Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: The Smartwatch That Stands Out

This year, Samsung has made waves in the smartwatch market with the release of two exciting models: the Galaxy Watch 8 and the more premium Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. While both watches have their merits, this review delves into the Galaxy Watch 8, which has been my constant companion for an extended period. With its sleek design, myriad health and fitness features, and the integration of Google’s AI assistant, Gemini, this smartwatch is definitely a noteworthy contender.

Design

Samsung has retained the elegant design of its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch 7, while introducing subtle upgrades. Available in two sizes—40 mm and 44 mm—the Galaxy Watch 8 boasts an aluminum body with a sapphire glass coating, which enhances its scratch resistance. It’s worth mentioning that the watch has military certification, suggesting it can endure stringent conditions, along with an IP68 rating, assuring good protection against water and dust. Therefore, wearing it in the shower or during a swim poses no risk.

Comfort and Aesthetics

The latest model emphasizes user comfort without sacrificing aesthetics. The redesigned wristband fits snugly around your wrist, allowing for easy fastening and removal. This improvement addresses discomfort issues present in previous iterations. Whether you’re sweating it out at the gym or simply wearing it throughout the day, the silicone strap feels pleasant.

One of the most engaging aspects is its “squircle” design—offering a contemporary and lightweight feel that distinguishes the Galaxy Watch 8 from competitors. Weighing a mere 30 grams and measuring 8.6 mm in thickness, it’s one of the lightest Galaxy watches to date. Despite its slim profile, questions about battery life still loom large, which will be addressed later.

Strap System and Options

A notable design change is the introduction of a dynamic lug system, simplifying the swapping of bands. Instead of the classic 20 mm spring pin connector, you can now detach bands with a simple push of a button—making it easier to change styles on the go. There’s a range of strap options as well, from sports bands to fabric and hybrid textures, catering to various styles and activities.

Display

The Galaxy Watch 8 features stunning Super AMOLED displays, reaching peak brightness levels of 3,000 nits—an impressive 50% increase over its predecessor. The 40 mm model sports a 1.34-inch screen with a resolution of 438×438 pixels, while the 44 mm variant offers a spacious 1.47-inch display at 480×480 pixels. This ensures vibrant colors, sharp contrasts, and excellent visibility, whether you’re outdoors or in darker environments.

Touch responsiveness is gratifying, making navigation feel intuitive and seamless. Whether you’re swiping through app icons or adjusting your settings, you’ll find that Samsung has outdone itself with the interface.

Health and Performance

At the heart of the Galaxy Watch 8 is the Exynos W1000 processor, ensuring swift operation and efficiency. This model is equipped with 32GB of storage and 2GB of RAM, delivering smooth performance whether you’re navigating through apps or responding to voice commands. Upgraded to the latest OneUI 8 interface based on Wear OS 6, users can now enjoy access to a broader range of apps via the Google Play Store.

Health Monitoring Features

The health monitoring capabilities remain a highlight. Equipped with sensors for heart rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), and even temperature, the Galaxy Watch 8 is a robust tool for fitness enthusiasts. Sleep tracking has also seen enhancements, including sleep latency—helping users understand how long it takes to fall asleep.

The in-depth health insights continue with the Samsung Health app providing tools to measure blood pressure, conduct ECG readings, and assess overall wellbeing through daily energy scores derived from various health metrics.

Voice Assistant Integration

A standout feature in the Galaxy Watch 8 is the inclusion of Google Gemini, providing a voice assistant right on your wrist. By simply saying, “Hey Google,” you can access a world of information, send messages, or even manage reminders. This capability extends to various Samsung applications, making your smartwatch experience more interactive and efficient.

Additional Features

Users can also benefit from new customizable watch faces, including animated GIFs for those wanting a more dynamic display. You also have gesture functionalities—like double-tapping to answer calls or pinch gestures to manage notifications—adding an intuitive layer to the user experience.

Battery Life

Battery performance is always a hot topic with smartwatches. The Galaxy Watch 8 features a 325 mAh battery for the 40 mm version and a 435 mAh battery for the 44 mm. Under typical usage conditions—including sleep tracking and a bright display setting—expect around 1.5 days of battery life. However, disabling certain features can stretch that time up to 40 hours, showing flexibility in battery management.

The Verdict

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 emerges as a frontrunner in the smartwatch arena, combining technology with practicality. With advanced health metrics, a vibrant display, and intuitive design, this wearable device stands out as one of the best Android smartwatches available today. The integration of Google Gemini only adds to its capabilities, producing a seamless blend of functionality and sophistication that suits both fitness fanatics and casual users alike.

Pros

• Clean design
• User-friendly interface
• Exceptional brightness
• Solid battery performance
• Comprehensive health tracking features

Cons

• Limited contactless payment features and health monitoring when not paired with a Samsung phone

This smartwatch caters to a wide array of users, whether you’re an athlete, a tech enthusiast, or someone looking to improve your daily wellness. Its thoughtful design and feature-rich interface make it a worthy investment for those in search of a premium smartwatch experience.