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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGarmin Enduro 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
The Garmin Enduro 3 crushes the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic in battery life: 90 days vs just 49 hours. If you're an endurance athlete or a heavy user, that’s a game-changer. In real-world usage, the Enduro 3's solar charging means less time worrying about recharging and more time enjoying your adventures. However, if you want a versatile smartwatch with a stunning display and intuitive navigation, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic's 3,000 nits brightness and rotating bezel offer plenty of appeal for daily use.
⚖️ Weight: 2.22 oz vs 2.24 oz💽 Storage: 32 GB vs 64 GB🔋 Battery: 90 days vs 49 hours
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Garmin Enduro 3
★4
(7)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:51mm x 51mm x 15.7mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Power Sapphire solar charging lens
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Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
★4.5
(920)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android 12.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM (Galaxy phone required for full feature set)
Operating System:Wear OS 6 (Powered by Samsung) with One UI 8 Watch
Case Size:46mm (46.4 x 46.0 x 10.6 mm)
Case Material:Stainless steel case; Sapphire Crystal glass (Front and Back)
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Garmin Enduro 3
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Garmin Enduro 3
1.4 in (35.56 mm) diameter
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
1.34 in (34.0 mm)
Resolution
Garmin Enduro 3
280 x 280 pixels
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
438 x 438 pixels (327 ppi)
Performance1 specs
Storage
Garmin Enduro 3
32GB
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
64GBWinner
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Garmin Enduro 3
Smartwatch mode: Up to 36 days (90 days with solar); GPS Only: Up to 120 hours (320 hours with solar); Expedition GPS: Unlimited with solar
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
445 mAh; Up to 49 hours (typical usage); Fast wireless charging (WPC)
Design2 specs
Weight
Garmin Enduro 3
63 g (Case only: 57 g) — includes UltraFit nylon strapWinner
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
63.5 g (without strap)
Water Resistance
Garmin Enduro 3
10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
5 ATM + IP68 (Water resistant up to 50 meters)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Garmin Enduro 3
Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Wear OS 6 (Powered by Samsung) with One UI 8 Watch
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Garmin Enduro 3
Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
LTE (Optional); Bluetooth 5.3; Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4+5GHz); NFC
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Garmin Enduro 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Garmin Enduro 3
★4(7)Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
★4.5(920)Amazon
| Criterion | Garmin Enduro 3 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4(7)Amazon | ★4.5(920)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required) | Android 12.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM (Galaxy phone required for full feature set) |
Operating System | Garmin OS (Proprietary) | Wear OS 6 (Powered by Samsung) with One UI 8 Watch |
Case Size | 51mm x 51mm x 15.7mm | 46mm (46.4 x 46.0 x 10.6 mm) |
Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer case with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Power Sapphire solar charging lens | Stainless steel case; Sapphire Crystal glass (Front and Back) |
Display Type | Sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) | Super AMOLED Color Always-On Display |
Display Size | 1.4 in (35.56 mm) diameter | 1.34 in (34.0 mm) |
Resolution | 280 x 280 pixels | 438 x 438 pixels (327 ppi) |
Always On Display | Yes (MIP display is always visible) | Yes (Up to 3,000 nits peak brightness) |
Water Resistance | 10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters) | 5 ATM + IP68 (Water resistant up to 50 meters) |
Durability | MIL-STD-810H (Thermal, Shock, Water); Scratch-resistant Sapphire lens | MIL-STD-810H military standard; Stainless steel frame |
GPS | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou | Dual-band GPS (L1+L5); GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou |
Connectivity | Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi | LTE (Optional); Bluetooth 5.3; Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4+5GHz); NFC |
NFC Payments | Garmin Pay | Samsung Wallet; Google Pay |
Sensors | Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor (ECG capable); Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer | Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Bio-signal + Electrical Heart Signal + BIA); Temperature sensor; Accelerometer; Barometer; Gyro sensor; Geomagnetic sensor; Light sensor; 3D Hall sensor |
Health Features | Garmin ECG App (region dependent); Body Battery; Sleep Score and advanced monitoring; HRV Status; Pulse Ox; Nap detection; Jet Lag Adviser; Health Snapshot | Vascular Load monitoring; Antioxidant Index (AGEs); Sleep Apnea detection; ECG; Blood Pressure (market dependent); Body Composition (BIA); Cycle Tracking with skin temp |
Workout Modes | Ultrarunning (with rest timer); Adventure Racing; Trail Run; Advanced Strength Training; Hiking; Cycling (MTB, Gravel, Road); Swimming (Pool & Open Water); Skiing; Surfing; and 100+ others | Advanced Running Coach; Multisport tile; Race partner; Heart Rate Zones; Auto-detection for workouts |
Storage | 32GB | 64GB |
Speaker Mic | None (Audio prompts via connected Bluetooth headphones only) | Speaker (supports media/calls/Gemini); Microphone |
Calls | No (Can accept/decline calls to control phone; Android users can send text replies) | Yes (via Bluetooth or standalone on LTE models) |
Battery | Smartwatch mode: Up to 36 days (90 days with solar); GPS Only: Up to 120 hours (320 hours with solar); Expedition GPS: Unlimited with solar | 445 mAh; Up to 49 hours (typical usage); Fast wireless charging (WPC) |
Charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included); Solar charging | Fast Wireless Charging |
Weight | 63 g (Case only: 57 g) — includes UltraFit nylon strap | 63.5 g (without strap) |
Band Sizes | Fits wrists 127–225mm (UltraFit nylon strap included); QuickFit 26mm compatible | 20mm standard (One Click system supported) |
Extras | Built-in LED Flashlight (Red/White strobes); Dynamic Round-Trip Routing; TopoActive Maps (preloaded); NextFork Map Guide; Grade Adjusted Pace; Real-time Stamina | Physical rotating bezel; Integrated Google Gemini AI; Gesture controls (Double pinch); Customizable Quick Button |
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Garmin Enduro 3
Rating:★4(7)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:51mm x 51mm x 15.7mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Power Sapphire solar charging lens
Display Type:Sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
Display Size:1.4 in (35.56 mm) diameter
Resolution:280 x 280 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (MIP display is always visible)
Water Resistance:10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters)
Durability:MIL-STD-810H (Thermal, Shock, Water); Scratch-resistant Sapphire lens
GPS:Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou
Connectivity:Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
NFC Payments:Garmin Pay
Sensors:Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor (ECG capable); Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer
Health Features:Garmin ECG App (region dependent); Body Battery; Sleep Score and advanced monitoring; HRV Status; Pulse Ox; Nap detection; Jet Lag Adviser; Health Snapshot
Workout Modes:Ultrarunning (with rest timer); Adventure Racing; Trail Run; Advanced Strength Training; Hiking; Cycling (MTB, Gravel, Road); Swimming (Pool & Open Water); Skiing; Surfing; and 100+ others
Storage:32GB
Speaker Mic:None (Audio prompts via connected Bluetooth headphones only)
Calls:No (Can accept/decline calls to control phone; Android users can send text replies)
Battery:Smartwatch mode: Up to 36 days (90 days with solar); GPS Only: Up to 120 hours (320 hours with solar); Expedition GPS: Unlimited with solar
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included); Solar charging
Weight:63 g (Case only: 57 g) — includes UltraFit nylon strap
Band Sizes:Fits wrists 127–225mm (UltraFit nylon strap included); QuickFit 26mm compatible
Extras:Built-in LED Flashlight (Red/White strobes); Dynamic Round-Trip Routing; TopoActive Maps (preloaded); NextFork Map Guide; Grade Adjusted Pace; Real-time Stamina
✓ Pros:
- • Unrivaled battery life: up to 90 days in smartwatch mode with solar
- • Incredibly lightweight (63g) for a 51mm watch due to nylon strap/titanium
- • Built-in LED flashlight is a game-changer for ultra-endurance events
- • Excellent visibility in direct sunlight thanks to MIP display
- • Preloaded TopoActive maps with SatIQ for superior navigation
✗ Cons:
- • Lacks the speaker/microphone found in the Fenix 8 series
- • No diving certification (unlike Fenix 8 which is rated to 40m)
- • MIP display is less vibrant indoors compared to AMOLED rivals
- • Large 51mm case size may be too bulky for smaller wrists
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Rating:★4.5(920)Amazon
Compatibility:Android 12.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM (Galaxy phone required for full feature set)
Operating System:Wear OS 6 (Powered by Samsung) with One UI 8 Watch
Case Size:46mm (46.4 x 46.0 x 10.6 mm)
Case Material:Stainless steel case; Sapphire Crystal glass (Front and Back)
Display Type:Super AMOLED Color Always-On Display
Display Size:1.34 in (34.0 mm)
Resolution:438 x 438 pixels (327 ppi)
Always On Display:Yes (Up to 3,000 nits peak brightness)
Water Resistance:5 ATM + IP68 (Water resistant up to 50 meters)
Durability:MIL-STD-810H military standard; Stainless steel frame
GPS:Dual-band GPS (L1+L5); GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
Connectivity:LTE (Optional); Bluetooth 5.3; Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4+5GHz); NFC
NFC Payments:Samsung Wallet; Google Pay
Sensors:Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Bio-signal + Electrical Heart Signal + BIA); Temperature sensor; Accelerometer; Barometer; Gyro sensor; Geomagnetic sensor; Light sensor; 3D Hall sensor
Health Features:Vascular Load monitoring; Antioxidant Index (AGEs); Sleep Apnea detection; ECG; Blood Pressure (market dependent); Body Composition (BIA); Cycle Tracking with skin temp
Workout Modes:Advanced Running Coach; Multisport tile; Race partner; Heart Rate Zones; Auto-detection for workouts
Storage:64GB
Speaker Mic:Speaker (supports media/calls/Gemini); Microphone
Calls:Yes (via Bluetooth or standalone on LTE models)
Battery:445 mAh; Up to 49 hours (typical usage); Fast wireless charging (WPC)
Charging:Fast Wireless Charging
Weight:63.5 g (without strap)
Band Sizes:20mm standard (One Click system supported)
Extras:Physical rotating bezel; Integrated Google Gemini AI; Gesture controls (Double pinch); Customizable Quick Button
✓ Pros:
- • Iconic physical rotating bezel for intuitive navigation
- • Display brightness doubled to 3,000 nits (matches Ultra model)
- • Storage capacity increased to 64GB (up from 16/32GB in previous Classics)
- • Premium stainless steel build looks more like a traditional timepiece
✗ Cons:
- • Small 1.34" screen relative to the large 46mm case size (bezel takes up space)
- • Significantly heavier (63.5g) than the aluminum standard models
- • Battery (445 mAh) is smaller than the Galaxy Watch Ultra (590 mAh)
- • Some health features (AGEs, BP) are Samsung Galaxy phone exclusive
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Garmin Enduro 3 is the better buy for most people - its 90 days of battery life crushes the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic's 49 hours. That said, grab the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic if you need a stylish design and advanced health features - it's heavier but offers 32GB more storage.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Garmin Enduro 3 if: you need unbeatable battery life for long adventures, prefer lightweight gear at 2.22 oz, or want advanced navigation features.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic if: you want a beautiful display for daily notifications, need a speaker for calls, or prefer a premium build with a rotating bezel. (2.24 oz weight, 64 GB storage)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Garmin Enduro 3 excels if you value unrivaled battery life: up to 90 days in smartwatch mode with solar. Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is better if you prioritize iconic physical rotating bezel for intuitive navigation. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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