Samsung’s summer Unpacked event looks set to deliver more than new foldables. Just days ahead of the official July 9 launch, comprehensive leaks have disclosed almost everything about the next smartwatch generation. This year, the Galaxy Watch 8 series arrives in three versions: the standard Watch 8, the revived Watch 8 Classic, and the rugged Watch Ultra.
Mainstream and Classic Models
The Galaxy Watch 8 continues Samsung’s characteristic focus on versatility. It is available in two case sizes—40mm and 44mm—both equipped with bright Super AMOLED displays that reach an impressive 3.000 nits. The smaller 40mm variant features a 1.34-inch screen with 438 x 438 resolution and a 325mAh battery, while the larger 44mm model bumps things up to a 1.47-inch panel at 480 x 480 resolution with a 435mAh battery. Both watches keep a lightweight aluminum chassis with sapphire glass protection, and every Watch 8 has 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, powered by the familiar Exynos W1000 chip. As expected, everything will run on Samsung’s revamped One UI 8.0 for wearables.
The Watch 8 Classic marks a return for the much-loved rotating bezel, a feature Samsung left behind in the previous generation. The Classic arrives solely in a 46mm format with a stainless steel body, sapphire glass, and heavier 63.5g weight. Its display matches the 1.34-inch size and 438 x 438 resolution of the smaller Watch 8, but it doubles the internal storage to 64GB, a notable upgrade for users storing more music or app data locally.
Watch Ultra for Heavy-Duty Needs
At the top end, the Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) takes aim at active users and anyone needing advanced durability. This new flagship employs a 47mm titanium case, retaining sapphire glass for scratch resistance. Its 1.47-inch display matches the best resolutions from the regular 44mm model, while its 590mAh battery and 60.5g weight promise both endurance and sturdiness. The headline feature is an 86dB emergency siren for safety in outdoor environments, a function not seen on previous Samsung wearables. Like the Classic, the Ultra offers 64GB of internal storage and sticks with 2GB RAM and the Exynos W1000 chip.
Pricing and Availability in Europe
European pricing has emerged with little ambiguity. The Galaxy Watch 8 starts at 379,99 € for the 40mm Bluetooth model or 429,99 € for the 4G version. The larger 44mm size is priced at 409,99 € (Bluetooth) and 459,99 € (4G). The Watch 8 Classic in 46mm will set buyers back 529,99 € for Bluetooth and 579,99 € with 4G connectivity. The Ultra is positioned at the top with a single 47mm Bluetooth + 4G version for 699,99 €.
All models are expected to be available soon after the announcement and are focused on the European market, with pricing tailored for Germany, France, and neighboring countries. Samsung will host the Galaxy Unpacked stream on July 9, starting at 16:00 Central European Time. Those interested can follow the presentation live on YouTube.
What Does This Mean for European Buyers?
With these updates, Samsung is clearly aiming to appeal to different segments—from fitness fans and everyday smartwatch users to tech enthusiasts who want a feature-rich, robust wearable. The pricing reflects the step up in build quality and storage between tiers, but the hardware itself, especially the base processor, may feel familiar to anyone upgrading from last year’s versions.
Whether you value the return of the rotating bezel, the Ultra’s new safety features, or simply prefer a more subtle update, this generation of Galaxy Watches will likely force every rival to pay attention—at least in terms of variety and premium options in the European market.
