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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy Watch 7 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic takes the lead here, thanks to its stunning 3,000-nit display that makes everything pop. In real-world use, this means better visibility in bright sunlight, which is crucial if you're often outdoors. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 packs a punch with its new 3nm Exynos W1000 chip, making it significantly faster for tasks and notifications. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic offers a longer battery life of up to 49 hours, compared to just one day with heavy use on the Galaxy Watch 7. The 445mAh battery is impressive and means less time tethered to a charger, making it ideal for those who need a watch that can keep up with their daily grind. If you're looking for the latest and greatest in Samsung's lineup, the Watch 8 Classic is worth considering for 2026.
⚖️ Weight: 1.19 oz vs 2.24 oz💽 Storage: 32 GB vs 64 GB🔋 Battery: 445mAh (up to 49h) vs 400mAh (approx. 1 day)
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Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
★4.5
(6,385)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android 11.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM; Samsung Galaxy phone required for Energy Score, ECG, Sleep Apnea, and IHRN features
Operating System:Wear OS 5 powered by Samsung (One UI 6 Watch)
Case Size:44mm (44.4 x 44.4 x 9.7 mm) or 40mm (40.4 x 40.4 x 9.7 mm)
Case Material:Armor Aluminum 2 case; Sapphire Crystal glass
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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
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
1.5 in (44mm) / 1.3 in (40mm)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
1.34 in (34.0 mm)
Resolution
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
480 x 480 pixels (44mm); 432 x 432 pixels (40mm)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
438 x 438 pixels (327 ppi)
Performance1 specs
Storage
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
32GB
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
64GBWinner
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
425 mAh (44mm) / 300 mAh (40mm); Up to 40 hours (AOD off); Up to 30 hours (AOD on)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
445 mAh; Up to 49 hours (typical usage); Fast wireless charging (WPC)
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
33.8 g (44mm) / 28.8 g (40mm) (Body only)Winner
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
63.5 g (without strap)
Water Resistance
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
5 ATM + IP68 (water resistant up to 50 meters for 10 min)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
5 ATM + IP68 (Water resistant up to 50 meters)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Wear OS 5 powered by Samsung (One UI 6 Watch)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Wear OS 6 (Powered by Samsung) with One UI 8 Watch
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
LTE (optional); Wi-Fi 2.4+5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
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: Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
★4.5(6,385)Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
★4.5(920)Amazon
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(6,385)Amazon | ★4.5(920)Amazon |
Compatibility | Android 11.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM; Samsung Galaxy phone required for Energy Score, ECG, Sleep Apnea, and IHRN features | Android 12.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM (Galaxy phone required for full feature set) |
Operating System | Wear OS 5 powered by Samsung (One UI 6 Watch) | Wear OS 6 (Powered by Samsung) with One UI 8 Watch |
Case Size | 44mm (44.4 x 44.4 x 9.7 mm) or 40mm (40.4 x 40.4 x 9.7 mm) | 46mm (46.4 x 46.0 x 10.6 mm) |
Case Material | Armor Aluminum 2 case; Sapphire Crystal glass | Stainless steel case; Sapphire Crystal glass (Front and Back) |
Display Type | Super AMOLED; Always-On Display; Peak brightness 2000 nits | Super AMOLED Color Always-On Display |
Display Size | 1.5 in (44mm) / 1.3 in (40mm) | 1.34 in (34.0 mm) |
Resolution | 480 x 480 pixels (44mm); 432 x 432 pixels (40mm) | 438 x 438 pixels (327 ppi) |
Always On Display | Yes | Yes (Up to 3,000 nits peak brightness) |
Water Resistance | 5 ATM + IP68 (water resistant up to 50 meters for 10 min) | 5 ATM + IP68 (Water resistant up to 50 meters) |
Durability | MIL-STD-810H certified; Dust tight (IP68) | MIL-STD-810H military standard; Stainless steel frame |
GPS | Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5); Glonass; Beidou; Galileo | Dual-band GPS (L1+L5); GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou |
Connectivity | LTE (optional); Wi-Fi 2.4+5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC | LTE (Optional); Bluetooth 5.3; Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4+5GHz); NFC |
NFC Payments | Samsung Wallet / Google Wallet | Samsung Wallet; Google Pay |
Sensors | Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Bio-signal + Electrical Heart + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis); Temperature sensor; Accelerometer; Barometer; Gyro sensor; Geomagnetic sensor; 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 | Energy Score; Sleep Apnea detection (FDA authorized); AGEs Index; Body Composition (BIA); ECG; Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification; Cycle Tracking with skin temperature; Sleep coaching | 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 Run Coaching; Race (compete against past results); Track Back; Custom Interval Training; Swimming (Pool & Open Water); Cycling; Hiking; Circuit Training; and 100+ others via Samsung Health | Advanced Running Coach; Multisport tile; Race partner; Heart Rate Zones; Auto-detection for workouts |
Storage | 32GB | 64GB |
Speaker Mic | Speaker; Microphone | Speaker (supports media/calls/Gemini); Microphone |
Calls | Yes (LTE standalone or via paired phone) | Yes (via Bluetooth or standalone on LTE models) |
Battery | 425 mAh (44mm) / 300 mAh (40mm); Up to 40 hours (AOD off); Up to 30 hours (AOD on) | 445 mAh; Up to 49 hours (typical usage); Fast wireless charging (WPC) |
Charging | Fast Wireless Charging (WPC Inductive); 0-45% in approx. 30 mins | Fast Wireless Charging |
Weight | 33.8 g (44mm) / 28.8 g (40mm) (Body only) | 63.5 g (without strap) |
Band Sizes | Fits 20mm standard bands (One Click system) | 20mm standard (One Click system supported) |
Extras | Exynos W1000 (3nm) Processor; Galaxy AI features (Smart Reply, Voice-to-Text summaries); Double Pinch gesture | Physical rotating bezel; Integrated Google Gemini AI; Gesture controls (Double pinch); Customizable Quick Button |
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Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Rating:★4.5(6,385)Amazon
Compatibility:Android 11.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM; Samsung Galaxy phone required for Energy Score, ECG, Sleep Apnea, and IHRN features
Operating System:Wear OS 5 powered by Samsung (One UI 6 Watch)
Case Size:44mm (44.4 x 44.4 x 9.7 mm) or 40mm (40.4 x 40.4 x 9.7 mm)
Case Material:Armor Aluminum 2 case; Sapphire Crystal glass
Display Type:Super AMOLED; Always-On Display; Peak brightness 2000 nits
Display Size:1.5 in (44mm) / 1.3 in (40mm)
Resolution:480 x 480 pixels (44mm); 432 x 432 pixels (40mm)
Always On Display:Yes
Water Resistance:5 ATM + IP68 (water resistant up to 50 meters for 10 min)
Durability:MIL-STD-810H certified; Dust tight (IP68)
GPS:Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5); Glonass; Beidou; Galileo
Connectivity:LTE (optional); Wi-Fi 2.4+5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
NFC Payments:Samsung Wallet / Google Wallet
Sensors:Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Bio-signal + Electrical Heart + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis); Temperature sensor; Accelerometer; Barometer; Gyro sensor; Geomagnetic sensor; Light sensor
Health Features:Energy Score; Sleep Apnea detection (FDA authorized); AGEs Index; Body Composition (BIA); ECG; Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification; Cycle Tracking with skin temperature; Sleep coaching
Workout Modes:Advanced Run Coaching; Race (compete against past results); Track Back; Custom Interval Training; Swimming (Pool & Open Water); Cycling; Hiking; Circuit Training; and 100+ others via Samsung Health
Storage:32GB
Speaker Mic:Speaker; Microphone
Calls:Yes (LTE standalone or via paired phone)
Battery:425 mAh (44mm) / 300 mAh (40mm); Up to 40 hours (AOD off); Up to 30 hours (AOD on)
Charging:Fast Wireless Charging (WPC Inductive); 0-45% in approx. 30 mins
Weight:33.8 g (44mm) / 28.8 g (40mm) (Body only)
Band Sizes:Fits 20mm standard bands (One Click system)
Extras:Exynos W1000 (3nm) Processor; Galaxy AI features (Smart Reply, Voice-to-Text summaries); Double Pinch gesture
✓ Pros:
- • Significantly faster performance with new 3nm Exynos W1000 chip
- • Dual-frequency GPS improves tracking accuracy in cities
- • New health metrics: Sleep Apnea, AGEs Index, and Energy Score
- • Double the storage (32GB) compared to Watch 6
- • Lightweight and comfortable Armor Aluminum design
✗ Cons:
- • Battery life remains roughly 1 day with heavy use (requires daily charging)
- • Advanced health features (ECG, Apnea) strictly require Samsung phones
- • Charging speed is decent but slower than some competitors
- • Design is virtually identical to the previous generation
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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
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Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is the better buy for most people - its 3,000-nit display crushes the Galaxy Watch 7's 2,000-nit brightness. That said, grab the Galaxy Watch 7 if you want a similar-weight watch at 1.19oz versus the 8 Classic's similar-weight 2.24oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 if: you prefer a lightweight design at 1.19oz, need a faster processor for notifications, or want a more affordable option with great features.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic if: you want a stunning 3,000-nit display, longer battery life of up to 49 hours, or the classic rotating bezel for easy navigation.
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?
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 excels if you value significantly faster performance with new 3nm exynos w1000 chip. 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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