The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 series is set to release in India on July 25, starting at a price of Rs 32,999.
Samsung has revealed the Galaxy Watch 8 series, featuring design modifications, updated health capabilities, Wear OS 6, and integrated support for the Gemini AI assistant.
Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic Features
Samsung has launched its latest Galaxy Watch 8 series, which includes two variations: the Galaxy Watch 8 and the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. This new series adopts a design aesthetic akin to the Galaxy Watch Ultra, emphasizing a slimmer profile, brighter displays, and improved software. Along with a redesigned interface powered by Wear OS 6, Samsung has added various health and performance enhancements. Let’s delve into their design and functionalities.
The entire Galaxy Watch 8 lineup features a squircle-shaped cushion case inspired by the Galaxy Watch Ultra. This design update creates a cohesive look across Samsung’s smartwatch range. The Galaxy Watch 8 is 11% thinner than its predecessor and boasts a brighter display, with peak brightness increasing from 2,000 to 3,000 nits. The standard model comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes, available in Silver and Graphite.
Conversely, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic returns with a single case size, presented in White and Black options. This variant reintroduces the rotating bezel, a much-loved feature among users, as well as the Quick Button that was previously found only on the Ultra model. Both versions feature a new Dynamic Lug System for easier band changes and an 11% improvement in heart rate tracking accuracy. However, this system means that older Galaxy Watch bands will not be compatible, so customers will have to select from Samsung’s revamped collection of athleisure, fabric, hybrid, and sport bands.
The Galaxy Watch 8 series operates on One UI 8 Watch based on Wear OS 6, which brings a revamped interface. A notable software addition is the “Now Bar,” which improves multitasking and transforms the watch face into a control panel. The update also features a folder for Featured Apps, allowing quicker access to frequently used applications, along with new multi-info tiles that enable widget stacking, minimizing the need for excessive swiping.
Additionally, upgrades have been made to health and fitness tracking. The sleep coaching feature now provides customized bedtime recommendations, and heart monitoring related to sleep is activated after collecting three nights of baseline data. Samsung has introduced a new antioxidant index feature designed to assist users in making healthier food choices.
For runners, the Samsung Health app now includes enhanced running coach capabilities that offer personalized training advice, performance tracking, and real-time feedback—all without requiring a subscription. The Galaxy Watch 8 also incorporates Google’s Gemini AI assistant, although Samsung has not detailed the extent of on-device intelligence compared to phone integration.
Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic Battery
Battery capacity has been boosted by around 8% throughout the series. The Galaxy Watch 8 models feature a 325mAh battery for the 40mm variant and a 435mAh battery for the 44mm version. The Watch 8 Classic comes with a 445mAh battery. Additionally, the storage capacity for the Classic model has been upgraded to 64 GB, offering more room for apps and data, while the base Galaxy Watch 8 maintains 32 GB of storage.