Galaxy Watch 8 Review: Smarter, Sharper, Stronger

Last Updated on August 4, 2025 by Luis Cooper

The Galaxy Watch 8 doesn’t scream flashy upgrades, but once you start using it, the improvements are hard to ignore.

Samsung has fine-tuned the basics—better health tracking, a brighter Super AMOLED display, and a snappier interface with One UI on Wear OS 6.

It’s slick, lightweight, and fits in nicely whether you’re out on a run or at the office.

Pair it with any Android phone (though it really shines with a Samsung), and you’re off to a smooth start.

What’s new is how intelligent the watch feels.

There’s Galaxy AI, of course, but also features like Workout Buddy, the AI Sleeping Coach, and smart sensors powered by the new Exynos W1000 chip.

Whether you’re checking your heart rate, your sleep, or syncing up for your next training session, it just quietly gets to work—no fuss, no digging through menus.

It might be the first Galaxy Watch that feels truly complete.

If you are one of those who love smart watches, then you have come to the right place.

In this review, I will guide you through the process.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Review

 

Smarter Features That Actually Help:

I wasn’t expecting it to be this helpful.

On my first 5K run, the watch pulled up a custom plan from a quick 12-minute fitness test I’d done earlier.

Then, during the run, Galaxy AI kicked in—giving me pace updates, encouragement, and real-time coaching like a trainer whispering in my ear.

It didn’t stop there.

After the workout, it offered me insights into things like circadian rhythm, vascular load, and even my arterial health.

Stuff you’d usually need a check-up and blood drawn to get.

Then there’s the nutrition part.

Based on my antioxidant levels, it told me to eat more kimchi and radish greens.

Never thought I’d get dietary health advice from my wrist.

Using Gemini was smooth, too.

I could check my Calendar, reply to messages, and even launch Google Maps—all just by speaking.

And those little things like the double pinch or a twist of the wrist? Surprisingly useful, especially mid-workout.

Whether it was archery, biking, or just checking my Energy Score, the BioActive sensor, SpO2, BIA, and electrical heart monitoring all came together to build a picture of my overall health.

I even got flagged for possible sleep apnea, thanks to its tracking of sleep cycles, snoring, and skin temperature.

It honestly feels like this thing knows me better than I know myself—and that’s kind of the point.

Finally, a New Design:

The Galaxy Watch 8 finally ditches the old look and brings in something fresher with its cushion design.

It’s got a bit of the Ultra model vibe to it, but still feels like a proper timepiece on your wrist.

The aluminum case curves slightly, blending nicely into the glass display, giving it a sleek and modern feel.

And that screen—crystal-clear and easy to scroll through—sits a bit lower than before, which might help protect it from everyday knocks.

Samsung’s Sport band now arches better around the wrist, feeling more secure but also super comfortable.

Unlike the Apple Watch with its prongs, this one connects more like a shield around the wrist, almost like wearing a low-key piece of armor.

I tried it overnight too, and it didn’t dig into my skin like the Apple Watch Series 9 sometimes does.

Whether you’re checking your sleep data or just admiring the hardware, this is a solid upgrade from the Watch 7, especially around the outer edge where everything now feels smoother—and more refined.

Setting It Up: Surprisingly Smooth for a Smartwatch

Unboxing the Galaxy Watch 8 felt like opening a tiny tech puzzle—USB-C magnetic charging pad, a chunky warranty booklet, and even extra straps tucked beside the sleek case.

No charging brick, but I just plugged it into my laptop, and we were off.

I used a paperclip to pop the band slot, then paired the watch with my Z Flip 6 using the Samsung Galaxy Wearable app.

The setup took just a few taps—ideal for anyone, even a child (with the right permissions and Google account, of course).

Once it’s up and running, the watch walks you through orientation, vascular load tracking, and even snore detection.

The Play Store is right there to grab your favorite apps, and the watch checks for the latest update before letting you dive in.

I love that it has physical buttons—the top one acts as a home button, and you can double-tap or long-press it to customize features like voice commands or SOS.

Swiping down brings up the quick panel, left for the app drawer, and right to flip through tiles like Energy Score, Sleep Score, and all the neat cards.

You can even rearrange these via the Galaxy Wearable app, and everything from notifications to Samsung Health, Health Monitor, and ECG readings feels tightly connected.

It’s smart, but not overwhelming—and yes, sleep apnea and other tracked data are just a tap away.

Specifications:

Tracking Antioxidants with My Wrist – Yes, Really:

When I first heard the Galaxy Watch 8 could test antioxidant levels, I didn’t know what to expect.

The sensors work with the new processor, and after following the on-screen prompts, I held my finger on the side to run the test.

My first score came in as “adequate,” which honestly felt like a polite way of saying “you’re doing okay, but let’s not celebrate just yet.”

Curious, I opened the Health app and started digging into what affects antioxidants.

Turns out, foods like persimmon, cantaloupe, cherries, and even dark chocolate and green tea can give you a solid boost, thanks to all the vitamin C, beta-carotene, and other nutrients they carry.

I started adding more of those to my meals and cut back on things that cause oxidant buildup—like stress and poor sleep.

I even tried a bit of yoga, drank more water, and booked a massage—anything to bring my levels up.

After a week, I retested and noticed a jump in my score, inching closer to what I assume is a good baseline.

It still wasn’t “very high,” but better than “very low”, which I imagine would make even my doctor in South Korea frown.

I’m not sure if the Watch 8’s results are ready to replace lab tests, but they definitely made me rethink my snacks and sleep schedule.

Battery Life: 

The battery life on the Galaxy Watch 8 is satisfactory.

Not bad, not amazing—just comfortably in the middle.

I tested the 40mm version with its 300mAh battery (a slight bump over the Watch 7’s 295mAh, but still shy of the 435mAh in the larger 44mm model).

In real-world use—with the always-on display, GPS on for workouts, and most features running—I was getting around 26 to 28 hours before dipping below 5%.

On lighter days, I stretched it to 39 hours, but that was with most tracking turned down.

Charging isn’t bad either. It got from zero to full in about 64 minutes plugged in.

If you’re used to topping off daily, you’ll be fine.

But if you were hoping for a big leap, it’s not quite there yet.

Samsung says you can get up to 40 hours, but I never really saw more than 30 hours with regular use.

Compared to the Pixel Watch 3 and other competition, which now push 34 to 46.5 hours, the Watch 8’s 325mAh and 425mAh batteries (depending on size) still feel like they’re playing catch-up.

Finally, Sleep Data That Makes Sense:

Sleep tracking on the Galaxy Watch 8 has come a long way—finally, no more gaps in the data.

I used to notice missing chunks with older models, but the updated software and redesigned lug system help the watch stay snug overnight.

That means continuous tracking, even if you toss around like a penguin in a dream.

The AI-powered Sleeping Coach is surprisingly smart.

After a week of wearing it, it figured out my sleep times, midpoint, and how my circadian rhythm aligns with my work schedule.

I now get a personalized sleep plan, complete with a checklist: skip the TV, cut down on caffeine, and try breathing exercises or meditation before bedtime.

It even suggested shorter naps when I missed full rest.

The charts break down your sleep phases, kind of like what you’d see on the Apple Watch Ultra 2, but with a more wellness-focused spin.

And yes—it actually nudges you to build better habits for long-term rest and alertness.

Gemini Gets a Home on Your Wrist:

One of the most exciting parts of the Galaxy Watch 8 is finally having Gemini right on your wrist.

Paired with Wear OS 6 and One UI, this smartwatch now feels way more than just a fitness tracker.

It’s like having the Google Assistant, but smarter, and baked directly into your watch screen.

I tested it against a friend’s Pixel Watch 4, and Gemini held its own—setting reminders, timers, answering questions, pulling up directions, even checking my calendar or jotting quick notes into Google Keep.

It picked up on follow-up requests too, thanks to the improved mic and better voice recognition.

The new layout of tiles, apps, and categories makes things easier to access, especially if you’re juggling media or organizing your day.

Just raise your wrist and speak—it’s like having AI that actually listens (and doesn’t forget).

Honestly, it’s the first time I’ve used a voice assistant on a watch and didn’t instantly reach for my phone instead.

Activity Tracking: 

The Galaxy Watch 8 makes daily movement feel more like a game than a grind.

With its upgraded BioActive sensor and refined GPS, I noticed way better heart rate accuracy during workouts compared to the Galaxy Watch 6 or even the Watch 7.

Whether I was doing CrossFit, taking a casual jog, or running a focused 5K test, the tracking was spot-on — and the graphs even picked up the tiniest spikes in BPM.

I synced my Bluetooth headphones, fired up a Workout Buddy session, and the Running Coach AI took over.

After a quick 12-minute test (which was a sweaty reality check), it designed a personalized program based on my height, weight, and current pace.

I was surprised it adjusted for cadence, speed, and even asymmetry in my running form — stuff I’ve only seen on my friend’s Garmin or Polar.

During a 40-minute routine, I stayed right on the suggested 13-minute-per-mile pace.

Once, I slipped into a 15-minute pace, and it flagged it with a gentle buzz and some coaching feedback.

And the best part? It’s automatic.

No button pressing mid-run.

It just knows.

The checklist before a workout includes goals, breathing exercises, or even skipping caffeine, naps, and getting proper rest.

It’s so much more than a step counter — it’s a proper coach.

Wrap-up:

After weeks of wearing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, I can honestly say this is the most refined Galaxy Watch yet. The redesign is subtle but effective—its thin case, squared bezel, and bright screen give it that polished, modern vibe that fits any wrist, any day. Whether you’re using it with a Samsung phone or any Android-compatible device, it just works beautifully.

But what really sets it apart? It’s the combination of AI capabilities and deep health insights. The Galaxy AI coach offers tailored exercise tracking, and the Sleep Coach doesn’t just track your sleep—it coaches you toward better habits, from bedtime adjustments to adding meditation into your routine. (And yes, it even threw a cute penguin into my weekly plan for motivation.) Between the antioxidant levels, vascular load, and Google Gemini integration, this watch feels more like a wellness companion than just a piece of tech.

Battery life is solid, comfort is top-tier, and the customizable tiles let you shape the experience around your goals. Whether you’re a casual user or a full-on Galaxy fan, this watch earns its Editors’ Choice badge—and honestly, it deserves it.

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