The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 marks a bold step forward for Samsung’s smartwatch lineup, introducing a refreshed “squircle” design, refined software features, and a few new health tracking tools. It’s thinner, lighter, and more stylish than its predecessor, while also giving you direct access to Google’s Gemini assistant right from your wrist.
But does this sleek new design and minor feature bump justify a $50 price increase over last year’s model? And can it overcome the long-standing issue of limited battery life? In this in-depth Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 review, we’ll break down everything you need to know before making your purchase.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Key Highlights
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 blends modern styling with practical improvements Here’s a quick look at the standout features:
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New squircle design with a thinner, lighter profile.
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Two sizes available: 40mm and 44mm, both with AMOLED displays.
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3,000-nit brightness for better outdoor visibility.
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Gemini integration on Wear OS for on-the-go AI assistance.
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New health metrics like antioxidant index and vascular load tracking.
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Same one-day battery life as previous models.
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Price increase of $50 compared to the Galaxy Watch 7.
Design & Build Quality Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 introduces a fresh squircle (or cushion-style) shape that instantly stands out Not only does this look more contemporary, but it also improves durability — the raised edges help protect the display from accidental knocks.
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Aluminum casing on the standard Watch 8; stainless steel on the Watch 8 Classic.
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Noticeably slimmer at 8.6mm compared to the Watch 7’s 9.7mm.
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Weights: 30g (40mm) and 34g (44mm), making them comfortable for all-day wear.
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IP68 and 5ATM water resistance for swimming and splashes (not diving).
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Two AMOLED display sizes: 1.3-inch (40mm) and 1.5-inch (44mm), both brighter than ever at 3,000 nits.
The only downside? Samsung’s new “Dynamic Lug” strap mechanism means bands from older Galaxy Watches won’t fit without an adapter.
Display Experience Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
Samsung continues to excel in display technology, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is no exception.
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Crisp Super AMOLED panels with vivid colors.
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Smooth touch navigation, plus a touch-sensitive bezel for scrolling.
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Outdoor brightness boosted from 2,000 nits (Watch 7) to 3,000 nits for better visibility in direct sunlight.
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Always-On Display support for quick glances at time and notifications.
For anyone using their watch outdoors frequently, this brightness upgrade is a significant improvement.
Bands & Customization: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 offers several band options, including sport, fabric, athleisure, and hybrid leather styles.
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Dynamic Lug makes swapping bands faster.
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Premium band prices remain high.
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Older Galaxy Watch bands require adapters.
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Third-party bands will likely become widely available on marketplaces like Amazon.
This flexibility ensures your watch can shift from workout-ready to office-appropriate in seconds.
Software & Gemini Integration: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 runs Wear OS 6 with Samsung’s One UI Watch 8 skin, bringing deep integration with Samsung Health.
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Samsung Health remains free to use, unlike some competitors’ subscription models.
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Gemini AI assistant can be summoned directly from the watch for quick information requests.
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Works over Wi-Fi, LTE, or via a paired phone connection.
While Gemini on the watch is great for quick queries, it doesn’t yet offer personalized fitness coaching based on your workout history something Samsung could improve in future updates.
Fitness & GPS Performance Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
Samsung’s BioActive sensor remains unchanged from the previous generation, but the snugger fit from the new design improves accuracy.
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Highly accurate heart rate tracking during runs and workouts.
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Dual-band GPS for better accuracy in urban areas.
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Automatic workout detection is impressively fast, especially for walking and cycling.
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Detailed post-workout metrics, clearly explained for beginners and pros alike.
If fitness tracking accuracy is a priority, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 delivers reliably.
Running Coach & Training Features: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
New to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is a personalized running coach that evaluates your fitness in just 12 minutes.
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Builds tailored training plans for goals like 5Ks or marathons.
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Balances slow runs with tempo and interval training.
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Useful for beginners who want structured guidance.
While similar features exist on other watches, Samsung’s execution is beginner-friendly and easy to follow.
Sleep Tracking & Health Insights Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
Samsung expands its already robust sleep tracking with new insights and AI-powered recommendations.
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Tracks sleep stages, skin temperature, and detects snoring (with phone nearby).
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Sleep apnea detection (introduced on Watch 7) is included.
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New vascular load tracking shows how much pressure your arteries experience over time.
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Galaxy AI now suggests ideal bedtimes based on your patterns.
While informative, some metrics like the antioxidant index feel less practical and not fully validated.
Antioxidant Index & Other Health Features Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
The antioxidant index is one of the watch’s most unique additions.
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Measures your antioxidant level in under 5 seconds.
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Results vary and are not clinically validated.
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Dietary suggestions provided, but are overly generic.
Other returning features include ECG, blood pressure monitoring, and advanced glycation end product (AGEs) index though traditional medical equipment is still more reliable.
Battery Life & Charging Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
Battery life remains the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8’s weakest point.
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325mAh (40mm) and 435mAh (44mm) batteries only a slight increase from last year.
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Real-world usage: roughly one day per charge.
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Charging speeds remain slow compared to competitors like the OnePlus Watch 3.
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Uses the same magnetic charger as previous models.
If multi-day battery life is important, alternatives like the OnePlus Watch or Garmin models are worth considering.
Models & Pricing Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
Samsung has increased prices by $50 across the board.
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40mm Wi-Fi only: $350
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40mm Wi-Fi + Cellular: $400
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44mm Wi-Fi only: $380
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44mm Wi-Fi + Cellular: $430
Cellular models feel more appealing this year thanks to Gemini integration, but the price hike may deter some buyers.
Pros
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Fresh, durable design
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Bright, vibrant AMOLED display
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Accurate GPS and heart rate tracking
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Useful running coach feature
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Gemini AI integration
Cons
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One-day battery life
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Higher starting price
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Generic dietary suggestions for new health metrics
Final Verdict Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is a stylish, comfortable smartwatch that excels in design, display quality, and workout tracking accuracy The new squircle design improves durability, while Gemini integration adds a futuristic touch to your wrist.
However, the battery life still limited to a single day remains a glaring weakness, and some of the new health metrics feel more experimental than essential.
If you want an Android smartwatch with excellent build quality, smooth performance, and some of the best automatic workout detection on the market, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is a solid choice. Just be aware that longer-lasting options exist if charging daily isn’t your thing.
