Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 vs Watch 8 Classic: Which Is Better?

Samsung’s latest smartwatch lineup includes two standout models: the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 and the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. With overlapping features and distinct use cases, choosing between the two depends on the user’s priorities—durability or design, battery or bezel.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 features a larger, squircle-shaped 1.5-inch AMOLED display with sapphire crystal protection, built into a rugged titanium case. It comes in four color options: Silver, Gray, White, and Blue. With IP68, 10ATM, and MIL-STD-810H certifications, it's engineered for extreme environments.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic sticks to a more traditional design with a smaller 1.34-inch Super AMOLED screen. It includes a rotating bezel—a notable feature missing from the Ultra model. Available in Titanium Black and White, it too offers IP68 and MIL-STD-810H certifications, but with a lower 5ATM water resistance.

Battery life is a clear divider. The Ultra model includes a 590mAh battery that can last up to four days on power-saving mode and up to two days with active use. The Classic comes with a smaller 445mAh battery, expected to last around two days with regular usage.

Both models run Wear OS 6 with Samsung’s One UI 6 and use the same Exynos W1000 processor with 2GB RAM and 64GB storage. Connectivity includes LTE, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC.

Health tracking capabilities are nearly identical on both devices. Features include heart rate, blood oxygen, stress monitoring, sleep tracking with sleep apnea detection, and a Running Coach with real-time guidance. Each model supports dual-frequency GPS, Samsung Health, and new tools like the Antioxidant Index and Vascular Load tracker.

The shift to Google Gemini marks a major change in user interaction. Both watches support Gemini for natural voice commands and provide multi-info tiles for glanceable updates. The Now Bar keeps key notifications front and center.

The Ultra 2025 is tailored for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes needing durability and longer battery life. For general users, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic offers the same software and health tracking features in a sleeker form factor, plus the tactile rotating bezel.

Unless the extra ruggedness and battery life are critical, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is more suited to everyday use. With trade-in offers, the price gap can be narrowed, but for most users, the Classic remains the practical choice.