Samsung’s July 9 Galaxy Unpacked event in Brooklyn expanded its wearable ecosystem with the debut of the Galaxy Watch8 series—featuring the all-new Watch8 and the reinvigorated Watch8 Classic, which reintroduces the iconic rotating bezel. With enhanced design, powerful health insights, deep AI integration, and a premium feel, the Galaxy Watch8 lineup sets a new benchmark for Android smartwatches in 2025.
Refined Design and Classic Appeal
Samsung introduced a new “cushion-style” case across both models, a sleeker silhouette previously exclusive to the Watch Ultra. The displays are now brighter than ever, offering up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness for optimal visibility outdoors.
The Galaxy Watch8 Classic, available in 43 mm and 47 mm sizes, revives the rotating bezel, a fan-favorite feature absent in the previous generation. Constructed from polished stainless steel and equipped with a dedicated Quick Button, it blends traditional watch aesthetics with modern functionality. The regular Watch8, with aluminum casing, comes in 40 mm and 44 mm sizes and embraces a minimalist form.
AI-Powered Features and Wear OS Enhancements
Running on Wear OS 6 with One UI 8 Watch, the new watches mark a significant leap in intelligent interaction. Google Gemini replaces Assistant and enables on-device voice control without a phone nearby. Users can start workouts, get summaries of messages, or ask questions via natural-language voice commands.
The interface includes a new “Now Bar” widget showing contextual suggestions, stackable tiles for multitasking, and improved notifications. These refinements make the Watch8 series more intuitive, smart, and responsive than previous models.
Advanced Health & Wellness Tracking
Samsung has added several new wellness tools aimed at providing more holistic health insights:
- Bedtime Guidance helps users establish consistent sleep routines based on their recent sleep history.
- Vascular Age & Load offers a glimpse into cardiovascular strain during sleep, allowing for early lifestyle interventions.
- Antioxidant Index is a unique feature measuring carotenoid levels in the skin—an indicator of oxidative stress—using Samsung’s advanced BioActive sensor.
- Running Coach gives real-time performance metrics and training recommendations, including a personalized endurance score on a scale of 1 to 10.
The watches continue to support advanced tracking features like ECG, blood pressure monitoring, sleep apnea detection, dual-frequency GPS, and body composition analysis.
Performance and Battery Life
Both models are powered by Samsung’s new 3nm Exynos W1000 chipset, offering improved power efficiency and faster app performance. Storage is upgraded to 32 GB on the Watch8 and 64 GB on the Classic.
Battery life remains modest—rated for up to 30 hours with the always-on display enabled and approximately 40 hours under typical use conditions. While not groundbreaking, the longevity aligns with most smartwatches in the segment.
Pricing and Availability
The Galaxy Watch8 series is available for pre-order now and will begin shipping from July 25. In India, expected pricing is as follows:
- Galaxy Watch8 (Bluetooth, 40 mm) – ₹29,999
- Galaxy Watch8 (Bluetooth, 44 mm) – ₹32,999
- Galaxy Watch8 Classic (Bluetooth, 43 mm) – ₹36,999
- Galaxy Watch8 Classic (Bluetooth, 47 mm) – ₹39,999
LTE variants are also expected, priced slightly higher. Samsung is offering trade-in bonuses and early-buyer benefits in select markets.
Verdict: A Modern Classic Reborn
The Galaxy Watch8 Classic revives what many considered the best part of Samsung’s smartwatch lineup—the rotating bezel—while adding modern AI tools and wellness features. For users who value precision controls and a more substantial, traditional look, it is a clear standout.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch8 serves those looking for a slimmer, minimalist smartwatch experience with nearly all the same smart features and health tracking capabilities. Combined, the Watch8 series reflects Samsung’s commitment to blending innovation with usability.
Photo Credit: Samsung India
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