Samsung is back in the smartwatch spotlight with the launch of its latest wearables the Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. We got an early look at the full lineup, and there’s a lot to talk about from fresh design tweaks to smarter sensors and upgraded performance. Here’s everything we noticed in our first hands-on experience.
| Launch | |
| Announced | 2025, July 09 |
| Status | Coming soon. Exp. release 2025, July 25 |
| Versions & Sizes | |
| Models | Galaxy Watch8 (40mm / 44mm), Watch8 Classic (46mm) |
| Weight | 34 g (44mm), 30 g (40mm) |
| Colors | Graphite, Silver, Black, White |
| Build & Protection | |
| Material | Aluminum frame (Watch8), Stainless steel (Classic) |
| Glass | Sapphire crystal |
| Durability | MIL-STD-810H compliant*, IP68, 5ATM |
| Note | *Does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display | |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 3000 nits (peak) |
| Size | 1.34″ (40mm & Classic), 1.47″ (44mm) |
| Resolution | 480 x 480 pixels (~327 ppi) |
| Operating System | |
| OS | Wear OS 6, One UI 8 Watch |
| Chipset | Exynos W1000 (3 nm) |
| CPU | Penta-core |
| GPU | Mali-G68 |
| Memory | 2GB RAM, 32GB (Watch8), 64GB (Classic) |
| Sensors & Health Tracking | |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, altimeter, compass, SpO2, skin temperature, BioActive sensor, antioxidant index |
| Certifications | ECG certified, Blood pressure monitoring |
| Connectivity | |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| NFC | Yes |
| USB | No |
| Sound | |
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| 3.5mm Jack | No |
| Battery | |
| Capacity | 325mAh (40mm), 435mAh (44mm), 445mAh (Classic) |
| Charging | 10W wireless |
| Usage Time | Up to 40 hours (without AoD), 30 hours (with AoD) |
| Price | |
| Starting Price | $429.99 / €379.00 / £1,072.30 |
We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
First Look: Familiar, but with Subtle Changes
Samsung didn’t go wild with redesigns this year, but there are some key differences. The new Galaxy Watch 8 series borrows the “cushion design” from last year’s Watch Ultra, blending a square-ish body with a round AMOLED display on top. It feels more refined than the Galaxy Watch 7 less bulky, more modern.
The Watch 8 comes in two sizes: 40mm and 44mm, while the Watch 8 Classic is offered in a single 46mm size. One of the first things we noticed? The new Classic brings back the rotating bezel, a favorite feature that was missing in the previous generation.
Build & Comfort: Slimmer and Lighter Than Ever
Samsung has trimmed things down literally. The Galaxy Watch 8 is just 8.6mm thick, making it the thinnest and lightest Galaxy Watch ever. The casing on the standard Watch 8 is made from aluminum, while the Classic opts for heavier stainless steel. If you want a lightweight watch for daily wear, the standard model is noticeably more comfortable.
Despite the thinner design, the watches feel solid and premium on the wrist. The new Dynamic Lug system also helps the watch sit more snugly, which is supposed to improve health tracking accuracy. But here’s the catch: you can’t use standard 22mm bands anymore. Samsung’s proprietary straps are the only option.
Display: Brighter and Protected
All models in the Galaxy Watch 8 series use Samsung’s excellent Super AMOLED panels. The smaller 40mm and the Watch 8 Classic both have a 1.34-inch display, while the 44mm model offers a slightly larger 1.47-inch screen.
Brightness? Not an issue. These displays peak at 3,000 nits, making them super readable outdoors. Whether you’re checking a message or tracking your run on a sunny day, the screen holds up. And yes,
Performance: More Power, More Storage
Powering the entire lineup is Samsung’s new Exynos W1000 processor, built on a 3nm architecture. It’s paired with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage on the regular Watch 8, while the Watch 8 Classic bumps the storage up to 64GB.
In use, the watch feels snappy. Menus scroll smoothly, apps open instantly, and there’s zero lag. It runs on One UI 8 Watch on top of Wear OS 6, bringing a cleaner interface and a few handy features like grouped notifications and customizable tiles.
Health Tracking: Smarter Sensors, More Metrics
Health and fitness tracking got a serious upgrade this year. Both watches include the new BioActive Sensor, which Samsung claims is more accurate than ever. The watches can track all the basics heart rate, SpO2, sleep but now also offer deeper insights like:
- Vascular Load
- Antioxidant Index
- Skin temperature
- Bedtime Guidance
- A new Running Coach
We haven’t had enough time to validate Samsung’s health claims just yet, but based on the added sensors and better skin contact via the new lugs, it looks promising.
Battery Life: It’s Decent, Not Amazing
Battery life depends on the model you choose. The breakdown is:
- 40mm Watch 8: 325mAh battery
- 44mm Watch 8: 435mAh
- 46mm Watch 8 Classic: 445mAh
Samsung says you can expect around 40 hours with Always-on Display off, or 30 hours with it turned on. That’s about on par with last year’s models not groundbreaking, but should easily last a full day and a half for most users.
Watch Bands and Colors
This time around, Samsung is offering a wider range of official straps to go with its proprietary system. From soft silicone to leather-like textures, there’s a bit of everything to suit different styles.
Color options include:
- Watch 8: Graphite and Silver
- Watch 8 Classic: Black and White
The Classic model feels a bit more “formal,” while the standard Watch 8 is sporty and sleek.
Final Thoughts: A Refined Evolution
The Galaxy Watch 8 series doesn’t flip the table it refines what was already working. With a thinner design, brighter display, smarter health tracking, and the return of the rotating bezel on the Classic, Samsung has clearly listened to what users wanted.
If you’re rocking a Watch 6 or older, this might be the upgrade you’ve been waiting for. For everyone else? Keep an eye on real-world battery life and long-term health tracking accuracy. But on first impression, the Galaxy Watch 8 feels like a hit.
FAQs
What sizes does the Galaxy Watch 8 come in?
The Galaxy Watch 8 is available in two sizes: 40mm and 44mm. There’s also a 46mm Watch 8 Classic for those who prefer a bigger, more traditional look.
Is the rotating bezel back on the Galaxy Watch 8?
Yes, but only on the Watch 8 Classic model. It brings back the fan-favorite rotating bezel that was missing from the Watch 7.
How bright is the Galaxy Watch 8 display?
Super bright! The AMOLED screen hits up to 3,000 nits, which means you can read it easily even under strong sunlight.
Can I use my old watch straps with the Watch 8?
Unfortunately, no. The Galaxy Watch 8 uses Samsung’s proprietary strap system, so regular 22mm bands won’t fit.
How long does the battery last?
Battery life varies by model. You’ll get about 30–40 hours, depending on whether you keep the Always-On Display active.
Is the Galaxy Watch 8 waterproof?
Yes, it’s IP68-rated and 5ATM water-resistant, which makes it safe for swimming and daily wear.
Does the Galaxy Watch 8 work with iPhones?
No, the Galaxy Watch 8 is only compatible with Android phones, and works best with Samsung Galaxy devices.
What new health features does it have?
You get cool new metrics like Antioxidant Index, Vascular Load, skin temperature, and even a smarter Running Coach. Plus, it still tracks sleep, heart rate, and SpO2.
How much storage does it have?
The Watch 8 offers 32GB, while the Watch 8 Classic comes with 64GB of internal storage.
What’s the starting price of the Galaxy Watch 8?
The base model starts at around $429 USD, but prices vary by region and model (Bluetooth vs LTE).
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