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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGarmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
The Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) is the better buy for most people - its impressive 16-day battery life crushes the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic's 49 hours. If you're an outdoor adventurer or fitness enthusiast, the lightweight design and built-in LED flashlight of the Garmin make it a no-brainer. In real-world use, the Garmin's long battery life means you can go on extended trips without worrying about charging. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, with its 3,000 nits display, is great for everyday use and navigation thanks to its rotating bezel, but its smaller screen and similar-weight build might not be ideal for everyone.
⚖️ Weight: 2.47 oz vs 2.24 oz💽 Storage: 32 GB vs 64 GB🏷️ Battery: 16 days vs 49 hours
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Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
★4.7
(1,201)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:47 x 47 x 14.5 mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Sapphire Crystal 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 epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
1.3 in (33.0 mm) diameter
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
1.34 in (34.0 mm)
Resolution
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
416 x 416 pixels
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
438 x 438 pixels (327 ppi)
Performance1 specs
Storage
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
32GB
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
64GBWinner
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Smartwatch mode: Up to 16 days (6 days always-on); GPS Only: Up to 42 hours (30 hours always-on); Expedition GPS: Up to 14 days
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
445 mAh; Up to 49 hours (typical usage); Fast wireless charging (WPC)
Design2 specs
Weight
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
70 g (Case only: 47 g) — Titanium model
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
63.5 g (without strap)Winner
Water Resistance
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
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 epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Wear OS 6 (Powered by Samsung) with One UI 8 Watch
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
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.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
★4.7(1,201)Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
★4.5(920)Amazon
| Criterion | Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) | Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,201)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 | 47 x 47 x 14.5 mm | 46mm (46.4 x 46.0 x 10.6 mm) |
Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Sapphire Crystal lens | Stainless steel case; Sapphire Crystal glass (Front and Back) |
Display Type | AMOLED; Always-On Mode available | Super AMOLED Color Always-On Display |
Display Size | 1.3 in (33.0 mm) diameter | 1.34 in (34.0 mm) |
Resolution | 416 x 416 pixels | 438 x 438 pixels (327 ppi) |
Always On Display | Yes (optional) | 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 | 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; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor | 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 | ECG App (FDA cleared); Hill Score; Endurance Score; Jet Lag Adviser; Body Battery; Sleep Score; HRV Status; Health Snapshot; Pulse Ox | 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 Strength Training; HIIT; Running (Track, Trail, Ultra); Cycling (MTB, eBike); Skiing/Snowboarding; Surfing; Golf (43,000+ courses); Soccer; Tennis; and 80+ 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 16 days (6 days always-on); GPS Only: Up to 42 hours (30 hours always-on); Expedition GPS: Up to 14 days | 445 mAh; Up to 49 hours (typical usage); Fast wireless charging (WPC) |
Charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger (clip-on data cable) | Fast Wireless Charging |
Weight | 70 g (Case only: 47 g) — Titanium model | 63.5 g (without strap) |
Band Sizes | Fits wrists 125–208mm (Silicone band included); QuickFit 22mm compatible | 20mm standard (One Click system supported) |
Extras | Built-in LED Flashlight (Red/White strobes); Red Shift Mode (preserves night vision); Outdoor Maps+; Real-time Stamina; Morning Report | Physical rotating bezel; Integrated Google Gemini AI; Gesture controls (Double pinch); Customizable Quick Button |
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Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm)
Rating:★4.7(1,201)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:47 x 47 x 14.5 mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Sapphire Crystal lens
Display Type:AMOLED; Always-On Mode available
Display Size:1.3 in (33.0 mm) diameter
Resolution:416 x 416 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (optional)
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
Connectivity:Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
NFC Payments:Garmin Pay
Sensors:Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor
Health Features:ECG App (FDA cleared); Hill Score; Endurance Score; Jet Lag Adviser; Body Battery; Sleep Score; HRV Status; Health Snapshot; Pulse Ox
Workout Modes:Advanced Strength Training; HIIT; Running (Track, Trail, Ultra); Cycling (MTB, eBike); Skiing/Snowboarding; Surfing; Golf (43,000+ courses); Soccer; Tennis; and 80+ 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 16 days (6 days always-on); GPS Only: Up to 42 hours (30 hours always-on); Expedition GPS: Up to 14 days
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (clip-on data cable)
Weight:70 g (Case only: 47 g) — Titanium model
Band Sizes:Fits wrists 125–208mm (Silicone band included); QuickFit 22mm compatible
Extras:Built-in LED Flashlight (Red/White strobes); Red Shift Mode (preserves night vision); Outdoor Maps+; Real-time Stamina; Morning Report
✓ Pros:
- • Premium Sapphire and Titanium build is lightweight yet durable
- • Built-in LED flashlight is incredibly useful for night training
- • Elevate Gen 5 sensor enables ECG and improved tracking accuracy
- • Excellent battery life (16 days) despite the bright AMOLED screen
- • Multi-band GPS with SatIQ offers top-tier location precision
✗ Cons:
- • Lacks the microphone and speaker found in the newer Fenix 8
- • No LTE/Cellular option (phone required for data/safety features)
- • Significant price premium over standard non-Sapphire models
- • Proprietary charging cable is less convenient than wireless options
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 epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) is the better buy for most people - its 16-day battery life crushes the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic's 49 hours. That said, grab the Samsung if you want a stylish watch with a rotating bezel and a bit more storage at 64GB.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) if: you need long battery life for multi-day adventures, prefer a similar-weight design for workouts, or want advanced health metrics. (2.47 oz weight, 32 GB storage)
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic if: you want a physical rotating bezel for easy navigation, need a watch for daily use with great display brightness, or prefer a traditional watch design. (2.24 oz weight, 64 GB storage)
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition (47mm) excels if you value premium sapphire and titanium build is lightweight yet durable. 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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