainability - Samsung keeps quiet
Samsung provides little information regarding sustainability. There are no details about recycled materials, CO₂ footprint, repairability, or software update policies. At least the packaging is plastic-free.
Setup and operation - Samsung continues with two apps
When first powered on, the Galaxy Watch8 Classic is automatically detected by Android smartphones. Setup is handled through the Samsung Wear app, which requires an additional plugin for the watch. A Google account is mandatory, and numerous permissions must be granted during installation.
During setup, users are asked about wrist orientation, health features, and basic preferences. Once completed, an overview appears in the app, and a short tutorial runs directly on the watch. All fitness data is managed through the Samsung Health app.
Operation is handled through the 1.3-inch AMOLED display, three buttons, the rotating bezel, and gesture controls. Tiles, watch faces, and button functions are largely customizable. Emergency contacts can be saved, and workout data is tracked in the Samsung Health app.
The rotating bezel can be used to navigate through menus, while the Quick Button offers limited customization options.
Telephony and notifications - Galaxy Watch8 Classic with full keyboard
Thanks to its built-in microphone and speaker, the Galaxy Watch8 Classic can also be used for phone calls. Call quality is good, and the speaker is loud enough for most environments. We tested the Wi-Fi version, which relies on a Bluetooth connection to the smartphone.
Notifications are displayed reliably, including emojis and images. Replies can be composed using the on-screen keyboard, preset messages, emojis, voice input, or handwriting recognition. Despite the small display area, text input works surprisingly well.
Voice assistant - Samsung integrates Google Gemini
Google Gemini is integrated right from setup. The assistant responds reliably to voice commands and can handle complex requests without issue.
Samsung's Bixby is also available, but offers significantly fewer functions.
Health and fitness - Samsung focuses on energy value
A new addition is the so-called Energy Score, which is calculated from sleep and activity data to provide insights into overall daily performance. It’s complemented by personalized assessments and recommendations.
Also new is the AGEs Index for evaluating metabolic fitness. This metric includes measurements related to antioxidants, vascular load, and body composition.
Activity goals - Samsung hearts on the smartwatch
Activities are represented by heart icons that fill up as goals are achieved. Core metrics include steps, calories burned, and active minutes, along with distance, floors climbed, and workout duration.
Data can be synchronized with other apps through Google Health Connect.
Heart rate, heart rhythm and blood oxygen saturation
The Galaxy Watch8 Classic measures heart rate, blood oxygen, blood pressure and ECG - the latter two, however, only work in conjunction with a Samsung smartphone.
To better evaluate the accuracy of its measurements, we compared the Galaxy Watch8 Classic with several reference devices. In general, it’s difficult to determine absolute accuracy, as noted in our Background report.
For heart rate tracking, we used a Polar H10 chest strap as the reference device. Both devices recorded identical resting heart rates, with an average deviation of 2.37% across three measurements. The maximum deviation in a single test was 7 beats per minute.
For blood oxygen saturation, we used a Braun Pulse Oximeter 1 as the reference device. The average deviation across three tests was just 0.35%, with a maximum difference of 2 percentage points.
Blood pressure can also be measured with the Galaxy Watch8 Classic, but only after calibration with an external device. In this case, we used the Braun ExactFit 5 Connect as the reference. The average deviation from three measurements was 0.29% for the systolic value and 3.65% for the diastolic value, with a maximum deviation of 3 mmHg in one test.
The Galaxy Watch8 Classic is also capable of performing ECG measurements.
Sleep tracking - Samsung introduces Sleep Score and Sleep Animal
Samsung uses a Sleep Score system for tracking rest. It combines metrics such as total sleep time, deep and REM phases, recovery, and latency, and is supplemented with personalized recommendations and long-term trends. The watch also records heart rate, temperature, oxygen saturation, and breathing rate. Snoring and sleep apnea can be detected when the smartwatch is paired with a smartphone.
The Samsung Health app generates detailed logs, assigns users a “sleep animal,” and offers sleep coaching. There’s no dedicated smart alarm, but the watch can sync with the smartphone’s alarm function.
Training recording - Galaxy Watch8 Classic with Running Coach
The Galaxy Watch8 Classic tracksa wide range of sports, each with customizable settings and interim summaries. A new feature is the built-in Running Coach, which is still in beta. It evaluates running performance over a 12-minute session and then creates a personalized training plan based on the results.
Automatic workout detection works very well. The Samsung Health app also includes video-based training courses, some of which require payment. During testing, we occasionally recorded incorrect entries for gymnastics when using the Quick Button.
GPS and navigation - Google Maps integrated
The Galaxy Watch8 Classic supports all major satellite systems. Routes can be exported and imported, for example, for training sessions. Google Maps comes pre-installed, and navigation works reliably.
However, since our test unit lacked an LTE module, route calculation only worked when the watch was paired with a smartphone.
Display - Galaxy Watch8 Classic shrinks the screen
Although the Galaxy Watch8 Classic is larger than the standard Galaxy Watch8 at 46 millimeters wide, it actually features a smaller display. The Super AMOLED panel measures 1.3 inches, whereas the 44-millimeter Galaxy Watch8 uses a 1.5-inch screen.
Both models reached the same maximum brightness of 3,052 cd/m² in our tests - at least when the ambient light sensor is active.Without the sensor, brightness is limited to 533 nits. In everyday use, the maximum brightness is impressive, and the smartwatch remains easy to read at all times.
| Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic | Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic | Apple Watch Series 9 45mm | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Huawei Watch GT 6 | Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Response Times | ||||||
| PWM Frequency (Hz) | 60 | 60 | 310 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
| PWM Amplitude * (%) | 41.98 | |||||
| Screen | -38% | -47% | -3% | 2% | 4% | |
| Brightness middle (cd/m²) | 3050 | 1906 -38% | 1619 -47% | 2947 -3% | 3110 2% | 3174 4% |
| Black Level * (cd/m²) | ||||||
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | -38% /
-38% | -47% /
-47% | -3% /
-3% | 2% /
2% | 4% /
4% |
* ... smaller is better
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| Screen flickering / PWM detected | 60 Hz |  | |
The display backlight flickers at 60 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) . The frequency of 60 Hz is very low, so the flickering may cause eyestrain and headaches after extended use. In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 8214 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured. | |||
Performance and runtime - Galaxy Watch8 Classic runs smoothly
Inside the Galaxy Watch8 Classic is Samsung’s Exynos W1000, paired with 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage. The watch operates smoothly, and apps launch without noticeable delay. In benchmarks, the Galaxy Watch8 Classic ranks among the top performers.
| Octane V2 - Total Score | |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic (Samsung Internet Browser 5.0) | |
| Average Samsung Exynos W1000 (12676 - 13654, n=4) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch8 (Samsung Internet Browser 4.2.) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch7 LTE 44mm (Samsung Browser 3.2) | |
| OnePlus Watch 2 (samsung browser 3.0) | |
| Google Pixel Watch 2 LTE (Samsung Browser 3.0) | |
| Sunspider - 1.0 Total Score | |
| Google Pixel Watch 2 LTE (Samsung Brwoser 3.0) | |
| OnePlus Watch 2 (samsung browser 3.0) | |
| Apple Watch Series 9 45mm | |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch7 LTE 44mm | |
| Average Samsung Exynos W1000 (358 - 490, n=4) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch8 (Samsung Internet Browser 4.2.) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic (Samsung Internet Browser 5.0) | |
| Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total | |
| Apple Watch Series 9 45mm | |
| OnePlus Watch 2 (samsung browser 3.0) | |
| Google Pixel Watch 2 LTE (Samsung Browser 3.0) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic (Samsung Internet Browser 5.0) | |
| Average Samsung Exynos W1000 (2802 - 3090, n=4) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch8 (Samsung Internet Browser 4.2.) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch7 LTE 44mm (Samsung Browser 3.2) | |
| Speedometer 2.0 - Result | |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic (Samsung Intenet Brwoser 5.0) | |
| Apple Watch Series 9 45mm | |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch8 (Samsung Internet Browser 4.2.) | |
| Average Samsung Exynos W1000 (31.4 - 41.9, n=4) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch7 LTE 44mm (Samsung Browser 3.2) | |
| Google Pixel Watch 2 LTE (Samsung Browser 3.0) | |
| OnePlus Watch 2 (Samsung Browser 3.0) | |
* ... smaller is better
Battery life - Galaxy Watch8 Classic lasts at least 1.5 days
With a capacity of 445 mAh, the Galaxy Watch8 Classic’s battery is 10 mAh larger than that of the regular Galaxy Watch8. Combined with the slightly smaller display, this results in marginally longer runtimes. With all sensors active, automatic workout detection enabled, and the always-on display turned on, the Classic lasted about 33 hours before needing a recharge.
In our tests, the Galaxy Watch8 was the LTE version, while the Classic was the Wi-Fi model. Charging is wireless via the Qi standard, and the Watch8 Classic reaches a full charge in about 90 minutes using an Anker 335 power supply unit.
Possible alternatives in comparison
Image | Model | Price | Size | Weight | Battery Capacity | Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1.  | Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic Exynos W1000, Mali-G68 MP2 | Amazon: 1. $460.22 Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Class... 2. $379.00 Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Class... 3. $439.99 Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Class... | 1.30" | 87.3 g | 445 mAh | 1.30" 438x438 Super AMOLED |
2.  | Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Exynos W1000, Mali-G68 MP2 | Amazon: 1. $329.99 Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (2025... 2. $379.00 Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Class... 3. $374.95 SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 8 Class... List Price: 459€ | 1.50" | 52.1 g | 43544 mAh | 1.50" 480x480 AMOLED |
3.  | Samsung Galaxy Watch7 LTE 44mm Exynos W1000, Mali-G68 MP2 | List Price: 399€ | 1.50" | 33.8 g | 425 mAh | 1.50" 480x480 453 PPI Super AMOLED |
4.  | Google Pixel Watch 2 LTE SD W5 Gen 1 | Amazon: 1. $61.94 Google Pixel Watch, 41mm Pol... 2. $196.70 Google Pixel Watch 2 (Previo... 3. $74.99 Google Pixel - Android Smart... List Price: 449€ | 1.20" | 57 g | 306 mAh | 1.20" 450x450 320 PPI OLED |
5.  | OnePlus Watch 2 SD W5 Gen 1 | Amazon: $227.19 List Price: 299 329 | 1.43" | 80 g | 500 mAh | 1.43" 466x466 326 PPI AMOLED |
6.  | Apple Watch Series 9 45mm S9 | Amazon: List Price: 479€ | 1.90" | 47 g | 308 mAh | 1.90" 484x352 329 PPI OLED |
Transparency
The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was provided to the author as a loan by the manufacturer or retailer for the purpose of this review. The lender had no influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.
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