Withings ScanWatch Nova vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
The Withings ScanWatch Nova reigns as the premium pick for health enthusiasts, featuring clinical-grade sensors like ECG and SpO2. With a striking 42mm design and a remarkable battery life of up to 30 days, it’s a no-brainer if you prioritize health metrics over smartwatch features. However, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic shines with its vibrant 1.34-inch display boasting a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, making it ideal for outdoor use. After putting both watches to the test, the Samsung's rotating bezel offers a more engaging user experience, particularly for those who enjoy interactive features and notifications on-the-go, thanks to its superior display and functionality. Key specs: Weight: 2.22 oz vs 2.24 oz and Display: 0.63" vs 1.34".
Why compare these? Both the Withings ScanWatch Nova and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic are high-end smartwatches competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for high-end features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Withings ScanWatch | Samsung Galaxy |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4★ (268 reviews) | ✓4.5★ (920 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass | Iconic physical rotating bezel for intuitive navigation |
| Main Drawback | Small monochrome screen limits notification readability and smart features | Small 1.34" screen relative to the large 46mm case size (bezel takes up space) |
| Market Position | Premium | Premium |
Withings ScanWatch Nova
iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (Android 9+)
HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary)
42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness)
Case: Polished stainless steel; Bezel: Ceramic and stainless steel (rotating); Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Android 12.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM (Galaxy phone required for full feature set)
Wear OS 6 (Powered by Samsung) with One UI 8 Watch
46mm (46.4 x 46.0 x 10.6 mm)
Stainless steel case; Sapphire Crystal glass (Front and Back)
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+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: Withings ScanWatch Nova vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Withings ScanWatch Nova
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
| Criterion | Withings ScanWatch Nova | Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4(268)Amazon | ★4.5(920)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (Android 9+) | Android 12.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM (Galaxy phone required for full feature set) |
Operating System | HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary) | Wear OS 6 (Powered by Samsung) with One UI 8 Watch |
Case Size | 42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness) | 46mm (46.4 x 46.0 x 10.6 mm) |
Case Material | Case: Polished stainless steel; Bezel: Ceramic and stainless steel (rotating); Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal | Stainless steel case; Sapphire Crystal glass (Front and Back) |
Display Type | Grayscale OLED (0.63 inch) + Analog hands (Hybrid) | Super AMOLED Color Always-On Display |
Display Size | 0.63 in (digital screen) | 1.34 in (34.0 mm) |
Resolution | 14,504 pixels (282 PPI) | 438 x 438 pixels (327 ppi) |
Always On Display | Yes (Analog hands always visible) | Yes (Up to 3,000 nits peak brightness) |
Water Resistance | 10 ATM (100 meters) | 5 ATM + IP68 (Water resistant up to 50 meters) |
Durability | Sapphire crystal face; Stainless steel case; Ceramic bezel; 5-year guarantee (region dependent) | MIL-STD-810H military standard; Stainless steel frame |
GPS | Connected GPS (Requires smartphone connection) | Dual-band GPS (L1+L5); GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou |
Connectivity | Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) | 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 | Multi-wavelength PPG (Heart rate/SpO2); TempTech24/7 Module (Body temp); High Dynamic Range Accelerometer; Altimeter; ECG electrodes | 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 (AFib detection); Body temperature variation (day/night); Blood oxygen (SpO2); Sleep quality score; Respiratory scan; Heart rate variability (HRV) | Vascular Load monitoring; Antioxidant Index (AGEs); Sleep Apnea detection; ECG; Blood Pressure (market dependent); Body Composition (BIA); Cycle Tracking with skin temp |
Workout Modes | 40+ sports modes; Automatic activity detection (Walking, Running, Swimming, Cycling); Fitness Level (VO2 max estimation) | Advanced Running Coach; Multisport tile; Race partner; Heart Rate Zones; Auto-detection for workouts |
Storage | Free unlimited online storage; 7 days of data stored on watch | 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 30 days (Standard use); Rechargeable Lithium-ion | 445 mAh; Up to 49 hours (typical usage); Fast wireless charging (WPC) |
Charging | USB-C compatible docking station (approx. 2 hours to 100%) | Fast Wireless Charging |
Weight | 63 g (2.22 oz) without wristband | 63.5 g (without strap) |
Band Sizes | Fits wrist sizes (approx. 163–239 mm); Standard 20 mm lug width | 20mm standard (One Click system supported) |
Extras | Luminova hands/indexes; Digital crown for navigation; Stopwatch; Timer; Alarm; Breathwork; Apple Health & Google Fit sync | Physical rotating bezel; Integrated Google Gemini AI; Gesture controls (Double pinch); Customizable Quick Button |
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Withings ScanWatch Nova
iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (Android 9+)
HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary)
42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness)
Case: Polished stainless steel; Bezel: Ceramic and stainless steel (rotating); Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Grayscale OLED (0.63 inch) + Analog hands (Hybrid)
0.63 in (digital screen)
Pros
- Elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass
- Clinical-grade health sensors (ECG, SpO2, Temperature) in a non-intrusive form factor
Cons
- Small monochrome screen limits notification readability and smart features
- No built-in GPS (relies on phone connection for tracking routes)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Android 12.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM (Galaxy phone required for full feature set)
Wear OS 6 (Powered by Samsung) with One UI 8 Watch
46mm (46.4 x 46.0 x 10.6 mm)
Stainless steel case; Sapphire Crystal glass (Front and Back)
Super AMOLED Color Always-On Display
1.34 in (34.0 mm)
Pros
- Iconic physical rotating bezel for intuitive navigation
- Display brightness doubled to 3,000 nits (matches Ultra model)
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
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is the better buy for most people - its vibrant 1.34-inch display crushes the Withings ScanWatch Nova's small screen. That said, grab the Withings if you want unmatched battery life with 30 days of use - it’s perfect for those who prioritize health tracking over notifications.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Withings ScanWatch Nova if: you want 30 days of battery life, prefer a sleek, elegant design, or prioritize clinical-grade health monitoring.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic if: you need a vibrant display for outdoor visibility, want seamless notifications and calls, or enjoy interactive features like a rotating bezel. (2.24 oz weight)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.5★ vs 4★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 920 reviews vs 268
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Elegant 'diver' aesthetic Priority
Elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass
→ Choose Withings ScanWatch
Iconic physical rotating Priority
Iconic physical rotating bezel for intuitive navigation
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic leads with a 4.5★ rating versus 4★. That said, Withings ScanWatch Nova could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Withings ScanWatch Nova or Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic?
Withings ScanWatch Nova is the better choice if you prioritize elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass. Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic wins if you value iconic physical rotating bezel for intuitive navigation. Both are rated highly (4★ vs 4.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Withings ScanWatch Nova and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic?
Key differences: Withings ScanWatch Nova offers elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass, while Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic stands out with iconic physical rotating bezel for intuitive navigation. Consider that Withings ScanWatch Nova small monochrome screen limits notification readability and smart features. Meanwhile, Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic small 1.34" screen relative to the large 46mm case size (bezel takes up space). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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