Alongside the latest foldable phones, Samsung also launched its new smartwatches at its big Unpacked July event, and I had the chance to take the Galaxy Watch 8 for a quick test drive ahead of the show, so here are my initial impressions.
Just like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 , the Galaxy Watch 8 has been slimmed down. The new model is 11% slimmer than the Galaxy Watch 7 , which improves the stability on your wrist and makes it more comfortable to wear round the clock.
Samsung says it has a more snug fit, and this can increase the heart rate reading accuracy by around 11%. At present, I’ve only worn the new watch around Samsung’s flagship UK store, so I can’t speak to the accuracy, but at the very least, it’s incredibly slim and lightweight compared to my usual daily watch, the Huawei GT5 Pro .
Also check out our Galaxy Watch 8 Classic hands-on review .
The Watch 8 has inherited the dynamic lug system for quickly attaching and removing straps, a lot like the one from the Galaxy Watch Ultra and I’m in two minds about this.
On one hand, it’s much quicker and easier to change straps, but it’ll also limit compatibility with third-party bands, and that could be a hindrance for those who like to frequently switch up the look.
A fresh new look
Another big change to the design is the shape of the bezel. I’ve always called it “squircle” (somewhere between a square and a circle) as many tech publications do, but Samsung has dubbed it a “distinctive cushion design”.
It’s clearly a nod to the design of the Galaxy Watch Ultra , and it certainly adds some more cohesion to the Galaxy Watch lineup.
Luke Baker
Personally, I’m not sure how I feel about it, even though the Galaxy Watch range was due a design refresh. It doesn’t look bad, but the traditional circular bezel was more appealing to me. Maybe it’ll grow on me as I get used to the new shape.
As with the previous generation, there’s no rotating bezel on this one; You need the Watch 8 Classic for that, which is back after a generation skip. However, you can still perform the same gesture by swiping your finger around the perimeter of the display.
The 8 Classic only comes in one size (46mm), to the Watch 8 is a better choice if you want something smaller, at either 44- or 40mm.
Luke Baker
The display has been upgraded on this model, too. It’s now 50% brighter for better readability in bright sunlight, and it peaks at 3000 nits. In addition, the battery is 8% larger, but there was no indication of how long we should expect the watch to last on a charge – presumably, about 8% longer, but time will tell.
It’s still powered by the 3nm Exynos W1000, but that’s one of the most powerful processors you’ll find in a wearable, so it shouldn’t hold you back in the slightest.
New software features
When it comes to functionality, the biggest changes this generation are software-based. It’s the first smartwatch to launch with Wear OS 6 , which as always, is running Samsung’s One UI on top. It’s also the first smartwatch with native Gemini integration .
Luke Baker
The design has been refreshed and now includes glanceable tiles, depthless notifications, app suggestions, and even a Now Bar – just like the latest Samsung smartphones.
There’s a new Bedtime Guidance mode, which will give you personalised insights, hints and tips to improve your sleeping habits. Plus, if you’re really dedicated, you can partake in a sleep coaching program over the course of a few weeks.
Luke Baker
Sleep Apnea detection has arrived in the European market, and there’s a new feature that will detect your vascular load and monitor heart health as you sleep.
If running is your thing, there’s plenty to get excited about here. The new Running Coach feature can analyse your running ability and give you personalised coaching and real-time feedback.
Luke Baker
There’s also a brand new Antioxidant Index feature. It measures the level of carotenoids stored in your skin to detect changes in diet. If you have trouble remembering to eat enough fruit and veg, this could be the feature for you.
Price and availability
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is available to pre-order from today , and it’ll land in stores on 25 July.
It’s available in two colours, either Graphite or Silver, and two sizes, either 40- or 44mm. You can also opt for LTE support if you wish.
At the time of writing, we only have the UK prices, but here’s the breakdown:
- Galaxy Watch 8 40mm: £319
- Galaxy Watch 8 40mm with LTE: £369
- Galaxy Watch 8 44mm: £349
- Galaxy Watch 8 44mm with LTE: £399
The Galaxy Watch 8 makes a good first impression, but the only way to know what it’s truly like is to live with it for a while. We’ll be bringing you a full review of the smartwatch as soon as possible, so keep an eye out.
Author: Luke Baker, Contributor, Tech Advisor
Luke is a freelance journalist who has been working in consumer electronics for over a decade. Previously Features Editor at Pocket-lint, Luke can now be found contributing reviews and features to a variety of publications, as well as running a YouTube channel called Neon Airship in his spare time. Luke loves anything that takes pictures, whether it’s a smartphone, camera or drone, and he also gets very excited about the latest VR and AR tech.
Recent stories by Luke Baker:
- Huawei Watch GT5 vs GT5 Pro: Which new smartwatch is right for you?
- Huawei Watch GT5 Pro review: Style & fitness personified
