Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Review

The smartwatch market has long been a two-horse race, but for Android users, one feature has consistently set Samsung apart: the physical rotating bezel. Its absence was felt, its return was yearned for, and with the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, Samsung has not only brought back a fan favorite but has refined its entire wearable formula. This isn’t just another yearly update; it’s a statement piece that blends timeless watch design with a formidable suite of modern technology, aiming to be the definitive Android smartwatch. But in a world of fierce competition, does this spin on a classic design still hold its magic?

From the moment you unbox it, the Watch 8 Classic asserts its premium identity. Forged from a single block of stainless steel (with a pricier titanium option available), it exudes a durability and heft that feels reassuring, not cumbersome. The star of the show, the rotating bezel, is back and better than ever. Each click is a finely tuned, satisfying tactile response that makes navigating menus, scrolling through notifications, and adjusting volume an absolute joy. It’s a functional element that feels so intuitively right, you’ll wonder why anyone ever abandoned it. The sapphire crystal display sits nearly flush with the bezel, creating a seamless and elegant profile that looks at home with a suit and tie or gym shorts. While the 47mm model we tested is undeniably large, Samsung has managed to slightly slim down the chassis, making it more wearable than its predecessors, though those with smaller wrists may still prefer the standard, bezel-less model.

Under the hood, Samsung has equipped the Watch 8 Classic with its new Exynos W1000 dual-core processor. The result is a night-and-day difference in fluidity. Powered by the latest Wear OS, the One UI Watch interface glides under your fingertips. Apps launch without hesitation, watch faces with complex complications update in real-time, and there is a complete absence of the stutter that occasionally plagued older models. This newfound speed is complemented by a meaningful boost in battery life. While heavy users will still be reaching for the charger every other night, we consistently achieved a solid two full days of use with the always-on display active, continuous heart-rate monitoring, and a 45-minute GPS-tracked workout. It’s not a revolutionary leap, but it’s a significant quality-of-life improvement that moves the device from a daily-charge necessity to a reliable multi-day companion.

Samsung continues to pack its wearables with an exhaustive list of health-tracking features. The BioActive sensor returns, providing reliable data for ECG, Blood Pressure, Body Composition, and blood oxygen levels. New this year is an advanced skin temperature sensor that offers more insightful sleep cycle tracking and, for women, predictive menstrual cycle data. The GPS locks on faster than ever, and workout detection is both prompt and accurate. However, the ecosystem’s biggest strength remains its biggest weakness: the best features are still held captive within the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem. While the watch pairs and works well with any Android phone, critical functions like ECG and blood pressure monitoring require a Galaxy smartphone and the Samsung Health Monitor app, a frustrating limitation that fragments the user base and holds the watch back from its full potential.