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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSuunto Vertical Solar vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
The Suunto Vertical Solar takes the edge for serious adventurers, boasting an incredible battery life of up to 60 days compared to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic's 49 hours. If you're into outdoor activities and need a rugged smartwatch that lasts, the Suunto is your best bet. In real-world use, the battery life means you can track your adventures without worrying about charging every night. On the flip side, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic offers a vibrant AMOLED display at 3,000 nits, perfect for daily wear and notifications. So, what's it going to be: endurance or everyday functionality?
⚖️ Weight: 2.61 oz vs 2.24 oz💽 Storage: 32 GB vs 64 GB🔋 Battery: 60 days vs 49 hours
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Suunto Vertical Solar
★4.3
(200)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Operating System:Suunto UI
Case Size:49mm (49 x 49 x 13.6 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.54 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Titanium Grade 5; 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 Vertical Solar
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Suunto Vertical Solar
1.4 in
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
1.34 in (34.0 mm)
Resolution
Suunto Vertical Solar
280 x 280 pixels
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
438 x 438 pixels (327 ppi)
Performance1 specs
Storage
Suunto Vertical Solar
32 GB (Flash memory for offline maps)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
64GBWinner
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Suunto Vertical Solar
Up to 60 days (Daily Mode with solar); Up to 85 hours (Dual-band GPS with solar); Up to 500 hours (Tour mode with solar)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
445 mAh; Up to 49 hours (typical usage); Fast wireless charging (WPC)
Design2 specs
Weight
Suunto Vertical Solar
74 g / 2.61 oz (Titanium Solar model)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
63.5 g (without strap)Winner
Water Resistance
Suunto Vertical Solar
100 m (10 ATM)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
5 ATM + IP68 (Water resistant up to 50 meters)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Suunto Vertical Solar
Suunto UI
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Wear OS 6 (Powered by Samsung) with One UI 8 Watch
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Suunto Vertical Solar
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (required 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 Vertical Solar vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Suunto Vertical Solar
★4.3(200)Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
★4.5(920)Amazon
| Criterion | Suunto Vertical Solar | Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.3(200)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 13.6 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.54 in) | 46mm (46.4 x 46.0 x 10.6 mm) |
Case Material | Bezel: Titanium Grade 5; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone | Stainless steel case; Sapphire Crystal glass (Front and Back) |
Display Type | Matrix Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) with LED backlight | Super AMOLED Color Always-On Display |
Display Size | 1.4 in | 1.34 in (34.0 mm) |
Resolution | 280 x 280 pixels | 438 x 438 pixels (327 ppi) |
Always On Display | Yes (Passive technology) | 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 (Military Standard); 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 (required 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; depth meter (snorkeling up to 10m) | 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 (Heart Rate Variability); blood oxygen; sleep tracking (duration, quality, stages); stress and recovery status; VO2max | 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 training guidance); offline route navigation; POI navigation; bearing navigation | Advanced Running Coach; Multisport tile; Race partner; Heart Rate Zones; Auto-detection for workouts |
Storage | 32 GB (Flash memory for offline maps) | 64GB |
Speaker Mic | No (No built-in speaker or microphone) | Speaker (supports media/calls/Gemini); Microphone |
Calls | No (Notification alerts only; predefined quick replies on Android) | Yes (via Bluetooth or standalone on LTE models) |
Battery | Up to 60 days (Daily Mode with solar); Up to 85 hours (Dual-band GPS with solar); Up to 500 hours (Tour mode with solar) | 445 mAh; Up to 49 hours (typical usage); Fast wireless charging (WPC) |
Charging | Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A); Solar charging | Fast Wireless Charging |
Weight | 74 g / 2.61 oz (Titanium Solar 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 | Free global offline outdoor maps; weather forecast; storm alarm; solar intensity widget; flashlight mode (screen based); snorkeling mode | Physical rotating bezel; Integrated Google Gemini AI; Gesture controls (Double pinch); Customizable Quick Button |
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Suunto Vertical Solar
Rating:★4.3(200)Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Operating System:Suunto UI
Case Size:49mm (49 x 49 x 13.6 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.54 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Titanium Grade 5; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone
Display Type:Matrix Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) with LED backlight
Display Size:1.4 in
Resolution:280 x 280 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (Passive technology)
Water Resistance:100 m (10 ATM)
Durability:MIL-STD-810H tested (Military Standard); 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 (required for map downloads)
NFC Payments:No (Not supported)
Sensors:Optical heart rate; blood oxygen (SpO2); barometric altimeter; digital compass; depth meter (snorkeling up to 10m)
Health Features:HRV (Heart Rate Variability); blood oxygen; sleep tracking (duration, quality, stages); stress and recovery status; VO2max
Workout Modes:95+ sport modes; Suunto Coach (AI training guidance); offline route navigation; POI navigation; bearing navigation
Storage:32 GB (Flash memory for offline maps)
Speaker Mic:No (No built-in speaker or microphone)
Calls:No (Notification alerts only; predefined quick replies on Android)
Battery:Up to 60 days (Daily Mode with solar); Up to 85 hours (Dual-band GPS with solar); Up to 500 hours (Tour mode with solar)
Charging:Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A); Solar charging
Weight:74 g / 2.61 oz (Titanium Solar model)
Band Sizes:Fits wrist sizes 125–175 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width
Extras:Free global offline outdoor maps; weather forecast; storm alarm; solar intensity widget; flashlight mode (screen based); snorkeling mode
✓ Pros:
- • Industry-leading battery life with solar charging efficiency
- • Free global offline maps with ample 32GB storage and Wi-Fi downloading
- • Dual-band GNSS offers exceptional accuracy in deep canyons and forests
- • Military-grade construction (MIL-STD-810H) with Titanium and Sapphire
- • Made in Finland with 100% renewable energy
✗ Cons:
- • MIP display is less vibrant than AMOLED competitors
- • No music storage (music controls only)
- • No NFC payments or smart features like voice assistants
- • Large 49mm footprint may be too bulky for small wrists
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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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 Vertical Solar is the better buy for most people - its astonishing 60-day battery life crushes the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic's 49 hours. That said, grab the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic if you want a stunning display and more storage at 64GB - it’s a lighter 2.24 oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Suunto Vertical Solar if: you plan long outdoor adventures, need extensive battery life, or want rugged durability. (2.61 oz weight, 32 GB storage)
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic if: you prefer a vibrant display, want integrated call functionality, or are looking for advanced health metrics. (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 Vertical Solar excels if you value industry-leading battery life with solar charging efficiency. 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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