The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic could potentially be the most affordable substitute for the Watch Ultra that we have been anticipating.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic vs. Galaxy Watch Ultra: Which one should you choose?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is predicted to launch alongside the Galaxy Watch 8 sometime in July. Enthusiasts can look forward to a combination of the Watch 8’s design and last year’s Watch Ultra. It is expected to be priced lower than the Watch Ultra, suggesting it could achieve great popularity if Samsung executes it well.
Pros:
– Return of the rotating watch bezel
– Enhanced health functionalities with a new BioActive sensor
– Three physical buttons, including a rumored custom action button
– Likely more affordable compared to the Ultra
Cons:
– Anticipated to be offered in just one size
– Squircle design may not appeal to everyone
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Samsung’s elite
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra commands a high price, but it delivers exceptional battery life, a distinctive design, and a notably bright display. It’s designed for rugged outdoor conditions and has the aesthetics to match. However, it might be considered overly large for some users, and the absence of a rotating bezel or crown may persuade buyers to lean towards the Classic instead.
Pros:
– Eye-catching design that stands out
– Bright, durable display
– Enhanced Exynos performance & battery life
– Improved heart rate monitoring accuracy
– Dual-band GPS comparable to Garmin devices
– Integrated LTE connectivity
Cons:
– Lacks a proper crown
– May be too heavy and thick for some wrists
– High cost
Fans of the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic can look forward to an exciting release this year as Samsung is set to introduce a successor with the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. After forgoing the Classic version with the Watch 7 series, the anticipated Watch 8 Classic is believed to feature a design that merges elements from the standard model and the 2024 Galaxy Watch Ultra, according to leaked images. This suggests it may also compete with the Watch Ultra in terms of battery performance and potentially pricing.
This raises the question: between the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic and Galaxy Watch Ultra, which smartwatch provides better value? We will likely have a clearer answer after the Watch 8 series launches officially, but until then, we can certainly speculate based on the available information.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic vs. Galaxy Watch Ultra: Design and display
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is expected to sport a design akin to the Galaxy Watch Ultra, based on leaked visuals from the One UI 8 Watch code. The rough sketches depict a squircle casing with a circular display and what appears to be three buttons on the right. The Watch Ultra introduced a third Quick Button, and it seems that the Watch 8 Classic might also include this feature.
The render of the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, as illustrated above, provides a clearer insight into what the new Classic could resemble. Unlike the Watch 6 Classic, which was available in two sizes, the Watch 8 Classic is likely to be released in just one size, anticipated to be either 46mm or 47mm. It is expected to maintain the same 1.5-inch AMOLED display size as the Galaxy Watch Ultra, along with a matching resolution of 480 x 480 pixels. Other anticipated specifications include a minimum brightness of 2,000 nits and a 60Hz refresh rate.
The rumored dimensions for the Watch 8 Classic indicate a thickness of 14.2mm, making it thicker than the Watch Ultra. Samsung typically does not factor in the width of the sensor underneath, so we hope this 14.2mm measurement includes that as well. If it doesn’t, the Watch 8 Classic could potentially emerge as one of the thickest smartwatches, which might cause concern.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has a large and pronounced presence, weighing 60 grams and measuring 12.1mm in thickness (excluding sensors). The design is also notably impressive, as the case is not your standard smartwatch look. In fact, it closely resembles the Apple Watch Ultra, another high-end smartwatch. The titanium frame surrounding the display grants the Galaxy Watch Ultra an additional degree of durability.
It also features one of the finest displays found on any Samsung watch. The Watch Ultra boasts a 1.5-inch Super AMOLED panel with a 480 x 480 pixel resolution and a peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits. Available in three colors: Titanium Silver, Titanium Gray, and Titanium White. It lacks a rotating bezel, which the Watch 8 Classic is likely to offer, but it comes with a third customizable Quick Button for swiftly navigating activities.
Alongside standard durability certifications like MIL-STD-810H, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is also rated for 10ATM water resistance, which is double that of most other timepieces. It is also tested to endure