Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic review

Design and usability

Last year's Galaxy Watch Ultra cushion design has trickled down to the vanilla and the Classic. It's a bit polarizing, we admit, but Samsung claims it has a functional purpose too. In addition to the new Dynamic Lug system for the straps, the BioActive sensor on the back gets closer to the skin, which in turn improves accuracy.

The Classic is also fitted with the Quick Button, but more on that later.

There's no change in the materials used, though. The Galaxy Watch8 is the same as the Watch7, offering an Armor aluminum 2 housing and a sapphire crystal display. As for the Classic, it retains the stainless steel body and the sapphire crystal glass.

A minor thing to note, but the underside of the watch feels somewhat cheaper now. It's made of hard black plastic, whereas the Galaxy Watch6 Classic has a more polished bottom plate that feels like glass, even though it's not.

There's also no change in the level of protection. Both devices comply with the MIL-STD-810H military standard and are rated IP68 for protection against water and dust.

Dimensions are no longer the same for either watch, and we have some good news and some bad. The good news is that the Galaxy Watch8 is now more than a millimeter thinner than its predecessor, measuring 8.6mm and is still offered in 40mm and 44mm variants.

The Galaxy Watch8 Classic, on the other hand, is no longer available in the 44mm flavor, and the only available version is 46mm, down from 47mm on the Watch6 Classic.

Galaxy Watch6 Classic vs. Wach8 Classic

As a result, the display is also smaller, with the Watch8 Classic now offering a 1.34-inch screen, down from the 1.5" display on the Watch6 Classic.

Dynamic Lug system

The Dynamic Lug system is now a feature on all Galaxy watches, not just the Ultra, and it has its perks. It makes it extremely easy to change straps on the go, which is great for active people, but it also makes it extremely hard to find compatible straps. Okay, maybe not extremely hard, but options are more limited now.

Speaking of straps, the new ones on the Classic are nice and quite reminiscent of the straps that the Watch8 Classic launched with. They are faux leather on the outside, exuding a more premium feel, and silicone on the inside, so they feel more comfortable when sweating during activity.

No changes in the vanilla Watch8's straps - entirely silicone.

At least Samsung is offering a wide range of straps for its models with the Dynamic Lug.

Usability and controls

No surprises in the available controls as the Galaxy Watch8 Classic feels... like a Classic. The rotating bezel is an iconic feature at this point, and if you are looking for a navigation that involves a rotating bezel, there's no other option than the Galaxy Watch8 Classic.

The bezel feels clicky, yet smooth, and it's an excellent way to navigate and minimize the times you touch your screen. It also serves as a protection to your display and takes the scuffs instead.

The Quick Button is a nice addition and offers quick and easy access to your favorite workouts. It's well separated from the back and home buttons, this time around, unlike on the Ultra. Our favorite part is that, just like the bezel, it reduces the need to touch the display. You can start a new workout session without touching the display once, which is convenient if your fingers are wet or you are wearing gloves for your favorite sports.