Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic renders reveal a bold, boxy design

Samsung’s next smartwatch refresh is taking shape, quite literally. While rumours have circulated for months about the Galaxy Watch 8 lineup, newly shared CAD-based renders offer a clearer glimpse at what might be in store for the Classic variant.

By the looks of it, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is coming with a more squared-off, bulkier silhouette that moves slightly away from the refined curves of previous models, while still retaining hallmark features like the rotating bezel.

The renders, published by SammyGuru, are said to be based on detailed schematics shared with accessory manufacturers; think band and case makers who typically get early access to hardware dimensions. These kinds of leaks aren’t official, but they’re often accurate enough to offer a reasonable preview of the final product.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 classic design renders surface

The CAD-based renders paint quite a picture. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic appears to embrace a ”squircle” design, a term often used to describe devices that blend square edges with rounded contours.

While the display remains circular, as is standard for Samsung’s smartwatches, the frame around it seems flatter and more angular, drawing visual parallels with the Galaxy Watch Ultra released last year.

In terms of size, the renders suggest dimensions of 46 x 46.5 x 14.2 mm. That’s similar to the larger Watch 6 Classic from 2023, though this version is slightly thicker. Whether that extra thickness accommodates new components or is simply a design choice isn’t clear yet.

What does stand out is the bezel. Samsung’s rotating bezel was briefly retired before returning with the Watch 6 Classic, and it looks set to remain a defining feature on the Watch 8 Classic.

It’s one of the few mechanical inputs left on modern smartwatches, offering a tactile way to scroll through menus or adjust settings; something that still appeals to long-time Galaxy Watch users.

Also visible in the renders is a third physical button on the side of the case. Code discovered in Samsung’s apps has hinted at a new “Quick Button”, which also debuted on the Galaxy Watch Ultra. The extra button could offer shortcut access to apps, workouts, or functions like flashlight or fall detection, depending on how Samsung decides to implement it.

Other details are not too clear yet. Regulatory filings suggest that the Watch 8 Classic may carry a 435mAh battery (450mAh typical capacity), roughly in line with its predecessor. That’s a fair bit smaller than the 590mAh unit found on the Ultra, so we’re not expecting any dramatic gains in runtime.

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As for the processor, software features, or display upgrades, those remain under wraps. But it’s likely Samsung will stick with its Exynos W930 or an iterative update thereof, while refining health and AI features in the wearable experience.

A familiar launch window

All signs point to a July unveiling, likely during Samsung’s next Galaxy Unpacked event, where the company is also expected to launch its latest foldables. That gives us just a couple of months before we see the full Watch 8 lineup in official capacity.

If these renders hold true, the Watch 8 Classic won’t dramatically reinvent the wheel, but it will reintroduce familiar features like the rotating bezel with subtle design updates.