Skip to main content

Galaxy Watch 8 vs Galaxy Watch 8 Classic

The standard Galaxy Watch 8 and premium Galaxy Watch 8 Classic share the same processor and health sensors but differ in design, materials, navigation, and storage. Here's what sets them apart.


Quick Comparison

FeatureGalaxy Watch 8Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Case MaterialAluminumStainless steel
Sizes40mm, 44mm46mm only
Rotating Bezel❌ Digital/touch✅ Physical
Storage32GB64GB
Display ProtectionSapphire crystalSapphire crystal
Bluetooth Price$349.99 / $379.99$499.99
LTE Price$399.99 / $429.99$549.99

What's the Same

Both models share core technology and health features.

  • Processor: Exynos W1000 (3nm)
  • RAM: 2GB LPDDR5
  • Operating System: Wear OS 6 with One UI 8 Watch
  • Health Sensors: Identical BioActive sensor suite
  • Health Features: Antioxidant Index, ECG, blood pressure, body composition, sleep apnea detection
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, WiFi, NFC, optional LTE
  • Water Resistance: 5ATM + IP68

Design Differences

The models take different design approaches.

  • Galaxy Watch 8: Modern "cushion" squircle design with aluminum construction. Lightweight and contemporary styling for tech-forward users.

  • Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: Traditional circular watch design with stainless steel construction. Features 60-second scale markings and classic watch aesthetics.


The biggest functional difference is how you navigate.

  • Galaxy Watch 8: Touch-based navigation with edge scrolling and crown button rotation. Smartphone-like interaction.

  • Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: Physical rotating bezel with tactile clicks. Precise scrolling without touching the screen. Works better with gloves.


Storage Capacity

The Classic doubles the storage.

  • Galaxy Watch 8: 32GB internal storage. Sufficient for most users with typical app and music needs.

  • Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: 64GB internal storage. Better for extensive music libraries, offline maps, and many apps.


Which Should You Choose?

Choose Galaxy Watch 8 if:

  • You prefer modern, lightweight design
  • Touch navigation is fine for you
  • 32GB storage meets your needs
  • Budget is a consideration ($349-$429)

Choose Galaxy Watch 8 Classic if:

  • You want premium stainless steel construction
  • You prefer physical rotating bezel navigation
  • You need 64GB storage for apps and media
  • You work in business/professional environments
  • Budget isn't the primary concern ($499-$549)

See Also: Galaxy Watch 8 Specifications|Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Specifications|Galaxy Watch 8 Price Guide