Samsung has once again tapped into nostalgia while pushing the smartwatch envelope with the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. Back is the beloved rotating bezel—now paired with a modern 3nm processor, expanded health tracking, and AI-powered software.
We’ve spent a week wearing it around Klang Valley—from morning commutes on the MRT to late-night mamak runs—and here’s what stood out.
Design & Display: Familiar, Yet Refined
At a glance, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic looks unmistakably Samsung—with its stainless steel case and the signature rotating bezel making a bold return. The 46mm variant we tested (RM1,799 for Wi-Fi / RM2,099 for LTE in Malaysia) felt premium on the wrist but may be too chunky for smaller wrists.
New to this generation is the hybrid lug system and a “Quick Button” that adds welcome customisation for starting workouts or opening your go-to app.
The 1.34-inch Super AMOLED display is a stunner. With brightness peaking at 3,000 nits, it stays visible even under direct sunlight—perfect for Malaysia’s blazing mid-afternoon heat. And with sapphire crystal protection, it handles everyday bumps with ease.
Performance & Hardware: Smooth and Sturdy
Under the hood, the Watch 8 Classic runs on the new Exynos W1000 processor built on a 3nm process, making it one of the most power-efficient and responsive Galaxy Watches to date. Paired with 2GB RAM and 64GB storage, navigation feels snappy and apps open swiftly.
It supports eSIM for on-the-go LTE connection, dual-band GPS (L1+L5) for accurate location tracking, and comes with full IP68 + 5ATM water resistance—so whether you’re caught in the rain in KL or swimming laps, it’ll hold up just fine.
Health Features: Ambitious, But Still A Work In Progress
Samsung’s BioActive sensor is back with enhancements, and this time it’s packed with features including:
Antioxidant Index: A first-of-its-kind reading that tries to gauge your diet by scanning carotenoid levels in your skin. Innovative, but we found the results varied too much to be relied on seriously.
Vascular Health (Vascular Age & Vascular Load): Aims to estimate the strain on your blood vessels—ideal for users monitoring stress or cardiovascular wellness.
New Running Coach & Personalized HR Zones: The built-in coaching system adjusts to your fitness level after a test run, but GPS and heart rate accuracy still feel a step behind dedicated sport watches like Garmin.
Sleep Tracking: One of the most improved features, with snoring detection, sleep stage breakdown, and recovery scores—all of which sync well with Samsung Health.
The watch now auto-detects 90+ workouts, tracks VO₂ Max, asymmetry, and even ground contact time for runners.
However, some of the more advanced functions—like ECG and blood pressure—still require pairing with a Samsung phone and the Samsung Health Monitor app, which may disappoint users of other Android brands.
Malaysian Pricing & Availability
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is available nationwide via Samsung Experience Stores, authorised retailers, and online:
46mm Wi-Fi only: RM1,799
46mm LTE version: RM2,099
It’s available in classic black and white options, with additional strap choices sold separately.
Verdict: Style and Substance, With a Few Caveats
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is arguably the best-looking smartwatch in Samsung’s lineup. The return of the rotating bezel, a polished OS, and unique health features give it a distinct identity in a market crowded with copycats.
However, it’s not perfect. The size may not suit everyone, the health sensors can be finicky, and the battery life still needs improvement. If you’re a Samsung user looking for a premium wearable that marries tradition with innovation, this is your watch.
