Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Review: Bold New Look, But At What Cost?
Samsung has officially pulled the curtain back on its latest smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch8, aiming to redefine its entry-tier offering with bold new design language and upgraded features. We’ve got the 40mm Silver variant in for review, and first impressions are… complicated.
The unboxing experience is minimal, housed in a white cardboard box. Inside, you’ll find the watch itself, a 10W proprietary wireless charging puck with a USB-C end, and a new TPU strap that’s also exclusive to this generation. Unfortunately, the lack of Qi compatibility or Ultra Wideband (UWB) support may disappoint some potential buyers.
The most noticeable change is the cushion-style casing, drawing inspiration from the Ultra lineup. It pairs a squircle-shaped aluminum base with a circular AMOLED screen on top, all wrapped in a sleeker 8.6mm profile weighing just 30g. While the design helps reduce weight and thickness, it’s proving divisive – some find it modern, others just plain awkward.
Our 40mm model features a 1.34-inch AMOLED panel, while the 44mm version steps it up to 1.47 inches. Regardless of size, both watches benefit from Sapphire Crystal protection and an impressive 3,000 nits of peak brightness – a huge leap from last year’s 2,000 nits, especially under direct sunlight.
Samsung also introduced its new Dynamic Lug system, which aims to enhance health and activity monitoring by improving sensor contact with your skin. Paired with One UI 8 Watch, you get access to updated health features like the Antioxidant Index – a wellness metric we’re curious to test in real-world conditions.
The digital bezel is back – sort of. While the physical rotating bezel remains exclusive to the Classic version, Watch8 simulates it with haptic feedback along the edges of the panel. Two physical buttons reside on the right, and the speaker grilles sit on the left side.
Battery life remains in line with expectations. The 325mAh cell promises up to 40 hours with the Always-on Display turned off and 30 hours with it on. Real-world use will tell whether these numbers hold up, especially with new sensors and features constantly running in the background.
All in all, the Galaxy Watch8 tries hard to look and feel premium, but the polarizing design and omission of features like a camera, UWB, or universal charging may be deal-breakers for some. It’s thinner, brighter, and healthier – but not necessarily better for everyone.