Samsung has updated its wearable collection with the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic – but what’s the difference between the two?Samsung has updated its wearable collection with the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic – but what’s the difference between the two?
Samsung has updated its wearable collection with the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic – but what’s the difference between the two?
While there are obvious differences between the two – like the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic featuring the beloved rotating bezel – some of the differences are a little more nuanced.
If you’re on the fence about which to buy at release later this month, we’re here to help. Here are the key differences (and a few similarities) between the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. Pricing and availability
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is available in two sizes – 40mm and 44mm – starting at £319/$349 for the Wi-Fi models, with cellular available at additional cost. It’s up for pre-order at Samsung and third-party retailers now ahead of release on 25 July 2025.
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is also available for pre-order ahead of release on the 25th, but at £449/$499, it’s easily the more premium of the two watches. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic has a traditional look and rotating bezel
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is the follow-up to the Watch 6 Classic and once again features the fan-favourite rotating bezel, which helps you scroll through apps without needing to tap on the screen itself. It means you can see more of the screen as a result, without your finger obscuring things.
Elsewhere, it sports a very traditional wristwatch aesthetic, with traditional detailings, buttons on the right of the screen and an optional leather strap, though both it and the regular Watch 8 now feature the same ‘cushion’ design as the Galaxy Watch Ultra.
This not only brings a level of synchronicity to design across the range, even with different focuses for each wearable, but Samsung claims it makes for a more comfortable experience on the wrist – especially when combined with a new strap lug system.
The regular Galaxy Watch 8, on the other hand, is a much more minimalistic, elegant affair.
