The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic share numerous similarities, complicating the choice between them.
A Samsung Galaxy smartwatch is the ideal partner for a Samsung Galaxy smartphone. If you’re seeking a premium option, the comparison centers on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 2025 vs. Galaxy Watch 8 Classic.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 2025 is a marginally enhanced iteration of Samsung’s initial rugged smartwatch introduced in the summer of 2024, while the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic represents the larger, top-tier model in the newly established standard lineup. The critical question is: does the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 justify the additional expense? Let’s investigate.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 vs. Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: Design and durability
First, let’s examine the aesthetics. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 is the most substantial Samsung Galaxy smartwatch, being bulkier than the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. However, it is also slightly lighter. Both models feature three buttons, including a Quick Button for quick access to commonly used functions.
The key distinction is that the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has a digital-only bezel, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic includes a rotating bezel. Given that Andrew Myrick mentions in his early Galaxy Watch 8 hands-on that the rotating bezel is his preferred method for interacting with a smartwatch, this aspect will be significant for many users like him.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 is available in four titanium colors: Silver, Gray, White, and a new Blue. It features a substantial 1.5-inch AMOLED display with a squircle design capable of achieving peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits. The display is crafted from sapphire crystal, and the watch itself boasts remarkable durability, complying with IP68 and an impressive 10ATM ratings alongside MIL-STD-810H standards for toughness.
Regarding battery performance, it houses a 590mAh battery, identical to the previous generation, which should sustain around four days in power-saving mode and about two days with frequent workout tracking, among other usages.
In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic comes in basic Black or White, though various band styles (sport, fabric, or hybrid alongside third-party selections) can enhance its look. It features a slim and padded design carried over from the original Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra.
This squircle design modification is quite apparent, and Myrick observes that it is something that grew on him after he adjusted to it with last year’s Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra after some time of use. As previously noted, the significant differentiator alongside the Dynamic Lug System is the presence of a practical rotating bezel on this model.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic has a smaller 1.34-inch Super AMOLED sapphire crystal display with the same peak brightness of 3,000 nits. It also possesses both IP68 and MIL-STD-810H certification, although its water resistance is not as strong for deep diving, rated at “only” 5ATM.
The battery capacity is also reduced at 445mAh, and while Samsung hasn’t specified its estimated battery life, charging it at least every day or every other day is reasonable if compared to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Classic, which features a slightly smaller battery.
Both watches support LTE options, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC for contactless payments. Even though the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 carries a higher price tag, trade-in options for older model Samsung Galaxy Watches (excluding the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2024 at the time of writing) may provide some savings.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 vs. Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: Specs
Now let’s compare these two smartwatches regarding their fundamental specifications.
| Category | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic |
|———-|——————————–|——————————–|
| Compatibility | Android 11.0 or higher | Android 11.0 or higher |
| OS | Wear OS 6 (powered by Samsung) + Samsung One UI 6 | Wear OS 6 (powered by Samsung) + Samsung One UI 6 |
| Colors | Titanium Silver, Gray, White, Blue | Titanium Black, White |
| Swappable Band | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | 590mAh | 445mAh |
| Battery Life | Approx. 4 days in power-saving mode, up to 2 days with heavier use | Approx. up to 2 days |
| App | Samsung Health | Samsung Health |
| Heart Rate Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Stress Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Blood Oxygen | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Yes (built-in) | Yes (built-in) |
| Sleep
