Samsung Galaxy Watch 2025: Why It’s a Top Pick for Smartwatch Buyers

The physical rotating bezel is back, and it has redefined the premium smartwatch experience for Android users. Samsung’s latest wearable, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, marks a significant return to form, blending its most beloved design feature with cutting-edge health technology and robust performance. This launch solidifies Samsung’s position at the forefront of the wearable tech arena, offering a compelling alternative in a market dominated by a few key players.

Targeting fitness enthusiasts and professionals alike, the Watch 8 Classic is engineered not just to track activity but to provide profound insights into the user’s overall well-being, making it a central hub for health on the wrist.

What Makes the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Stand Out?

The most immediate differentiator for the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is its iconic physical rotating bezel. Hailed by long-time users for its intuitive and precise navigation, especially in wet conditions or with gloves on, its return addresses a key feedback point from the Samsung community. Beyond navigation, the watch introduces a new “squircle” design—a fusion of a square and circle—that allows the updated BioActive Sensor to sit flush against the wrist. This design is crucial, as it significantly improves the accuracy of advanced health metrics like heart rate monitoring, electrocardiogram (ECG), and bioelectrical impedance analysis for body composition.

Under the hood, the device is powered by the same efficient 3nm Exynos W1000 chipset found in its predecessor, ensuring snappy performance and smooth operation within the new Wear OS 6 and One UI 8 environment. Users benefit from a brighter 1.34-inch display, a larger battery, and doubled storage capacity to 32GB, providing ample space for apps, music, and data.

Advanced Health Features for a Proactive Lifestyle

Samsung has dramatically expanded the health and wellness toolkit available on the Watch 8 Classic. It builds upon the established suite of features—including blood pressure monitoring, sleep staging analysis, and fall detection—by introducing several new, data-driven functionalities. A new Vascular Load measurement assesses arterial stiffness, offering an early indicator of potential cardiovascular issues. The Antioxidant Index provides an estimate of the body’s antioxidant levels based on diet and lifestyle, while the new Running Coach feature offers real-time, AI-powered form feedback to help prevent injury and improve efficiency.

These features, combined with the convenience of the physical bezel and the seamless integration with the Samsung ecosystem, position the Watch 8 Classic as a top-tier choice for Android smartphone owners seeking a comprehensive and user-friendly wearable.

The device represents a mature synthesis of user-friendly design and sophisticated health technology, making advanced wellness tracking more accessible and actionable than ever before. For anyone invested in the Android ecosystem and serious about their health data, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is not just a smartwatch; it’s an indispensable personal wellness partner.

Must Know

What is the battery life of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic?
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic features an improved battery that typically lasts over 40 hours on a single charge with always-on display activated. Battery life can vary significantly based on usage, such as GPS tracking or LTE connectivity.

Does the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic work with an iPhone?
While limited compatibility exists for basic notifications, the full suite of health features, app integrations, and core functionality is designed exclusively for Android smartphones, particularly those within the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem.

What is the price of the new Samsung watch?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic has a starting price of $499 for the Bluetooth model. The LTE cellular version, which allows for calls and data independent of a phone, is priced higher.

Is the rotating bezel on the Watch 8 Classic durable?
Yes, the physical rotating bezel is engineered for durability and is designed to withstand daily wear and tear. It is a hallmark feature known for its robust construction from previous Classic models.

What new health features does the Watch 8 Classic have?
Key new health features include Vascular Load measurement, an Antioxidant Index, AI-powered Running Coach guidance, and enhanced Bedtime Guidance for improved sleep hygiene.

Can you take calls on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic?
Yes, the watch supports Bluetooth calling when connected to a phone. The LTE model allows you to make and receive calls directly from the watch, even if your smartphone is not nearby.