Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: AI-Powered Smartwatch Revolutionizes Health and Fitness Tracking

I ran with Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, and it both humbled and motivated me

The display shrunk to 1.34 inches, it's rather expensive, and the bands are tough to secure in place. Every other year Samsung rolls out a new Galaxy Watch with a physical rotating bezel. This year, we've got the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, with an attractive analog aesthetic, cushion design, and the same Quick Button we first saw on the Galaxy Watch Ultra. In addition to some new hardware changes, the Watch 8 Classic is loaded with AI -- the first new Google Wear OS watch to launch with Google Gemini, alongside Samsung's Galaxy AI. Also: I tested the best Android smartwatches of 2025 - these are my favorites The watch provides you with health insights that contribute to your Energy Score, as well as new AI coaches to help you achieve your running and sleep goals. Antioxidant levels, vascular load, ECG, sleep apnea detection, body composition, and more all help make the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic your personal health and wellness advisor. One feature of the Google Pixel Watch 3 that I was very excited about is the advanced support for running. After nearly a week of running with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, it is now my favorite watch to run with, and unlike Google, Samsung does not charge a fee for the advanced Running Coach functionality. To start your journey with the Running Coach, you need to perform a running test that consists of a short warm up, 12 minutes of more intense running, and a short cool down. Samsung Health will guide you through the running test so connect your Bluetooth headphones and hit the road. At the conclusion of the running test, Samsung Health will show you your current running level: mine was 5 out of 10. After accepting the results, it will present you with a weekly running plan. As you complete each workout, a compliance score will be awarded and you will need to pass to move on in the training program. Workouts include jogging, intervals, pace runs, fartleks, and more. Follow-up tests are assigned as you complete a certain number of workouts in your level and then you move on up. I'm not sure what happens if you complete all workouts at level 10, but I'll try to work my way there and figure that out. In addition to Running Coach, Samsung Health works with the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic to serve as a sleep coach that guides you through a coaching program to improve your sleep results. I'm currently a penguin sleeper and have a three week program underway. Sleep tracking seems accurate when compared to other wearables, and the Watch 8 Classic even supports sleep apnea indication monitoring. The Watch 8 Classic supports the antioxidant index through measurements taken with your thumb on the back of the watch. I've been in the low region for the past week, with some general guidance to eat more vegetables. Samsung representatives showed how more specific guidance will be provided, such as "eat 10 blueberries", as the Watch 8 Classic learns more about your daily routine. Also: I used every Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Series model - and my favorite isn't the Ultra I love the look of the Watch 8 Classic hardware with a smooth rotating bezel on the cushion design frame, but the display is a bit smaller than the Galaxy Watch 7 and I can't give up the big display and long battery life of the Watch Ultra. The UI is flawless and smooth, however, especially as you spin the bezel. Samsung designed a new dynamic lug system for the watch bands, and frankly I hate it. I understand it was implemented to improve the reliability and accuracy of health metrics, but so far I find it difficult to remove and insert the bands into the luges even with the detailed written instructions included in the package. I bounce around between a lot of different smartwatches as part of my real-world testing here at ZDNET, but given the fantastic new Running Coach feature on the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, it will be my daily driver for some time. If you are a runner or a person who is very interested in all of details around your health and wellness then it is tough to beat the latest Samsung Galaxy Watch with all of these metrics for free.

My new favorite Android smartwatch rivals Google and Garmin models in features and design

The display shrunk to 1.34 inches, it's rather expensive, and the bands are tough to secure in place. Every other year Samsung rolls out a new Galaxy Watch with a physical rotating bezel. This year, we've got the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, with an attractive analog aesthetic, cushion design, and the same Quick Button we first saw on the Galaxy Watch Ultra. In addition to some new hardware changes, the Watch 8 Classic is loaded with AI -- the first new Google Wear OS watch to launch with Google Gemini, alongside Samsung's Galaxy AI. Also: I tested the best Android smartwatches of 2025 - these are my favorites The watch provides you with health insights that contribute to your Energy Score, as well as new AI coaches to help you achieve your running and sleep goals. Antioxidant levels, vascular load, ECG, sleep apnea detection, body composition, and more all help make the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic your personal health and wellness advisor. One feature of the Google Pixel Watch 3 that I was very excited about is the advanced support for running. After nearly a week of running with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, it is now my favorite watch to run with, and unlike Google, Samsung does not charge a fee for the advanced Running Coach functionality. To start your journey with the Running Coach, you need to perform a running test that consists of a short warm up, 12 minutes of more intense running, and a short cool down. Samsung Health will guide you through the running test so connect your Bluetooth headphones and hit the road. At the conclusion of the running test, Samsung Health will show you your current running level: mine was 5 out of 10. After accepting the results, it will present you with a weekly running plan. As you complete each workout, a compliance score will be awarded and you will need to pass to move on in the training program. Workouts include jogging, intervals, pace runs, fartleks, and more. Follow-up tests are assigned as you complete a certain number of workouts in your level and then you move on up. I'm not sure what happens if you complete all workouts at level 10, but I'll try to work my way there and figure that out. In addition to Running Coach, Samsung Health works with the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic to serve as a sleep coach that guides you through a coaching program to improve your sleep results. I'm currently a penguin sleeper and have a three week program underway. Sleep tracking seems accurate when compared to other wearables, and the Watch 8 Classic even supports sleep apnea indication monitoring. The Watch 8 Classic supports the antioxidant index through measurements taken with your thumb on the back of the watch. I've been in the low region for the past week, with some general guidance to eat more vegetables. Samsung representatives showed how more specific guidance will be provided, such as "eat 10 blueberries", as the Watch 8 Classic learns more about your daily routine. Also: I used every Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Series model - and my favorite isn't the Ultra I love the look of the Watch 8 Classic hardware with a smooth rotating bezel on the cushion design frame, but the display is a bit smaller than the Galaxy Watch 7 and I can't give up the big display and long battery life of the Watch Ultra. The UI is flawless and smooth, however, especially as you spin the bezel. Samsung designed a new dynamic lug system for the watch bands, and frankly I hate it. I understand it was implemented to improve the reliability and accuracy of health metrics, but so far I find it difficult to remove and insert the bands into the luges even with the detailed written instructions included in the package. I bounce around between a lot of different smartwatches as part of my real-world testing here at ZDNET, but given the fantastic new Running Coach feature on the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, it will be my daily driver for some time. If you are a runner or a person who is very interested in all of details around your health and wellness then it is tough to beat the latest Samsung Galaxy Watch with all of these metrics for free.

I tested Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8, and it kickstarted my motivation to get running again

Some features feel more experimental than scientific, like Antioxidant Index and BMI, which failed to work several times. Samsung's latest smartwatches have arrived. The Galaxy Watch 8 lineup, which includes both the Watch 8 and the Watch 8 Classic with a rotating bezel, are available to pre-order now, and they're packed with all the standard health tracking metrics, and some unique ones of its own. I've been testing Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 for a few days. I've run, slept, and socialized with it, and I'm confident it's one of the top Android smartwatches you can buy right now, whether you're training for a marathon or just looking for a capable AI-powered smartwatch. Also: The biggest health upgrade Samsung announced at Unpacked was also the most subtle Before I get into the software that makes this watch so unique, let's talk hardware. First off, the Galaxy Watch 8 is notably thinner than both its predecessor and the competition. Samsung made this watch 11% thinner than the Watch 7, and when compared to the other major smartwatches, the Watch 8 is not as thin as the Apple Watch Series 10, but far thinner than the Pixel Watch 3. At 3,000 nits, the Watch 8 is one of the brightest displays in the game right now, trumping the 2,000 nits offered by the Pixel Watch 3 and Apple Watch Series 10. This is a display that will be visible outdoors in virtually all conditions -- I had no trouble navigating it during my sunny runs. Regarding battery life, it's important to note that its longevity varies based on smartwatch size. I tested the 40mm size smartwatch, and in my experience, when using it continuously for activity and sleep tracking, it lasted around a day and a half with Always-On enabled. Disabling that feature will squeeze a few more hours out of the battery, however, and the larger-sized watch may also last you a little longer. One small but special touch I like on the Watch 8 is the new Multi-Info tiles that activate regularly-used features. I could easily swipe left to record an outdoor walk, check the weather, or see my sleep score without having to daintily press the small screen several times to get this information from its respective app. This intuitive and thoughtful product design is something Samsung excels at. Before the Watch 8 lineup was even announced, Samsung teased some of its most compelling features arriving through One UI 8. Many of them relate to activity and sleep, with features like Running Coach, Antioxidant Index, and Bedtime Guidance, that aim to optimize your health whether you're moving or sound asleep. Also: My new favorite Android smartwatch rivals Google and Garmin Running Coach is by far my favorite feature on the Watch 8, and will be a major draw for smartwatch-curious customers. I recently tested it out, allowing the watch to assess my running level with a 12-minute test concluding with a personalized score on a 10 point scale. I found the feature to be a useful application of the watch's AI, but also a humbling one. It rated me a three out of ten (yikes), then offered up some training plans to get me pounding pavement and finishing races faster. You can set up reminders for your race-training on the watch, and the watch will provide you with a personalized plan for reaching your distance and pace goals. I've been out of it for a few months, but the poor score I received actually motivated me to take up running again. The personalized running plan geared toward a user's recovery, ability, and experience level is an approachable tool for novice runners looking to train for their first or next race. As I found in my feature testing, it makes running -- an already accessible sport -- even more so. One feature I had a little trouble with is the Antioxidant Index, not because it didn't work, but because it kept rating my antioxidants low, despite the regular vegetables, berries, beets, and whole foods I eat. Antioxidant Index works by placing your thumb on the BioActive Sensor on the bottom side of the watch. Then, it reads it in less than ten seconds and ranks your levels as very low, low, or adequate. I got ranges between very low and low, around 41 and 52 out of 100, which seems inaccurate considering I put a lot of care into my diet. When looking closer at this feature, Samsung says that my Antioxidant Index may vary because of the uneven surfaces of my skin. Also, it may take up to two weeks for my index to reflect a higher intake of these nutrients. Antioxidant Index is a great idea, and I hope more biomarkers will be measured on the watch with this BioActive Sensor in future updates, but right now, it feels like something is missing: some context, or accuracy functionality that makes it less of a health gimmick. Also: Nothing just launched a stylish $99 smartwatch - with a reported 13-day battery Other features, like Bedtime Guidance and Cardio Load, monitor your sleep and activity level daily to estimate your ideal bedtime and wakeup time and cardio capacity. These additions help to optimize your waking and sleeping moments with helpful nudges and recommendations. I love any feature that takes your data to estimate your sleep or activity need and set a baseline. Samsung is leaning heavily into its health functionalities on its latest smartwatch lineup. It makes sense, considering Samsung seems to be headed in a healthcare-minded direction, with a recent acquisition of digital healthcare brand Xealth. Samsung's Running Coach feature is one of, if not the best features of this smartwatch. If you're a runner in any capacity, you'll appreciate the helpful metrics and coaching the Galaxy Watch 8 can provide. Whether you're training for your first-ever marathon or just want to improve and would benefit from some extra data capture (and encouragement), the Galaxy Watch 8 is the smartwatch I'd recommend for the job, especially if you're an Android user.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Review: AI Smarts and Impeccable Style

The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is the first model in Samsung's Classic series in two years, following the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic ($399.99). It updates the Classic series with all of the many AI-based features Samsung has introduced on its wearables since 2023, in exchange for a $100 price bump from the previous generation. Design-wise, it carries forward the deluxe build and rotating bezel that act as trademarks of the Classic series while featuring an updated look from its predecessor. Like the base Galaxy Watch 8, the Watch 8 Classic has a squarish frame surrounding the circular watch face, and a new dynamic lug system for bands. First introduced on last year's Galaxy Watch Ultra ($649.99), the cushion shape and the dynamic lug system help the wearable move more naturally and comfortably with the wrist throughout the day. I prefer the simple rounded shape of the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, though the Watch 8 Classic is still undeniably attractive. For this review, Samsung sent me the Watch 8 Classic in black, with a matching Hybrid band that feels like leather. The watch also comes in white, and you can pick from several different sporty or fabric strap options in various colors when buying the watch on Samsung's site. The Watch 8 Classic is only available in one 46mm size. If you want a smaller Samsung watch, the base Watch 8 comes in a 40mm size for $349.99 or a 44mm size for $379.99. Altogether, the Classic measures 46.4mm by 46mm by 10.6mm (LWD), exceeding the 44mm version of the base Watch 8 in size (43.7mm by 46mm by 8.6mm). Despite its larger overall build, the Watch 8 Classic's screen matches the smaller base model, measuring 1.34 inches with 327 pixels per inch (ppi). The 44mm base model has a bigger screen than the Classic, measuring 1.47 inches with the same resolution. All screens in the Watch 8 series reach a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits, up from 2,000 nits on the previous generation, and all are covered in Sapphire Crystal Glass. The Watch 8 Classic's frame is stainless steel, a more premium material than the aluminum body of the base Watch 8. It features an extra, customizable Quick button in addition to the Home and Back buttons on the Watch 8. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi come standard on all Galaxy Watch 8 series models, or you can pay an extra $50 for a model with LTE connectivity. For other specs, all Galaxy Watch 8 series models have a five-core Exynos W1000 processor with 2GB of memory. The Classic has 64GB of storage compared with 32GB on the base Watch 8. The entire Watch 8 series lineup shares the same durability ratings. An IP68 rating provides peace of mind that the Watch 8 Classic can withstand dust and a dunk in water, a 5ATM water-resistance rating means it can be submerged up to 164 feet underwater for 10 minutes, and a military-grade MIL-STD-810H certification signifies it can endure extreme temperature changes, blowing sand, and other environmental stressors such as vibration and shock. To use the Watch 8 Classic, you'll need to pair it with an Android phone running Android 12.0 or higher and with more than 1.5GB of memory. To get the most from the watch, you'll want to pair it with a Samsung phone, as the watch restricts some features like gesture controls, AI insights, and snoring detection to the platform.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Review: AI Everywhere in a Polarizing Design

If users can tolerate the bold new look, they'll find the included artificial intelligence features are actually useful. Samsung Electronics Co. isn't having an easy time in the smartwatch space. Apple Inc., despite seeing declining sales, dominates the category with its namesake device. And while the overall market is expanding, the South Korean tech giant's share isn't growing much either. With its $350 Galaxy Watch 8, available July 25, Samsung is leaning heavily on artificial intelligence and a divisive design to stand out. The company is also rolling out a $500 Galaxy Watch 8 classic -- and both smartwatches are the first to hit the market with Google's Wear OS 6 operating system, which has the search giant's Gemini AI chatbot built in. This allows you to do things like ask for the name of the new coffee shop your friend recommended without needing to pull out your phone.

Galaxy Watch 8: My first days with Samsung's smartwatch have been promising

I'm already impressed by the hardware redesign, Gemini integration and new health features. Samsung announced its newest devices during its . That happened to fall on the second day of Amazon's Prime Day event. Do big tech companies not know what the others are doing? Do they care? Do they like making the lives of tech reporters difficult? I didn't have time to consider. Only when I was done covering Amazon did I have time to begin properly testing Samsung's latest wearable. That means I've been living with the Galaxy Watch 8 for four days now. While that's not enough time to complete a comprehensive review and tally a fair score, I was able to gather a good amount of first impressions -- and let me tell you, they are nearly all positive. I'll continue to evaluate the watch over the next few weeks or so and return for a final assessment. In the meantime, there's a lot to say about the experience so far. Samsung packed a lot of updates into its latest smartwatch, in terms of both hardware and software. But I put extra effort into testing one feature in particular -- and it's one of the more interesting. The Galaxy Watch 8 has the same processor and sensors as the previous generation, but it's using those to detect a new metric: antioxidant levels. You have to take the watch off and hold your thumb on the sensor node for five seconds to get a reading and you'll need to refer to the Health app in your phone for detailed results. The first time I tested, I got a score of 60, which falls right in the middle of the "low" segment of the scale. The only other results are "very low" and "adequate," which will surely be a disappointment to the over-achievers out there. The Health app suggested I "try eating one (100g) persimmon today." When my grandmother was alive, she made persimmon cookies every Christmas and the last time she did so was also the last time I thought about that fruit. Considering South Korea is one of the world's , it might make sense that a Samsung device suggested them. The produce guy at my local grocery store said they only carry them around the holidays (no doubt because grandmas insist, plus that's when they're in season). Turns out persimmons are high in antioxidants such as Vitamin C and beta-carotine (Vitamin A). Cantaloupe also has those nutrients -- plus it's orange like persimmons -- so I bought one. In fact, I went hard on the antioxidants and did everything I could to see if I could get a better score. I ate a bunch of cherries and a little dark chocolate. For breakfast, I had half a cantaloupe instead of the very tasty-smelling breakfast hash my husband made, and I drank plain green tea instead of my usual oat matcha latte. I did yoga and went to my monthly medical massage appointment (stress is said to increase oxidant levels). I got eight hours of sleep and drank my weight in water. I felt ready. So I took the test again and my antioxidant levels were... two points lower. Sigh. I wasn't expecting overnight transformation, but I'd hoped for a little improvement. Next time, I'm eating the hash. Since its , the Galaxy Watch has looked pretty much the same: a round glass screen set in a round metal case with large prongs popping out of the top and bottom to hold the band. While there was nothing wrong with sticking with a good design, giving a device a refreshed look lends the yearly update cycle some meaning -- instead of feeling like an obligatory move to appease stockholders. This time around, the Galaxy Watch 8 looks markedly different thanks to a shape borrowed from last year's . Samsung calls it a "cushion design" -- a circular glass display set atop an aluminum case that looks like a roundish square (or as our own Cherlynn Low calls it). The Sport band on my review model curves to meet the width of the case, creating a smooth arch that I think is more refined than the clunkier pronged configuration. In fact, the entire look is classy -- much more so than the Apple Watch, which looks like a miniaturized iPhone 11 glued to a silicone strap. The cushion design is great in one way, but also worrisome. Because the glass display stands proud of the case by at least two millimeters, my first thought was: "I'm going to trash this screen." Immediately after taking the watch out of the box, I ordered screen shields and, during the short course of this review, managed to crack one. That's possibly because I was cheap and ordered off-brand screen protectors, or perhaps the protruding glass cushion is simply begging for misfortune. However, the raised glass solves one complaint I had with the . One way to scroll is by running your finger along the outer edge of the screen. In fact, on-screen cues suggest that gesture when there's more content to view. On the Watch 7, my finger was always getting in the way of the text I wanted to read. Now that the display is elevated, there's room for my finger to travel further out along the outer edge and stay out of the way. Appearance aside, my favorite hardware update is how much more comfortable the watch is. The Watch 7's underside had a sizable sensor node, and it took me a week to get used to the feel. Even then, I hated sleeping with it. The Watch 8, however, felt good the first time I put it on. The Galaxy Watch 8 is the first smartwatch to ship with Google's Wear OS 6, though Samsung overlays it with its own One UI interface. The headline feature for the new software is Gemini integration. Now, most things you can do with the Gemini app on your phone can be done through your watch. Just note that you'll need to have your Gemini-compatible phone nearby to use it. Google's AI was pretty snappy at basic tasks like setting reminders and timers. Requests that required more "thought" took only marginally longer (and completed more quickly when I was using my home Wi-Fi versus relying on cell signals out in the world). I asked for the best record stores in my city and a good place to eat lunch. I was pleasantly surprised to hear of a new-to-me answer for each category. The record store turned out to be two bins of LPs inside a book shop, but still, I hadn't heard of it before. I asked why my eight-year-old talked about lava chicken all the time and was correctly informed about Jack Black and A Minecraft Movie. The assistant displays answers in text form on the watch screen and also reads out every word. That can turn into a lot of talking, but tapping the screen stops the chatter if you prefer to read. Gemini can handle follow-up questions and tasks, but since it doesn't usually keep listening after it speaks, you have to tap the mic icon to make your next request. I've reached out to Samsung to see if there's a setting that will make Gemini keep listening and will update when I hear back. For now, after tapping, you can say stuff like, "Add that to my Google Keep" or "Remind me about that." If it asks you a question, however, such as verifying a text it's about to send, it does keep listening for the answer. I requested some fairly specific tasks and didn't hit any snags. I asked it to text the address of a local restaurant to my husband and it verified which location I wanted then sent the message. I asked when the Albuquerque Isotopes were playing the Sacramento River Cats and it gave me the upcoming dates. I tapped the mic and said, "add that to my calendar," which it did. It only let me down twice. When I asked whether it was going to rain, it just read me the general weather forecast instead of answering the question. All the other assistants in my life (Alexa and Siri) can answer those questions -- though technically that's a Gemini problem, not the watch's fault. The other disappointment is a matter of proper integration. I was out on a walk and I asked for directions to a nearby grocery store. Gemini told me the address and the distance, but pointed me to look at my phone for the actual directions. When I asked Siri the same thing on the same walk, directions simply showed up on my Apple Watch. (Yes, I've been wearing two watches and carrying around two activated phones like a double agent, just much less cool.) In addition to Gemini, Wear OS 6 introduces updated and larger tiles which organize and display information on your watch. By default, the tiles are separated into categories: Health, Fitness and Basic (weather, media playback, calendar) with each box displaying a bit of pertinent info -- activity metrics, current temp, your next event and so on. If the limited info isn't enough, tapping a tile opens the respective app. You can categorize, rearrange, swap out and add as many pages of these cards as you want in the Wear app on your phone. I didn't have time to get the defaults tweaked exactly how I wanted, but it already feels like a much smarter way of interacting with a watch. Now you can glean key information from the apps that are important to you just by browsing your tiles. The Galaxy Watch 8 now comes with built-in, AI-fueled running guidance. This sounds a bit like the upcoming Workout Buddy that Apple announced for , so it will be interesting to compare the two. Google Pixel watches and Fitbits currently have the option of an AI-powered running coach, but it's limited to Premium subscribers. Garmin offers an adaptive training program called Run Coach as well, so this isn't an entirely novel idea. Samsung's running coach begins with an assessment: Run as fast as you can maintain for twelve minutes. You'll then be awarded a performance level ranging from one to ten. Each level comes with a tailored, four-week plan with four workouts per week intended to get you ready to complete a 5K, 10K, half or full marathon. My 12-minute, 22-second per-mile pace put me at a level three. My plan was geared towards getting me to run a 5K at the end of four weeks. The first workout was low-intensity interval running with four segments of running hard, interspersed with cool-down walks. As I ran, the AI coach told me when and what to expect on the next segment and what my goals were for each. It spouted occasional words of encouragement and let me know when my pace started to lag. The guidance wasn't intrusive and I appreciated the preview of and expectations for the next segment. I tried it relying just on the watch's speakers, and I could hear OK as long as the streets were quiet, but I definitely recommend using earbuds. I found myself running faster than I would have without a "coach" and now I'm honestly wondering whether I, a person my athlete sister describes as "not an athlete," could actually complete a 5K. Maybe there's some value in this concept after all. In any case, I find myself looking forward to taking it further. My next workout is a straight up, 30-minute jog. I've never continuously run for a half an hour in my life, so we'll see how that goes. The quick turnaround on this article means I didn't get to properly test some of the new features. Vascular load takes readings while you sleep to evaluate the health of your circulatory system, then tells you when your load is higher or lower than normal and offers recommendations. It requires three nights of data to set a baseline, but after the third night of wearing the watch to bed, it said I still needed one more. Three nights of sleep should also trigger a Bedtime Guidance feature, but I'm still waiting for a notification on that one as well. I've reached out to ask Samsung if there are more requirements around getting Bedtime Guidance to work and will update when I find out. One of the prior model's shortcomings was battery life. The always-on display (AOD) tanked the charge, so I kept it off. The Galaxy Watch 8 has a bigger 325mAh battery, compared to the 300mAh one on the Watch 7. Twenty-five milliamp hours isn't a huge jump, but bigger is always better. Because I was testing every possible feature (sleeping, running, workouts, antioxidants, Gemini and more), I was constantly dropping the watch on the charger for partial refills in between tests. That meant I didn't have the opportunity to methodically test the battery's runtime just yet. I did note what I could. The first day of testing, the battery was at 100 percent at 4PM. The next day at 4PM it still had 17 percent remaining. That 24-hour period included driving directions, three workouts, lots of Gemini requests, watch face changes and a full night of sleep. I'd toggled the AOD on and off throughout that time, but the results were still better than what I tracked on the Watch 7. I didn't have a ton of time to spend with the Classic version of the Watch 8, but it's obviously aimed at the luxury watch-hound crowd. The knurled spinning bezel, inset diving bezel replica and the default chronograph watch face gives off serious Rolex Daytona/Omega Speedmaster wannabe vibes. It ships with a stitched leather-look band and the steel case has the heft and stature of an automatic mechanical timepiece. The always-on display and chunky buttons only add to the effect. For me, the main advantage it has over the standard Galaxy Watch 8 is the protection the spinning bezel offers the raised display. The glass is shielded at the edges and it's even inset slightly which will ward off scratches. It's a bit chonky for my taste, but it's surprisingly comfortable for its size and is extremely attractive. I could see this appealing to style enthusiasts who want a smartwatch but don't want to look like they're wearing a wrist gadget. Samsung added $50 to the price tag on the 40mm Galaxy Watch 8, bringing it to $350. The larger 44mm model is now $380 (versus $330 last year) and the Classic variant is $500 for the single 46mm size. For reference, there was no Galaxy Watch 7 Classic and the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic sold for $400 for the 43mm size and $430 for the 47mm. At $350, the base model Galaxy Watch 8 costs the same as Google's Pixel Watch 3 (though the and could be more expensive.) The Apple Watch Series 10 starts at $399, but it went during Prime Day. And, of course, a new Apple wearable is likely coming this September with a potential price bump as well. So Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 could end up being the most affordable of the major smartwatch releases once the dust settles from 2025's launches. And if you're a Samsung smartphone user, it's easily your best bet. The core functions of the Galaxy Watch 8 haven't changed all that much. We went in-depth on the fitness and health features for our and covered the notable perks of Samsung's wearable in our and our . So I'll just point out that the workout tracking is still accurate -- and it's faster to suss out when I'm on a walk than my Apple Watch. The companion Health app, where you view all the data your watch gathers, is helpful and a delight to use with its common-sense suggestions and friendly animations. And the daily Energy Score is a useful indicator of how I'm doing with my sleep and movement goals. The Watch 8 covers the basics well, acting as an industrious accessory for a Galaxy phone. Although, as with the Watch 7, I wish the notifications were more intrusive as they're easy to miss. The double tap feature is great -- a pinch gesture that dismisses or triggers actions without you having to touch the screen. I use it often and the watch almost always registers the motion. And finally, I love how customizable the watch faces are. When you combine all that with a substantially refreshed look, some capable Gemini integration, a few new health features and a more navigable interface, Samsung's latest wearable becomes a very capable wrist companion. I still need to live with it a while longer (with a new screen protector firmly in place) to assign a review score, but so far, I'm impressed.

Galaxy Watch 8 review: Samsung's best smartwatch in years

I'm too tired to write this review. Last week, I penned a work-in-progress version because I hadn't yet spent enough time to fully explore the new features Samsung packed into the . One of those features is the new AI-powered running guidance, which I followed. I have run more in the past week than I ever have before. In my life. Ever. But I'm pretty sure my editors would still appreciate the full assessment I've proposed, so I've plied myself with caffeine and will do my best here. Luckily, most of what I experienced in my first few days with the watch still stands: I was impressed then and remain so now. Not only are there a few valuable health and fitness additions, but the redesigned hardware looks great as well. Plus, the on-watch integration with Google's Gemini has proven surprisingly seamless. (When AI interactions actually yield positive results, I'm always taken aback.) Samsung also fixed not one but two of the complaints I had with the . Since the company probably didn't base its updates on my personal opinions, I imagine others had concerns over the comfort of the Watch 7 -- and I know from other reviews that many people were disappointed in its battery life. Before I get to Gemini, the redesign and exactly how my watch exhausted me, I want to discuss antioxidants. It's a compelling new health metric the Galaxy Watch can now measure -- and despite my hard work, I scored miserably. The Galaxy Watch 8 has the same processor and sensors as the previous generation, but it's using those to detect a new metric: antioxidant levels. You have to take the watch off and hold your thumb on the sensor node for five seconds to get a reading and you'll need to refer to the Health app in your phone for detailed results. The first time I tested, I got a score of 60, which falls right in the middle of the "low" segment of the scale. The only other results are "very low" and "adequate," which will surely be a disappointment to the over-achievers out there. The Health app suggested I "try eating one (100g) persimmon today." When my grandmother was alive, she made persimmon cookies every Christmas and the last time she did so was also the last time I thought about that fruit. Considering South Korea is one of the world's , it might make sense that a Samsung device suggested them. The produce guy at my local grocery store said they only carry them around the holidays (no doubt because grandmas insist, plus that's when they're in season). Turns out persimmons are high in antioxidants such as Vitamin C and beta-carotene (Vitamin A). Cantaloupe also has those nutrients -- plus it's orange like persimmons -- so I bought one. In fact, I went hard on the antioxidants and did everything I could to see if I could get a better score. I ate a bunch of cherries and a little dark chocolate. For breakfast, I had half a cantaloupe instead of the very tasty-smelling breakfast hash my husband made, and I drank plain green tea instead of my usual oat matcha latte. I did yoga and went to my monthly medical massage appointment (stress is said to increase oxidant levels). I got eight hours of sleep and drank my weight in water. I felt ready. So I took the test again and my antioxidant levels were... two points lower. Sigh. I wasn't expecting overnight transformation, but I'd hoped for a little improvement. Next time, I'm eating the hash. Taking the test on subsequent days -- days that I did nothing special to improve my score -- I never scored higher than 60 and dropped as low as 56. So it seems this is a metric that may take some time and effort to budge. Since its , the Galaxy Watch has looked pretty much the same: a round glass screen set in a round metal case with large prongs popping out of the top and bottom to hold the band. While there was nothing wrong with sticking with a good design, giving a device a refreshed look lends the yearly update cycle some meaning -- instead of feeling like an obligatory move to appease stockholders. This time around, the Galaxy Watch 8 looks markedly different thanks to a shape borrowed from last year's (and some high-end timepiece profiles). Samsung calls it a "cushion design" -- a circular glass display set atop an aluminum case that looks like a roundish square (or as our own Cherlynn Low calls it). The Sport band on my review model curves to meet the width of the case, creating a smooth arch that I think is more refined than the clunkier pronged configuration. In fact, the entire look is classy -- much more so than the Apple Watch, which looks like a miniaturized iPhone 11 glued to a silicone strap. The cushion design is great in one way, but also worrisome. Because the glass display stands proud of the case by at least two millimeters, my first thought was: "I'm going to trash this screen." Immediately after taking the watch out of the box, I ordered screen shields and, during the course of this review, managed to crack one. That's possibly because I was cheap and ordered off-brand screen protectors, or perhaps the protruding glass cushion is simply begging for misfortune. However, the raised glass solves one issue with the . One way to scroll is by running your finger along the outer edge of the screen. In fact, on-screen cues suggest that gesture when there's more content to view. On the Watch 7, my finger was always getting in the way of the text I wanted to read. Now that the display is elevated, there's room for my finger to travel further out along the outer edge and stay out of the way. Appearance aside, my favorite hardware update is the much more comfortable design. The Watch 7's underside had a sizable sensor node, and it took me a week to get used to the feel -- I wrenched it off the first night I tried to wear it to sleep. The Watch 8, however, felt good the first time I put it on. And now that I've spent more time with it, I can say it's the most comfortable watch I've tested. I often forget I have it on and don't mind wearing it to bed, which is saying a lot. In fact, when I slept with it on one wrist and an Apple Watch Series 9 on the other to compare sleep data, I woke up in the middle of the night and took off the Apple Watch, but felt no compulsion to do the same with Samsung's model. The Galaxy Watch 8 is the first smartwatch to ship with Google's Wear OS 6, though Samsung overlays it with its own One UI interface. The first time we'll get a look at the unfiltered wearable software will be on . The headline feature is Gemini integration. Now, most things you can do with the Gemini app on your phone can be done through your watch. Just note that you'll need to have your Gemini-compatible phone nearby to use it. Google's AI was pretty snappy at basic tasks like setting reminders and timers. Requests that required more "thought" took only marginally longer (and completed more quickly when I was using my home Wi-Fi versus relying on cell signals out in the world). I asked for the best record stores in my city and a good place to eat lunch. I was pleasantly surprised to hear of a new-to-me answer for each category. The record store turned out to be two bins of LPs inside a book shop, but still, I hadn't heard of it before. I asked why my eight-year-old talked about lava chicken all the time and was correctly informed about Jack Black and A Minecraft Movie. The assistant displays answers in text form on the watch screen and also reads out every word. That can turn into a lot of talking, but tapping the screen stops the chatter if you prefer to read. Gemini can handle follow-up questions and tasks, but since it doesn't usually keep listening after it speaks, you have to tap the mic icon to make your next request. I reached out to Samsung to ask if I could change a setting to make Gemini keep listening, but there isn't one at this time. For now, you'll need to tap or say "OK Google" again for followups like, "Add that to my Google Keep" or "Remind me about that." If Gemini asks you a question, however, such as verifying a text it's about to send, it does keep listening for the answer. You can also combine commands at the outset, such as asking to look up an address and text it to someone. I requested some fairly specific tasks and didn't hit any snags. I asked it to text the address of a local restaurant to my husband and it verified which location I wanted then sent the message. I asked when the Albuquerque Isotopes were playing the Sacramento River Cats and it gave me the upcoming dates. I tapped the mic and said, "Add that to my calendar," which it did. It only let me down twice. When I asked whether it was going to rain, it just read me the general weather forecast instead of answering the question. All the other assistants in my life (Alexa and Siri) can answer those questions -- though technically that's a Gemini problem, not the watch's fault. The other disappointment is a matter of integration. I was out on a walk and I asked for directions to a nearby grocery store. Gemini gave me the address and the distance, but told me to look at my phone for the actual directions. When I asked Siri the same thing on the same walk, directions simply showed up on my Apple Watch. (Yes, I've been wearing two watches and carrying around two activated phones like a double agent, just much less cool.) In addition to Gemini, Wear OS 6 introduces updated and larger tiles which organize and display information on your watch. By default, the tiles are separated into categories: Health, Fitness and Basic (weather, media playback, calendar) with each box displaying a bit of pertinent info -- activity metrics, current temp, your next event and so on. If the limited info isn't enough, tapping a tile opens the respective app. You can categorize, rearrange, swap out and add as many pages of these cards as you want in the Wear app on your phone. I spent some time tweaking the layout to my liking, but really didn't alter the defaults too much. Already this feels like a much smarter way of interacting with a watch. Now you can glean key information from the apps that are important to you just by browsing your tiles. The Galaxy Watch 8's built-in, AI-fueled running guidance sounds a bit like the upcoming Workout Buddy that Apple announced for . I plan to test that out next and it will be interesting to compare the two. Google Pixel watches and Fitbits currently have the option of an AI-powered running coach, but it's limited to Premium subscribers. Garmin offers an adaptive training program called Run Coach as well, so this isn't an entirely novel idea. Samsung's running coach begins with an assessment: Run as fast as you can maintain for twelve minutes. You'll then be awarded a performance level ranging from one to ten. Each level comes with a tailored, four-week plan with four workouts per week intended to get you ready to complete a 5K, 10K, half or full marathon. My 12-minute, 22-second per-mile pace put me at a level three. My plan was geared towards getting me to run a sub-35-minute 5K at the end of four weeks. The first workout was low-intensity interval running with four segments of running hard, interspersed with cool-down walks -- which felt easy and attainable. Two days later I did the second routine, which had me run for thirty minutes at my assessment pace (which it referred to as a "slow jog"). For the next session, I was told to run for 30 minutes on a hilly course. There was some walking on the inclines, but I completed it. After that, I was startled to see it wanted me to run for 3.1 miles with a target pace below 12 minutes. Yes, on workout four (of 15 total), I was supposed to run a 5K faster than my assessment pace. This felt unfair. Unhinged. Not nice. But in the name of proper gadget testing, I tried. During every run, the AI coach chimes in each minute with a pace update, letting you know whether you're going slower, faster or right around your target. You also get updates on your completion level, with a shout out at 30 percent, half way and 80 percent. Three or four times per session, the coach gives you some canned advice like telling you to focus on maintaining a consistent pace and not speed, reminding you that runs build cardiovascular health or suggesting that you cool down after a workout to avoid injury. You also get interjections like "You're doing great" or "You're almost done, finish strong." At first, I hated the constant pace checkins. Once I hit the halfway point of the 5K, I started to lag. My watch told me over and over: "You're running slower than your target pace. Try to speed up if you can." I wheezed obscenities in response. But then, when I really just wanted to quit, I started to look forward to the next update, knowing it meant I'd stayed on my feet for one more minute. Ultimately, I ran faster and farther than I would have without a coach. I wouldn't have attempted a 5K, because that's just insane. Of course, I'm a pretty easy win for Samsung's running coach. I'm an optimistic person and I've never been coached before, so anything that says it "believes in me" and pushes me to try something I don't think I can do is pretty likely to get some results. Samsung calls this an AI-powered regimen -- and sure, it knew my pace, distance and heart rate and adjusted its encouragement accordingly -- but I didn't hear anything uniquely personalized to me and my journey. But I still have three weeks to go. Two new features require overnight data gathering. Vascular load takes readings while you sleep to evaluate the health of your circulatory system, then tells you when your load is higher or lower than normal and offers recommendations. It requires three nights of data to set a baseline. After that, you'll be able to check whether your load is higher, lower or steady. My range has been lower or steady over the past few days. The internet tells me that a high vascular load can lead to bad things like hypertension and heart attacks. And the Health app offers suggestions to improve your vascular load, too -- things like getting better sleep, being active, limiting stress and maintaining a healthy weight. Personally, this isn't an area I'm concerned about, but considering the prevalence of heart disease, it's a good metric to keep an eye on.. Three nights of sleep also triggers the Bedtime Guidance feature, but I didn't see any notifications. I asked Samsung why, and was told to turn it on in the Health app (Health > Sleep > tap three dots icon > Bedtime guidance). I still didn't get any guidance, which I realized was due to the fact that I have my bedtime set for 10PM, but I turn on the watch's sleep mode by 9PM most nights. What can I say, I like sleeping. One of the prior model's shortcomings was battery life. The always-on display (AOD) tanked the charge, so I kept it off. The Galaxy Watch 8 has a bigger 325mAh battery, compared to the 300mAh one on the Watch 7. Twenty-five milliamp hours isn't a huge jump, but in batteries, bigger is always better. And that's true here. I charged the watch to full at 12:30PM, turned the AOD on and after two auto-detected bike rides, one walk, some Gemini requests, checking notifications and using a few timers, it was still at 75 percent at 8:45PM. I enabled sleep mode shortly after and slept until 6:15AM. Then I did an AI-coached three-mile run and it still had 27 percent at 9AM. At 2:30PM it hit seven percent and I put it on the charger. Samsung promises up to 30 hours of use on a charge with the AOD on. This was slightly less than that, but it was an activity-filled day and I was fine with the lifespan. The spinning-bezel version of the latest watch is obviously aimed at the luxury watch-hound crowd. The knurled spinning bezel, inset diving bezel replica and the default chronograph watch face gives off serious Rolex Daytona/Omega Speedmaster wannabe vibes. It ships with a stitched leather-look band and the steel case has the heft and stature of an automatic mechanical timepiece. The always-on display and chunky buttons only add to the effect. For me, the main advantage it has over the standard Galaxy Watch 8 is the protection the spinning bezel offers the raised display. The glass is shielded at the edges and it's even inset slightly, which should ward off scratches. At first I thought it would be too chunky, but it's surprisingly comfortable for its size and I really like how it looks. It's an extremely attractive watch. I mostly tested out the standard version of the Watch 8, because I think most people will opt for that model, but if I got one for myself, I think I'd go with this beaut Samsung added $50 to the price tag on the 40mm Galaxy Watch 8, bringing it to $350. The larger 44mm model is now $380 (versus $330 last year) and the Classic variant is $500 for the single 46mm size. For reference, there was no Galaxy Watch 7 Classic and the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic sold for $400 for the 43mm size and $430 for the 47mm. At $350, the base model Galaxy Watch 8 costs the same as Google's Pixel Watch 3 (though the and could be more expensive.) The Apple Watch Series 10 starts at $399, but it went during Prime Day. And, of course, a new Apple wearable is likely coming this September with a potential price bump as well. So Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 could end up being the most affordable of the major smartwatch releases once the dust settles from 2025's launches. And if you're a Samsung smartphone user, it's easily your best bet. The core functions of the Galaxy Watch 8 haven't changed all that much. We went in-depth on the fitness and health features for our and covered the notable perks of Samsung's wearable in our and our . So I'll just point out that the workout tracking is still accurate -- and it's faster to suss out when I'm on a walk than my Apple Watch. The companion Health app, where you view all the data your watch gathers, is helpful and a delight to use with its common-sense suggestions and friendly animations. And the daily Energy Score is a useful indicator of how I'm doing with my sleep and movement goals. The Watch 8 is an industrious accessory for a Galaxy phone. My only lingering gripe is that the notifications aren't as intrusive as my distracted brain needs them to be. They're easy for me to miss. The double tap feature is great -- a pinch gesture that dismisses or triggers actions without you having to touch the screen. I use it often and the watch almost always registers the motion. The screen has only become more responsive and navigation is plenty zippy. And finally, I love how customizable the watch faces are. The substantially refreshed look was the first indicator that Samsung was (finally) doing something different with the Galaxy Watch. I was pleasantly surprised by how well and how quickly Gemini was able handle functions on the wearable itself, as well as answer my questions. The tiles make hunting down info on the watch much easier and the new health metrics like antioxidant levels and vascular load could come in handy for many folks. Also the Classic variant this year is a truly stunning timepiece, finally bringing a true grown-up style to smartwatches. The AI running coach got more out of me than I thought possible (and ensured that I will be fast asleep before any Bedtime Guidance suggestions kick in). But the changes that pleased me the most were the improved battery and markedly increased comfort. Those were two factors that prevented the just-good Galaxy Watch 7 from being a great smartwatch. Of course, if you don't have a Samsung phone, there's no point in considering any Galaxy Watch (and if that's you, you probably haven't read this far down anyway). But if you're a Galaxy fan, this watch may very well delight you and help you get the most out of your phone.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 review: I'm smitten, and think you will be too

The Galaxy Watch 8 fixes a serious problem that has plagued Samsung's smartwatches in the past. The unusual cushion shape has given it real personality and a character all of its own, something Samsung's standard smartwatches have never really had. It's something I didn't expect at all when I first saw it. What has life been like with the Galaxy Watch 8, now that I'm used to the design? I'm pretty smitten, but unfortunately, the rest of the watch hasn't taken such a leap forward, and it makes the higher price tough to justify. Staff Pick Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 8.5 / 10 Case size 40mm/44mm Display 1.3-inch/1.5-inch Super AMOLED CPU Exynos W1000 Colors Graphite/Silver The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8's minimalist cushion design is a surprise winner, and it's one of the lightest and most comfortable smartwatches to wear 24-hours a day. The health tracking updates build on what was already a comprehensive list, but the battery life falls behind the competition. Pros & Cons Thin and lightweight One UI 8 Watch is simple to use Comprehensive health tracking Eyecatching minimalist design Two case sizes available Some software bugs No IP Rating One day battery life $350 at Samsung Expand Collapse Specs, price, and availability The Galaxy Watch 8 comes in two case sizes, 40mm and 44mm, with or without 4G, and in two color options: graphite and silver. The graphite model comes with a matching graphite band, and the silver version comes with a white band. Plus, you can purchase additional bands from Samsung. The Galaxy Watch 8 uses a proprietary band attachment system, called Dynamic Lug, which means you can't attach bands made for previous Galaxy Watch models to it, or use standard straps for non-smart watches. You should also know that the Samsung Health app does not require a subscription, and all health features are available for free. This is different from Fitbit on the Pixel Watch 3 and some smart ring options like the Oura Ring. The 40mm Galaxy Watch 8 costs $350 and the 44mm Galaxy Watch 8 costs $380. Add another $50 to each price to get a 4G LTE connection and leave your phone behind when you're out. Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Case size 40mm/44mm Display 1.3-inch/1.5-inch Super AMOLED Display resolution 438 x 438 CPU Exynos W1000 RAM 2GB Storage 32GB Battery 325mAh/435mAh Bluetooth 5.3 Software One UI 8 Watch/Wear OS 6 Dimensions 42.7 x 40.4 x 8.6mm/46.0 x 43.7 x 8.6mm Weight 30g/34g Colors Graphite/Silver Price $350/$380 ATM Rating 30ATM Sensors Accelerometer, Barometer, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Sensor, Electrical Heart Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Infrared Temperature Sensor, Light Sensor, Optical Heart Rate Sensor $350 at Samsung Expand Collapse About that design Squircle for the win? The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 showing the Stretched Time watch face I've been wearing the 40mm Galaxy Watch 8, and although I'd normally opt for the larger case size when choosing a smartwatch, I think the small model is going to be the sweet spot for most people this time. You can see it on my 6.5-inch wrist in the photos, and it's just right. There's no overhang on the case, yet it also doesn't look too diminutive, while the 1.3-inch Super AMOLED screen never appears too small. The reason it works is because of the squircle, or cushion in watch-speak, case design. Firstly, it wears larger than it actually is, and secondly, Samsung has really leaned into the minimalist style with the Watch 8. The simple cushion case has two buttons on the side, which are almost flush, while the circular screen sits proud on the case, free from any kind of bezel. The integrated strap softens the cushion case's shape well, but it is more restrictive if you want to change to a different one in the future. I also think it works best with minimalist, less complicated watch faces. I've had multiple compliments about the Watch 8, with most commenting on how cool the minimalist design looks, especially the silver and white combo I've been testing. This almost never happens for any smartwatch, and indicates people may be receptive to Samsung's daring decision to go all-in with the squircle. It has certainly won me over, and not only due to the well-judged minimalist style. It's also really thin and light. It's only 8.6mm thick and weighs 46 grams with the silicone strap. I've worn it to track sleep without any comfort issues, even on some very hot and humid nights. During the day, it's barely noticeable and easily slips under a cuff. The 30ATM water resistance helps with durability, but I'd have liked a full IP rating for dust protection. A Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 showing the side profile You'll also want to invest in some cotton swabs, because it gets really grubby where the case meets the screen. Finally, the aluminum used for the case is relatively soft, and my review model has already picked up a nick or two, indicating it may look worse for wear quickly if you engage in tough sports or activities. All this aside, the Galaxy Watch 8's unusual design is a surprising win, especially in lightweight 40mm form, and I'd happily continue wearing it. New health features Are they really informative? The sensor on the back of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 The Galaxy Watch 8 has gained a handful of new health features over the Galaxy Watch 7, with the Antioxidant Index and Vascular Load getting the most hype from Samsung, along with an Energy Score and a personal running coach feature. The Antioxidant Index feature is unusual, as you must take the smartwatch off and press the sensor on the back with your thumb to take a reading. It's supposed to tell you the level of carotenoids in your skin, which in turn is a measure of how healthy your diet and lifestyle are. Despite the odd way of taking a measurement, it does so quickly and easily, and it provides some advice on how to correct a low reading. However, it can be boiled down to "eat more fruits and vegetables," and I'm sure most of us don't need a smartwatch to tell us that. Vascular Load is less informative, and it's unclear as to how its results affect you, or can be "improved." Close Both these fit in well with the existing Body Composition and AGEs Index features, in that neither is essential, and many people may only try them once or twice. While they strengthen the Watch 8's health tracking feature list, they are not reasons to buy or upgrade from a previous Galaxy Watch model. Tracking sleep and activity Old faithful features are still great An activity tracking screen on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Because the Galaxy Watch 8 is so easy and comfortable to wear, it's ideal for tracking sleep and your everyday activity. This is where the Energy Score helps, as it uses sleep, activity, and heart rate data to give you a quick reference to how set you are for the day, or whether it's best to rest for a bit. It replicates the Oura Ring's Readiness Score, which I have always found informative and useful. In general, the Galaxy Watch 8's sleep data aligns with that of the Oura Ring 4, indicating the results represent how I sleep, although neither is an approved medical device. I find the automatic sleep tracking to be slow, and the watch face remains lit for some time after I close my eyes, leading me to activate sleep tracking manually in the Watch's pull-down menu. The Watch 8's automatic workout tracking is far more prompt and is very useful when you're out walking. However, I have noticed it will often auto-pause for a second and restart repeatedly before settling down. Close I love the new card-based system for checking health and activity on the watch. A few swipes on the screen show your activity, complete with Samsung's clear and fun heart-shaped indicator for steps, active time, and calories burned. It's then easy to find the ECG, breathing exercises, and other health features. Speed has been greatly increased with the new One UI 8 Watch menu system. The Watch 8 connects to the Samsung Health app on your phone, which is informative and well-designed. However, it needs quite a lot of attention when you first set the Watch 8 up, with a lot of permissions to be granted and features activated. If you want some of the in-depth tracking, such as blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG), and sleep apnea, you must download the additional Samsung Health Monitor app. Setting up and using two apps is less than ideal, and it's all too easy to miss out on some health tracking due to features being off by default or hidden in a separate app. New software experience Better than ever The apps screen on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 It's worth noting that the Galaxy Watch 8's general health and activity tracking is not much different from the Galaxy Watch 7. There's a long list of activities to track, the GPS is fast and accurate, and if you're relatively new to running, the personal coach may be of interest. However, it's still daunting for newcomers, and you'll likely find an app for a Couch to 5K program slightly easier. The software is all-new, and it's excellent. Samsung's One UI 8 Watch presents all the usual information in a new way, moving to cards rather than big tiles, and streamlining the way you interact with them. It's highly customizable, with the option to make the watch as complex or basic as you like, right down to the option of a grid or list of apps. Notifications contain rich levels of interaction, including canned responses and emojis for emails and messages, all from your wrist. Close I've been frustrated by notifications arriving, though. The watch is bad at recognizing when I raise my wrist to see a newly arrived message, and is subsequently slow at waking up when I manually go to view it on the watch. This slowness is consistent throughout upon wake-up, but when the watch is going, the Exynos W1000 chip (carried over from the Galaxy Watch 7) is far more reactive. It's also worth noting that some Watch 8 and One UI 8 Watches are only available when they're connected to a Samsung smartphone, and I have reviewed the Watch 8 connected to a Galaxy Z Flip 7. Otherwise, One UI 8 Watch over Google Wear OS 6 is colorful, engaging, and simple to learn and use, with a more modern design than before. One UI 8 Watch over Google Wear OS 6 is colorful, engaging, and simple to learn and use, with a more modern design than before. Oh, before I forget, there's some AI. Google Gemini is built into the software and accessible with a long-press of the top side button or by voice command. The Watch 8's microphone recognized my voice without a problem, and responses were fast, too. However, unless you're wearing earbuds, everyone will hear Gemini's usual verbose responses. Samsung's Bixby is also onboard. Galaxy AI is also used to suggest a recommended bedtime and to power the Now Brief, also seen on the Galaxy S25 and other recent Samsung phones. Battery life and charging It's not all good news The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 on its charging puck The 40mm Galaxy Watch 8's 325mAh battery needs charging once a day. It may, in total, last a little more than a day on a single charge, but it never gets close to two full days. If you activate all the sleep tracking features, such as continuous heart rate and sleep apnea monitoring, a single night's sleep takes at least 20% of the battery on its own. A single 30-minute walk or run with GPS takes 5%. Related The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is Samsung's most polarizing smartwatch yet A face only a mother can love Posts 10 You recharge the Watch 8 using a proprietary magnetic charging puck, which is included in the box. It takes 20 minutes to reach about 45%, and around an hour and 20 minutes to go from almost flat to 100%. The 44mm Galaxy Watch 8 has a larger 435mAh battery, so it should last a little longer on a single charge. However, it does have to power a bigger 1.5-inch screen. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8's Dynamic Lug band attachment One day of battery life is poor performance, as some of the Galaxy Watch 8's peers have longer-lasting batteries. The OnePlus Watch 3 lasts several days on a single charge, like the Mobvoi TicWatch 5 series, and the Huawei Watch 5 can last up to 11 days on a single charge, depending on your use. It's also less than the Apple Watch Series 10's average two days of battery life, but similar to the Google Pixel Watch 3. Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8? I really like the Galaxy Watch 8 and consider it a recommended purchase for anyone who wants to casually track health, sleep, and activity, with a view to getting more into fitness over time. There's plenty of scope in the software and features to get as in-depth as you like, but it's just as happy keeping things simple. However, it requires attention during setup, and I've noticed various software gremlins, so don't expect it to be entirely fuss and frustration-free. Battery life is also disappointing, with no improvement over the Galaxy Watch 7. There's no solid reason to upgrade from the last two versions of the Galaxy Watch, unless you're really taken by the design and low weight. Design is an area where the Watch 8 succeeds, and it's easily one of the neatest, most characterful minimalist designs I've seen on a smartwatch. It puts the imagination-free, overly simplistic Pixel Watch 3 to shame. I'd also choose the 40mm over the 44mm version to make the most of the thin case and low weight. It's unfortunate that Samsung felt the need to increase the price of the Watch 8 over the Watch 7 and Watch 6, as $300 for the 40mm version always made it a superb value. The value isn't as strong here, as it leaves the design and One UI 8 Watch to do a lot of heavy lifting, due to the new health features lacking wide appeal. I'll forgive it, though, and consider it my favorite Samsung smartwatch since the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Staff Pick 8.5 / 10 Case size 40mm/44mm Display 1.3-inch/1.5-inch Super AMOLED CPU Exynos W1000 The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8's minimalist design, thin case, and low weight make it easy to live with and wear, while the software is customizable and simple to learn and use. It's let down by short battery life and some software bugs, but is still Samsung's best smartwatch in a while. $350 at Samsung Expand Collapse

Gemini on the Galaxy Watch 8 proves watches are made for AI

It's been a significant month for Samsung, as the company unveiled its new folding phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, at an event in New York City. At the same time, the company unveiled the new Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, its latest challengers to the Apple Watch Series 10. The new Galaxy Watch 8 series offers a range of new health features, including an Antioxidant Level check, vascular monitoring during sleep, and, for the first time in a smartwatch, the detection of an ectopic heartbeat. Recommended Videos The Galaxy Watch 8 also features Samsung's One UI Watch 8 interface, built on top of the Wear OS 6 platform. Like Samsung's phones, the Galaxy Watch 8 and Wear OS 6 are focused on AI, particularly Google Gemini. After using Gemini on the Galaxy Watch 8 for the past two weeks, I'm convinced that the watch form factor was made for AI. Here's why. The first watch preloaded with Gemini A notable point to mention is that the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is the first smartwatch to come with Gemini preloaded out of the box. However, it isn't the first smartwatch with Gemini, as Google launched its assistant for the Pixel Watch 3 earlier this summer. On the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, Gemini works just as it does on your Android phone. Gemini is fairly optimized for the 1.34-inch screen, and the rotating bezel makes it fairly easy to scroll through longer replies. I've used it to do everything from checking the weather and time elsewhere, to controlling the lights in my home, and even navigating to an airport. Most of the feature set is comparable to the Gemini app on your phone; however, Gemini on the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic currently only works when connected to your phone. It's unclear whether this will always be the case, or if Google and Samsung can bring a standalone version of Gemini to smartwatches with cellular connections. The latter will be essential for smartwatches to achieve their full AI potential. The form factor is made for AI assistants I have one key problem with most AI assistants: they're not always there when you need them. I've used a variety of the best phones, and the performance of Gemini and other voice assistants can vary wildly. While using many of the best Android phones, Gemini triggers with the wake phrase on average a little more than half the time when locked, while most other assistants are further limited by their reach or mobile feature set. On a smartwatch, Gemini is always listening, and I've had no noticeable impact on my Galaxy Watch 8 Classic battery life. It doesn't always respond, especially when within earshot of another Android phone, but it's a surprisingly useful and efficient way to use Gemini. This is particularly true given that the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic offers two days of battery life, and many of the best smartwatches offer at least the same. It takes an hour and a half to charge to full, and if you disable notifications being sent to the watch, it can last even longer. Smartwatches need AI, and AI needs the smartwatch You won't always have your phone on you -- especially if you have multiple phones, like I do -- but I've found that my watch is always with me, unless it's on charge. Yes, it's possible to forget a charger on occasion -- and it's harder to find a charger in an emergency -- but this is the most accessible form factor that many users have. There are millions of smartwatch users, but the most popular use case for smartwatches has largely remained health and fitness-related. There is a subset of users who rely on smartwatches to triage notifications, but many average users still use them for the core features. Along a similar timeline, the smart home industry has stagnated. Years ago, companies such as Samsung, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and even Apple promised a smart home voice-controlled future that has yet to materialize. If Google can optimize Gemini for the smartwatch use case -- and add fun use cases, like the Spin The Bottle glyph on the Nothing Phone 3 -- it could lead to a broader network effect for its smart home business. The same could also be achieved if Amazon decided to partner with one or more Android phone makers to preload Alexa alongside Gemini, although this is far less feasible. The smartwatch doesn't need a camera for Gemini Live At first, the Gemini experience on the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic had me considering the return of cameras to the smartwatch form factor. However, after using it for two weeks, it's clear that the smartwatch form factor is a portable smart display, but not a replacement for your phone, so it doesn't need a camera to enable Gemini Live. Gemini Live is the latest key use case for Gemini on Android, and it allows you to share your camera or your screen with Google, ask questions about what's being shown, and interact with Google in your world. The latter is the best part of Gemini, and it requires access to your phone's camera. While Samsung launched the Galaxy Gear smartwatch -- complete with a camera integrated into the wrist -- a decade ago, I hope no smartwatch maker attempts this now. This is further reinforced by the upcoming launch of Google's Project Astra-powered glasses. This will bring Gemini Live to the wearable glasses form factor, allowing you to interact with Gemini in a host of new ways. Between glasses and your phone, there are plenty of ways to use Gemini Live that don't require a camera in your smartwatch strap. Picking up where Rabbit and Humane left off After experiencing Gemini on the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, my thoughts turned to Humane and Rabbit, two companies that attempted to bring smart assistants to a wearable form factor. The former sold an expensive AI dream that cost $699 and required a further subscription costing $24 per month; without it, the AI pin was rendered useless. It promised a lot, delivered a portion of it, remained defiant, and eventually, the company was sold to HP for less than half the VC money it raised. Then there's Rabbit, which launched a more affordable wearable AI pin that costs just $199 and doesn't require a further subscription. Yet, it also failed as it was yet another gadget to carry, and it didn't integrate with the rest of your daily life. Gemini on Wear OS solves all the problems that AI devices have faced so far. You already wear your smartwatch, so you don't need to carry an additional device. The display is large enough to scroll through Gemini responses, yet it doesn't impact the usefulness of the form factor. There's also little impact on battery life, meaning most smartwatches will still likely offer multi-day battery life. It won't be for everyone, but compared to other current AI device hardware -- such as my phone, smart display, or headphones -- I like the smartwatch form factor as an AI device. Gemini on the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic makes the smartwatch even more useful.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: Why it's the Best AI Wearable?

Thinner body and brighter screen with improved sensors and tighter integration across Samsung's Galaxy ecosystem. Samsung's newest wearable isn't another smartwatch refresh; it's the first to support Google's Gemini AI natively. And that makes all the difference. While earlier smartwatches provided limited voice prompts or required using your phone for processing, the Galaxy Watch 8 hosts Gemini locally on LTE/Wi-Fi variants. This allows you to issue sophisticated, multi-step instructions, such as 'Find the closest pharmacy, text mom I'll be late, and remind me at 7 PM,' using a single voice command. This isn't about convenience, it's about context. Gemini can see intent between apps, get information natively, and take action with near-human-like flow. This system is thoroughly integrated into the watch's user interface, making it feel less like a bolt-on assistant and more like a co-pilot for your day.