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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.

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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.

Apple Watch Series 11
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Smartwatches
Apple Watch Series 11
5 sources$299.99as of Jul 31

The Apple Watch Series 11 refines what came before it, with a brighter display and more performance from the S9 SiP chip. PCMag's Andrew Gebhart called it a 'small but meaningful step forward' rather than a redesign. CNET's reviewer named it a 'goldilocks pick' while noting it's getting harder to recommend against newer models. Health monitoring stays strong, with enhanced ECG capabilities and an improved always-on display, but nothing here separates it sharply 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
$299.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Ranked #5 in Best Smartwatches
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
4 sources$452.7as of Jul 31

PCMag's Andrew Gebhart liked the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic for its elegant design and high-quality tactile elements, especially the rotating bezel and the smooth One UI Watch interface. Comfort is where it comes apart. Andy Boxall, a Reddit user, and other reviewers all described a disproportionate shape and an awkward fit; one said it failed to become part of the wrist and was practically impossible to wear comfortably all day. The large size and weight also rule out overnight sleep tracking. Battery life is solid, but 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
$452.7 · Check Price on AmazonFull 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

SpecApple Watch Series 11Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
Display1.9-inch always-on Retina1.9-inch Super AMOLED
ProcessorS9 SiPExynos W940
BatteryUp to 24 hours—
Water Resistance50 meters5ATM
Connectivity5GWi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3
Health FeaturesECG app, heart rhythm monitoringheart rate, and temperature sensor
Weight37g (46mm), 30g (42mm)49.7g
Dimensions9.4 x 3 x 1.2 in9.4 x 3 x 1.2 in
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