Jenith
Well-known Member
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2019
- Posts
- 50,209
- Likes
- 133
Samsung's Classic smartwatch formula made a comeback at Unpacked 2025. By name, the new Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is a successor to the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic from 2023. However, the 2025 model is almost nothing like its two-year-old predecessor. Here is how the two smartwatches compare.
First things first, although the physical rotating bezel is back, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic introduces a new design. The 2025 Classic model is based on Samsung's Cushion Design language that debuted with the Watch Ultra in 2024, while the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic has a more traditional look inspired by the older models.
Where the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic has a circular body, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic features a “squircle” chassis with a circular display and rotating bezel on top.
Whether you prefer the look of the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic or the Watch 8 Classic is up to you. But the new Watch 8 Classic's design has some practical benefits.
https://www.imeisource.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Galaxy-Watch-6-Classic-review-11.jpg
Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
https://www.imeisource.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Galaxy-Watch-8-Classic-Google-Gemini-1920x1079.jpg
Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
First, the new Galaxy Watch 8 Classic boasts an extra physical button, i.e., the Quick Button, which again debuted with the Watch Ultra last year. This quick button can quickly launch Samsung Health activities, record laps, start new sessions, end or start workouts, and more.
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic also employs Samsung's Dynamic Lug system, which simplifies swapping wrist straps. It also contributes to a better fit on the wrist, which Samsung says can increase health and fitness tracking accuracy.
Both smartwatch models have stainless steel frames, sapphire crystal display protection, and similar IP68, 50 ATM, and MIL-STD-810H ratings. They are similar in build quality but very different in how they look.
Interestingly, while Samsung released the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic in two sizes, 43mm and 47mm, the new Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is available in only one size: 46mm.
This means that the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic has a larger screen than the 43mm Galaxy Watch 6 Classic but a smaller screen than the 47mm model from 2023.
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is equipped with a 1.34-inch circular Super AMOLED display, while the 43mm/47mm Watch 6 Classic features 1.3/1.5-inch panels.
https://www.imeisource.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Galaxy-Watch-8-Classic-5-1920x1081.jpg
Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Furthermore, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic's screen has a slightly lower resolution and pixel density than the 47mm Watch 6 Classic.
On the bright side, pun intended, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic's display boasts a peak brightness level of 3,000 nits, which makes it easier to read in direct sunlight than the 2,000-nit Watch 6 Classic display.
https://www.imeisource.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Galaxy-Watch-6-Classic-review-10.jpg
Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
Hardware-wise, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is a vastly superior smartwatch to the Watch 8 Classic.
First on the list is of upgrades is a newer penta-core 3nm Exynos W100 chip, which is more powerful and energy efficient than the 5nm dual-core Exynos W930 chip.
Next up, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic sports 2GB of RAM and 64GB of storage as opposed to 2GB+16GB. And despite the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic being slightly thinner than the Watch 6 Classic (10.6mm vs 10.9mm), it conceals a larger 445mAh battery. The 2023 Classic has a 425mAh unit at most.
Then there's the newer BioActive sensor, which Samsung redesigned last year. It is available for the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic and enables faster and more accurate health readings.
Lastly, the new Galaxy Watch 8 Classic benefits from dual-band GPS, which provides higher location-tracking accuracy than the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic's single-band GPS system. This makes the new Classic a much better choice for outdoor activities.
Samsung's latest smartwatch runs the new One UI 8 Watch update, which improves customization, includes Gemini, and provides extra Samsung Health and fitness tracking features.
Although most of these latest tools will become available for the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic once it receives the One UI 8 Watch update, some will be missing.
Of note are Vascular Load, Running Coach, and Antioxidant Index, all of which require the Galaxy Watch 7/Ultra or later. They won't come to the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic with One UI 8 Watch or future firmware updates.
Interestingly, Samsung continues to sell the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic in some markets, including the USA, where the Wi-Fi-only 47mm model is available for $429.
The new Galaxy Watch 8 Classic with Wi-Fi connectivity is available for $499. It's pricier than the Watch 6 Classic, but should you consider buying the 2023 model?
We would advise against it. Although it looks stylish even in 2025, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is starting to show its age in other areas, including hardware, software, and fitness/health tracking.
Now, if you already own the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic and are considering an upgrade, Samsung USA will cut you a limited-time $250 discount on the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic if you trade the 2023 model.
All in all, it seems like the main thing the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic and Watch 6 Classic have in common is the physical rotating bezel. Otherwise, they are vastly different watches inside and out, and the Watch 8 Classic benefits from a more recent release and better hardware, software, and features.
The post Galaxy Watch 8 Classic vs Watch 6 Classic: Major redesign, better hardware and Health features appeared first on imeisource.
First things first, although the physical rotating bezel is back, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic introduces a new design. The 2025 Classic model is based on Samsung's Cushion Design language that debuted with the Watch Ultra in 2024, while the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic has a more traditional look inspired by the older models.
Galaxy Watch 8 Classic vs Watch 6 Classic: A new look
Where the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic has a circular body, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic features a “squircle” chassis with a circular display and rotating bezel on top.
Whether you prefer the look of the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic or the Watch 8 Classic is up to you. But the new Watch 8 Classic's design has some practical benefits.
https://www.imeisource.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Galaxy-Watch-6-Classic-review-11.jpg
Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
https://www.imeisource.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Galaxy-Watch-8-Classic-Google-Gemini-1920x1079.jpg
Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
First, the new Galaxy Watch 8 Classic boasts an extra physical button, i.e., the Quick Button, which again debuted with the Watch Ultra last year. This quick button can quickly launch Samsung Health activities, record laps, start new sessions, end or start workouts, and more.
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic also employs Samsung's Dynamic Lug system, which simplifies swapping wrist straps. It also contributes to a better fit on the wrist, which Samsung says can increase health and fitness tracking accuracy.
Both smartwatch models have stainless steel frames, sapphire crystal display protection, and similar IP68, 50 ATM, and MIL-STD-810H ratings. They are similar in build quality but very different in how they look.
Galaxy Watch 8 Classic vs Watch 6 Classic: Size and display
Interestingly, while Samsung released the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic in two sizes, 43mm and 47mm, the new Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is available in only one size: 46mm.
This means that the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic has a larger screen than the 43mm Galaxy Watch 6 Classic but a smaller screen than the 47mm model from 2023.
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is equipped with a 1.34-inch circular Super AMOLED display, while the 43mm/47mm Watch 6 Classic features 1.3/1.5-inch panels.
https://www.imeisource.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Galaxy-Watch-8-Classic-5-1920x1081.jpg
Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Furthermore, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic's screen has a slightly lower resolution and pixel density than the 47mm Watch 6 Classic.
On the bright side, pun intended, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic's display boasts a peak brightness level of 3,000 nits, which makes it easier to read in direct sunlight than the 2,000-nit Watch 6 Classic display.
https://www.imeisource.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Galaxy-Watch-6-Classic-review-10.jpg
Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
Galaxy Watch 8 Classic vs Watch 6 Classic: More hardware specs
Hardware-wise, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is a vastly superior smartwatch to the Watch 8 Classic.
First on the list is of upgrades is a newer penta-core 3nm Exynos W100 chip, which is more powerful and energy efficient than the 5nm dual-core Exynos W930 chip.
Next up, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic sports 2GB of RAM and 64GB of storage as opposed to 2GB+16GB. And despite the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic being slightly thinner than the Watch 6 Classic (10.6mm vs 10.9mm), it conceals a larger 445mAh battery. The 2023 Classic has a 425mAh unit at most.
Then there's the newer BioActive sensor, which Samsung redesigned last year. It is available for the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic and enables faster and more accurate health readings.
Lastly, the new Galaxy Watch 8 Classic benefits from dual-band GPS, which provides higher location-tracking accuracy than the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic's single-band GPS system. This makes the new Classic a much better choice for outdoor activities.
Galaxy Watch 8 Classic vs Watch 6 Classic: Software and Health features
Samsung's latest smartwatch runs the new One UI 8 Watch update, which improves customization, includes Gemini, and provides extra Samsung Health and fitness tracking features.
Although most of these latest tools will become available for the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic once it receives the One UI 8 Watch update, some will be missing.
Of note are Vascular Load, Running Coach, and Antioxidant Index, all of which require the Galaxy Watch 7/Ultra or later. They won't come to the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic with One UI 8 Watch or future firmware updates.
Galaxy Watch 8 Classic vs Watch 6 Classic: Prices and trade-in deals
Interestingly, Samsung continues to sell the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic in some markets, including the USA, where the Wi-Fi-only 47mm model is available for $429.
Check Galaxy Watch 6 Classic offers
Samsung ShopThe new Galaxy Watch 8 Classic with Wi-Fi connectivity is available for $499. It's pricier than the Watch 6 Classic, but should you consider buying the 2023 model?
We would advise against it. Although it looks stylish even in 2025, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is starting to show its age in other areas, including hardware, software, and fitness/health tracking.
Now, if you already own the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic and are considering an upgrade, Samsung USA will cut you a limited-time $250 discount on the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic if you trade the 2023 model.
Grab the latest Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Buy NowAll in all, it seems like the main thing the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic and Watch 6 Classic have in common is the physical rotating bezel. Otherwise, they are vastly different watches inside and out, and the Watch 8 Classic benefits from a more recent release and better hardware, software, and features.
The post Galaxy Watch 8 Classic vs Watch 6 Classic: Major redesign, better hardware and Health features appeared first on imeisource.