Head-to-head · Best Smartwatches

Apple Watch Series 11 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Apple Watch Series 11 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about Existing Apple Watch users wanting a performance upgrade — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Smartwatches

Apple Watch Series 11

4.3

$329as of Jul 6

The Apple Watch Series 11 offers a refined iteration of its predecessor with notable improvements in display brightness and performance thanks to the S9 SiP chip. PCMag's Andrew Gebhart notes it's a 'small but meaningful step forward' without dramatic redesigns. CNET's reviewer calls it a 'goldilocks pick' but suggests it's becoming harder to recommend over newer models. The watch maintains its strong position in health monitoring with enhanced ECG capabilities and always-on display improvements, though it lacks major innovations that would distinguish it from previous generations.

Strengths

— Improved brightness with up to 2,000 nits peak brightness for better visibility in sunlight
— Enhanced always-on display functionality with improved readability
— Faster S9 SiP chip delivering better performance and efficiency

Watch-outs

— No significant design changes from Series 10
— Still lacks standalone cellular connectivity in entry-level models

$329 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best Smartwatches

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic

4.2

$334.99as of Jul 6

PCMag's Andrew Gebhart praised the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic for its elegant design and high-quality tactile elements, particularly the rotating bezel and smooth One UI Watch interface. However, multiple reviewers including Andy Boxall and a Reddit user noted significant comfort issues due to its disproportionate shape and awkward fit, with one reviewer stating it failed to become part of the wrist and was practically impossible to wear comfortably all day. The watch's large size and weight make it unsuitable for overnight sleep tracking, and while battery life is solid, the overall comfort and ergonomics remain major drawbacks for many users.

Strengths

— Polished finishing with silver-and-white color scheme that is striking yet classy
— Rotating bezel provides tactile joy with perfectly dampened clicks
— One UI Watch is smooth, slick, and fast to respond

Watch-outs

— Uncomfortable fit due to short and low lugs, flat case back, and tall bezel making it feel like an obstinate wart on the wrist
— Large dimensions make it annoying under cuffs and difficult to wear overnight for sleep tracking

$334.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Apple Watch Series 11

The Apple Watch Series 11 improves upon its predecessor with a faster S9 chip and enhanced display brightness, but unlike the Apple Watch Ultra 2, it lacks rugged durability and specialized outdoor features. Compared to the Apple Watch SE, it offers more advanced health monitoring and a premium feel, though it doesn't provide the budget-friendly value that the SE delivers. It's a refined upgrade for existing Apple Watch users but doesn't break new ground in terms of design or functionality.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic stands out with its rotating bezel and elegant design, but it's significantly less comfortable than the OnePlus Watch 3, which offers a better fit despite similar size. Unlike the Apple Watch Ultra 2, it lacks ruggedization and outdoor-specific features, and while it has a polished UI, it doesn't match the Apple Watch Series 11 in terms of performance and health tracking capabilities.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Apple Watch Series 11	Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Display	1.9-inch always-on Retina	1.9-inch Super AMOLED
Processor	S9 SiP	Exynos W940
Battery Life	Up to 24 hours	two to three days
Water Resistance	50 meters	5ATM
Connectivity	5G	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3
Health Features	ECG app, heart rhythm monitoring	heart rate, and temperature sensor
Weight	37g (46mm), 30g (42mm)	49.7g

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