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.
