Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Review: Stuck in the Middle
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic has made a return with a blend of familiar design elements and new features, aiming to cater to the demands of smartwatch enthusiasts. While it boasts a nice, bright display, useful Google Gemini integration, and ample storage, it falls short in some key areas that leave it somewhat stranded in the smartwatch market.
Design & Build
The reintroduction of the physical rotating bezel and the cushion design from the Galaxy Watch Ultra sets the stage for the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic’s aesthetics. However, the fusion of these elements might not resonate with all users, creating a design that feels slightly disjointed.
Screen & Audio
Equipped with a 1.3-inch Super AMOLED display, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic offers crisp visuals and adaptive brightness settings for optimal viewing. While the display excels in brightness, the onboard speaker and microphone might not deliver the best audio experience for calls or music playback.
Software & Features
Running on Wear OS 6.0 with Samsung’s One UI 8 Watch overlay, the software experience on the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is a mixed bag. The inclusion of Google Gemini AI brings a new level of functionality, but the reliance on multiple apps for full feature utilization can be cumbersome.
Fitness & Health Tracking
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic shines in its fitness and health monitoring capabilities, offering features like an antioxidant index, personalized running coach, and sleep tracking. However, some features, like the personalized running coach, may not align well with users’ fitness levels, raising concerns about accuracy and usability.
Battery Life & Charging
While the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic offers up to 40 hours of battery life, it falls short compared to some competitors in the smartwatch market. The battery performance, especially during GPS usage, may leave users wanting more longevity, especially considering the two-year gap between this model and its predecessor.
Price & Availability
With a starting price of $499 for the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi version, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic sits in a price range that may not fully align with its overall performance. When compared to other smartwatches in the market, there are more cost-effective options available with better features and capabilities.
Should You Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic?
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic presents a mix of improvements and drawbacks that may not fully justify its price point. While it excels in certain areas like health tracking and software enhancements, it falls short in design cohesion, battery life, and value proposition compared to other smartwatches in its segment.
Specs
– Wear OS 6 with One UI 8 Watch
– 1.3-inch AMOLED screen
– 46mm stainless steel case
– ECG, blood pressure, and sleep apnea monitoring
– 64GB storage and 2GB memory
– Bluetooth and LTE models
– Dual-frequency GPS and 5ATM waterproof rating
In the realm of smartwatches, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic finds itself in a precarious position, balancing notable features with notable shortcomings. As the market continues to evolve, it’s essential for consumers to weigh the pros and cons before investing in this particular model.