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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSuunto Race vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
The Suunto Race is the smarter buy for fitness enthusiasts, boasting a long 40-hour battery life in GPS mode, compared to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic's 49 hours. Both are premium devices, but you'll find the Suunto excels in outdoor activity tracking with its vibrant 1.43" AMOLED display and military-grade durability. In real-world use, the Suunto Race's dual-band GNSS enhances accuracy in challenging terrains, making it ideal for serious athletes. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic's rotating bezel and additional health features offer a more versatile smartwatch experience, but at 63.5oz, it feels noticeably similar-weight on the wrist during workouts.
⚖️ Weight: 2.93 oz vs 2.24 oz💽 Storage: 16 GB vs 64 GB🔋 Battery: 40h vs 49h
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Suunto Race
★4.2
(297)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Operating System:Suunto UI
Case Size:49mm (49 x 49 x 13.3 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.52 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Stainless Steel; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone
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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
Suunto Race
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Suunto Race
1.43 in
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
1.34 in (34.0 mm)
Resolution
Suunto Race
466 x 466 pixels (1,000 nits brightness)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
438 x 438 pixels (327 ppi)
Performance1 specs
Storage
Suunto Race
16 GB (Steel model) / 32 GB (Titanium model)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
64GBWinner
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Suunto Race
Up to 26 days (Daily Mode); Up to 12 days (Daily HR + AOD); 40 hours (Performance Training / Dual-band GNSS)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
445 mAh; Up to 49 hours (typical usage); Fast wireless charging (WPC)
Design2 specs
Weight
Suunto Race
83 g / 2.93 oz (Steel model)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
63.5 g (without strap)Winner
Water Resistance
Suunto Race
100 m (10 ATM)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
5 ATM + IP68 (Water resistant up to 50 meters)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Suunto Race
Suunto UI
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Wear OS 6 (Powered by Samsung) with One UI 8 Watch
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Suunto Race
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for map downloads)
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: Suunto Race vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Suunto Race
★4.2(297)Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
★4.5(920)Amazon
| Criterion | Suunto Race | Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.2(297)Amazon | ★4.5(920)Amazon |
Compatibility | Android and iOS (via Suunto app) | Android 12.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM (Galaxy phone required for full feature set) |
Operating System | Suunto UI | Wear OS 6 (Powered by Samsung) with One UI 8 Watch |
Case Size | 49mm (49 x 49 x 13.3 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.52 in) | 46mm (46.4 x 46.0 x 10.6 mm) |
Case Material | Bezel: Stainless Steel; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone | Stainless steel case; Sapphire Crystal glass (Front and Back) |
Display Type | AMOLED touchscreen (High definition, always-on capable) | Super AMOLED Color Always-On Display |
Display Size | 1.43 in | 1.34 in (34.0 mm) |
Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (1,000 nits brightness) | 438 x 438 pixels (327 ppi) |
Always On Display | Yes | Yes (Up to 3,000 nits peak brightness) |
Water Resistance | 100 m (10 ATM) | 5 ATM + IP68 (Water resistant up to 50 meters) |
Durability | MIL-STD-810H tested; Operating temp: -20°C to +55°C (-5°F to +130°F) | MIL-STD-810H military standard; Stainless steel frame |
GPS | Dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU | Dual-band GPS (L1+L5); GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for map downloads) | LTE (Optional); Bluetooth 5.3; Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4+5GHz); NFC |
NFC Payments | No (Not supported) | Samsung Wallet; Google Pay |
Sensors | Optical heart rate; blood oxygen (SpO2); barometric altimeter; digital compass; accelerometer; gyroscope | 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 | HRV measurement (Sleep & Daily); 24/7 heart rate; sleep tracking (stages & quality); blood oxygen; stress and recovery status | Vascular Load monitoring; Antioxidant Index (AGEs); Sleep Apnea detection; ECG; Blood Pressure (market dependent); Body Composition (BIA); Cycle Tracking with skin temp |
Workout Modes | 95+ sport modes; Suunto Coach (AI-based training load & recovery); offline maps; route navigation; race time estimates | Advanced Running Coach; Multisport tile; Race partner; Heart Rate Zones; Auto-detection for workouts |
Storage | 16 GB (Steel model) / 32 GB (Titanium model) | 64GB |
Speaker Mic | No (No built-in speaker or microphone) | Speaker (supports media/calls/Gemini); Microphone |
Calls | No (Notification alerts only) | Yes (via Bluetooth or standalone on LTE models) |
Battery | Up to 26 days (Daily Mode); Up to 12 days (Daily HR + AOD); 40 hours (Performance Training / Dual-band GNSS) | 445 mAh; Up to 49 hours (typical usage); Fast wireless charging (WPC) |
Charging | Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A) | Fast Wireless Charging |
Weight | 83 g / 2.93 oz (Steel model) | 63.5 g (without strap) |
Band Sizes | Fits wrist sizes 125–175 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width | 20mm standard (One Click system supported) |
Extras | Global offline outdoor maps (free); weather widgets; phone media controls; customizable watch faces; digital crown navigation | Physical rotating bezel; Integrated Google Gemini AI; Gesture controls (Double pinch); Customizable Quick Button |
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Suunto Race
Rating:★4.2(297)Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Operating System:Suunto UI
Case Size:49mm (49 x 49 x 13.3 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.52 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Stainless Steel; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone
Display Type:AMOLED touchscreen (High definition, always-on capable)
Display Size:1.43 in
Resolution:466 x 466 pixels (1,000 nits brightness)
Always On Display:Yes
Water Resistance:100 m (10 ATM)
Durability:MIL-STD-810H tested; Operating temp: -20°C to +55°C (-5°F to +130°F)
GPS:Dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU
Connectivity:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for map downloads)
NFC Payments:No (Not supported)
Sensors:Optical heart rate; blood oxygen (SpO2); barometric altimeter; digital compass; accelerometer; gyroscope
Health Features:HRV measurement (Sleep & Daily); 24/7 heart rate; sleep tracking (stages & quality); blood oxygen; stress and recovery status
Workout Modes:95+ sport modes; Suunto Coach (AI-based training load & recovery); offline maps; route navigation; race time estimates
Storage:16 GB (Steel model) / 32 GB (Titanium model)
Speaker Mic:No (No built-in speaker or microphone)
Calls:No (Notification alerts only)
Battery:Up to 26 days (Daily Mode); Up to 12 days (Daily HR + AOD); 40 hours (Performance Training / Dual-band GNSS)
Charging:Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A)
Weight:83 g / 2.93 oz (Steel model)
Band Sizes:Fits wrist sizes 125–175 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width
Extras:Global offline outdoor maps (free); weather widgets; phone media controls; customizable watch faces; digital crown navigation
✓ Pros:
- • Vibrant 1.43” AMOLED screen with sapphire crystal durability
- • Excellent battery life (up to 40 hours in max accuracy GPS mode)
- • Free global offline maps with intuitive digital crown zooming
- • Dual-band GNSS provides highly accurate tracking in difficult terrain
- • Military-grade (MIL-STD-810H) durability
✗ Cons:
- • No NFC payments or music storage (music controls only)
- • No built-in speaker or microphone for calls
- • 49mm case size is bulky for smaller wrists
- • Steel version is noticeably heavier (83g) than the Titanium model (69g)
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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 Suunto Race is the better buy for most people - its 40-hour GPS battery life crushes the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic's 49 hours in practical outdoor use. That said, grab the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic if you want a stylish smartwatch with a rotating bezel and more health features - it's lighter at 63.5oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Suunto Race if: you need up to 40 hours of battery for long outdoor activities, prioritize robust fitness tracking, or want a vibrant display for navigation.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic if: you enjoy intuitive navigation with a rotating bezel, want advanced health metrics, or prefer a smartwatch that's ideal for everyday use. (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?
Suunto Race excels if you value vibrant 1.43” amoled screen with sapphire crystal durability. 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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