Samsung surprised fans by pushing the boundaries of smartwatch design with its latest releases, the Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. The new watches blend elements from previous generations, including the Ultra’s functional frame and the Classic’s iconic rotating bezel.
Health features take center stage with non-invasive skin analysis and AI-powered coaching for sleep and running. The Galaxy Watch 8 also introduces a smarter voice assistant, leveraging Google’s Gemini AI to handle complex tasks.
Pricing starts at $350 for the 40mm model, with LTE versions available at $400. The Classic costs $500, while the Titanium Blue version of the Ultra is priced at $650.
The new watches boast an Antioxidant Index feature that measures carotene levels in the skin and provides actionable recommendations to improve health. A Vascular Load metric tracks strain on the heart during sleep and offers insights into long-term heart disease risk.
A revamped Bedtime Guidance tool uses a three-day analysis of circadian rhythm and sleep pressure to recommend an ideal bedtime window, while a Running Coach feature builds personalized training plans based on user progress.
The Galaxy Watch 8 comes in two sizes: 40mm and 44mm, with the Classic available only in 46mm. The new watches have a cushion design with a round screen set inside a “squircle” frame, reducing weight and increasing comfort.
A Gemini AI-powered software update brings refreshed navigation and instant access to frequently used apps. Notably, the watch is the first to integrate Google’s AI assistant, enabling more complex commands and contextual understanding.
Battery life is not comparable to the Ultra’s three-day battery life, but Samsung claims an 8% larger battery and improved efficiency gains from Wear OS 6. Storage doubles across the board, with 64GB now standard on all models.
Source: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/my-favorite-features-back-i-tried-out-the-new-galaxy-watch-8-and-galaxy-watch-8-classic