Samsung Plans To Bring Back A Classic

Contents

Summary

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic clears Bluetooth SIG, likely launching in July.
Samsung may stagger Galaxy Watch Classic and Galaxy Watch Ultra releases.
A physical rotating bezel could return with the Watch 8 Classic.

A Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is on the way, as the new device has received Bluetooth SIG certification. The report, via Xpertpick, notes that devices that receive SIG certification are usually launched in a shorter timeframe, making a July announcement alongside Samsung’s new foldables the most likely outcome. Samsung did not release a Classic variant last year, opting for a Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch Ultra in 2024.

It will be interesting to see how Samsung handles its Galaxy Watch lineup in 2025. It’s unclear whether the return of the Classic name is a rebranding of the Galaxy Watch Ultra or just the return of the Classic to the Galaxy Watch lineup. Samsung could follow Apple’s lead and not release a Watch Ultra every year, instead maintaining a staggered release schedule. The SIG certification doesn’t include any specs, so we’re left to wonder what Samsung’s plans are.

A staggered release makes sense

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Even though I could see Samsung rebranding the Galaxy Watch Ultra, I believe the company is planning an offset release, with one year getting a Galaxy Watch Classic, and a new Galaxy Watch Ultra launching the following year. It’s a clean way to introduce a third product into the lineup, and it gives the company a premium option that is more wallet-friendly than the $650 Galaxy Watch Ultra.

I’m hoping the return of a Galaxy Watch Classic means the return of a feature we haven’t seen since the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: a rotating bezel. A rotating bezel is a fantastic way to navigate through a smartwatch, and I miss the feature on the Galaxy Watch Ultra. I understand the Galaxy Watch bezel is touch-sensitive, but it’s much easier to control my watch one-handed with physical rotation.

I also like the aesthetic that the rotating bezel brings to the Galaxy Watch. It gives the device a more traditional watch look and feel, ideal for those analog watch fans who enjoy the fitness and sleep-tracking benefits of a smartwatch. Whether Samsung is changing up the Galaxy Watch Ultra or introducing the Classic back as a third option, I’d look forward to Samsung bringing back the fan-favorite rotating bezel for tactile control over menus and apps.