Samsung’s new Galaxy Watch 8 is a sleek and advanced smartwatch, offering a blend of innovative technology and health-focused features. The thinnest watch Samsung has ever made, the Galaxy Watch 8 is 11% slimmer than its predecessor, the Watch 7, at just 8.6mm thick. 
Despite its compact size, it boasts impressive performance and a lightweight feel that makes it a great everyday companion.
Visually, the Watch 8 is minimalist and elegant, with two size options: 40mm and 44mm. The smaller 40mm model, while great for women, might not fit larger wrists as well, and the 44mm version feels more balanced. However, it does come with a new “Dynamic Lug” system, which means your old Galaxy Watch bands won’t fit the new model.
The display has been significantly upgraded, now 50% brighter with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, which is excellent for outdoor visibility. Powered by the new 3nm Exynos W1000 chip and running One UI 8, the watch offers smooth performance, especially with its dual-frequency GPS for precise location tracking.
One of the most exciting updates is the integration of Gemini AI, which allows you to control the watch using voice commands. You can start workouts, get directions, or even generate recipes with just your voice. Health features are front and center, with innovations like the Vascular Load monitor, Running Coach with real-time pace adjustment, and the world’s first Antioxidant Index in a smartwatch, which measures carotenoid levels in your skin to help you combat free radicals.
Sleep tracking has also been enhanced, with features like Bedtime Guidance, Sleep Coaching, and Sleep Apnea detection (coming soon to Europe). While these features are impressive, it’s important not to become too focused on the data they provide.
Overall, the Galaxy Watch 8 is a fantastic health and fitness tracker, offering a solid combination of sleek design and powerful technology. However, battery life remains a common issue with Samsung watches, so expectations here should be tempered. The price point has also increased, with the Galaxy Watch 8 starting at $349 for the Bluetooth 40mm version and $429 for the LTE 44mm version. Be sure to watch for deals as they’re likely to pop up in the coming months.