Latest news with #Watch8Classic
Stuff.tv
13 hours ago
- Stuff.tv
With one exception, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is everything I want from a smartwatch
Stuff Verdict Ultra-inspired looks and expanded fitness features take the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic that bit further upmarket. This distinctive smartwatch isn't a longevity champ, but impresses almost everywhere else. Pros Rotating bezel great for offscreen interaction Comprehensive health and fitness features Snappy performance and clean UI Cons Squircle shape won't be to all tastes Not the longest-lasting Wear OS watch Introduction The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic feels like Samsung attempting to please everyone at once. The firm's latest smartwatch brings back one fan favourite feature, inherits the design from its flagship wearable, and doubles down on fitness features. It's also first out the door with on-wrist Gemini smarts. Anyone with a Galaxy Watch 6 Classic – now two years old – will have their head turned by the return of the rotating bezel, while those wanting a more affordable take on the Galaxy Watch Ultra will appreciate the 'cushion' design being carried over for significantly less cash. Add in a bigger battery and it could be the new Wear OS watch to beat. There's only one size to choose from this year, though, and prices start from $499/£449 – cheaper than an Ultra, but a bigger investment than the $349/£319 Watch 8, and more than most Wear OS rivals to boot. Does the Watch 8 Classic do enough to earn a spot on your wrist? How we test wearables Every smartwatch and fitness tracker reviewed on Stuff is worn 24/7 throughout the testing process. We use our own years of experience to judge general performance, battery life, display, and health monitoring. Manufacturers have no visibility on reviews before they appear online, and we never accept payment to feature products. Find out more about how we test and rate products. Design & build: squared away It's not quite the dominating presence that the Galaxy Watch Ultra was, but the Watch 8 Classic is still a sizeable bit of wristwear. It reimagines the bigger brother's styling, again setting a circular screen inside a square bezel, but slimming things down a bit at the sides. A coin-edge bezel then sits on top, rotating with a satisfying click as you bi-directionally scroll through onscreen menus. I'm convinced this dual approach is the best wearable input method, letting you tap and swipe the touchscreen while stationary but not having to hit tiny touch targets while exercising – or simply when you don't have both hands free. As for the squircle shape? Personally I'm a fan, because I like my watches to make a statement, and means there's more case between the screen and anything you might accidentally bash it on. Still, I can imagine there'll be some Watch 6 Classic owners that liked the more subtle approach. It also collects dust quite quickly; I had to clean it with a Q tip after just a few weeks' wear. I do appreciate the Ultra's three side buttons becoming the norm here. The central button can be customised to launch a specific sports mode or app, or just used as a shortcut to take you to the main exercise page if you like to mix and match your workouts. A protruding crown guard prevents accidental presses, while the two regular buttons assist with navigation. The polished stainless steel case looks the part, and means the watch feels substantial on your wrist. It's imperceptibly slimmer than the Watch 6 Classic, and I had no trouble sliding it out from underneath a cuffed shirt sleeve. The way the strap lugs clip into the casing is particularly fiddly, though, and means you can't snap any old 22mm band on like you could on the Galaxy Watch 7 series. On the plus side, it brings the casing closer to your wrist, which helps boost the accuracy of the heart rate sensor. If you're sticking with the default band – a polymer strap that mimics the look of leather – I think my black review unit is probably the version to go for. Samsung has a bunch of different strip styles to pick from, but most are lighter colours that I feel gel better with the white bezel model. Screen: smaller but shinier Unlike previous years, there's only one flavour of Watch 8 Classic. It comes in a 46mm case with a 1.34in screen, which is smaller than the 1.5in display you got on the equivalent Watch 6 Classic. Pixel density has dropped between generations, too, though the 437×437 resolution still looks clear enough at arms' length. Even watch faces with very small complications appear sharp and legible. You've also got to look hard to spot the inner bezel – there's barely any black bar visible around the circumference of the screen. It's an OLED, so of course colours look brilliantly vibrant and blacks are properly black. Pick the right watch face and that inner bezel disappears entirely. That's doubly true for the always-on display mode, if you don't mind the associated hit to battery life. Brightness has jumped up dramatically this year. A peak 3000 nits means this is a serious shiner, with zero visibility issues on even the brightest of days. It helps that viewing angles are excellent. The ambient light sensor is quick to react to changing environments, so you're not left waiting for it to boost brightness outdoors – or blinded by a bright screen when you step inside. Sapphire crystal glass should withstand most scrapes and scratches; my review unit still looked box-fresh after several weeks of wear. Interface: how about Now? Samsung's home-grown Exynos W1000 chipset is still running the show; the 3nm silicon hasn't changed at all from the Watch 7 series, and it's still paired with 2GB of RAM. Happily there's still more than enough grunt to keep Wear OS running smoothly, even with Samsung's extensive One UI customisations on top. There's a welcome consistency here with Samsung's latest smartphones, with familiar icons and pre-installed watch apps. The firm's in-house apps are the defaults for things like contactless payments, but with full access to the Play Store you can quickly swap to Google Wallet if you like. I'm more than happy with the 64GB of storage the Watch 8 Classic gets standard; there's enough room for loads of third-party apps, plus more workout playlists than I could possibly get through in a single session. Tiles are now grouped onto single screens now, saving you a few swipes or twists of the bezel. Notifications are also grouped into the firm's Now Bar, which also hosts media controls right on your watch face. I definitely found I was spending less time finding relevant information than on previous iterations, which sounds like a job well done by the software team. This is also the first Wear OS watch to put Google Gemini on your wrist. As well as controlling your smart home appliances with your voice, compatibility with Samsung's own ecosystem means you can ask Gemini to start a workout based on a metric like burning calories. It also understands multi-step actions, like recommendations on locations near you, paired with messaging invitations to you friends. It's slick, though I still can't bring myself to talk into my tech in public. Health & fitness: catch some Zs Samsung's watches have never been short on exercise tracking ability, and the Watch 8 Classic is no exception; it'll monitor heart rate, blood oxygen levels, skin temperature, step count and exertion levels for any workout, as you'd expect, and goes a lot more granular for certain exercises like running. The ECG monitor now highlights ectopic beats – minor irregular heartbeats that could be a precursor to bigger health issues – in its results. The new running assessment feature is neat for fitness beginners, tracking you over twelve minutes before serving up over 150 potential running plans. These coached sessions range from a first 5K to training for marathons, with difficulty that dynamically adjusts based on whether you're under- or over-performing. GPS accuracy is up there with the best smartwatches, and the biosensor produces figures that closely match more hardcore fitness devices like chest straps. It's health and wellbeing that've seen the most new additions this year, with the already comprehensive sleeping coach getting bedtime guidance that can suggest when hitting the hay will result in the best night's rest. So far it hasn't given me any dramatic insights, but maybe that's because I'm pretty good at turning in for the night before the early hours. Any bad morning moods are usually reflected in a low Energy Score. There's now an option to monitor your vascular load during sleep, and if you're in the UK or Europe, the Galaxy Watch 8 series also gains certified sleep apnea detection. Basically if you're losing Zs for any reason, this wearable will clue you in as to why. I'm less sold on the Antioxidant Index, which measures your carotenoid levels by sticking your thumb over the watch's rear optical sensor. If you're low, it'll suggest you munch some fruits or veggies rich in the stuff. Battery life: more of the same With a 445mAh cell stuffed inside, the Watch 8 Classic has a roughly 8% larger battery capacity than the Watch 7 series. With a slightly smaller screen as well, I was expecting it to last a fair bit longer between charges, but the reality was a closer match to the outgoing model. I typically got to the end of a second day of wear before the Watch needed a trip to its magnetic charging puck. That's roughly 30 hours, though admittedly that was with the always-on display mode switched on. With it off, you'll get closer to 40 – or into a third day, depending on when you first strapped it to your wrist. That means Samsung still lags behind the OnePlus Watch 3, which uses two chipsets to stretch comfortably into a fifth day. It's still more than the most recent Pixel Watch can manage, though. Samsung's charging puck is less fussy about placement than OnePlus' pogo pin cradle, too, so I never worried about it not charging because I hadn't lined it up perfectly. Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic verdict With most of the feel of a Galaxy Watch Ultra, at a price that's (a little) kinder to your wallet, the Watch 8 Classic is another Samsung success story. By spacing its Classic-badged wearables, the firm has also sensibly left enough time for existing owners to think about upgrading. This is about as feature-rich as Android wearables get, and there's been no skimping on the health and fitness front either. While battery life isn't class-leading, and some will find the chunkier looks a turn-off, it has no real weak links anywhere else. It commands a premium over rival smartwatches, so you've got to decide if the rotating bezel and distinctive styling are worth paying extra for. If you're already entrenched in the Samsung ecosystem, I expect they will be. Stuff Says… Score: 5/5 Ultra-inspired looks and expanded fitness features take the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic that bit further upmarket. This distinctive-looking smartwatch isn't a longevity champ, but impresses almost everywhere else. Pros Rotating bezel great for offscreen interaction Comprehensive health and fitness features Snappy performance and clean UI Cons Squircle shape won't be to all tastes Not the longest-lasting Wear OS watch Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic technical specifications Screen 1.34in, 437×437 AMOLED CPU Samsung Exynos W1000 Memory 2GB Storage 64GB Operating system Wear OS 16 w/ One UI 8.0 Watch Battery 445mAh Durability IP68/5ATM/MIL-STD-810 Dimensions 46x46x10.6mm, 63.5g
Geeky Gadgets
4 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic vs. Ultra: The Definitive Comparison
Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic and Watch 8 Ultra requires a clear understanding of their distinct features and target audiences. While both models showcase Samsung's commitment to innovation and advanced technology, they cater to different lifestyles and preferences. Whether you value durability, aesthetics, or specific functionalities, this detailed comparison from Sakitech will help you determine which smartwatch aligns best with your needs. Watch this video on YouTube. Design and Build: Rugged Durability or Timeless Elegance The Galaxy Watch 8 Ultra is purpose-built for those who thrive in challenging environments. Its titanium construction ensures exceptional durability while maintaining a lightweight feel at 60.5 grams. Designed to withstand extreme conditions, it features a bold, rugged aesthetic that appeals to outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. The Ultra's robust build is complemented by its practical design, making it a reliable companion for demanding activities. On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic offers a more refined and traditional design. Crafted from stainless steel, it weighs slightly more at 63.5 grams but features a thinner profile, making it comfortable for daily wear. The Classic reintroduces Samsung's iconic rotating bezel, blending timeless style with functional elegance. This model is ideal for users who prioritize sophistication and a polished appearance. Display: Size, Clarity, and Visual Experience Both models feature Samsung's Super AMOLED display technology, delivering vibrant colors and sharp visuals. With a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, visibility remains excellent even in direct sunlight, making sure a seamless viewing experience in any environment. Galaxy Watch 8 Ultra: Equipped with a larger 1.5-inch display and a resolution of 480×480, it offers an expansive viewing area. This makes it particularly suited for outdoor activities, where detailed visuals and enhanced readability are essential. Equipped with a larger 1.5-inch display and a resolution of 480×480, it offers an expansive viewing area. This makes it particularly suited for outdoor activities, where detailed visuals and enhanced readability are essential. Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: Features a slightly smaller 1.34-inch screen with a resolution of 438×438. Its compact design provides crisp visuals, making it perfect for everyday tasks and users who prefer a more understated look. Navigation and Interaction: Tactile Precision or Modern Touch The navigation systems of the two models reflect their distinct design philosophies, offering users a choice between tactile precision and streamlined modernity. Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: Incorporates the beloved physical rotating bezel , providing tactile feedback and intuitive menu navigation. This feature is a favorite among users who value precision and ease of use, enhancing the overall user experience. Incorporates the beloved , providing tactile feedback and intuitive menu navigation. This feature is a favorite among users who value precision and ease of use, enhancing the overall user experience. Galaxy Watch 8 Ultra: Adopts capacitive touch navigation, offering a sleek and minimalist interface. While it lacks the physical bezel, its touch-sensitive controls align with the Ultra's rugged and modern design ethos. Battery Life: Daily Convenience or Extended Endurance Battery performance is a critical consideration, especially for users with varying activity levels and lifestyles. Both models are designed to meet different usage demands. Galaxy Watch 8 Ultra: Powered by a robust 590mAh battery, it delivers an impressive 3-4 days of usage on a single charge. This extended battery life makes it an excellent choice for outdoor adventures, extended trips, or users who prefer less frequent charging. Powered by a robust 590mAh battery, it delivers an impressive on a single charge. This extended battery life makes it an excellent choice for outdoor adventures, extended trips, or users who prefer less frequent charging. Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: Equipped with a 445mAh battery, it provides over a day of usage, which is sufficient for daily wear. Its focus on style and functionality makes it a practical option for users who prioritize convenience and aesthetics. Water Resistance: Built for Depths Water resistance is another area where the two models differ, catering to varying levels of aquatic activities. Galaxy Watch 8 Ultra: With a 10 ATM rating , it can withstand depths of up to 100 meters. This makes it suitable for swimming, diving, and other water-based activities, ensuring durability in challenging conditions. With a , it can withstand depths of up to 100 meters. This makes it suitable for swimming, diving, and other water-based activities, ensuring durability in challenging conditions. Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: Offers a 5 ATM rating, supporting depths of up to 50 meters. While less robust than the Ultra, it is more than capable of handling casual swimming and everyday water exposure. Software and Performance: Seamless Functionality Both models run on Samsung's One UI 8.0, layered over Wear OS 6.0, making sure a smooth and intuitive user experience. Powered by the Exynos W1000 processor, with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, they deliver consistent performance across apps, notifications, and fitness tracking. The sensor suite is identical for both watches, offering comprehensive health and fitness tracking capabilities. Key features include: Heart rate monitoring EKG functionality Blood oxygen tracking Temperature measurement These features ensure that both models provide valuable insights into your health and fitness, regardless of your choice. Pricing and Variants: Premium Features or Affordable Elegance Pricing reflects the differences in design, functionality, and target audience: Galaxy Watch 8 Ultra: Starts at $650 , with an additional $50 for LTE connectivity. Its premium build, advanced features, and rugged design justify the higher price point, making it a worthwhile investment for outdoor enthusiasts. Starts at , with an additional $50 for LTE connectivity. Its premium build, advanced features, and rugged design justify the higher price point, making it a worthwhile investment for outdoor enthusiasts. Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: Priced at $500, it offers a more affordable option without compromising on performance. LTE variants are also available for an extra $50, providing added flexibility for users who value connectivity. Choosing the Right Watch for Your Lifestyle The decision between the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic and Watch 8 Ultra ultimately depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and priorities: Choose the Ultra if you're an outdoor enthusiast or require a smartwatch that excels in durability, extended battery life, and superior water resistance. Its rugged design and larger display make it ideal for extreme conditions and adventurous pursuits. if you're an outdoor enthusiast or require a smartwatch that excels in durability, extended battery life, and superior water resistance. Its rugged design and larger display make it ideal for extreme conditions and adventurous pursuits. Opt for the Classic if you prefer a traditional, stylish smartwatch with the convenience of a physical rotating bezel. It's an excellent all-around performer at a more accessible price point, perfect for everyday use and professional settings. Both models represent Samsung's dedication to innovation and quality, making sure that whichever you choose, you'll enjoy a smartwatch tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle. Uncover more insights about the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic in previous articles we have written. Source & Image Credit: Sakitech Filed Under: Android News, Gadgets News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Daily Record
14-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Best pre-order deals on the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7
For those wanting to get their hands on Samsung's newest flip phone, here are some of the cheapest pre-order deals. Samsung fans will be over the moon to hear that the latest range of Samsung's foldable phones are now available for pre-order. With the last smartphones in this range released on July 10 last year - Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 - fans have been waiting in anticipation for the newest release. Featuring significant improvements to the older models, the new editions to the Z Fold and Z Flip series were first showcased at Unpacked event in New York last Wednesday, July 9, wherethe Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic were also unveiled. The biggest difference fans noticed was to the Fold 7, which has been designed to be more pocket-friendly despite the size it can expand to, reports the Mirror. Additionally, the device now boasts an enhanced triple-lens camera with a primary 200MP lens. On the flip side, the Flip 7 will be equipped with superior screens, upgraded cameras and speedier processors. Both phones are expected to go on general sale on July 25, according to the Radio Times. For those potentially wanting to make the switch to a more unique smartphone, or are looking for an upgrade, we have comprised some of the best current pre-order deals on the market so you can find the plan that works best for you. If shoppers are looking to spread the cost, Three Mobile has a few monthly contract deals available. For those interested in the Fold 7, shoppers can pay £45.50 a month in a 36-month contract, along with an upfront cost of £60. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 £45.50 per month Three Buy Now Product Description In terms of the Flip 7, Samsung fans can enter a 36-month contract for £25.25 per month and an upfront cost of £40. Both of these deals come with double the storage - 512GB - and a variety of trade-in deals to help save more money. However, it should be noted that both of these contracts don't include your data allowance, so shoppers will need to consider this when they calculate their overall monthly cost. Sky is also offering a fast selling deal on the Fold 7, which sees shoppers get double storage and a free Watch8 Classic worth £449 for free. With a 36-month contract, shoppers will need to pay £58 per month and an upfront cost of £36. Alternatively, the Flip 7 is available for pre-order for £35 per month for 36 months, with a £12 upfront cost. This device comes with the Watch8, which is worth £319, for free and is available in blue shadow, coral red and jet black. A similar deal can be found on EE for the devices. However, shoppers are able to choose how much they want to pay upfront, which could lessen the amount they need to pay every month. The upfront cost starts at £30 and goes up to a whopping £1724 for the Fold 7. Additionally, the Carphone Warehouse has variety of deals that may be worth exploring, which includes your data package in overall price. This website is also helpful as it warns shoppers of yearly data price increases. For those able to pay for the newest Z series phones upfront, shoppers can pre-order the Z Fold 7 for £1,799 from Amazon, while the Z Flip 7 is priced at £1,049. Both of these are £100 off the full retail price. Additionally, Amazon is giving Prime Student members an extra £100 off at the checkout on both of these devices. For those wanting a slightly older model, Amazon is also selling the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 for £999 with 512GB of storage available. Alternatively, for those who favour Apple, Argos has slightly dropped the price of the iPhone 16e down from £599 down to £549. With 128GB of storage, this budget Apple flagship phone is available in white or black. Back to the Z series, Samsung itself is offering the best deal for those willing to pay the full fee. With an up to £935 trade-in value and a £100 discount for shoppers who pay using PayPal, shoppers will be able to see significant reductions in price on both the Fold 7 and the Flip 7. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
India Today
10-07-2025
- India Today
Samsung likely to launch its first tri-fold phone by end of 2025
Samsung's big July Unpacked event may have introduced a bunch of new foldables (Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7 and Flip 7 FE) and smartwatches (Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic), but there was one device many fans had their eye on — and it never made an appearance. The company's long-rumoured tri-fold smartphone, aka the Galaxy G Fold, was expected to be teased at the event, but Samsung chose not to talk about it. That didn't stop the buzz, though. Now, just a day after the showcase, fresh reports confirm that the tri-fold phone is very much real and is expected to launch by the end of 2025. And this time, the confirmation comes straight from the to The Korea Times, Samsung's mobile boss, TM Roh, has officially confirmed that the company is actively working on a tri-folding phone. Speaking to select journalists after the Unpacked event, he revealed that Samsung is planning to release the device later this year. He said the company is focused on perfecting both the product and its usability, though the name hasn't been decided yet. This is the first time Samsung has publicly acknowledged the launch timeline for the tri-fold there's no official image or teaser yet, earlier leaks have suggested that the device could feature a 10-inch OLED panel that folds twice into a compact form. It may also run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and be priced upwards of $2,900 (roughly Rs 2.49 lakh). However, the first-gen model might be a limited release, with reports suggesting it could launch only in South Korea and China initially. A global rollout is likely only in 2026, once the second-gen model is ready. Back at the Unpacked event, Samsung had plenty of other announcements to keep the spotlight on its foldable line-up. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 were both made official with slimmer bodies, brighter displays, and AI upgrades across the board. The Fold 7 is now lighter than even the Galaxy S25 Ultra and comes with a larger 8-inch inner display. The Flip 7 now has a 4.1-inch cover screen that wraps around the camera and a larger 6.9-inch internal also added a more affordable Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE to its portfolio — a first for the Flip series — bringing the foldable form factor to more users at a lower price. On the wearable side, the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic were launched with a thinner design, new AI-powered health tools, and better battery life. Both watches also come with Google's Gemini AI assistant built in.- Ends
News18
10-07-2025
- News18
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 And Watch 8 Classic With Gemini AI Unveiled: Price, Features
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and the Watch 8 Classic get a major design change , more health features and the One UI 8 version, Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 series is also part of the latest Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event this week. The new Watch 8 series gets a Class model and a design overhaul that will surely have you interested in the new smartwatches. This is also the first Galaxy Watch lineup to get Gemini out of the box. Samsung bringing the Classic variant back in 2025 with the 8 series means you get a new display form with the popular rotating bezels to control and navigate through the screen. The new watches are also getting the latest One UI 8 Watch version based on Wear OS 6 platform from Google. The Watch 8 Classic has all these and the 3D Hall sensor. For connectivity you have Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, 5G, NFC, dual-frequency GPS. The Watch 8 series gets 5ATM protection against water, IP68 rating and military standard grade durability. The Watch 8 comes with a 325mAh battery, while the Watch 8 Classic has a 445mAh unit. Both the smartwatches come with fast charging support but the speeds are not mentioned. About the Author S Aadeetya First Published: July 10, 2025, 09:45 IST
