Samsung has officially launched its Galaxy Watch 8 series, introducing a major design overhaul across the lineup with the latest Wear OS 6, and tighter integration Gemini AI capabilities. The new lineup, which includes the Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, aims to unify Samsung’s smartwatch aesthetic with a distinct squircle-shaped cushion case, a trend previously seen in the Galaxy Watch Ultra.
Both models boast slimmer profiles and dramatically brighter displays, with the standard Galaxy Watch 8 reaching a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. Powering these advancements is One UI 8 Watch baked on Wear OS 6, which introduces a suite of new software features designed to enhance the user experience. Among these are the “Now Bar” for seamless multitasking, a dedicated Featured Apps folder, and versatile multi-info tiles for quick access to information.
Health and fitness enthusiasts will find substantial upgrades in the new series. Personalized sleep coaching, sleep-based heart rate monitoring, and an innovative antioxidant index feature are now available, offering more comprehensive insights into well-being. Runners can also benefit from updated coaching features within the Samsung Health app, now accessible without a subscription. A notable addition is the integration of Google’s Gemini AI assistant, promising more intelligent and responsive interactions.
The Galaxy Watch 8 is offered in 40mm and 44mm sizes, available in Silver and Graphite finishes. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic makes a welcome return, featuring the beloved rotating bezel and a new Quick Button, and is presented in a single size with elegant White and Black options. Both models incorporate a new Dynamic Lug System for effortless band changes, though this new system means older watch bands will not be compatible.
Further enhancements include an approximate 8 percent increase in battery capacity across the series, ensuring longer usage times. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic also receives a storage upgrade to 64 GB, while the base Galaxy Watch 8 maintains 32 GB of storage.
