Samsung has officially launched its next generation of wearables, the Galaxy Watch 8 series, at the recent Unpacked event. The new smartwatches build on what Samsung already does well: solid fitness tracking, seamless Android integration, and consistent design.
But with the Galaxy Watch 8 series, Samsung has decided to make a few bolder changes, both visually and under the hood. The company is also bringing back the Classic model this year, complete with everyone’s favorite rotating bezel.
Here are the new features that make the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic what they are.
1. New Squircle Design
The most immediately noticeable change in the Galaxy Watch 8 series is the design. The watches are now squircle in shape compared to the round casing of the Watch 7 line.
Essentially, this means both the Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic have a square case with a round display. It’s a bold visual shift that brings the Galaxy Watch 8 and 8 Classic closer in form to the Galaxy Watch Ultra.
This design might take some getting used to. Traditional round watches have a timeless aesthetic, and some may prefer that classic look. But on the wrist, the wearables still look modern and refined.
Also, the Watch 8 is nearly a millimeter thinner than its predecessor at 8.6mm. The new shape also helps the device sit more securely on the wrist, which Samsung claims improves sensor accuracy.
Samsung has also improved how the straps attach. There’s now a quick-release mechanism similar to what we’ve seen on the Watch Ultra. It makes swapping out bands easier. However, you wouldn’t be able to use earlier Galaxy Watch bands on the new models.
2. A Brighter, Still OLED Display
Both Watch 8 models retain OLED displays, but brightness now reaches up to 3,000 nits, according to Samsung. This level of brightness matches what Apple offers with the Watch Ultra 2.
While the Watch 7 was already easy to see in direct sunlight, the bump in brightness ensures better visibility in harsh lighting conditions. That said, the difference might be difficult to detect under normal circumstances.
Samsung hasn’t changed the display resolution or size in any significant way, so the brightness bump is the headline improvement here. It’s a modest but useful upgrade, especially for users who spend a lot of time outdoors.
3. Expanded Health Tracking with Sleep and Vascular Features
Samsung continues to treat health tracking as a major priority in its smartwatches. The Galaxy Watch 8 series brings new and updated health features, though most of them lean toward lifestyle advice rather than medical-grade diagnostics.
New in One UI 8 Watch is a “Bedtime Guidance” system that recommends sleep times based on personal habits. It requires at least three nights of sleep data to begin offering insights.
The sleep apnea detection feature has also received EU medical certification, lending more credibility to its measurements.
Another addition is vascular strain measurement, designed to monitor the condition of blood vessels during sleep. While useful, this feature is not medically certified.
There’s also a new Antioxidant Index feature that estimates levels of free radicals in the body. However, it requires users to remove the watch and place a thumb on the sensor. Like other new tools, it serves more as a general wellness guide than a diagnostic tool.
Beyond these, the Watch 8 continues to offer the usual health tracking features, including body composition analysis, heart rate monitoring, blood pressure tracking, and ECG readings (when paired with a Samsung smartphone and the Health Monitor app).
4. Google Gemini Replaces (Some of) Bixby
Perhaps one of the most interesting additions to the Galaxy Watch 8 is Google Gemini integration. For years, Bixby has handled voice assistance on Samsung watches, though to lukewarm reception. Now, users can choose Gemini as an alternative.
Gemini is available via LTE and Wi-Fi and supports a range of voice commands; everything from sending messages to creating reminders or generating basic routes.
It doesn’t yet support full conversational AI or work with all apps (WhatsApp replies, for example, are not available). But it’s an improvement over Bixby in terms of functionality and cloud-connected features.
That doesn’t mean Bixby is gone. It still handles all offline tasks and can be set as the default assistant. Users can configure which assistant is triggered via the top button, now dubbed the “AI Button.”
Wear OS continues to be the foundation of the Watch 8 software experience. The Play Store offers access to standalone apps like WhatsApp and Spotify, as well as many other Android-compatible services.
5. Running Coach and Upgraded Sports Features
The Galaxy Watch 8 introduces a new running coach feature designed to help runners of all levels train more effectively. It uses the 12-minute Cooper test as a starting point to assess a user’s fitness level and build a customized running plan from there.
During workouts, the watch offers real-time coaching feedback, like maintaining the correct pace or adjusting intensity. The watches also include dual-frequency GPS to improve location accuracy during outdoor exercise.
These fitness improvements aren’t exclusive to professional athletes. They’re designed for anyone who wants to monitor or improve their daily activity without diving into complex metrics. It’s a subtle but useful evolution for Samsung’s fitness platform.
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