Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic Go Official with Sleeker Design and Smarter Sensors

^{Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic}

Samsung’s squircle design, introduced with the Galaxy Watch Ultra, is now in full force with the launch of the new Galaxy Watch8 series. There are two versions available: the standard Galaxy Watch8 and the Galaxy Watch8 Classic, which features a built-in rotating bezel. Although there’s no “Ultra” variant in sight (at least for now) the new lineup clearly draws design inspiration from it.

Galaxy Watch8

The regular Galaxy Watch8 features a cleaner look, and Samsung has made it 11% slimmer, a design well-suited for users who prefer a sleeker form factor. It comes in two sizes: 40mm and 44mm, featuring 1.34-inch and 1.47-inch displays, respectively. While the displays are still circular, the chassis adopts a squircle shape.

The display is now much brighter, reaching up to 3,000 nits, which is ideal for outdoor visibility. The user interface is accessible via side buttons and a touchscreen display. It runs One UI 8 Watch, based on Google Wear OS 6. Notifications have also been improved through a new feature called “depthless notifications,” which groups similar alerts for easier reading.

It also features a new cushion design that allows the watch to fit snugly on your wrist, enhancing both comfort and the accuracy of its sensors including heart rate monitoring and more.

This cushion design is paired with Samsung’s Dynamic Lug System, which means you can no longer use standard third-party straps. Instead, you’ll need to get straps directly from Samsung or certified suppliers compatible with the Galaxy Watch8.

These new models are powered by the 3nm Exynos W1000 chip, with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. The battery has been upgraded as well: the 40mm variant includes a 325mAh battery, while the 44mm version comes with a 435mAh battery. Both support fast wireless charging.

The Galaxy Watch8 is now available fore pre-order in Silver and Graphite color variants.

Galaxy Watch8 Classic

The new Galaxy Watch8 Classic, on the other hand, is designed for active users and outdoor adventurers. Its rotating bezel retains the signature classic look while providing tactile feedback during navigation. Additionally, there’s a new Quick Button on the side that gives you instant access to your favorite apps.

The display is a 1.34-inch AMOLED panel with a circular shape, enclosed in a squircle chassis. It comes only in a 46mm variant, with a thickness of about 10.6mm which is 0.3mm thinner than the outgoing Watch6 Classic. Despite the slimmer profile, it houses a 425mAh battery.

Powered by the same Exynos W1000, the Galaxy Watch8 Classic features 2GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, doubled from the regular version. It includes advanced biosensors for better health tracking and uses the cushion design for improved sensor accuracy, even during intense movement. A dual GPS module is also onboard for precise location tracking, perfect for outdoor activities.

Samsung introduces a more customized strap design this time with its proprietary Dynamic Lug System, ensuring a snug fit that works seamlessly with the new cushion design for improved comfort and sensor accuracy. However, it comes with a caveat, you can no longer use standard third-party straps. Instead, you’ll need to get compatible wristbands directly from Samsung or its certified partners.

The Galaxy Watch8 Classic is available in Black and White, currently available for pre-order, with an official release date of July 25.