A New Era for Samsung Smartwatches
Over the past year, my relationship with smartwatches has evolved significantly. While they have become more of a fashion accessory than ever before, I still find myself intrigued by new models that come along. The Galaxy Watch 8 series, however, managed to capture my attention at just the right moment.
A New, Yet Familiar Design
The most noticeable change in the Galaxy Watch 8 series is the adoption of the squircle-like design first introduced with the original Galaxy Watch Ultra. This means that all models in the series now share this distinctive shape, which may not be to everyone’s taste. Those hoping for a traditional round design might feel disappointed, but I found that the design grew on me after using it for a while.
This new design also brings several other improvements. The Galaxy Watch 8 is 11% thinner than its predecessor, making it the thinnest Galaxy Watch yet. When I first held the Watch 8, even with the band attached, I was surprised by how light it felt. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, despite its larger frame and additional hardware, also felt surprisingly lightweight. As someone who prefers larger wearables, I wasn’t expecting such a subtle feel, but it made the watch more comfortable for daily wear.
The Return of the Rotating Crown
One of the most exciting features of the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is the return of the rotating crown. This is my preferred method of interacting with a smartwatch, and Samsung has refined the experience to near perfection. It’s worth noting that the “tick-tock” mechanism of the crown appears to be intentional, suggesting that future models like the Watch 9 Classic may not include it.
Another notable design change is the redesigned band mechanism. Unlike the previous push-button system used to retract the springs when swapping bands, the new design features a “tongue” that inserts into the watch casing. While this ensures a more secure connection, it also provides a snugger fit and reduces the gap between the band and the wrist.
New Health Features
The Galaxy Watch 8 introduces a groundbreaking health feature: the ability to measure antioxidant levels. This process isn’t as straightforward as simply tapping the screen. Instead, users must remove the watch and press their thumb against the BioActive sensor. Although this may seem inconvenient, the results are displayed both on the watch and in the Samsung Health app on a connected phone.
One feature that could strongly influence my decision to choose the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic or the upcoming Watch Ultra 2025 is the software. These models are the first to run Wear OS 6 and come with Google Gemini pre-installed. With Google Assistant on the decline, I’m eager to see how Gemini performs. Samsung and Google have worked together to ensure seamless integration with Samsung’s first-party Wear OS apps, though I haven’t had the chance to test these features personally.
Final Thoughts
Given my appreciation for the rotating crown, there’s a real possibility that the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic will end up in my virtual shopping cart when pre-orders begin. Pairing this with the inclusion of Wear OS 6 and Google Gemini makes it a compelling choice. However, I can’t ignore the fact that the design shift across the entire lineup may divide opinions. Recent reports indicate a 18% drop in Samsung’s smartwatch sales, so this move might not have been the best one. That said, Samsung will need to rely on the new features and the lighter, slimmer design to win back customers.
Bold and Lightweight
The Galaxy Watch 8 marks a significant design shift for Samsung. For the first time in years, the traditional round design has been replaced with the squircle-like form seen in the Galaxy Watch Ultra. This evolution represents a bold step forward for the brand.
