Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic, introducing a refined design, new health features, and a reimagined user interface. The company has also given a minor refresh to the existing Watch Ultra, now available in a new Titanium Blue color and with upgraded storage.
Samsung has adopted a new “squircle” cushion design across its Galaxy Watch lineup, aiming for improved comfort and more accurate sensor readings. The Galaxy Watch8 is now 11% thinner than its predecessor, measuring just 8.6mm, and comes in two sizes: 40mm and 44mm, with circular AMOLED displays measuring 1.34 inches and 1.47 inches, respectively.
The Galaxy Watch8 Classic, which reintroduces the rotating bezel for tactile navigation, is only available in a 46mm size with a 1.34-inch display. While slightly thinner than last year’s Classic, it lacks a larger screen size, which may disappoint some users.
All models benefit from brighter displays, capable of reaching 3,000 nits, and use Samsung’s new Dynamic Lug system for a more secure wrist fit. However, the new lug design means users must rely on proprietary straps instead of standard ones.
The Watch8 and Watch8 Classic are powered by the Exynos W1000 3nm chip, introduced last year. Both watches include 2GB of RAM, while the standard Watch8 offers 32GB of internal storage and the Classic doubles that to 64GB—matching the Watch Ultra’s latest configuration.
Running on One UI 8 Watch based on Wear OS 6, the devices introduce several UI upgrades, including depthless notifications, customizable widgets, and app pinning. A new Quick Button on the Classic model offers instant access to favorite features.
With redesigned hardware and a more stable fit, the watches now deliver more accurate biometric tracking via Samsung’s enhanced BioActive Sensor. New features in One UI 8 Watch include Bedtime Guidance, Vascular Load, Antioxidant Index, and an upgraded Running Coach. The dual-frequency GPS also improves location accuracy during outdoor workouts.
Battery capacity has slightly increased across the board. The 40mm and 44mm Watch8 models now pack 325mAh and 435mAh batteries, respectively. The Classic model houses a 425mAh cell. All variants support fast wireless charging.
The Galaxy Watch8 is offered in Graphite and Silver, while the Watch8 Classic is available in Black and White.
Meanwhile, the existing Galaxy Watch Ultra receives a modest update with a new Titanium Blue color option and doubled storage capacity, now 64GB. The Galaxy Watch 8 and 8 Classic have a starting price of €380 and €530, respectively, while the Watch Ultra is going for $399.
