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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy Watch Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is the flagship option, and it truly excels with its massive 590mAh battery that can last up to 100 hours. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic offers a refined experience with a physical rotating bezel and a similar-weight build, making it a strong contender. In real-world use, the Ultra's durability shines with its 10ATM water resistance and Grade 4 Titanium build, while the Classic boasts a stunning 3,000 nits display. If you want premium features and can handle the weight, the Ultra is the way to go. But if you prefer a classic design and lighter feel, the Classic is worth considering.
⚖️ Weight: 2.13 oz vs 2.24 oz💽 Storage: 32 GB vs 64 GB🏷️ Battery: 590mAh vs 445mAh
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Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
★4.4
(243)•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:47.4mm H x 47.1mm W x 12.1mm D
Case Material:Titanium (Grade 4) frame with cushion design; 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 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
1.5 in (37.3 mm) circular display
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
1.34 in (34.0 mm)
Resolution
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
480 x 480 pixels
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
438 x 438 pixels (327 ppi)
Performance1 specs
Storage
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
32GB
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
64GBWinner
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
590mAh; Up to 100 hours (Power Saving); Up to 60 hours (Normal use, AOD off); Up to 48 hours (Exercise Power Saving)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
445 mAh; Up to 49 hours (typical usage); Fast wireless charging (WPC)
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
60.5 g (Body only)Winner
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
63.5 g (without strap)
Water Resistance
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
10 ATM + IP68 (ISO 22810 standard); Ocean swimming capable
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
5 ATM + IP68 (Water resistant up to 50 meters)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
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 Ultra
LTE (eSIM standard on all models); 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 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
★4.4(243)Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
★4.5(920)Amazon
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra | Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(243)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 | 47.4mm H x 47.1mm W x 12.1mm D | 46mm (46.4 x 46.0 x 10.6 mm) |
Case Material | Titanium (Grade 4) frame with cushion design; Sapphire Crystal glass | Stainless steel case; Sapphire Crystal glass (Front and Back) |
Display Type | Super AMOLED; Always-On Display; Peak brightness 3000 nits | Super AMOLED Color Always-On Display |
Display Size | 1.5 in (37.3 mm) circular display | 1.34 in (34.0 mm) |
Resolution | 480 x 480 pixels | 438 x 438 pixels (327 ppi) |
Always On Display | Yes | Yes (Up to 3,000 nits peak brightness) |
Water Resistance | 10 ATM + IP68 (ISO 22810 standard); Ocean swimming capable | 5 ATM + IP68 (Water resistant up to 50 meters) |
Durability | MIL-STD-810H certified; Operating temp -20°C to 55°C; 9000m altitude resistance | 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 (eSIM standard on all models); 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; 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 | Multisport tile (Triathlon/Duathlon/Aquathlon); Functional Threshold Power (FTP) for cycling; Race Partner; Track Back; Custom workouts via Quick Button | Advanced Running Coach; Multisport tile; Race partner; Heart Rate Zones; Auto-detection for workouts |
Storage | 32GB | 64GB |
Speaker Mic | Speaker (with Siren support); Microphone | Speaker (supports media/calls/Gemini); Microphone |
Calls | Yes (LTE standalone or via paired phone) | Yes (via Bluetooth or standalone on LTE models) |
Battery | 590mAh; Up to 100 hours (Power Saving); Up to 60 hours (Normal use, AOD off); Up to 48 hours (Exercise Power Saving) | 445 mAh; Up to 49 hours (typical usage); Fast wireless charging (WPC) |
Charging | Fast Wireless Charging (WPC Inductive); Proprietary puck required for max speed | Fast Wireless Charging |
Weight | 60.5 g (Body only) | 63.5 g (without strap) |
Band Sizes | One Size (fits 145–205mm wrists via Dynamic Lug System) | 20mm standard (One Click system supported) |
Extras | Quick Button (customizable); 86dB Emergency Siren; Night Mode watch face; Gesture controls (Double Pinch) | Physical rotating bezel; Integrated Google Gemini AI; Gesture controls (Double pinch); Customizable Quick Button |
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Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Rating:★4.4(243)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:47.4mm H x 47.1mm W x 12.1mm D
Case Material:Titanium (Grade 4) frame with cushion design; Sapphire Crystal glass
Display Type:Super AMOLED; Always-On Display; Peak brightness 3000 nits
Display Size:1.5 in (37.3 mm) circular display
Resolution:480 x 480 pixels
Always On Display:Yes
Water Resistance:10 ATM + IP68 (ISO 22810 standard); Ocean swimming capable
Durability:MIL-STD-810H certified; Operating temp -20°C to 55°C; 9000m altitude resistance
GPS:Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5); Glonass; Beidou; Galileo
Connectivity:LTE (eSIM standard on all models); 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; ECG; Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification; Cycle Tracking with skin temperature; Sleep coaching
Workout Modes:Multisport tile (Triathlon/Duathlon/Aquathlon); Functional Threshold Power (FTP) for cycling; Race Partner; Track Back; Custom workouts via Quick Button
Storage:32GB
Speaker Mic:Speaker (with Siren support); Microphone
Calls:Yes (LTE standalone or via paired phone)
Battery:590mAh; Up to 100 hours (Power Saving); Up to 60 hours (Normal use, AOD off); Up to 48 hours (Exercise Power Saving)
Charging:Fast Wireless Charging (WPC Inductive); Proprietary puck required for max speed
Weight:60.5 g (Body only)
Band Sizes:One Size (fits 145–205mm wrists via Dynamic Lug System)
Extras:Quick Button (customizable); 86dB Emergency Siren; Night Mode watch face; Gesture controls (Double Pinch)
✓ Pros:
- • True multi-day battery life (up to 100h in power saving)
- • Extremely durable Grade 4 Titanium build with 10ATM rating
- • Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5) provides superior tracking accuracy
- • Brightest display in class (3000 nits) for outdoor visibility
- • Exclusive features like Siren and Multisport tile for triathletes
✗ Cons:
- • Large 47mm square-circle design may not fit smaller wrists
- • Key health features (ECG, Sleep Apnea) locked to Samsung phones
- • Proprietary band attachment (Dynamic Lug) limits third-party options
- • Charging speed is slower (~2 hours) compared to competitors
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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 Ultra is the better buy for most people - its 590mAh battery lasts up to 100 hours, crushing the Classic's 445mAh. That said, grab the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic if you want a similar-weight option with an iconic rotating bezel - it’slighter and offers a more traditional watch feel.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra if: you need multi-day battery life, prefer a rugged design, or want advanced health tracking features. (2.13 oz weight, 32 GB storage)
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic if: you value intuitive navigation with a rotating bezel, want a similar-weight watch, or need more storage at 64GB.
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra excels if you value true multi-day battery life (up to 100h in power saving). 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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