Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Review: A Comprehensive Fitness Companion

The launch of the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic marks a significant step forward in wearable technology, offering a range of advanced health tracking features. Available in India, the Galaxy Watch8 starts at INR 32,999, while the Classic model is priced at INR 46,999. After using the standard Watch8 for over a week, it is clear that this device offers a well-rounded package for fitness enthusiasts.

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy Watch8 exhibits design features inspired by Samsung’s premium rugged Watch Ultra. It boasts a curved, squarish casing paired with a classic circular display. Notably lighter than its predecessor, the Watch8 has a weight reduction of nearly 11 percent, while maintaining durability. Constructed from aerospace-grade armour aluminium, it is designed to withstand daily wear and tear.

The watch’s design prioritizes display protection, ensuring that accidental contact with walls or other surfaces does not result in scratches. Furthermore, it carries a MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability rating, alongside a 5ATM water resistance and IP68 water-and-dust ingress rating, making it capable of withstanding water pressure at depths of up to 50 metres.

The strap features what Samsung calls a “dynamic lug system,” which ensures a secure and comfortable fit. This optimized weight distribution allows for prolonged wear without discomfort, even in humid conditions.

Performance and Features

The Galaxy Watch8 is powered by a 3nm class Exynos W1000 penta-core chipset, supported by 2GB RAM and 32GB storage. It operates on the WearOS-based One UI 8, co-developed by Samsung and Google. Its user-friendly interface enables quick acclimatization for new users, with intuitive swipe gestures facilitating access to various widgets and tracking features.

Notably, the Watch8 is the first smart wearable to support the Gemini Live assistant, allowing users to access information without needing their companion smartphone.

A standout feature is the new optical electrocardiogram (ECG) capability, which tracks ectopic beats—premature heartbeats that can often go unnoticed during routine checkups. The Watch8 also measures users’ circadian rhythms and sleep pressure, utilizing algorithms developed by KAIST and tested at Samsung Medical Center to provide personalized sleep recommendations.

The advanced heart health tracking features include irregular heart rhythm notifications (IHRN) and a refined BioActive sensor that assesses metabolic health. This sensor can measure skin carotenoids using multi-wavelength absorption spectroscopy, providing insights into antioxidant levels in the blood.

Additionally, the Watch8 introduces the Running Coach feature, which assesses fitness levels and creates tailored training plans with real-time guidance. The device monitors stress through a metric known as vascular load, alerting users to high stress levels and suggesting mindfulness exercises to alleviate tension.

Battery performance is another strong point, with the 40mm model featuring a 325mAh battery and the 44mm variant housing a 435mAh battery. Under normal usage conditions, the watch lasts a full day, even with workouts included, and can recharge quickly to 100 percent.

In summary, the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 combines significant upgrades over its predecessor with groundbreaking health tracking features that set it apart from competitors. With accurate activity tracking and robust health monitoring capabilities—including blood pressure, sleep score, and antioxidant index—it stands as a top choice for Android users seeking a comprehensive fitness companion.

The Galaxy Watch8 is available in two sizes: the 40mm Bluetooth model priced at INR 32,999 and the 44mm variant available for INR 35,999. For users interested in LTE options, the prices are INR 36,999 and INR 39,999 for the respective models.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 is undeniably a compelling option for those prioritizing fitness and health tracking in their wearable technology.