Samsung has officially unveiled its Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, marking a striking departure from its predecessors with a significant redesign and an ambitious push into health tech and AI integration. Tech reviewer Mike O’Brien recently gave his hands-on impressions, outlining 12 key features that make the Galaxy Watch 8 one of the most anticipated smartwatches of the year.
1. A Bold New Look: Squircle Design
The Galaxy Watch 8 debuts a sleek new “squircle” design—a blend of square and circle—for a more unified look across the entire lineup. While some might find it polarizing, the added edge protection around the display helps prevent damage, a notable improvement over previous Galaxy watches. It’s also slimmer than both the Watch Ultra and previous models, featuring a premium aluminum body with a sleek, glossy finish.
2. Innovative Health Metric: Antioxidant Levels
In a surprising move, Samsung added a new sensor to measure antioxidant levels in your body. Using the LEDs on the back of the watch and skin reflection, users can get a score that may reflect dietary health. While it’s not FDA-approved at launch, Samsung claims the feature is relatively accurate and can track changes over time with diet adjustments.
3. Gemini AI Integration: Truly Smart Assistance
The integration of Google’s Gemini AI may be the most important software update yet. Users can now issue advanced voice commands, like:
- “Start a workout to burn off one slice of pizza.”
- “Begin a 300-calorie run and play my YouTube Music playlist.”
It can also respond to health inquiries and sleep data. This leap in natural language interaction significantly improves watch usability, especially when the screen is too small to navigate comfortably.
4. New Health Metrics: Vascular Load
Samsung is following the health-tracking trend set by brands like Whoop and Oura by introducing Vascular Load, which helps monitor cardio effort and recovery instead of just counting steps or standing hours. It positions the Watch 8 as a serious fitness companion.
5. Running Coach: Smarter, Adaptive Training
Another standout feature is the Running Coach, which uses a 12-minute performance test to determine your VO2 max and give you a “running level.” Based on this, the watch builds customized training plans to help users progress while avoiding injury—particularly valuable for new runners or those returning to fitness.
6. One UI 8 and Updated Models
The Galaxy Watch 8 comes preloaded with One UI 8, offering the latest software experience right out of the box. It’s launching alongside the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic and the 2025 Galaxy Watch Ultra, the latter featuring upgraded storage (64GB vs 32GB) and the same updated OS.
7. 3,000-Nit Display Brightness
The Watch 8’s display hits a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, up from 2,000 nits last year—making it ideal for outdoor use in direct sunlight, especially during workouts.
8. Two Size Options
Available in 40mm and 44mm variants, the Galaxy Watch 8 features 1.34″ and 1.47″ displays, respectively—similar in size to last year’s models.
9. Bedtime Suggestions for Better Sleep
Samsung is continuing to build out its sleep tracking features with Bedtime Suggestions, which recommends when to go to sleep based on your recent sleep patterns and activity—helping users improve recovery and avoid missing out on deep sleep.
10. A Brand-New Strap System
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 introduces a completely new strap design, which is not compatible with older Galaxy Watch or Watch Ultra straps. While connecting the strap is easier, removing it requires some effort. A third-party adapter may be needed for those with existing bands.
11. All the Essentials Remain
Core features from the Galaxy Watch 7 are still here: dual-band GPS (L1 + L5), ECG, bio-impedance sensors, digital bezels, and more. Samsung isn’t abandoning what worked—it’s just building on it.
12. Watch 8 Classic Resemblance
While the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is a strong upgrade, some users may prefer the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, which retains a physical rotating bezel and a more traditional aesthetic. It’s a fan favorite and worth considering for those who love tactile controls.
A More Intelligent and Health-Focused Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 marks a new chapter, redefining both its design and functionality. It’s smarter, thanks to AI integration, and more health-focused, with new sensors and fitness tools. The antioxidant tracking, vascular load, and adaptive coaching could appeal to users upgrading from older Fitbits or those seeking an all-in-one wearable.
For users looking for a sleeker, more intelligent, and health-conscious smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 8 might be the best option in Samsung’s lineup yet. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a data-driven health tracker, or simply someone who wants a stylish extension of your phone on your wrist—this watch delivers in spades.
Stay tuned UState Pulse for full performance reviews, including battery life, GPS accuracy, and sensor testing, as Samsung’s latest wearable begins making its way to wrists worldwide.