Technology

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Excitement is building among wearable tech enthusiasts as new leaks reveal the first detailed renders of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Series, particularly highlighting the Classic variant. What’s turning heads? The long-awaited return of the rotating bezel — a fan-favorite feature that had been missing from recent iterations.

Shared by prominent tipster OnLeaks in collaboration with tech platform SammyFans, the renders showcase a bold evolution in Samsung’s smartwatch design. While staying true to the Galaxy Watch legacy, the new Galaxy Watch 8 Classic embraces a modern aesthetic that integrates a “squircle” shape — a hybrid between a square and circle design. This subtle transformation aligns it more closely with the look and feel of the rugged Galaxy Watch Ultra released previously.

The renders also indicate a stainless steel casing, giving the watch a premium and durable appearance. Its physical dimensions are estimated to be 46.5 x 46.5 x 14 mm, likely being marketed as a 47mm model. This gives it a slightly more prominent profile than its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic.

Perhaps the most welcomed feature is the return of the physical rotating bezel. Absent from the standard Galaxy Watch 7 models, this tactile control option offers intuitive navigation through menus — a major hit among long-time Galaxy Watch users. Its ridged, mechanical look around the circular AMOLED display is expected to blend functionality with classic style.

Another noteworthy addition in the renders is a third button placed below the standard two-button setup. While Samsung hasn’t officially commented on its function, speculation suggests it may serve as a programmable quick action button, possibly inspired by the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s action key.

Internally, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is rumored to come equipped with a 1.5-inch AMOLED display, offering a bright and responsive experience, and powered by the latest Exynos W1000 chip. The device is expected to run on Wear OS 6, layered with Samsung’s One UI 6 Watch interface, promising smoother performance, enhanced health tracking, and better integration with Galaxy smartphones.

Battery life also sees a minor but meaningful bump. Reports suggest a 435–450 mAh battery, slightly larger than the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic’s 425 mAh cell. This increase, coupled with more power-efficient software, could translate into better endurance across typical use cases.

Certification listings in China have already confirmed the existence of two Galaxy Watch 8 models — the base and Classic editions — with both LTE and Bluetooth variants. This aligns with expectations that Samsung will unveil the full Watch 8 lineup, including the next-gen Galaxy Watch Ultra, at its July 2025 Unpacked event.

For Samsung fans who lamented the removal of the rotating bezel, this leak is a strong sign that the company has listened to its core user base. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic appears to strike a balance between innovation and familiarity — keeping the essence of a traditional timepiece while integrating modern-day smartwatch capabilities.

As always, all details remain unofficial until Samsung makes the formal announcement. But if these renders prove accurate, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic could be one of the most compelling smartwatches of the year.