Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs. Watch 8 Classic: Is the extra Rs. 18,000.00 Worth it?

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July, 2025

Choosing a new smartwatch can be tough, especially when two excellent options from Samsung go head-to-head. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic are here, packed with upgraded AI and refined designs. But the big question for many comes down to that 18000 rupees price difference – is the Classic’s iconic rotating bezel really worth the premium? Let’s dive deep to help you decide.

Shared Smarts: Powering Your Health & Daily Life

You’ll be happy to know that both the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic share the same powerful brains. They run on a new five-core Exynos W1000 processor, boast 2GB of RAM, and offer a generous 32GB of storage. Running on Samsung’s One UI 8 built on Google’s Wear OS 6, you’re guaranteed a smooth, intuitive experience.

One of the most exciting advancements for both models is the integration of smarter AI. You’ll get Google’s generative AI for seamless voice assistance, alongside Samsung’s enhanced AI for in-depth health and sleep insights.

When it comes to tracking your well-being, these watches are virtually identical in their impressive capabilities. Get ready for:

Antioxidant Level Measurement: A unique new metric for a more complete health picture.
Vascular Load Tracking: Understand your body’s strain during sleep.
Built-in Sleep Coach: Personalized guidance to help you catch those Zs.
Running Coach: Improve your performance with a 12-minute running test and tailored feedback.

These new features build on an already robust suite, including FDA-approved sleep apnea monitoring, AGEs index tracking, blood oxygen saturation, continuous heart rate monitoring, detailed sleep cycle analysis, snoring detection, and comprehensive body composition analysis. Plus, both watches handle your daily essentials like contactless payments, calls, and texts with ease.

And let’s talk about the display – both models offer a significant upgrade in brightness, hitting an impressive 3,000 nits. That means your screen will be super legible, even under bright sunlight.

The Big Divide: Design, Size, and That Rs. 18,000 Question

The main reasons to pick one over the other come down to aesthetics, available sizes, and, of course, the price tag.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: Modern, Sleek, and Budget-Friendly

Design: If you love a sleek, modern, and minimalist look, the Watch 8 is your go-to. It features a fixed bezel and a thinner profile that feels light on your wrist.
Price: Starting at Rs. 32,999.00 for the 40mm Bluetooth-only model, it’s the more accessible option.
Sizes: Available in two versatile sizes: 40mm and 44mm. You can also opt for LTE connectivity for on-the-go independence.
Screen Size: The 44mm model boasts the largest screen at 1.5 inches (480×480 pixels), giving you more screen real estate. The 40mm has a 1.3-inch display.
Battery: The 40mm model packs a 325mAh battery, while the 44mm steps up to 435mAh.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: Timeless Elegance & the Rotating Bezel

Design: For those who appreciate a traditional watch aesthetic, the Watch 8 Classic is a winner. Its defining feature is the beloved physical rotating bezel, which not only looks great but also offers a satisfying tactile way to navigate. It also includes an inset bezel with minute markings and an extra physical button.
Price: Starting at Rs. 50,999.00 for the 46mm Bluetooth-only version, you’re paying a Rs. 18,000.00 premium for that classic feel and rotating bezel.
Sizes: Exclusively available in a 46mm size, making it a bolder presence on your wrist.
Screen Size: Interestingly, despite its larger overall size, the 46mm Classic features a 1.3-inch screen (438×438 pixels), matching the smaller 40mm Watch 8.
Battery: It comes with a slightly larger 445mAh battery. Samsung notes this is mainly to maintain consistent battery life with all the new features, rather than significantly extending it.

Making Your Choice: Is the Bezel Worth It?

At the end of the day, both the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic are incredibly capable smartwatches that deliver top-tier performance and comprehensive health tracking.

Your decision will likely hinge on your personal style and budget:

If you prefer a modern, sleek design and want to save some cash, the Galaxy Watch 8 is an outstanding choice that doesn’t compromise on features.
If you crave that classic watch look, love the satisfying click of a physical rotating bezel, and don’t mind paying the extra Rs. 18,000.00, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic offers an unparalleled premium experience.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 vs. Watch 8 Classic: Detailed Comparison

Here’s a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic, presented in a table format for easy reference:

Feature	Samsung Galaxy Watch 8	Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Design	Streamlined, modern, fixed bezel, thinner case	Traditional watch aesthetic, physical rotating bezel, inset minute markings, extra physical button
Starting Price	Rs. 32,999.00 (40mm Bluetooth-only)	Rs. 50,999.00 (46mm Bluetooth-only)
Sizes Available	40mm, 44mm	46mm only
LTE Option	Available	Available
Processor	Five-core Exynos W1000	Five-core Exynos W1000
Memory (RAM)	2GB	2GB
Storage	32GB	32GB
Operating System	One UI 8 (on Wear OS 6)	One UI 8 (on Wear OS 6)
AI Features	Google’s generative AI, Samsung health/sleep AI	Google’s generative AI, Samsung health/sleep AI
Display Size	1.3 inches (40mm), 1.5 inches (44mm)	1.3 inches (46mm)
Display Resolution	438×438 pixels (40mm), 480×480 pixels (44mm)	438×438 pixels (46mm)
Max Brightness	3,000 nits	3,000 nits
Battery Capacity	325mAh (40mm), 435mAh (44mm)	445mAh (46mm)
New Health Features	Antioxidant level measurement, vascular load tracking (sleep), built-in sleep coach, running coach with 12-minute test	Antioxidant level measurement, vascular load tracking (sleep), built-in sleep coach, running coach with 12-minute test
Existing Health Features	FDA-approved sleep apnea monitoring, AGEs index tracking, blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, sleep cycle monitoring, snoring detection, body composition analysis	FDA-approved sleep apnea monitoring, AGEs index tracking, blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, sleep cycle monitoring, snoring detection, body composition analysis
Lifestyle Features	Google Play Store access, contactless payments, calls, texts	Google Play Store access, contactless payments, calls, texts

Think about what feels best on your wrist and which design truly speaks to you. Both watches are ready to be your ultimate health and lifestyle companion.