The tech world imploded on July 9th. While Amazon’s Prime Day juggernaut was steamrolling wallets, Samsung decided to drop a Galaxy Unpacked bomb. The timing? Questionable. Did they not peek at the calendar? Or perhaps they relish the chaos, the late-night scramble of tech reporters torn between deals and devices. I was one of them, battling Prime Day fatigue until, finally, freedom. Four days ago, the Galaxy Watch 8 landed on my wrist, and the real testing began.
Consider this a glimpse behind the curtain. I’ve only spent a short time with this device, not enough for a definitive verdict. But, initial reactions? Almost universally positive. I’ll be putting it through its paces in the coming weeks for a full review. But even now, the experience is already speaking volumes.
Samsung’s new smartwatch is a playground of upgrades, from its guts to its gloss. But I dove deep, laser-focused, on one killer feature – the one that whispers, “This is why you upgrade.”
Antioxidant tests and my persimmon intake
The Galaxy Watch 8: Still ticking, but now it’s judging your health. Forget step counts – this smartwatch wants to know your antioxidant level. Prepare for a five-second thumb-wrestling match with the sensor (watch off, please), and brace yourself for judgment from the Health app. My first test landed me a “low” score of 60. Apparently, “very low” and “adequate” are the only other options. So, if you were hoping for a gold star in antioxidant health, prepare to be humbled.
My phone, in its infinite wisdom, suggested I devour a persimmon. A wave of nostalgia washed over me, taking me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with the warm, spicy aroma of her legendary persimmon cookies. Christmas hasn’t been the same since she passed, nor have I given that peculiar fruit a second thought. Perhaps my Samsung, knowing South Korea’s persimmon prowess, was trying to reconnect me to simpler times. The grocery store guy confirmed my suspicions: persimmons only appear around the holidays, driven by tradition and seasonal availability, undoubtedly fueled by grandmothers everywhere.
Persimmons: antioxidant powerhouses packed with Vitamin C and beta-carotene. Inspired, I launched my own antioxidant blitz. Cantaloupe, a kindred orange orb brimming with similar goodness, became my muse. I doubled down, chasing that elusive better score. Cherries burst on my tongue, a tiny square of dark chocolate melted in blissful indulgence. Breakfast? A Spartan half-cantaloupe, a stark contrast to my husband’s tempting hash. Green tea replaced my beloved oat matcha latte. I unfolded into yoga poses, surrendering to a medical massage’s healing touch, banishing stress’s oxidant-boosting grip. Eight hours of slumber, a tidal wave of water. I emerged, reborn, an antioxidant warrior ready for battle.
Another antioxidant test, another tiny dip. Two measly points. Seriously? I wasn’t chasing miracles, just a glimmer of progress. Apparently, my kale smoothies are failing me. Next time, forget the rabbit food; I’m going straight for the forbidden hash browns.
Finally, a new design!
The Galaxy Watch: four generations, a familiar face. That iconic round silhouette, nestled in metal, remains untouched. Is it homage, or stagnation? While the design works, year after year of the same aesthetic begs the question: are these updates driven by innovation, or simply a fiscal necessity? A fresh coat of paint could make the upgrade feel, well, like an upgrade.
With 3,000 nits of peak brightness, the watch is easy to read even in the bright Albuquerque sun.
(Amy Skorheim for Engadget)
The Galaxy Watch 8 ditches the familiar round face, embracing a bold new aesthetic lifted from last year’s Ultra. Samsung calls it a “cushion design,” but picture this: a sleek, circular glass display nestled in an aluminum case, blurring the lines between circle and square – a “squircle,” as some might say. The Sport band gracefully flows into the case, forming a seamless curve that’s miles ahead of the typical clunky smartwatch strap. Forget utilitarian; this is pure class. Compared to the Apple Watch, which resembles a shrunken iPhone awkwardly strapped to your wrist, the Watch 8 is a statement piece.
This cushion design? Love it and loathe it. The glass display, brazenly jutting out a couple of millimeters, screams danger. My first thought? “Screen massacre imminent.” I kid you not, screen protectors were ordered before the watch even hit my wrist. Proof’s in the pudding: one shattered during this review. Chalk it up to bargain-bin shields or, more likely, the fact that this protruding glass is practically begging for a crack. Misfortune, thy name is cushion design.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (40mm, Wi-Fi GPS)
$350 at Samsung
But the subtly raised glass? Genius. It obliterates my biggest gripe with the Galaxy Watch 7. Remember fumbling to scroll, your finger inevitably eclipsing the very words you were trying to read? The on-screen prompts practically begged you to swipe the edge. Now, with this elevated display, there’s breathing room. My finger glides along the perimeter, finally liberated from obscuring the content. It’s a small change, but a monumental improvement for usability.
Beyond the surface sheen, the real victory lies in the newfound comfort. The Watch 7 felt like wearing a small, persistent pebble under your wrist, the prominent sensor a constant reminder of its presence. It took days to acclimate, and sleep was a nightly battle. But the Watch 8? From the moment it clasped on, it felt like it belonged there, a seamless extension of myself. Finally, a smartwatch I can actually sleep with.
Gemini on your wrist and Wear OS 6
Forget everything you know about smartwatches. The Galaxy Watch 8 isn’t just a timepiece; it’s a wrist-worn portal powered by Google’s revolutionary Wear OS 6. Samsung adds its signature flair with the One UI interface, but the real magic lies within: Gemini integration. Imagine having the power of Google’s AI assistant right on your wrist. From answering questions to controlling your smart home, most Gemini app functionalities are now seamlessly integrated into your watch. The catch? Think of your phone as Gemini’s brain – it needs to be within reach to unlock the full potential.
Amy Skorheim for Engadget
Google’s AI zipped through simple tasks like reminders and timers, a digital hummingbird. Even trickier requests barely made it pause, especially when basking in the glow of my home Wi-Fi (cell signals proved a drag). I peppered it with location-based questions: “Best record stores?” “Good lunch spots?” To my surprise, it unearthed hidden gems. The record store was an unexpected vinyl oasis tucked inside a bookshop, a discovery I hadn’t made on my own. Then, for a real test: “Why is my eight-year-old obsessed with lava chicken?” Without missing a beat, it connected the dots to Jack Black and the Minecraft movie. Impressive.
Gemini on your wrist speaks volumes, literally. It spells out answers on your watch face and vocalizes every detail. Feeling overwhelmed by the verbosity? A simple tap silences the voice, letting you absorb the information at your own pace. While Gemini adeptly manages follow-up questions and tasks, it’s not an ever-listening companion. Initiate your next request with a tap on the mic icon, and it’s ready to assist.
Frustrated that Gemini cuts you off mid-conversation? I hit up Samsung directly to see if we could tweak a setting for continuous listening. Sadly, no dice for now. For follow-up commands like “Add that to my Google Keep” or “Remind me about that,” you’ll still need the “OK Google” prompt. The good news? Geminidoesstay tuned whenitneeds something from you, like confirming a text message. Pro-tip: String together your requests upfront! For example, try “Look up this addressandtext it to [Contact Name]” to streamline the process.
I threw some curveballs at it, and it didn’t even flinch. First, I needed the address of that new Italian place texted to my husband. Boom. Done. It even double-checked which location I meant. Next, I wondered when the Albuquerque Isotopes were playing the Sacramento River Cats. Instantly, it rattled off the upcoming dates. Then, with a simple tap and a “add that to my calendar,” the game was marked, no fuss, no muss.
It stumbled only twice. I asked it point-blank: rain or shine? Instead of a yes or no, it recited the generic forecast, a frustrating sidestep my other digital assistants (Alexa and Siri) handle with ease. Though, technically, that Gemini glitch is the real culprit, not the watch itself.
The true letdown hit me mid-walk, GPS struggling to bridge the gap. I craved groceries, so I pinged Gemini for a local market. It spat out an address and distance, then shrugged, pointing me towards my phone for actual guidance. A beat later, same question, same stroll, Siri lit up my Apple Watch with turn-by-turn directions. I felt less like a tech-savvy early adopter and more like a low-rent spy, burdened by double the gadgets, half the efficiency. Two phones, two watches – all for a future that still feels frustratingly fragmented.
Tiles on the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
(Amy Skorheim for Engadget)
Wear OS 6 isn’t just about Gemini; it’s about a smarter wrist experience, thanks to revamped tiles. Forget endless scrolling – these larger, information-rich tiles put what matters most right at your fingertips. Think at-a-glance health stats, weather updates, and calendar peeks, all neatly organized into customizable categories like Health, Fitness, and Basic. Need more detail? A simple tap launches the full app. The best part? You’re in control. Tweak categories, rearrange layouts, and add tiles galore through the Wear app on your phone. I haven’t perfected my setup yet, but even out of the box, this tile-driven interface feels like a genuine upgrade – a faster, more intuitive way to interact with my watch and get the information I need, instantly.
The running coach believes in you
Galaxy Watch 8 is upping its game with AI-powered running guidance – think a personal coach right on your wrist. Is this a direct shot across Apple’s bow, mirroring whispers of a Workout Buddy in watchOS 26? The clash of the titans will be one to watch. While Google Pixel and Fitbit users have tasted AI coaching, it’s locked behind a premium paywall. And let’s not forget Garmin’s Run Coach, proving the path to adaptive training isn’t entirely uncharted. Will Galaxy Watch 8 set a new pace, or just follow the pack?
Samsung’s running coach doesn’t ease you in – it throws you into the deep end. Your initiation? A lung-busting, 12-minute sprint to see how far you can push yourself. From the ashes of that effort, a performance level is born, a number from one to ten that dictates your personalized path to glory. Forget generic training schedules; this is a four-week crucible, forged with four weekly workouts, each meticulously designed to mold you into a 5K, 10K, half, or full marathon conqueror. My own 12-minute and 22-second per-mile pace branded me a level three warrior, destined for a 5K showdown after just four weeks of sweat and strain.
Samsung/Engadget
The first workout: low-intensity interval running. Four bursts of heart-pounding effort sliced by cool-down walks. An AI coach whispered in my ear, predicting each surge and ebb, laying out targets like breadcrumbs on a trail. “Push harder!” it urged when my pace faltered, a gentle nudge, not a drill sergeant’s roar. The previews – knowing what agony (and recovery) awaited – were pure gold. Speaker-only mode worked, barely, on quiet streets. But trust me, snag your earbuds. Your ears (and your sanity) will thank you.
The “coach,” a relentless inner voice born of a dare, had me sprinting – a foreign sensation for someone my sister affectionately (and accurately) calls “allergic to athleticism.” Now, a wild thought claws at me: couldI, the poster child for graceful clumsiness, actually conquer a 5K? Maybe this whole crazy scheme has legs. A surprising thrill courses through me – I’m actually eager for more. Next up: a 30-minute, uninterrupted jog. Thirty minutes ofpurerunning. The very idea makes my lungs ache in anticipation… and a sliver of excitement. Wish me luck.
Vascular load, bedtime reminders and battery life
Rushed deadlines meant I barely scratched the surface of its new features. Take “vascular load,” for example. This intriguing metric silently tracks your circulatory system’s health while you sleep. It’s supposed to flag when your “load” is unusually high or low, offering tailored advice. The catch? It needs three nights to establish your baseline. After three nights, my watch remained stubbornly unconvinced, demanding one more sleep cycle to unlock its secrets.
The sleep tracker promised personalized Bedtime Guidance after three nights. Three nights came and went, and crickets. No notification, no gentle nudge towards better sleep habits. Turns out, this crucial feature hides behind a labyrinthine menu in the Health app (Health > Sleep > tap the three dots icon > Bedtime guidance). Now activated, the real test begins. I’ll be back with the verdict after a few nights under its watchful eye.
The Galaxy Watch 7’s battery life was a constant negotiation. The always-on display? Beautiful, but a battery vampire. Thankfully, the Galaxy Watch 8 aims to break free from the charger’s leash with a slightly larger 325mAh battery, a modest bump from the Watch 7’s 300mAh. While 25mAh might not sound revolutionary, every milliampere counts. My review became a whirlwind of testing – sleep tracking, marathon runs, intense workouts, antioxidant level checks, Gemini explorations, and more. The watch became a regular visitor to its charging dock, grabbing quick power snacks between trials. A full, methodical battery test? That’s a challenge I’m eager to tackle once I’ve wrung out every other feature.
Color me impressed. Day one of battery testing concluded with a fully charged watch at 4 PM. Fast forward 24 hours – navigation, three sweat-soaked workouts, an avalanche of Gemini queries, whimsical watch face swaps, and a full night’s slumber later – and I’m still rocking 17 percent! I even toyed with the Always-On Display. Seriously, this blows my old Watch 7’s battery life out of the water.
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is super swank
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic isn’t shy about its aspirations. This isn’t just a smartwatch; it’s a wrist-worn love letter to high-end horology. From the moment you strap it on, the weighty steel case and stitched leather-esque band whisper luxury. The rotating, knurled bezel clicks with satisfying precision, framing a display that, with the default chronograph face, throws serious shade at Rolex Daytonas and Omega Speedmasters. The always-on display and substantial buttons only amplify the impression: this is a smartwatch masquerading as a serious, automatic timepiece for those who appreciate the finer things.
Amy Skorheim for Engadget
Forget babying your smartwatch. The rotating bezel on this Galaxy Watch iteration isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a fortress for your screen. That raised display? Snugly protected. Accidentally bumping into a doorframe? The inset glass laughs in the face of scratches. Okay, it’s atadbulky, but think statement piece, not wrist weight. And surprisingly, it hugs the wrist comfortably. This isn’t just tech; it’s wristwear that whispers, “I have a smartwatch, but I also havestyle.” If you want brainsandbeauty, this one’s a contender.
Pricing and the competition
Prepare your wallet: Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 series sees a price bump. The sleek 40mm model now starts at $350, a $50 increase. Want more screen? The 44mm jumps to $380 (previously $330). Craving that classic aesthetic? The single-sized 46mm Galaxy Watch 8 Classic will set you back a cool $500. Remember, there was no Watch 7 Classic. Last year’s Watch 6 Classic launched at $400 (43mm) and $430 (47mm), making the new Classic a significant step up in price.
Choosing a smartwatch in 2025? Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 might be the smartestfinancialchoice. Launching at $350 – same as the current Pixel Watch 3 – it could undercut Apple’s next move. Remember those sweet Prime Day deals on the Apple Watch Series 10 (dipping to $279!), usually starting at $399? Expect Apple’s upcoming wearable to likely push prices even higher. Translation: the Galaxy Watch 8 could be the most budget-friendly option from the big players by next year. And, let’s be real, if you’re already rocking a Samsung phone, it’s a no-brainer.
Amy Skorheim for Engadget
Everything else and an eventual score
The Galaxy Watch 8 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it refines it. Remember our deep dives into the Galaxy Watch 6, 7, and 5? Those fitness and health features you loved? They’re back, polished to a gleam. Let’s cut to the chase: workout tracking remains impressively accurate. In fact, this watch knows I’m strolling before my Apple Watch even considers the possibility. And speaking of possibilities, the Samsung Health app? Forget tedious data dumps. Think intuitive suggestions, cheerful animations, and a user experience that’s genuinely… enjoyable. My favorite perk? The daily Energy Score. It’s like a personal wellness oracle, translating sleep and activity data into actionable insights. Am I crushing my goals or coasting? A glance at my wrist tells me everything I need to know.
The Galaxy Watch 8: More than just the basics, it’s a wrist revolution. This isn’t just an accessory; it’s a tireless partner for your Galaxy phone, though I’m still chasing those elusive, attention-grabbing notifications – a persistent echo from the Watch 7.
But here’s where the magic happens: that double-tap gesture. A simple pinch becomes your superpower, banishing notifications or launching actions without a single tap. It’s intuitive, reliable, and utterly addictive.
And the watch faces? Forget generic templates; these are blank canvases for your personality. Add to that a stunning visual overhaul, sprinkle in some genuinely clever Gemini integration, a dash of new health insights, and a user interface that finally feels intuitive, and you’ve got a wearable that’s more than capable.
The jury’s still out on a final score (screen protector firmly applied!), but consider me thoroughly impressed. This isn’t just a smartwatch; it’s a statement.
Thanks for reading Galaxy Watch 8: My first days with Samsungs smartwatch have been promising
