Samsung Unveils Galaxy Watch 8 Series: Refined Design and Smart Features

07/09/2025 Wearables

Samsung has just unveiled its latest contenders in the smartwatch arena: the Galaxy Watch 8 and the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. And, honestly, it's all about subtle but meaningful improvements this year. The new watches inherit some design cues from the Ultra model, with slimmer profiles, brighter screens, and more storage. It's the kind of update that focuses on refining what already works, with a dash of AI sprinkled in for good measure.

The most noticeable change is probably the "squircle" design that's now consistent across the Watch 8 lineup. If you didn't love it on the Ultra, you might have to get used to it, since Samsung choose to do it across the board. The standard Watch 8 is also noticeably thinner, which should make it more comfortable to wear all day and night. And that brighter display? It's a welcome addition, especially if you, like me, struggle to see your watch screen in direct sunlight.

The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic makes a comeback, and thankfully, so does the rotating bezel. For many, that physical bezel is what sets Samsung's smartwatches apart, offering a tactile way to navigate the interface. It's a feature that a lot of fans, including myself, have been happy to see on the new Classic model.

However, there is also a bad news, specially if you have older watch bands. The new Dynamic Lug System for swapping bands means your old straps won't work. You'll need to invest in Samsung's new range of bands, which might be a bummer for some.

On the software side, One UI 8 Watch based on Wear OS 6 brings a refreshed interface. I think that the "Now Bar" could be a useful addition, offering faster multitasking. Also, the new multi-info tiles are a great way to declutter your watch face.

For health enthusiasts, the sleep coaching features get an update with personalized recommendations and sleep-based heart monitoring. Also, Samsung introduced a new "antioxidant index" to assist in making healthier food choices. For those who enjoy running, the new running coach features inside the Samsung Health app provide personalized guidance and real-time feedback, with no subscriptions.

And then there's Gemini, Google's AI assistant, which Samsung says is integrated into the Watch 8. It's not totally clear what it means. However, the promise of smarter, more proactive wearables is interesting.

Under the hood, battery capacity has been bumped up across the board. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic also gets a storage upgrade to 64GB, which is great for storing more apps and data. Overall, the Galaxy Watch 8 series is about refining the formula that made its predecessors popular. It's not a radical reinvention, but a set of solid improvements that should appeal to those looking for a well-rounded smartwatch experience.