Galaxy Watch 8 vs the New Galaxy Watch Ultra – Ultimate Samsung Smartwatch Face‑off

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 and the new Galaxy Watch Ultra represent two flagship tiers in Samsung’s wearable lineup. Both run Google’s Wear OS with Samsung’s One UI Watch interface and pack advanced fitness tracking, but they are built for different users. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll explore design, features, battery life, and pricing of the Galaxy Watch 8 vs Galaxy Watch Ultra to help you decide which smartwatch suits you best. We’ll cite facts, real-world examples, and expert sources to ensure an authoritative, trustworthy comparison. Let’s dive into this Samsung smartwatch showdown.

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Design & Build Quality

When it comes to design and build, the Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch Ultra take very different approaches:

• Size & Weight: The Galaxy Watch 8 comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes, whereas the Ultra is only available in a hefty 47mm casewareable.com. The difference in weight is striking – the Watch 8 weighs just ~28–34 grams, while the Ultra comes in around 60 gramsphonearena.com. In practical terms, the Ultra feels substantially bulkier on the wrist, whereas the Watch 8 (especially the 40mm) is light and comfortable for all-day wear.

• Materials & Durability: The standard Galaxy Watch 8 uses an aluminum case (the premium Watch 8 Classic variant uses stainless steel), giving it a sleek, modern look. In contrast, the Ultra features a rugged grade 5 titanium case for enhanced durability. This build, combined with a raised “squircle” cushion shape around the screen, is designed to withstand harsh conditions. The Ultra meets 10ATM water resistance (rated to 100 meters) vs the Watch 8’s 5ATM (50 meters)wareable.com, and both have IP68 dust resistance. This means both watches are swim-proof, but the Ultra can handle deeper water (suitable for diving or high-pressure water exposure) better than the standard model. Samsung even rates the Ultra for extreme altitudes (from 500m below sea level to 9000m above) to emphasize its expedition-ready buildphonearena.com.

• Aesthetics: The Galaxy Watch 8 received a complete design refresh this generation – it’s thinner and adopts a squarish cushion-shaped frame inspired by the Ultra’s looktechradar.com. This gives the Watch 8 a distinctive style compared to its round-edged predecessors. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic sub-model brings back Samsung’s beloved rotating bezel on a 46mm stainless steel body (for those who prefer a traditional look), but the standard Watch 8 has no physical bezel. The Ultra also does not feature a rotating bezel (Samsung removed it to avoid mimicking the Apple Watch Ultra too closely). Instead, navigation is via the touch screen or the side buttons. The Ultra’s appearance is bold and utilitarian – its large, flat-topped display and protective rim give it a chunky, sporty vibe. It looks at home on outdoor adventures “roaming the wild... mountains, canyons, and deserts,” whereas the slimmer Galaxy Watch 8 feels more natural in everyday city lifephonearena.com.

• Comfort & Bands: Due to its larger size, the Galaxy Watch Ultra can be a bit cumbersome for small wrists and even noticeable during sleep or exercise. The Watch 8, available in two smaller sizes, will be more comfortable for most people during workouts and overnight wear. Samsung also designed different strap mechanisms: the Watch 8 uses standard quick-release pins (20mm/22mm bands), allowing you to swap in third-party bands easily, while the Ultra uses a proprietary band attachment (similar to Apple’s) with release buttons on the casephonearena.com. There are plenty of official straps for the Ultra, but the Watch 8 gives you more flexibility to use existing or custom bands.

Bottom line: The Galaxy Watch Ultra clearly wins on ruggedness – its titanium build and higher water resistance make it better suited for extreme conditions and rough use. It’s built to take a beating on hikes, dives, and climbs. The Galaxy Watch 8, on the other hand, offers a sleeker, lighter design that’s ideal for daily wear, the office, the gym, and even sleep tracking without feeling heavy. If you prioritize a classic style or comfort, the Watch 8 (or 8 Classic with its rotating bezel) has the edge. But if you need a tough companion for outdoor adventures, the Ultra’s design is purpose-built for that role.

Display & Interface

Both the Watch 8 and Ultra feature Samsung’s excellent Super AMOLED displays, but there are some differences in size and brightness:

• Screen Size & Quality: The Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm) and the Ultra both use a 1.5-inch AMOLED touch screen with a sharp 480×480 resolutionphonearena.com. The smaller 40mm Watch 8 has a 1.3-inch display at 432×432. In terms of quality, both screens are vibrant, colorful, and easy to read. Text and watch faces look crisp, and animations (with up to 60 Hz refresh) are smooth. Colors and blacks are especially rich thanks to AMOLED technology.

• Brightness: This is one area the Ultra has an advantage. Samsung quotes a peak brightness of 3,000 nits for the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s display, whereas the standard Galaxy Watch 7/8 tops out around 2,000 nits. In practice, that means the Ultra’s screen can get extremely bright – helpful for readability under harsh sunlight or glare (think snowfields or ocean reflections). The Watch 8’s screen (likely around 1,500–2,000 nits at max) is still plenty bright for most conditionsphonearena.com, and both watches remained legible in direct sun during reviews. But if you often find yourself outdoors at high noon, the Ultra’s extra brightness gives a bit more visibility. The Ultra also has a special Night Mode that turns the interface red for low-light conditions (preserving night vision during camping or astronomy, for example)phonearena.com. The Watch 8 doesn’t have this built-in red UI mode, though you could mimic it with certain watch faces or settings.

• Controls & User Interface: Both smartwatches run Wear OS (Google) under Samsung’s One UI Watch software layer, so their on-screen menus and features are very similar. Navigation is primarily via touch gestures (swipes and taps) and the side buttons. The Galaxy Watch Ultra has three buttons: two standard (Home and Back) and an extra programmable “Quick Button” in bright orange on the side. You can map this Quick Button to a shortcut of your choice (for example, one-press to start a specific workout, open the compass app, or trigger the flashlight/siren)phonearena.com. The Galaxy Watch 8 has two buttons (Home and Back) and no third button, so you’ll rely on the touchscreen a bit more for shortcuts – though One UI Watch does support customizable double-press and press-and-hold actions for the existing buttons. Notably, neither the Watch 8 nor the Ultra has a rotating bezel for navigation (unless you buy the separate Watch 8 Classic model)phonearena.com. They do emulate a “digital bezel” – you can run your finger along the screen edge to scroll – but it’s not as tactile as the physical rotating bezel on the Classic. If you love the mechanical bezel for scrolling through menus, only the Watch 8 Classic offers that, not the Ultra.

• Watch Faces and Customization: Because both run the same software, you get the same selection of watch faces and customization on each. You can choose from Samsung’s designs or download more from Google Play. Both support always-on display mode for showing the time continuously (with a dimmed, low-power face). Just remember that always-on mode will impact battery life on both devices.

• Haptics and Audio: Both watches have vibration alerts and a speaker/microphone. You can take calls on-wrist with either device when connected to your phone or with LTE models. There’s no significant difference here; both have loud enough speakers for phone calls or alarm sounds, and both support voice assistants (Google Assistant or Bixby) with on-device processing.

In summary, the user interface and everyday experience are nearly identical on the Watch 8 and Ultra. The Ultra’s display is larger (vs the 40mm Watch 8) and exceptionally bright, making it a bit better for outdoor readabilityphonearena.com. It also gives you an extra hardware button for convenience. But aside from those tweaks, you’ll be interacting with these watches in the same way – swiping through menus, tapping notifications, and using voice or buttons for shortcuts. Both screens are top-notch, and unless you frequently need the absolute brightest display or the extra button, the difference here isn’t a deciding factor for most.

Health & Smart Features

One of Samsung’s strengths is that it doesn’t skimp on health and smart features even in the “non-Ultra” model. Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch Ultra share the vast majority of their tracking capabilities and smart functions, since they run the same platform:

• Core Sensors: Both watches use Samsung’s latest BioActive Sensor array, combining an optical heart rate sensor, electrical heart sensor (ECG), and bioelectric impedance sensor (for body composition analysis). They also include a wrist skin temperature sensor, barometer/altimeter, accelerometer, gyro, compass, ambient light sensor, and support multi-band GPS. In fact, the internal hardware is virtually the same – both are powered by the Exynos W1000 3nm chipset with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage, ensuring snappy performance and app support. Thanks to this, both the Watch 8 and Ultra can track over 100 workout modes, monitor heart rate continuously, track SpO₂ (blood oxygen), stress, and sleep in detail. Advanced metrics like VO₂ max, ECG readings, blood pressure (where enabled), and even new indicators like Energy Score and AGEs Index for wellness are present on both devicesphonearena.com. In everyday use, you’ll get the same step counts, calorie estimates, sleep scores, and heart data from either watch – Samsung hasn’t locked any fundamental sensor behind the Ultra model.

• New AI and OS Features: With the latest One UI Watch software (Watch OS 5/6), Samsung introduced features like double-pinch gesture controls (for hands-free actions) and on-watch intelligent assistant capabilities. Both Watch 8 and Ultra include these. For instance, both can detect irregular heart rhythms or potential sleep apnea events overnight using the bio-sensors and AIphonearena.com. Both also support Google Assistant and Samsung’s own Bixby, offline music playback, contactless payments (Samsung Pay/Wallet), and LTE connectivity options (if you buy the LTE model) for phone-free use. In short, the smartwatch functions – notifications, calls, apps, voice commands – are essentially identical on the two models.

• Unique to Ultra: The Galaxy Watch Ultra does pack a few extra features tailored to serious athletes and adventurers:

• It has an Emergency Siren app – a loud audible alarm you can activate if you’re lost or in distress outdoors, to help others locate you.
• The Ultra’s Quick Button (as mentioned) can be a lifesaver for quickly starting a workout, dropping a GPS waypoint, or any critical function you assign.
• For triathletes and divers, the Ultra supports a Multisport exercise mode (e.g. seamlessly tracking a triathlon’s swim/bike/run segments) and is better suited for open-water swimming and diving given its 10ATM water resistance. (The standard Watch 8 can track pool swims and open-water swims too, but with 5ATM it’s not recommended for high-impact water sports or diving beyond ~50m)wareable.com.
• Niche fitness features like Functional Threshold Power (FTP) for cycling, advanced heart-rate zone training analysis, and custom interval workouts are emphasized with the Ultra – though many of these have trickled to the regular Watch 8 via software updates as well.
• The Ultra’s compass app has a Track Back feature (helping you navigate back along a trail) that, while not exclusive, is especially useful in combination with the Ultra’s rugged design for hikers.
• ECG/Blood Pressure Caveat: Both the Watch 8 and Ultra offer ECG and blood pressure monitoring, but Samsung restricts these features to use with Samsung Galaxy smartphones (due to regulatory approvals and the requirement of the Samsung Health Monitor app). In other words, if you pair these watches with a non-Samsung Android phone, ECG and blood pressure features will not work. If you do have a Samsung phone (such as a Galaxy S23 Ultra), you’ll unlock these medical-grade features on either watch. So in this regard, there’s no difference between Watch 8 and Ultra – it’s your phone that matters. (Neither watch is compatible with iPhones, as we’ll note later – they require Android 11 or abovewareable.com.)

Overall, everyday users will experience the same health monitoring and smart features on both Galaxy Watch 8 and Ultra. The differences lie in those extreme-use features – if you’re an avid climber, diver, or marathon cyclist, the Ultra’s extra outdoorsy tools and safety features add value. But for someone who just wants to track workouts, sleep, and get smartphone notifications on their wrist, the Galaxy Watch 8 delivers all of that at a lower pricewareable.com. You’re not missing any major health metric or app by choosing the standard model.

Performance and Battery Life

Under the hood, these watches are powered by identical processors, so day-to-day performance is equally smooth. Apps open quickly, animations are fluid, and both have the same storage for music or apps. Where they start to differ significantly is battery life:

• Processor & Speed: Both Galaxy Watch 8 and Ultra use Samsung’s new Exynos W1000 chip (the first 3nm chip in a wearable) with 2GB RAMphonearena.com. As a result, you won’t notice a performance difference between them. Both can handle interface navigation, fitness tracking, music playback, and third-party apps (like Spotify, Google Maps, etc.) with ease. They also both benefit from the efficiency of the 3nm chip when it comes to battery usage, but the Ultra simply has more battery to work with.

• Battery Capacity: The Galaxy Watch 8’s battery size depends on model – the 40mm has about a 300 mAh battery, and the 44mm (or 46mm Classic) has around 425–445 mAhphonearena.com. The Galaxy Watch Ultra dwarfs that with a 590 mAh batteryphonearena.com. In pure numbers, the Ultra has roughly 40–50% more battery capacity than the largest Watch 8 model, and nearly double that of the 40mm version.

• Real-World Battery Life: In practice, this translates to longer endurance on the Ultra:

• The Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm) is typically rated for 24–30 hours of use on a charge, or up to ~40 hours with the always-on display turned offphonearena.com. In real-world use, many users find they need to charge it nightly or at least every ~1.5 days with mixed usage (especially if using sleep tracking and always-on display). The 40mm version has slightly less longevity due to the smaller battery – often just about a full day per charge if you use many features.
• The Galaxy Watch Ultra is rated for 60 hours (2.5 days) with always-on off, or around 50–60 hours of typical use, according to Samsung’s official claims. Reviewers found it can realistically go about two days of heavy use before needing a chargewareable.com. With light use or power-saving features, some have stretched it to nearly 3 days. And if you enable extreme power saving modes (disabling most smart features), Samsung even claims up to 100 hours (4+ days) is possiblephonearena.com. In summary, Ultra can last roughly twice as long as the Watch 8 in equivalent usage conditions.

• This difference is significant if you dislike daily charging. For example, if you want to track sleep and still have battery for the next day’s evening, the Ultra provides that buffer – you could wear it for two nights and a day in between. With the Watch 8, you’ll likely need to top up at some point during the second day or before the second night.

• Charging Speed: Both watches use a wireless charging puck (proprietary) that snaps to the watch’s back. Charging rates are similar for both: you can get about 45–50% charge in 30 minutes on the fast charger. A full 0–100% charge takes roughly 80-90 minutes for the Watch 8 and a bit longer (~1 hour 45 min) for the Ultra due to the larger batteryphonearena.com. Neither supports reverse wireless charging from phones officially (though you might charge them on a phone’s PowerShare in a pinch, slowly). Importantly, battery life can also be extended by software – for instance, both have a “Watch Only” mode that just shows time and stretches battery for days, and both allow turning off features like always-on display, Wi-Fi, etc., to save power.

In the end, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is the clear winner for battery lifephonearena.com. If you want a watch that comfortably lasts two full days or more, the Ultra delivers that. The Galaxy Watch 8 will generally be a daily charger, especially if you use its rich features (GPS workouts, always-on screen, sleep tracking). However, if you’re okay with a nightly charging routine (similar to an Apple Watch or other advanced smartwatch), the Watch 8’s battery life is adequate for a day’s use. It’s a trade-off: the Ultra’s bigger battery comes at the cost of a heavier watch, whereas the Watch 8 is slim but needs more frequent juice. Choose based on whether you value battery longevity or a lighter device.

Price and Value

Price might be the deciding factor for many when choosing between these two. Here’s how they stack up:

• Galaxy Watch 8 Pricing: The standard Galaxy Watch 8 (Bluetooth model) starts at about $349.99 USD for the 40mm sizetechradar.com. The 44mm is around $399. Adding LTE capability typically adds about $50. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (46mm stainless steel with rotating bezel) is a more premium variant, priced around $499 for Bluetooth and ~$549 for LTEphonearena.com. So, depending on the model, the Watch 8 series ranges roughly $350 to $550.

• Galaxy Watch Ultra Pricing: The new Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024/2025 model) comes in a single 47mm size with LTE included by default. It retails for about $649.99 USD (and around £599 in the UK)wareable.com. This makes it one of the most expensive Wear OS watches on the market – on par with high-end Apple Watch models.

Comparatively, the Ultra costs significantly more. For the price of one Galaxy Watch Ultra, you could nearly buy two 40mm Watch 8s, or a Watch 8 and another gadget. Is it worth it? That depends on what you value:

• The Galaxy Watch 8 offers tremendous value by providing the same core software, apps, and health tracking for almost half the price of the Ultrawareable.com. If you’re budget-conscious, the Watch 8 (or 8 Classic) clearly gives you more bang for your buck in terms of features per dollar. It’s one of the best full-featured smartwatches in its price range, competing well against alternatives like the Google Pixel Watch 3 or standard Apple Watch.

• The Galaxy Watch Ultra commands a premium because of its expensive materials (titanium), larger display, and enhanced battery. You are paying for durability and longevity. For users who absolutely need those extras – say you’re an outdoor enthusiast, or you simply love the rugged aesthetic and want the top-tier model – the Ultra can be worth the investment. It’s Samsung’s ultimate smartwatch experience, and for some, the longer battery life alone justifies the cost.

• Keep in mind compatibility: both watches only work with Android phones (Android 11 and up), and are not compatible with iPhoneswareable.com. So if you ever switch to iOS, neither watch will work with Apple’s ecosystem. If you’re firmly an Android user, especially with a Samsung phone, these watches integrate very nicely (with extras like camera shutter control, and unlocking phone with watch, etc.).

In terms of value, ask yourself if the roughly $300 price jump to the Ultra is worth it for your use. Many reviewers conclude that for most people, the standard Galaxy Watch 7/8 is a better value choice since it does almost everything the Ultra can dowareable.com. However, the Ultra fills an important niche for those who need or want the best of the best in Samsung’s lineup – much like the Galaxy S23 Ultra phone caters to the enthusiast willing to pay more for the ultimate specs. It’s about matching the product to your priorities.

How to Choose Between Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch Ultra (Step-by-Step)

If you’re still torn between these wearables, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to decide:

1. Consider Your Usage Needs: Think about how you’ll use the smartwatch. Are you an extreme sports or outdoor adventure enthusiast? Do you go on multi-day hikes, mountain climbs, scuba dives, or ultramarathons? If yes, the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s rugged build, extra safety features, and battery life will serve you better. If your activities are more everyday – like gym workouts, runs, cycling, office and sleep tracking – the Galaxy Watch 8 is more than capable. (Real-world example: a hiker on a 2-day camping trip might prefer the Ultra for its 2+ day battery and durable titanium case, whereas a casual runner doing a 5K every morning would do perfectly well with the lighter Watch 8.)
2. Assess Size & Comfort: Do you prefer a large watch or a more discreet one? If you have a smaller wrist or just dislike bulky watches, the 40mm or 44mm Galaxy Watch 8 will likely be a better fit. It’s thinner and lighter, making it comfortable for 24/7 wear. The Ultra’s 47mm size can feel big, especially on slim wrists – some people love the chunky look, but others find it overbearing. Try to envision daily use: for sleep tracking, would a heavy watch bother you? The Watch 8 basically “disappears” on the wrist compared to the hefty Ultra.
3. Battery Life Expectations: How often are you willing to charge? If you want a watch that can last a full weekend trip or simply don’t want the hassle of nightly charging, the Ultra is the clear choice (it can go about 2–3 days on a charge in typical use). If you don’t mind charging each night or every day and a half, the Watch 8’s battery life will be sufficient. For example, if you plan to wear the watch to track sleep, note that you’ll have to find time to charge it either in the morning or evening. The Ultra gives you more flexibility in this regard.
4. Evaluate Feature Requirements: Make a list of any must-have features. Both watches have health basics (heart rate, GPS, ECG, etc.) and smart features (notifications, music). But do you need the Ultra’s extras like the loud siren, the customizable action button, or the deeper water resistance? If you frequently venture into environments where those matter (backcountry, ocean, high altitude), they could be crucial. On the flip side, if your use-case is more “urban” – e.g., using Google Maps on your watch, paying with Samsung Pay, tracking a bike ride in the park – the Watch 8 provides all of that. There are no missing major features on the Watch 8 aside from the Ultra’s specialty toolkit.
5. Set Your Budget: Finally, and perhaps most importantly, determine how much you’re willing to spend. The Galaxy Watch 8 starts around $349, whereas the Galaxy Watch Ultra is about $649techradar.comwareable.com. That price gap can fund other gadgets or accessories. If the Ultra fits comfortably in your budget and you won’t regret the spend, go for it. But if you’d rather save money or spend it elsewhere, the Watch 8 is the economical choice that still delivers a flagship experience. Remember, you can often catch sales on Samsung watches a few months after launch, too.

By walking through these steps – usage, comfort, battery, features, and budget – you should have a clearer idea of which Galaxy Watch aligns best with your lifestyle. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but asking these questions will lead you to the smartwatch that feels right for you.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?

Choosing between the Galaxy Watch 8 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra ultimately comes down to your personal needs and preferences. Technically, they share more similarities than differences: you’ll get the same software, apps, and core health tracking on both. For many users, the Galaxy Watch 8 (and 8 Classic) hits the sweet spot – it’s affordable, stylish, and packed with features, making it Samsung’s best smartwatch for the general public. As one expert noted, you’re getting all the same core tracking and smart features for much less cash compared to the Ultrawareable.com. It’s a great choice if you want a versatile smartwatch that doesn’t break the bank (and you prefer a less bulky design).

On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is Samsung’s “no-compromise” watch – built for those who demand the top-tier option. If you’re the kind of user who loves having the most advanced gadget, or you truly benefit from the Ultra’s enhancements (like multi-day battery life, extreme durability, and adventure-oriented tools), then the Ultra will be worth it despite the higher cost. It’s the watch that can go anywhere you go: from boardroom to backcountry, summiting mountains to diving under waves, the Ultra is made to endure. Plus, some people simply prefer the bold look and larger screen of the Ultra as a fashion statement or for readability.

In summary, both Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch Ultra are winners in their categories:

• Choose the Galaxy Watch 8 if you want a feature-rich, comfortable smartwatch that offers nearly everything the Ultra does, in a sleeker package and at a lower price. It’s the best value and will more than satisfy the needs of most users.

• Choose the Galaxy Watch Ultra if you need or crave that extra ruggedness and endurance – you’re paying more to get more. It’s the ultimate choice for adventurers, tech enthusiasts, or anyone who simply wants Samsung’s most powerful watch and is willing to invest in it.

No matter which you pick, you’ll be getting a top-performing smartwatch that showcases Samsung’s latest innovations in wearables. The Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch Ultra together ensure that whether you’re a casual user or a power user, Samsung has a smartwatch tailored for youphonearena.com. Happy smartwatch hunting!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the key differences between the Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch Ultra?

The Galaxy Watch Ultra is larger (47mm vs 40/44mm), heavier, and made of titanium, with double the water resistance (10ATM vs 5ATM) and a much bigger battery for longer life. It also has an extra configurable button and a few specialized features (like an emergency siren and Night Mode). The Galaxy Watch 8 is slimmer, lighter, available in smaller sizes (aluminum build), and far more affordable. Importantly, both run the same software and offer the same core health tracking, so your everyday experience with apps, notifications, and fitness tracking will be very similar. The choice really boils down to rugged durability + battery (Ultra) versus comfort + value (Watch 8).

Is the Galaxy Watch Ultra worth the higher price tag?

It depends on your needs. For someone who hikes, dives, or travels a lot and will put those extra Ultra features to use, it can be worth it – you’re getting a more durable watch with longer battery life that can handle rough conditions. Also, if you simply prefer a large watch and don’t mind spending more, the Ultra is a premium experience. However, for most users, the Galaxy Watch 8 provides much better value for moneywareable.com. It’s hundreds of dollars cheaper while offering the same general functionality. Unless you specifically need what the Ultra offers, the Watch 8 (or Watch 8 Classic) will be the smarter buy and will perform virtually the same for typical daily use.

Do the Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch Ultra have the same features and apps?

For the most part, yes – they both run Wear OS with Samsung’s One UI Watch overlay, so they have access to the same apps (Google Play Store, Spotify, Google Maps, etc.), and they both have the same health sensors (heart rate, ECG, SpO₂, GPS, etc.). All the standard features like notification mirroring, calling, texting, Samsung Pay, Google Assistant/Bixby, and fitness tracking are present on both. The Ultra simply adds a few extras: a loud siren app, a programmable action button, and some advanced workout modes (like triathlon mode, advanced HR zones) that are geared towards power usersphonearena.com. But there’s no difference in things like whether one can track your run or measure your sleep – both can do all of that. Samsung didn’t lock any mainstream app or feature to the Ultra. Even new additions like detecting irregular heart rhythm or tracking your “Body Composition” are on both watches. So you’re not missing out on key features by choosing the Watch 8.

Which has better battery life, the Galaxy Watch 8 or the Ultra?

The Galaxy Watch Ultra has significantly better battery life. It can last about 2 days or more on a charge for most userswareable.com, thanks to its 590 mAh battery. Samsung claims up to ~80 hours with some settings off (and even more in power-save modes). The Galaxy Watch 8, by contrast, typically lasts about 1 day (24–30 hours) in real-world use, maybe stretching to 2 days if you disable features like always-on displayphonearena.com. The larger 44mm Watch 8 (445 mAh) will last a bit longer than the 40mm model (300 mAh), but you’re still generally looking at daily charging. In short, Ultra gives you roughly double the battery endurance. This can be crucial if you want to wear the watch on overnight trips or just dislike charging daily. The Watch 8’s battery life is decent but not multi-day – plan to charge it each night or every morning.

Are the Galaxy Watch 8 and Ultra waterproof?

Yes, both are water-resistant, but to different degrees. The Galaxy Watch 8 is rated 5ATM (with IP68), which means it’s water-resistant up to 50 meters – fine for swimming in a pool or getting caught in rain, even showering with it. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is rated 10ATM, meaning up to 100 meters depthwareable.com. It’s also MIL-STD-810H tested for durability. Practically, the Ultra can handle more extreme water exposure – you can take it snorkeling, high-speed water sports, potentially shallow diving – whereas the Watch 8 is more for surface swimming. Neither watch is a true dive computer, but the Ultra provides extra assurance for aquatic adventures. Both also have water ejection speakers and swim-tracking modes. So for swimming and everyday water contact, both are fine, but for deep water or professional water activities, the Ultra has the edge.

Can I use the Galaxy Watch 8 or Galaxy Watch Ultra with an iPhone?

No, unfortunately not. Samsung’s recent Galaxy watches (starting from Watch 4 onward) are only compatible with Android phones. Both the Watch 8 and Ultra require an Android phone running Android 11 or higherwareable.com. They are not compatible with iOS, so you can’t pair them with an iPhone. This is due to Samsung using the Wear OS 4/5 platform which doesn’t support iOS like older Tizen-based Galaxy watches did. For iPhone users, an Apple Watch or another iOS-compatible smartwatch would be the way to go. Android users (especially Samsung phone owners) will have the best experience with these Galaxy watches.

Does the Galaxy Watch 8 have a rotating bezel like earlier Samsung watches?

The standard Galaxy Watch 8 does not have a physical rotating bezel. Samsung removed the rotating bezel on the main Watch 5 and Watch 7 series, and the Watch 8 follows that new design language – you navigate via touch or the virtual touch-sensitive bezel. However, Samsung has a Galaxy Watch 8 Classic model which does include the beloved physical rotating bezel on a stainless steel watch body (46mm size). So if a rotating bezel is a must-have for you, you’d need to get the Watch 8 Classic instead of the standard Watch 8. The Galaxy Watch Ultra also does not have a rotating bezel (it relies on touch and buttons). The omission on Ultra was a deliberate choice – some speculate Samsung left it out to maintain a certain design and avoid comparisons with the Apple Watch Ultra’s crownphonearena.com. In summary: Regular Watch 8 – no rotating bezel, Watch 8 Classic – yes, Ultra – no.

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Author: Fred Wiredu – Tech reviewer and wearable technology specialist with over a decade of experience. Fred is the founder and lead editor of FrediTech, and has tested countless gadgets and smartwatches. His expertise ensures an accurate, insightful comparison backed by real data and trusted sources.wareable.com.